Long Weight Over!

03 Jul Long Weight Over!

I was so inspired by Shams’ (Communing with Fabric) post regarding her impressive weight loss that I decided to tackle the pesky 13 extra pounds I’ve been lugging around for the last ten years. I hopped on board the same program as Shams (Eat to Live) since I already owned the book and believed the program promoted a healthy lifestyle.

 Three weeks later I’ve made enough progress (about 7 pounds) to fit into several of my old, too-tight clothes! They have been hanging in my closet for years just waiting to see the light of day again and at last it’s here!!!

Sadly, they are no longer in style.

 Let’s start with these Cambio jeans, which I’ve worn once.

IMG_0049The year was 2004 and I wanted a pair of “Oprah’s favorite jeans.” The salesperson (a man) told me a larger size would fit better, but I couldn’t accept the fact I was a size larger and bought the smaller size. I wore them on a long car trip and was in such pain upon arriving at the destination that I never wore them again. Now they fit but look ridiculous.

I was stuck with the super high waist, but cutting several inches off of the length eliminated the overwhelming pattern. What an easy fix!

IMG_0107

When I paired my new shorts with the halter I made (years ago by combining Amy Butler’s Cabo Halter with an OOP Vogue pattern) I realized the high waist was a plus when worn with a loose-fitting, average length top. No skin to worry about when bending, sitting or stretching 🙂

Below is a full-length photo.IMG_0121Thankfully, I’ve blocked memories of wearing these white, cropped wide-legged Elliot Lauren pants.

IMG_0055Hideous indeed, but another easy fix resulting in a new pair of white cuffed shorts.

IMG_0217(The top is a 2008 consignment shop find from Hilton Head. A Lilly Pulitzer top from the good ‘ole days of heavy pique and lots of appliqués for $15.00).

These Worth slacks aren’t bad, but they are stained and the knees are stretched out.

IMG_0062Rit to the rescue!IMG_0204

Since the zippered pockets are the garments’ main attraction, I paired my new green shorts with a favorite cropped blouse for now.

…..and last but not least….

The chocolate brown Doncaster long dress and cashmere sweater with a mink collar.

( from New Year’s 2000)

IMG_0065 IMG_0070

I still love this ensemble! The sweater has received lots of wear throughout the last 13 years, but not the too tight dress. After careful consideration I decided to cut off the length so I can wear it – NOW and OFTEN!  The dress is made of a very high quality rayon and polyester blend that wears like a dream.

IMG_0085So here I am with four new and free outfits, but I’m not sure what the moral of this story is.

Could it be:

1. Keep your old clothes that take up valuable closet and storage space for you might wear them again one day?

 2. Get rid of clothes that don’t fit because once you can wear them again you won’t want them?

 3. Learn to sew to justify Number 1 ?

4. Do not gain weight so this is never an issue?

Whatever it is I have Shams to thank for motivating me to finally shape up!

IMG_0095

Happy Independence Day to my American friends and continued good wishes to my international readers!

Until Monday!

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
130 Comments
  • Carolina's Callin'
    Posted at 08:59h, 03 July Reply

    Oh my gosh…what a plethora of impressive re-dos! Love what you’ve done to make these perfectly nice clothes ‘new’ again – LOVE the dress and those lime green shorts 🙂 Well done!

    Your ‘rules’ sounds perfectly sound to me. I’ve always suspected #1 would come back to haunt me one day…WHY did I give all those perfectly good things away? 😉 Incredibly jealous over your LP find, btw! SO cute!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:48h, 03 July Reply

      Thanks, Cheryl! You must check out the consignment shop in HH – bargains galore! Hope you’re having a great summer 🙂

  • Lori
    Posted at 09:03h, 03 July Reply

    Great job, Shannon, on the weight loss and the new-to-you clothes. I think I still have a pair of white pants like yours, thanks for the shorts idea. We are vacationing at Tybee Island, made me think of near-by Hilton Head with your consignment find.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:50h, 03 July Reply

      Thanks Lori! I haven’t quite reached my goal – just enough to get into my clothes. You must check out the consignment shop at HH if you’re in the area. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name since it’s been a while. Hope you have a great trip!

