As Always you can find me on social media mostly @KellyNDodds or Facebook: kelly.dodds.33 ❤

Funny thing about the “fashion” industry- it seems there is no set standard in sizing any longer. I remember as an early teenager I could go into a store, by the same number jean and no matter what brand it would fit because they were all made in the same measurements. Once I got to my later teen years spandex started being incorporated into denim far more frequently and all of a sudden sizing got crazy different. When I got to plus sizes it was super impossible. Every single pair of pants I put on is different. You HAVE no choice but to try on clothes.

At my largest, I wore a size 22. It’s hard to even type that. I can’t believe it ever happened. I lived in stretchy jeggings and leggings. They were easy, plus seeing TC or XXL on pants was easier that number. Many jeans in that size were super big in the legs. They however fit in the waist. They looked hideous on. Quickly in my journey I lost some weight which knocked me down to a 20. New Size, Same problem- most fit in the waist, some didn’t and the legs all too baggy. I found myself living in high waist/skinny leg denim because it was easier to get to fit without trying on. I lost even more weight and had the same problem in size 18. Some fit, some just were too tight still in the waist. That’s when someone introduced me to junior plus.

I wish I could give you more insight – I’m 5’5”, and have no clue what ‘shape’ I am bodywise. I’m super bad at looking at that chart and making what I see into a fruit. I also do not own a tape measure so I have no clue inches of anything – best blogger award here folks! I feel like I have no torso because of my chest and I have more legs than torso however I’m still short.

The world of Junior plus is fascinating. I learned about different fits- boyfriend, mom, high rise skinny, mid-rise skinny, and in this realm low rise doesn’t exist currently. I also found it easier to find than I thought. Some shopping locations I have found:

1. Forever 21
2. Rue 21
3. Torrid
4. Maurices
5. Target
6. Charlotte Russe
7. Simply Be
8. Dia & Co
9. Cato
10. H&M

Other things I noticed about Junior Plus:

• Less expensive (on average, Torrid/Maurices outliers)
• Trendier (in comparison to Catherines/Avenue/Lane Bryant)
• Not as focused on Quality (on average, Torrid/Maurices outliers)

As of this week I am a size 16. I’m sure I’ll continue to have the same issues with denim for the rest of my weight loss journey.

What they do not tell you about a weight loss journey or a “healthy you” journey I should say is that sometimes all the emotions come out. In my case I punish AND also would reward myself with unhealthy foods. Bad day- eat the bad stuff it’ll make it better. Good day- eat the cupcake you deserve it. When it should have been bad day- do some self care. Good day- hang out with your friends.

Moral? We all get frustrated with these numbers. You aren’t alone. /RANT.