Thursday, October 23, 2025
In February 2025, I tried on the outfit I wore yesterday. The photo on the right shows how the outfit fit then- versus the two on the left that show the fit as of yesterday.
The outfit is looser in the photos on the left, and though I notice the changes in my weight, I am not sure it is noticeable by others.
I had only one errand yesterday morning and left the house at 7:30 a.m. and returned around 9:00 a.m.
Video below shot just as I was leaving the house.
Outfit elements:
- Coco Urban Dress Amazon 2019
- Double Breasted Brown Sweater 2024 Shop Research
- Chocolate Saks 5th Ave Pumps
None of the elements of the outfit are available, however I post to show progress with my diet or styles I choose to wear out.
What else is going on in my life? Lots, that said, things I am focused on include:
- Adding to my savings accounts. Though I move $725 to savings monthly, last month I moved an additional $1000 each to my American Express and CIT high yield savings accounts.
- Trying to find time to start the education courses required to renew my Real Estate license in April 2026.
- Always looking to generate more income with online marketing. My software consultancy? Too many legal issues I do not want to incur without the LLC. At this time, I would rather focus on marketing. Continue to receive calls about outsourcing. At this time, I am not taking on new software development projects or clients, nor do I wish to be a target for frivolous law suits.
- Always looking for more time in the day.
Why post about style and diets? I have a great many interests and these are two that I have always addressed. I like reading about what others are doing insofar as style or their progress with diets. The fact that I am losing weight makes me all the happier to address these issues and I hope it garners the same curiosity I have about others.
Sunday, October 19, 2025
I have been losing weight on a consistent basis, mostly by watching what I eat, not eating late into the evening, and getting lots of exercise.
Below some of my favorite meals, including a new Oven Baked Chicken Breast that I absolutely love. I use a convection oven and have found that pounding the poultry before baking as the recipe suggests, ensures the juiciest version of the chicken.
The weight loss has enabled me to start wearing older pieces and I am very
pleased with my efforts to lose the weight. That said, sometimes I want an old
favorite, like apple pie, as was the case on Monday, October 13, 2025.
With the weight loss, I have added new items to my wardrobe. I post about the outfits I wear when taking care of the many issues I need to handle and how I incorporate the new pieces.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, I had several errands to run and I chose a
brown plaid pencil skirt (Walmart find), cashmere polo collar camel sweater,
thin brown belt, and my Saks 5th chocolate pumps.
A new addition to my closet is the inexpensive brown plaid pencil skirt I
purchased from Walmart online (no longer available). I like the pattern on the
skirt and owned a longer version that works great with boots that I
purchased in the mid to late 80s. Both skirts are shown below.
Also shown above, the new blouse I purchased from Francesca's. I Googled in search of a chocolate v-neck tie blouse and they had the best choice. I really like the blouse, however wish I had purchased the medium rather than the large. The blouse works great with black so I have a lot of options.
Below, a short video of both the try on for the new blouse and the outfit I
wore on Friday, October 17, 2025.
Outfit elements:
Saturday, October 11, 2025
I had a late start to my day, Friday, October 10, 2025. I only had a couple of things to take care of, however, unforeseen delays prevented an early start. And then, I was not happy with the outfit, however, I did not change.
Ever have one of those days? The good news, I am making real progress with
my diet. Below, a photo taken August 12, 2024 of me in the brown cashmere
sweater I wore Friday, October 10, 2025. Notice the top three buttons of the sweater in
each photo.
I am very pleased with how my clothes are fitting these days, that said, in
the video (below) and the photos (above) I do not have on the body shaper I later donned- before leaving the house. I
checked everything from the back, and noticed an issue. My bottom is a little
too flat and unshapely, the reason I put on the shaper.