  • Pauline (pdiddly)
    Posted at 09:09h, 03 July Reply

    great up-cycle of your old clothes – think any of your points could be justified, but either way its a win win situation resulting in some great wearable garments.

    Well done on the weight loss – I have another 16lbs I would like to lose before my honeymoon so need to get my act in gear.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:52h, 03 July Reply

      Thanks, Pauline! You’re looking so good I can’t imagine another 16 pounds are needed to lose, but completely understand reaching a goal – good luck!

  • ewellons
    Posted at 09:12h, 03 July Reply

    Love your new summer wardrobe! You are inspiring me (again) to remake some things in my closet — I think I have those identical Elliot Lauren pants!

    Congrats on your weight loss! Not that it was necessary, but if you feel better, that’s what matters. Years ago, my husband and I spent a 2 week “vacation” at the Pritikin Institute and I was finally able to take off pounds that had accumulated over 3 pregnancies. It changed my life and way of eating — I can now pretty much eat whatever I want, but find that I no longer have the taste or desire to eat an entire bag of Oreos!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:54h, 03 July Reply

      Thank you, Cissie! Can’t wait to see what you do with your Elliot Lauren cropped pants! I assumed you were one of those people who could eat a bag of Oreos and not gain an ounce 😉 You look super!

  • Pam
    Posted at 09:16h, 03 July Reply

    Sew Inspiring!!! Congrats on the new you and happy Fourth!

  • Jenny
    Posted at 09:17h, 03 July Reply

    Congrats on your weight loss. Since I’ve been reading your blog I always thought you looked great ~ Thanks for the links to Sham’s blog – I am going to buy the book and I hope it helps me lose the 20 I packed on.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:55h, 03 July Reply

      Thanks, Jenny! I’ve still got a few pounds left but does it ever feel good to be back in some of my clothes!

  • Juliet
    Posted at 09:29h, 03 July Reply

    I never would have guessed that you needed to lose ANY weight but you do look fabulous after doing so. I have procrastinated about resuming a diet (Monday 1st) was supposed to be THE DAY and have had that book for several years. Must get off the fence and forget my (many) excuses.
    Very well done.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:56h, 03 July Reply

      Many thanks, Juliet! I’ve got a few pounds left to lose and am hoping it goes as smoothly as the previous pounds.

  • Becky
    Posted at 09:34h, 03 July Reply

    I love everything you’ve done with your older clothes. All of them look smashing! Did you eat vegan to lose this weight? Are you going to continue to eat vegan? Just wondering. I have an incredibly stubborn 7 lbs. that will not come off. You look fantastic, but you looked fantastic before you lost the weight. All that matters is that you feel well, and that you met your goal. Now, are you going to have to alter your more recent makes?! OH NO!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:59h, 03 July Reply

      Thank you, Becky! Eat to Live is a plant based diet which I have followed pretty closely. I am not a vegan though I’ve practiced a mostly vegan lifestyle with Eat to Live!
      Just thinking about altering my recent makes makes me want an ice cream cone and french fries 😉

  • Jackie
    Posted at 09:35h, 03 July Reply

    Your old, new clothes look great and so do you! I have been saving some out of style things because I love the fabric. Time to get busy.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:00h, 03 July Reply

      Thank you, Jackie! I find it especially exciting to remake clothes with really nice fabric. Good luck!

  • Marguerite
    Posted at 09:37h, 03 July Reply

    Wowza! Do you ever cease to amaze??? Congrats on the weight loss, you look fantastic (but didn’t you before…YES!) But even a couple of extra pounds can make you feel uncomfortable. I like how you give witness to NOT throwing out those items you haven’t worn in a while. I always get a kick out of the advice to throw away any item you haven’t worn in a year. I put on a dress that I had made 10 years ago. It was a simple sleeveless sheath type, but fit nicely and was just right for the occasion. I got plenty of compliments and was happy it never made it to the dust cloth bin.
    Always looking forward to your posts.
    Marguerite

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:05h, 03 July Reply

      Thank you, Marguerite for such a nice comment 🙂 I agree with you…… a year is just 365 days and some years just don’t warrant wearing all of my clothes. I did however find lots of clothes that I don’t want or want to remake even though they fit now……. but I’ll always hang on to old favorites!

