Hot DAMN, I Look Good!

As I’ve watched those around me (including myself) struggle to loose weight, over the years, I have learned one very valuable lesson:  Buy clothes that make you feel good about yourself AT YOUR CURRENT WEIGHT.  Waiting until you reach your goal weight will only serve to make you feel crappy about yourself in the interim.  Contrary to popular belief, this will not serve as motivation to shed those extra pounds.  In fact, you may strap on the feedbag even more!  Now, this is not a license to go out and spend $500 on the Ann Taylor suit that won’t fit in five pounds.  I mean, look cute, but don’t spend a lot of money on clothes that may be transitory.  Give yourself permission to buy something that will be so out-of-style next season, you could gag, BUT … do it on the cheap.  I’m not talking Walmart here.  Familiarize yourself with the discounts that are available to you.  You may have opportunities through your work, auto club, or union, to name a few.  You’d be surprised by how many people aren’t aware of the fact that your AAA membership will get you 10–20% off at places like The Gap, Target.com, Payless Shoes, Banana Republic, and New York & Company.  (Don’t think I don’t tell every sad soul attempting to pay full-price at the register.)  DO NOT be afraid to ask for discounts any and everywhere you go.  I know, my step-mom and husband constantly make fun of me for this, but 7 times out of 10 I get one.  Whether or not they “technically” offer it.  If you don’t ask, you won’t get … or know about.  Wait for free shipping, and use coupons and coupon codes.  (My older sister is a MASTER at this.)  Find your favorite store and become a member of their frequent shopper program.  Also, sometimes their store credit cards offer special discounts and ongoing incentives.  If you’re disciplined enough to pay them off every month, take advantage.  (If not, don’t even think about it, sister!  Those sky-high APR’s will whoop you’re cute little booty.)  Pick one or two stores that regularly have things you like, that fit well, and be loyal.  Know their inventory so you can strike quickly when that markdown comes along.  For me it’s New York & Company.  I wait for one of their frequent sales or clearance deals, then use my 15% AAA discount (sometimes it’s 20%), or one of the many coupons they send me through their rewards program.  (They can be up to as much as 50% off!)   I also like HSN (Home Shopping Nuisance & Avid Avarice), but wait for the clearance deals ‘cuz shipping can add a butt-load onto regular prices.  What I’m trying to say is, shop smart and don’t think it’s frivolous.  When you loose the weight, march your snooty-patooty booty down to the Prada store and go hog-wild (if you can afford it), but don’t just save looking good as a reward.  The better and more fashionable you look, on a daily basis, the more motivated you will be to get your hot bod even closer to perfection.  What do the say?  Look good, feel good?  You simply MUST look good to feel good.  Come on, we live in a superficial society, it’s just the reality.  You’ll be AMAZED by how much better you feel.  So that's what I think. 

*Product Review:  AAA and Retailmenot

OK, do you really wanna hear me gab anymore?  I will just say that AAA and Retailmenot.com are excellent resources for shopping discounts.  They’re two of my favorites.  If you get lucky, they can absolutely be … 5 Stars.