Outfit elements:
- Hybrid & Company Ponte Pencil Skirt (Nude) Amazon 2025
- Brown Cashmere Sweater, research for my shop 2024
- Tan Short Sleeve Rayon Blouse (Westport Ltd. 1989 or so)
- Saks Fifth Ave Chocolate Suede Pumps (2024)
Sunday, September 07, 2025
When I was in high school, I loved pairing a vest and blouse with high waisted baggy pants or gauchos with boots. After college, when I did not have a suit on, I might pair a vest and blouse with a pencil skirt for a causal business look, however, not often.
Today's trend is to wear a vest sans blouse with slacks or skirts and sometimes a blazer. I am not ready to shed the blouse, however, I think I am going to start wearing vests again.
Friday, I decided to wear the new Pungdra Brown Vest, with the Black Hybrid & Company Ponte Pencil Skirt, however, the day before I tried other pairings.
Below a short video of the outfit I had on Friday, September 5, 2025 .
Friday, while out, I had a problem with the car battery. Not sure how that happened because it started right up in the garage that morning and the day before. I left the house around 7:45 AM and noticed the problem after my first errand around 8:30 AM.
FBI, I am known in this area. I am the sole admin for my high school's (local school) Facebook alumni group of about 6500 members. Sometimes employees of the places I visit, tell me not to leave anything in my car I want to keep. This is the second time in the last 3 months I have had a problem with one of the cars in that same parking lot. This should not have been an issue Friday morning.
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
As I lose more weight, I have been trying to incorporate inexpensive non-black pieces into my wardrobe. I have always liked black, however, a heavier version of me loves black because it is slimming.
That said, I recently noticed that sometimes too much black is more harsh. I am not sure if it is because my face is losing weight and I am not adjusting to the changes or because I am older and not used to my older face smaller.
With this in mind, I recently ordered the following items- in hopes of
using less black in my styling efforts.
Amazon Purchases
The following photos illustrate how I styled different items with the new Kate Kasin Plaid Khaki Pencil Skirt, which I really like.
I ordered a size 6 in the Kate Kasin Plaid Khaki skirt, because I ordered the Tartan version earlier (size 8) and it was a bit loose. The khaki skirt (size 6) is a little snug, however, I am not worried because I am having success with my diet.
Most of the pairings shown, I already owned including the brown leather blazer from my college days. That blazer too, is a little snug (Junior 9). The only exception of course, is the brown button down vest which was ordered at the same time as the plaid khaki skirt. The vest is a medium and does button without gapping. Just shows more curves than I want to show.
Below a short video showing the different pairings.
After watching the video again, I thought I should get the black button vest to also pair with the skirt. What do you think? Not sure if I am only kidding.
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Unforeseen issues interrupted my plans for Wednesday, August 27, 2025, however, I started the day with plans to take care of several projects wearing the outfit shown below.
I changed several times and finally decided on the old pair of baggie black slacks I wear when I do not like anything I thought I was going to wear.
After the morning issues, I finally completed all of the things I had to do outside of the house, and returned home to get much needed rest.
On Thursday, August 21, 2025 I tried on the Hybrid & Company Chocolate
Pencil Skirt with an old Saks Off 5th Autumn sweater I purchased over 20 years
ago from the Arundel Mills Outlet Mall. Since losing weight, I have found I
like the way some of my old items fit now, and this is an example.
Below, a short video of the outfit of the day, for yesterday, August 27,
2025 and the try on from August 21, 2025.
Note: Over the weekend of August 24, 2025, I retouched my roots. The try on video shot on August 21, 2025 shows the "before hair", while yesterday's video shows the after results.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
In July 2011 when I purchased the black halter dress I tried on yesterday, I was heavier. I purchased the dress because of the support the top offered, however, actually never wore the dress.
Below, illustration of the dress- back then and now.
Though, I like the fit better now, I also noticed the 14 years
that have passed since its purchase. See the photos below.
Below a short video of the dress and a pair of slacks I tried on yesterday with different looks.
As I lose more weight, I continue to pull old
styles out of my closet. I have a pair of GAP jean shorts and a pair of long GAP jeans. The shorts are
a size 6 and the long jeans- a size 4 (both purchased in the early 90s and
non-stretch). When I am able to wear the long jeans
comfortably I will consider my weight loss goals met.