  • Pam
    Posted at 09:47h, 03 July Reply

    Wow! I love all the refashions – especially the newly green shorts. You look great too!

  • Deborah R Penner
    Posted at 09:49h, 03 July Reply

    Love these ideas, especially the idea to dye white pants with stains.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:06h, 03 July Reply

      Thanks, Deborah! I now have an entire stack of clothes to be died! 🙂 🙂

  • Joanie
    Posted at 09:51h, 03 July Reply

    Congratulations on losing those 10 lbs. You look terrific, but then again you always do! But I bet you feel better. I want to feel better too, so I’m starting my diet today. Happy 4th to you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:07h, 03 July Reply

      Thanks, Joanie! I’ve got a few more to lose but I do feel better already! Good luck with your diet 🙂

  • Irene
    Posted at 09:53h, 03 July Reply

    What wonderful remakes!

  • Alethia
    Posted at 09:57h, 03 July Reply

    First of all, congratulations on achieving your weight goals, you look great! Like Juliet, I would have never thought you never needed to lose any weight. 😉
    And, what a way to make the old new again…beautifully done!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:57h, 04 July Reply

      Thanks, Alethia! I’m not all the way to my goal but hopefully can get the rest off quickly if I keep at it. Upcycling clothes is my idea of sewing fun – should do it more often 🙂 🙂

  • lisa g
    Posted at 10:09h, 03 July Reply

    i’m blown away here, what great re-fashions! i love every single one! congrats on losing those extra pesky pounds, you look amazing–you’ve always looked amazing.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:58h, 04 July Reply

      Many thanks, Lisa! I’ve got a few more to lose, so perhaps another round of refashions when I reach my goal 🙂

  • Jan
    Posted at 10:46h, 03 July Reply

    Wow! You look fantastic and your “new” clothes are amazing! Those green shorts! I’m so buying some dye!! Thank you for the inspiration!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:58h, 04 July Reply

      Many thanks, Jan! I love the Rit Dye website which provides formulas for over 500 colors!

  • Pattie
    Posted at 10:55h, 03 July Reply

    What great refashioning you’ve done! You have a great eye to be able to see what these items could become. And you look mah-velous!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:00h, 04 July Reply

      Thank you, D a w h l i n g! With the exception of the Doncaster dress, those clothes had nowhere to go but up!

  • Carolanne Washburn
    Posted at 11:00h, 03 July Reply

    You always look fantastic and this post has so inspired me to get on the stick and lose the lousy 15 pounds that have been hanging around way too long! I love all the re-fashions, you did a great job. I, too, have been slicing, chopping and dyeing neglected things from my bulging closet and have been so happy with the results…shedding 15 pound will make it all the more fun and I would love to do it in as little as 3 or so weeks! I LOVE the Lily Pulitzer consignment store score, it’s beautiful on you!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:04h, 04 July Reply

      Thank you, Carolanne! Actually I’m slightly over halfway there but at 5’2″ losing 7 pounds is like losing 14 pounds on a taller person. You will love getting back into your clothes – even if they are no longer fashionable 🙂

      • Carolanne Washburn
        Posted at 15:46h, 05 July Reply

        I’m also 5’2″ and know exactly what you mean, a little bit goes a long way!

  • Miriam
    Posted at 11:07h, 03 July Reply

    Congratulations on your weight loss! They always say those last few pounds are the hardest. Was the diet hard to follow? Did your husband do it with you? You again are an inspiration, not only have you lost weight but you managed to save so many outfits and they look great. I’m going to try to remember your tricks. Thanks for sharing, gives me hope.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:06h, 04 July Reply

      Hi Miriam! I still have a few pounds to go. The diet is not the easiest to follow but there are some eating principles I will follow from now on. My husband did not do it with me, though he ate some of the dinner meals I prepared from the diet. Many thanks for writing 😉

  • Sam
    Posted at 11:26h, 03 July Reply

    Wow, your refashions are fantastic. You’ve really bought each item right up to date and made it totally wearable. Also, I LOVE that pink top!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:07h, 04 July Reply

      Thank you, Sam! I love that pink top too which is something I could never make 🙂

  • Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
    Posted at 11:53h, 03 July Reply

    you look fantastic. and making shorts from pants that no longer work is so rewarding. I love the pink top also, very pretty.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:08h, 04 July Reply

      Many thanks, Beth! I’d love to find some Lilly type appliqués – do you have any sources?

