Back to School Time!

Cue the Rubberband Man...(remember those awesome commercials?!) because it's back to school time!

Yes kiddies, I caught the first glimpse of 15 cent notebooks in the Sunday

advertisements--a sure sign that schooldays are just around the corner.  What does this mean for adults? Well if you're a parent, I always assumed this meant much rejoicing and jubilation.  If you're a teacher, it's a mixed bag of emotions, I gather.  If you're a professor, it means it's almost tweed season, so bust out the blazers and argyle because it's time to get back to the business of learning!

Reality check:  You've been working out and eating right all summer, which means you're probably due for some new clothes!  Even if you're not a student or teacher, everything magically goes on sale at this point in the year, so why not invest in yourself?

This is just what I was up to yesterday when I received a text from my Pennsylvania bestie, Rachel.  She brought up an all too typical dilemma--what do you do when you've lost enough weight that your current size is far too big, but you're not quite comfortably down to that next size, yet?  Since I don't recommend the angry route of starving yourself into that lower size (at least,

I would be angry if I attempted this) just to get a quick fit--I had to recommend she just wait it out until she worked her way into it the healthier way.  It'll happen sooner rather than later and you might even forget about it until all of a sudden you're below that next size down too!  I was hauling around a bunch of pants in smaller sizes when I first started my weight loss journey and by the time it got cool enough out to wear them, and I pulled them out of storage excited to fit into them--I had already under-grown them!  Keep in mind, however, I don't recommend you buy a smaller size until you actually fit into it--for me, anyway, there is nothing more depressing than having a smaller size lying around (especially in something new and fabulous) that you can't fit into.  Wait and make that purchase a reward to yourself for a job well done!


I also chatted with my friend Audrey on Facebook the other day about buying interview-appropriate attire for the steamy weather we've been having in Michigan lately.  She started out the conversation with "Remember when you were chubby..."  But buying a combination of heat-appropriate and interview-ready gear is difficult at any size.  As a professor, I attempt to look at least business-casual every day that I'm in the classroom.  Partly because I'm "not that old," though my students may disagree, and partly because I think this is an appropriate look for someone in my position.  I also think students shouldn't be allowed to wear pajama pants to class, but maybe that's just my radical side talking...

So what sage advice did I offer Audrey?  Well, life in the interview room is

pretty similar to life in the board room in that conservative blazers, skirts, pants, and heels still rule--but how to remake the black wool suit for summer?  I suggested she look for more modern jacket options--short sleeves or 3/4-length sleeves in a lighter color such as lime green (Ha!) Not really--my actual suggestion was gray or even white (it's still before Labor Day!)  And that she look for natural fabrics, like cotton or wool blends, that offer more breathability than man-made.  Not much one can do about the pants or skirt option--but we can take a hint from our southern sisters and leave the pantyhose at home on hot days.  I'm sure she looked "cool" whatever she wore, despite the heat.

So what about shopping in various size ranges?  Well, when I was heavier, I was at the top of the "normal" size range, and now I"m at the bottom.  It's not any easier.  Many manufacturers of professional clothing don't make sizes in either range!  Or I have to order my size off the internet (women, let's hear that collective groan about online clothing shopping).  And while I'm no fashion maven, I do know one thing.  It's all about "fit."  Whether you're heavy, thin, in-between, or still losing weight, buy what "fits."  You'll look better and you'll feel better--and we're better at whatever we're doing (taking over the world?) when we feel good in the clothes we're wearing!  Likewise, leave the platform shoes at home, and actually get your pants hemmed to an appropriate length--something I always have to do as a not-quite-petite, short person.  

Gentlemen--the same rules apply to you.  Buy clothes that fit, more than once every decade.  Though you may think you can still rock out that electric blue suit you bought in high school, the extra twenty-pounds you've gained since then and the fashion police sorely disagree.  Invest in a classic suit, quality shirts, ties, shoes, etc. that will last (especially if you don't wear these things in your everyday world) and remain stylish for years--but not ten years or more!  This also means avoiding "trends" like skinny ties, wide lapels, or slim cut or skinny pants (I cannot wait for this trend to go away for men).  And get something altered to fit you, why don't ya?  Maybe you're uncomfortable with the Ukrainian seamstress at Men's Wearhouse giving you the once over, but trust me, it's well worth it for all the hot chicks or cool dudes (whatever your preference) you're gonna pick up when wearing it.  In three years when you put it on again and you've gained/lost fifteen pounds--have it altered again or buy new.  Fit is everything! And just because you're wearing athletic shorts, a logo-ed T-shirt, and sneakers does not mean you're an athlete--especially when you're in your 8am US History course--how hard is it to put on a pair of jeans? Not very. Like Nike says, Just do it!

And finally, some words of advice for the student population out there

overall...I'm begging you, pick your pants up off the ground and put on a belt.  Leave the pajamas at home where they belong, and TRY to find something clean to wear to class every day--this may mean you have to do your own laundry from time to time.

Ladies, think about what you've got on before you leave your house, dorm, apartment--if your mom wouldn't let you out of the house wearing it, your teachers/professors/boss probably don't want to see it either (Jackie O. wouldn't have been caught dead wearing see-through stretch pants out in public!).  Those of us working to shape young minds appreciate it more than you know, and frankly, some of you need all the help you can get!