Do I wear jeans? Not really. Since high school and then college, with office internships I preferred a more formal look or suit. For some reason, I never knew what to do with a pair of blue jeans, however, today a personal goal is to get into those size 4 GAP long jeans.
Are you curious about where I thought I would wear that black halter dress? Not sure. I think I was noticing styles on a Housewives... segment (2011) and thought I wanted to try it out. Today, I like it with the sweater, however, I do not have a early evening formal BBQ to attend so I am still thinking about it. If you have suggestions you can leave a comment here or on the associated Youtube video.
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Since the spring of last year, I have been researching new items I wanted to add to my shop. Along the way I have picked up one or two items for my wardrobe that I either needed as a replacement for something else or it just so happened the item worked well with an older piece.
The first of two items discussed in this post is a replacement piece for a
tea rose, crepe satin, v-neck tie blouse I somehow lost in a move. The image on the
right is similar in style to that of the blouse lost.
I liked the original blouse with many of the black suits I owned or the pencil skirt originally discussed in this post.
The replacement piece insofar as the pencil skirt- is the bean-paste purple
(catalog color description) cashmere sweater shown below.
The sweater was purchased in Sept. 2024, and I was very pleased when it arrived because it matched the bold highlight threads of the skirt. The skirt though still a little tight is now a bit looser than it was (September 2024), so I thought I would take photos this morning.
The second item, another sweater, however it looks like a jacket is the brown sweater shown below.
The Urban CoCo dress I paired with the new sweater in the photos above, is also shown in the following photos with different pairings- and originally discussed in this post.
I am very pleased my diet is continuing to produce results, however finding it a little difficult to abstain from buying new clothes. That said, I am happy I kept the old things I love- that I am now able to wear again.
Monday, February 17, 2025
In late January 2025, I purchased the olive knit sweater shown on the left below- in hopes of pairing it with the olive pencil skirt shown on top- in the photo next to the sweater.
The new sweater shade did not contrast well with the pencil skirt on top nor the one in the back. The sweater did contrast well with the one in the middle, however it is an unlined cotton skirt, and the sweater is a thicker knit and a bit more formal in style.
The sweater also contrasted well with the olive pencil dress.
When I go out, I like doing as much as possible in one outing. This means I may need to stop by an office, store, or create content. I tend to dress in a more formal style when out- no matter the project or errand.
Hair and makeup tend to do a lot for my outfits, and although I did not take my hair out today, I think the pairings shown in this post will work with the hair, makeup, and accessories I plan for this look.
More weight loss will not hurt and I am still having success in this area.
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Since Thanksgiving, I have been in the kitchen more, while trying to lose weight. How is that working out? I am trying things like making only half of a recipe or having smaller portions.
For example, yesterday, I made only half of the Banana Nut Bread recipe I love.
That said, last week I made the Fruit Tarte w/Cream Cheese using the recipe's original ingredient amounts and still have about a quarter of the dessert left in the fridge. That dessert keeps well in the cooler.
I think trying on older items that were too small two yeas ago, keeps me focused on dieting. Below, photos of recent pieces I tried on for fit, or in the case of the sweater a wholesale sample purchase. Love the sweater, however not stocking for my shop.
This year, holiday gift giving- not as in past years, more on the thoughtful
side. Below, photos of wrapped gifts and items (links below) I gave myself.
Finally, this week (December 17, 2024) I was notified a Dun & Bradstreet
D-U-N-S® Number was assigned for my business, QiSoftware.
There is also more interesting news about my business. I have received two phone calls from an early morning talk show wanting to feature my business, QiSoftware as related to software consulting. I had to decline because of ongoing legal issues, however, happy for the notice.
Amazon Purchase Links
Sunday, December 15, 2024
In June 2024 I purchased several colors of the same dress in a size medium from Amazon. At the time, the dresses were a little snug, however wearable. I purposely ordered the black dress a little snug because I knew I would be losing more weight.
