I struggled with weight my entire life and had little self confidence in myself. I really wanted to look like a magazine model or even a cheerleader. I was told you have such a pretty face, if only you could lose some weight. As a teen, fashion was important to me, but I could not fit into the styles I liked or afford the stores with the trendy clothes all the kids shopped in.
Before My Makeover
During my adult years, I lost and gained sixty five pounds over and over again on every diet available. My closet was filled with clothing from sizes six to sixteen. I had trouble discarding the small sizes hoping to get into them again, and could not throw out the large sizes because they were expensive and the ever lingering fear of growing into them again. I was never Pam. I was either a thin me or a fat me.
Sixteen years ago, I needed to buy a special occasion dress, I found a dress by a designer whose clothes I admired. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the dress was a one size fits all. I had the sales lady try it on. She was half my size in height and weight and she looked great in it. So, I decided , if I loose twenty pounds, I could still wear it, if I stayed the same that would be OK, I better not gain, but if I did I could still wear it, so I bought the dress. I finally did find success in sustaining a sixty five pound weight loss and with that came new challenges. I was a woman in transition. Suddenly I was shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, fitting into them and even having choices. Before I had little choice. I bought what fit.
And then one day I found myself shopping for the mother of the groom dress. I came across a gown in the style I was looking for, thinking that I would never get into it. There looking back at me in the mirror was a women I didn't recognize. I couldn't believe it was me. At that moment I felt like Julia Roberts in” Pretty Women”.
When I looked in the mirror one day wearing black slacks and a blue elbow length top, I realized it was the same exact outfit I wore 50 pounds heavier. At that moment I decided to change the old image of myself and create “MY NEW VISION”. Now I could shop for clothing that suited my personality and life style. I consciously looked for styles I could never wear before, and accessories that would compliment my new look. I learned how to discard old clothing with the help of a friend that never had a weight problem, although I just can’t part with my honeymoon clothes (they are now considered vintage).
I became a wardrobe consultant and created Positive Reflections because I want to help you look beautiful at any size, any age, any time. My passion is to help women look and feel great about themselves while they have fun in their closet. I take my clients from where there are to where they never thought they could go. I do that with gentle advice, encouragement and fun.
In 2013, I no longer have to get up every morning and think about dieting. Now, I can concentrate on helping my clients feel and look their best.