  • Ann-Britt Uhrbom
    Posted at 11:57h, 03 July Reply

    You have every reason to be satisfied with both your weight loss (even if not needed) and having fixed up old clothes that they become modern again.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:12h, 04 July Reply

      Thank you, Ann-Britt! I was at the top of the ‘safe’ weight amount on the liberal charts but overweight by Eat to Live and my standards. I’ve had fun up cycling the clothes for sure 🙂

  • Sheila
    Posted at 12:25h, 03 July Reply

    Congrats on your weight loss and love the refashion. You did an awesome job. I enjoy refashioning garments, but have never dyed any and you have inspired me. I have a few garments that could use color renewal…. Rite here I come.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:13h, 04 July Reply

      Many thanks, Sheila! You’re going to love the Rit Dye scene! The website provides formulas for over 500 colors 🙂

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 12:36h, 03 July Reply

    I love it! Congratulations on the weight loss!

  • Karen
    Posted at 12:41h, 03 July Reply

    You look so fabulous, but then you always did… Your remakes are very worthy of the time you gave to them, and it’s really fun to see what a little Rit dye can do! I have “potential” remake in my cedar closet of a dress I wore on our honeymoon almost 40 years ago (!!), but I’m just not sure I have the gumption to cut into it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:16h, 04 July Reply

      Thank you, Karen! I agree….. a honeymoon dress is pretty special. 🙂 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:17h, 04 July Reply

      …..but with your talent I’m sure you could work wonders!

  • Lauren
    Posted at 13:04h, 03 July Reply

    I think remaking clothes you are no longer wearing makes perfect sense. Get another season out of them for little money. It goes perfectly with your concept in the first place – of making your own clothes instead of buying expensive ready made ones. Totally logical.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:20h, 04 July Reply

      I agree Lauren! Recycling clothes is a very ‘green’ and economical practice. I do wonder if they are worth the enormous amount of closet space 😉

  • Leigh Ann
    Posted at 13:14h, 03 July Reply

    I really enjoyed seeing what you did with the refashioning. The clothes (and you!) look great. I had to laugh at your questions about the moral of the story. I ‘m in a similar position myself, being half way through my weight loss goal. I’ve given away a lot of things, but I find myself hanging on the some things, and fitting into other things again that I haven’t been able to wear in quite a while. I love the idea of refashioning some of it.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:22h, 04 July Reply

      Congratulations on your weight loss, Leigh Ann! I’m a little over halfway there myself. I have to laugh at some of the clothes I’ve hung on to, but am thankful I’ve kept those special garments. Many thanks for writing 😉

  • Red Point Tailor
    Posted at 13:32h, 03 July Reply

    Congratulations on your weight loss! Where? You look so wonderfull I would never say you had such issue. Loosing the weight is much difficult so probably saying good bye to too small clouths is easier. However I think it is alway worth to make good selection of cloths and think of refashioning possibilies.
    You have done great job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:27h, 04 July Reply

      Thank you so much for your thought, Red Point Tailor! Different weight suits different people but I did not look or feel my best – still have a few more to get off. You’re right…. save carefully and get rid of the junk 😉

      • Red Point Tailor
        Posted at 09:42h, 04 July Reply

        I know what you mean… I feel immidiately tired when gaining some weight…
        Quality matter 🙂

  • Kristine
    Posted at 13:46h, 03 July Reply

    Job well done, on both the weight loss and the sewing! Here’s to your shrinking waistline and expanding wardrobe!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:28h, 04 July Reply

      LOL! I’m going to remember that line – it’s great 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • gingermakes
    Posted at 13:48h, 03 July Reply

    Oooh, these are fabulous remakes! So glad they’re not wasting away in your closet anymore!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:28h, 04 July Reply

      Me too, Gingermakes! Nothing worse than wasted space and clothes that don’t fit 🙂

  • Shams
    Posted at 14:01h, 03 July Reply

    Wow! I am inspired by you! You look fabulous, but then, you always did!!! Congrats on your new look and your refashioned summer wardrobe. 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:30h, 04 July Reply

      Uh……. you’re the inspiration…the inspiration….(I hear a song here 🙂 ) Many thanks again for reminding me that Dr. Fuhrman knows his stuff!