I loved the way the black dress suited my body type so a week later I ordered the navy and green versions.
Earlier this morning, I tried on the black dress to see how I am progressing
with my weight loss program. I was very pleased it took little to no effort to zip the dress.
I like pairing the dress with a blazer and tried on several different styles. The blazer shown above is a Casual Corner black size 6 purchased in 1992 or so and it just so happens I have it in black, navy, and green like the dresses I purchased in June.
There are many things I can pair with these dresses so it will not seem as if it is the same dress. The new dresses are a great addition to my wardrobe.
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Having a nice Thanksgiving week. With the exception of eating more than I intended, things are going according to plan.
I have found the success to my Thanksgiving meal is in the prep. Hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday.
Monday, November 04, 2024
As I lose more weight, I have been trying on more of my older clothing items. This weekend it was some of the dress coats I used to wear with business suits.
As shown in the top photo, I put on a long turtleneck dress and a pair of 9West black suede boots to shoot photos.
I miss dressing to go to the office everyday and now that things are beginning to fit again, I really miss dressing for the office. That said, I do not miss the dry cleaning bills.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Yesterday, I ate so lightly, that this morning when I made my morning espresso, I was surprised I wanted nothing else.
In addition to the items shown above, I also had the following drinks-
- Morning espresso
- Glass of Pepsi
- Capri juice drink with my daily B12 vitamin (noon) (the only pill I take)
- Hot Chocolate w/Whip Cream (5:00 PM)
This morning, after my AM routine (see below), I had some fruit and a small amount of candy/nut mix. Then I decided to re-transplant a new plant I recently transplanted.
I purchased the original snake plant in late August (2024), and noticed last week a new bud peaking through on the side. I was able to dig out the smaller plant without damaging the larger or smaller plant.
Initially, I thought the copper planter would be perfect, however decided this morning, in the initial stages of the new growth, the ceramic planter would be more aesthetically pleasing.
How is my diet going? Okay. Are you surprised I am losing weight?
I have a myriad of financial issues that I manage daily, not only for my personal and business accounts, but also for the house and other matters. Some days I spend a good part of my morning taking care of just the day to day as related to financial matters.
This morning, I ensured the 20 or so bank accounts I manage, all report the numbers I have and I paid off my PayPal Business Mastercard.
It is now 12:10 PM. Today, I think I am having chicken fajitas around 2:00 PM. I used to purchase the frozen Weight Watchers Chicken Fajita entrée when I wanted to maintain a Misses size 6/8 for my business suits. My version of this entrée is also effective.
Wednesday, August 07, 2024
I have been rummaging through my closets checking for new options as I continue my weight loss journey.
I had one or two errands to run this morning and rather than heels and the more conservative business style outfit I normally choose, I chose a pair of casual wear pants and sandals.
One of my aunts gave me the jeans about 3 years ago. They are a size 10 with absolutely no stretch, however, now fit loose on me. My aunt explained she paid very little for the jeans (two pairs), however they did not fit. When she gave them to me, I could get them on, however they fit a little too tight.
Now the jeans fit.
The other pair of slacks I found in my closet with the tags
(truth, I have lots of things in my closets with tags) are a pair
of GAP Travel Pants (cargo style) that I purchased for a great price at the
Arundel Mills GAP for $6.97 probably between 2001-2006.
GAP tends to use waist and length to provide size information and the waist on the jeans is 31 inches and the length 32 inches. In today's sizes this is a medium or a 10. These jeans too are loose on me now and do not stretch.
I wanted to be able to wear some of my old size fours by my birthday (July 20), however missed the target. That said, I am not unhappy with my weight loss progress. Think I need a good toning routine. Thinking about something called Wall Pilates.
Monday, July 15, 2024
Today, I ran several errands and since I did my hair and makeup, upon returning- I decided to test different lighting scenarios using my new camera lights.
I have also been trying on some of my old clothes to see whether I am making progress with my diet.
The jumper I am wearing in some of the photos was purchased in a shop in Bermuda in the 90s. I purchased several outfits for the 7 day cruise out of Baltimore before we left, however, could not resist this jumper when I found it. The only clothing purchase I made while visiting the island.
Cover-up Info
The following photos show some of the shoes I tried with the jumper. I cuffed the pant hems when trying on the flats.
Like others have discovered, I too like my photos taken using the reflections in mirrors. I continue to research how to use my lights and cameras without mirrors.
When I left the house this morning, my hair was curly and I thought I would
have it pinned up before I finished all of my errands. It has been hot and
humid in the Baltimore/Washington region. I still had a few curls
by the time I returned home. I started playing with the camera lights around 4PM this afternoon.
Other news, my birthday is Saturday and I got a new cell phone.
Though you cannot tell from the outfit I chose for the photos, I am happy with my weight loss progress.
Monday, March 04, 2024
You really cannot tell from the photos I have included with this post, however over the last 6 months I have lost about 15 pounds.
I have one or two new outfits I wanted to showoff, however, Saturday (March 2, 2024) when I tried different hair and makeup looks for the shots, I decided I liked nothing and gave up.
I want to lose another 20 pounds by summer.
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Between November and December 2022 I think I lost about 5 pounds. How did this happen? I was running around with this errand or chore which started the weight loss. Once I realized I was losing weight I ate less, which is what I normally do.
It seemed as if I was on a roll and I thought I would continue with my weight loss program through the new year. And then, January first came around.
Because I thought I would be busy Christmas Day setting up a new laptop and putting together the side table, I planned an easy meal for the day- slow cooker roast beef and potatoes.
New Year's Day, I planned to make glazed pork chops with a new recipe in combination with a lot of side dishes.
- New Year's Day Meal
- Bone in Sweet & Spicy Glazed Pork Chops
- Sausage Cornbread Dressing w/Cranberry Sauce
- Steamed Cabbage w/Onions, Peppers, Bacon
- Candied Yams
- Baked Macaroni & Cheese
- Sweet Rolls
I wanted to share the great recipe I found for Sweet & Spicy Glazed Pork Chops. The only change I made to the recipe was to use bone-in chops rather than boneless.
The pork chops and the meal turned out great, the only problem- I have been
cooking and eating since the first.
I do not think I have gained it all back, however it seems I am trying. Good luck with your New Year's resolutions.
Monday, September 09, 2019
I am on a diet. You may recall, earlier this summer I decided to add to my wardrobe. Two of the dresses I ordered were a little tight so I decided to take seriously a diet.
The photos below, show the two dresses and my current weight. I lost several pounds in August, so can now wear the two dresses in question, however decided to continue with the diet.
Without my much loved treadmill, I have had to resort to habits used in the past to maintain my weight, i.e., simply not eating. My incentive? My old clothes. I have a lot of classic suits, so I am not worried about dated looks- and quite frankly, happy with my progress.
That said, things like the boots shown in the photos below are about 3 years old, however never worn. I am having fun thinking about the old things I can wear with these slouchy boots.
As noted in the caption for the navy pumps, I wanted to purchase a suede pair of navy pumps. Instead I may purchase a navy dress I already have in aqua green (shown in the above photo). The style is flattering on me, however I will have to purchase the smaller size.
My diet? Eating a meal (daily) like the one shown in the following set of photos. I may have a mini bagel either mid-morning or late afternoon and that is about all.
I am ready for Fall 2019. Football, new business projects, my old clothes on a slimmer me.
Sunday, February 03, 2019
Are you having friends over for the game? Are you looking for another snack idea?
Thursday, I stopped by the local market and picked up Old El Paso Soft Taco Shells. I wanted to make one of my all time favorite "diet" entrées, Chicken Fajitas. Weight Watchers used to offer a similar frozen entrée that I liked taking to the office.
P.S. Tabasco Sauce works well with this dish, however your favorite hot sauce will work just as well (without adding extra calories).