  • twotoast
    Posted at 14:14h, 03 July Reply

    Congartulations to you on the weight loss and the ‘re-imagining’ of your wardrobe!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:32h, 04 July Reply

      Many thanks, Lorraine! I’ve still got a few more pounds to get off – maybe another refashion when I complete the weight loss 🙂

  • Nigel N Deby Coles
    Posted at 14:36h, 03 July Reply

    Wow you look great and what a difference all of those refashions make. From old and unwearable to a smart new up to date wardrobe for the summer. You really are an inspiration.

  • Myra
    Posted at 14:57h, 03 July Reply

    How nice is that! Almost a new wardrobe! Congratulations on you healthy life style and weight loss! You look great too! (But you looked great before too!)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:34h, 04 July Reply

      Thank you, Myra! It would be fun to make a new wardrobe out of my old one ….. hmmm, something to consider for sure! 🙂 🙂

  • The Renegade Seamstress
    Posted at 15:15h, 03 July Reply

    Look at you go, a girl after my own heart! Refashioning at it’s finest!!! Wow, I’m going to have to try Shams! You look great! I’ve got an extra twenty that’s been hanging on for too many years.
    Happy Sewing,
    Beth

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:37h, 04 July Reply

      Thanks, Beth! I thought of you while sewing my upcycles for sure – especially one I’ve not finished. If I can get the weight off, anyone can. I could kick myself for carrying it around all these years 😉

  • fool4fabric
    Posted at 15:57h, 03 July Reply

    And do you look FABULOUS! Congratulations on the weight loss and the creativity that resulted in 4 “new” outfits…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:41h, 04 July Reply

      Many thanks, Margy for the nice comment 🙂 Hope you’re surviving the blazing heat!

  • Sheree
    Posted at 16:06h, 03 July Reply

    What will you do with all your recent makes! Are they too big for you now? Don’t worry about altering them – much better to give them to all your readers ( ha, ha).

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:43h, 04 July Reply

      LOL! I’ll eat my way back into them before altering everything! Some clothes actually fit better while others are a little too big 🙂

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 16:50h, 03 July Reply

    Any one of these remakes on its own is fantastic but an entire page full of them is incredible. Congratulations to you on your even more gorgeous than ever self. Ten years ago I lost 35 lbs with a program called Body For Life and still strive to adhere to those principles (nearly) every day. Those photos in the Doncaster dress…WOW, WOW, WOW!

    • jstarr4250
      Posted at 17:20h, 03 July Reply

      By the way- do they carry Dr. Ann Kulze’s radio segments on your PBS station? She’s the most inspiring, common sense nutrition/health speaker I’ve ever listened to.

      • goodbyevalentino
        Posted at 05:26h, 05 July Reply

        Thanks, Julie! I can’t imagine you 35 pounds heavier, but it goes to show those extra pounds can creep up on most anyone 🙂 I’m not familiar with Dr. Ann Kulze but will certainly check her out!

  • Angie
    Posted at 19:34h, 03 July Reply

    I tend to get rid of things I no longer wear, and now I’m wishing I’d kept a pair of print crops I made, because I think I might have liked them turned into shorts like yours! I have a pair of zebra-print crops that I still enjoy wearing, although their wildness does limit where I wear them. I’m going to turn them into walking shorts, which will tone down the wildness and make them a lot more wearable. Thanks for the inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:27h, 05 July Reply

      Many thanks for writing, Angie and good luck with refashioning your zebra cropped pants!

  • Tia Dia
    Posted at 21:18h, 03 July Reply

    Love all your remodeling of items past! I am guilty of recycling if I get bored, and I often look back at photos and regret it! It seems to be hard-wired into me, though, because every 6 months I’m itching to clean out the stuff I don’t like/wear. And you looked so healthy and amazing before your weight loss that I would never have thought you would want to lose a few extra pounds. You look fabulous – as you always do! And a very happy July 4th weekend to you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:30h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you so much for the nice comment, Tia Dia! I had grown out of most of my clothes thinking it was temporary and the pounds kept creeping on. It feels good to shed some of the baggage for sure. Are you saying you regret refashioning your clothes or that you regret giving them away?

      • Tia Dia
        Posted at 10:50h, 05 July Reply

        I regret giving them away! Usually it’s casual items that I give away – they seem to be more “disposable” in my sewing mind. 🙂

  • Janis
    Posted at 21:56h, 03 July Reply

    You have inspired me to look in my closet and see what I can whack and hack. : )

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:31h, 05 July Reply

      Many thanks for the comment, Janis! I’m always imagining my clothes as something else 🙂

  • Angela
    Posted at 22:18h, 03 July Reply

    I love that book – and reading about your success is a definite push to get myself moving in the right direction. You look great! I am not even overweight by the scales or BMI, but oy – when I look in the mirror I see the extra pounds and am not happy. Losing 13 pounds would make a big difference. Congrats!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:32h, 05 July Reply

      Hi Angela! I was at the top of the acceptable weight by standard charts but it wasn’t acceptable to me ……. or Dr. Fuhrman once reading his book!

  • velosewer
    Posted at 22:30h, 03 July Reply

    What a great story. You’ve done an amazing job restyling your clothes and yourself. What a fulfilling achievement.
    Enjoy the day.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:33h, 05 July Reply

      Many thanks, Maria!…….. and I have loved reading about your trip to NY and Hawaii 🙂 🙂

      • velosewer
        Posted at 21:28h, 07 July Reply

        BTW I’m now eating to live so I can rid myself of my holiday pounds 🙂 🙂

  • Haylee
    Posted at 23:06h, 03 July Reply

    They all look so great Shannon and so do you! Though the weight loss most definitely wasn’t needed, just for the record. You look great and you always have! It’s always fun to revamp your wardrobe a bit though, I need to do the same with mine just by organizing it better.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:34h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Haylee! I can always find something to refashion and get a little extra mileage out of 🙂

  • Angela
    Posted at 23:35h, 03 July Reply

    I love how you show the before and afters:) What great changes you made! You are inspiring me to look at my old frumpy clothes in a new light.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:37h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Angela! …… love your pillowcase dress 🙂

  • Sharon
    Posted at 00:15h, 04 July Reply

    Amazing refashions and those green shorts are definitely my favourite!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:39h, 05 July Reply

      Thanks, Sharon! I’m hoping to find something else (sleeveless) to wear with my new green shorts but I was quite pleased with them for sure 🙂

  • Stitch It Again
    Posted at 01:03h, 04 July Reply

    How satisfying to fit back in smaller clothes, and you updated them so beautifully. (Although you’ve always looked slender to me). I need to drop my added pounds, as well, but first I have some July 4th eating to do! Have a great holiday!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:41h, 05 July Reply

      Many thanks for the nice comment! I did a little July 4th eating myself 😉

  • Philippa
    Posted at 02:29h, 04 July Reply

    You look great, but then you already did…I love your refashions, so perfect for the summer season. I have to say the black dress in particular looks fabulous shortened, and you are right a little black dress will get so much more wear than a long one!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:42h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Philippa! The dress which is actually chocolate brown may be one of my favorite dresses in its new length 🙂 🙂

  • coco
    Posted at 04:37h, 04 July Reply

    Wow, girl – you look 10 years younger! and pretty as always. Love the black dress, great looking.

  • Marianne
    Posted at 05:30h, 04 July Reply

    Congrats on your success! I was wondering how your weight loss affects the fitting of your couture dress? I am in the middle of a weight loss battle and have been waiting to start the Craftsy course for that reason. Must set myself a limited time to reach my goal or I will be procrastinating forever….

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:47h, 05 July Reply

      Hi Marianne! The first couture dress is a little big now but the second one (Orange and White floral) fits much better. Why don’t you make a dress that fits you just the way you are? I find I feel better if my clothes fit no matter what size I am. Good luck with your weight loss and many thanks for writing!

  • Joy
    Posted at 08:01h, 04 July Reply

    Okay, I have ONE question. Are you “Sarah” or “Shannon”? I noticed someone called you Shannon, but I thought I saw your name was Sarah in an earlier post. Please forgive me if I’ve been calling you the wrong name! Whatever it is, you look AMAZING, and I think your redos are awesome. I am the type to haul dozens of bags to the Goodwill every year. I can’t stand the clutter. I’ve never bought expensive clothes, however, so I don’t think I could come up with such nice things as you have. Great post. I enjoyed reading it.
    Hugs, Joy

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:50h, 05 July Reply

      Joy, I’m SARAH!! I think Lori momentarily confused me with someone and then Haylee followed suit……. no big deal 😉
      I should haul big loads to Goodwill after taking a good look at some of the clothes i’ve been saving. There’s lots of junk mixed in with the good stuff!
      Many thanks for writing 🙂

  • Almeda
    Posted at 09:26h, 04 July Reply

    What an interesting post. You have given us all “food for thought”. 🙂 It was so inspiring to read about Sham’s determined journey back to health, a journey we can all take valuable lessons from. When we “chose” to eat these nutritious foods suggested in her many resources, the spin offs are multifold. We feel better, look better (the pounds do come off) and we have that energy to exercise and to do the many things we are passionate about. Did I mention we will also live longer – think more days to sew and refashion (maybe some shopping :)) and especially to spend treasured time with family and friends. Thank you Sarah for this article – you look so happy and your new clothes suit you perfectly.

    *OK! I just had my kale smoothie and am off for my walk. The sun is finally shining in NS. 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:01h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you for the response Almeda! I’m now out of town finding myself craving a spinach shake 😉 Boy, does eating well make you feel good all over!

  • My Sewing Suite
    Posted at 11:02h, 04 July Reply

    You look great and all of the outfit makeovers looks great. This inspires me to look at my discarded donation items from my closet a little closer and remake them into something fabulous.
    I know you will reap many benefits from the change in your diet, Thanks for sharing.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:02h, 05 July Reply

      Many thanks for your nice comment! I may do a second refashioning post when I lose the rest of the weight 🙂

  • Susie Homemaker, MD
    Posted at 14:54h, 04 July Reply

    Sarah, this is awesome all around! Congrats on your healthy resolutions and on making such great modifications to your “vintage” closet finds. This is definitely an inspiring post on several levels!

    Katrina

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:03h, 05 July Reply

      Thank you, Katrina for your nice comment! Losing weight and refashioning clothes are definitely ‘a good thing’ ! 🙂

  • Eizabeth
    Posted at 11:57h, 05 July Reply

    Oh how fun to wear clothes long too skinny. It must feel glorious. I think you did a bang up job refashioning them!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:34h, 08 July Reply

      Thank you so much Elizabeth. I thought it would never happen 🙂

  • Cindy
    Posted at 20:30h, 05 July Reply

    LOVE! Especially the chocolate brown dress – you hit your “golden hem length” on it, the perfect proportion for your body, and the neckline is beautifully flattering on you. You really have the touch!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:35h, 08 July Reply

      Thank you, Cindy! I’m going to copy the dress pattern somehow, someway. The lines are exactly what I want in a dress 🙂

      • Cindy
        Posted at 13:05h, 08 July Reply

        Considering the cloning skills you perfected with your gorgeous “Katie Spade” garments, I’m sure we’ll be seeing some truly elegant “Doncassies.” ;=D

  • PendleStitches
    Posted at 16:21h, 06 July Reply

    Congratulations on your weight loss and your amazing makeovers.
    A very timely post as I’ve put on a large amount of weight recently (due to a now resolved medication issue) and am ready to get rid of it! I hadn’t been to Sham’s blog before so thank you for the link. You’re both very inspirational.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:36h, 08 July Reply

      Many thanks, PendleStitches and I’m delighted to hear your issue is resolved! Shams is one amazing woman and I’m glad to have introduced you to her site 🙂

  • Iryna
    Posted at 15:40h, 07 July Reply

    You look beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. I need to loose baby weight but not sure how.. I might try ETL. I was very impressed with your even dyeing with RIT!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:38h, 08 July Reply

      Thank you so much Iryna! I remember trying to lose baby weight. The first time it came off naturally, but the second time was a different story although it eventually happened. Good luck to you!

  • Sewellen
    Posted at 07:46h, 08 July Reply

    WOW! Great job, on the clothing redux and the diet! You’re inspirational!

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