Despite my lack of interest in fashion as of late, I have always been a fashion enthusiast.  I do have to admit though that it is far easier to be a fan of fashion, when you can fit in sample sizes and can go shopping knowing that no matter what you buy, it will probably look good.

That was me for a long time.

But life happens and things change and in the span of a year, despite my best efforts, I’ve gone from a lifetime of size 0  to a size 8.  My body has changed, and as a result my self-esteem has suffered.  I can no longer decorate myself in the cute designs that just a year ago made up the bulk of the items in my closet and this makes me sad.

Still, until this issue gets resolved, I have to put my best face forward and though it hurts me to know that I am spending money on “fat clothes,” I need to make the best of a bad situation.

Yesterday,  I mustered the courage to go shopping for my upcoming trip.  I’ll admit, it wasn’t easy.  I hate trying on clothes and what’s more, for years I knew which designers were most flattering for my body type. This time around, I felt like I had to go and get to know each designer all over again and through trial and error see how they envisioned I should perceive my own body.

I must have tried on 100 pieces of clothing only to find that my new body is no longer the body I need to enjoy the designers I used to love.  I was sad, frustrated, and ultimately felt defeated but I reminded myself that this is only a temporary situation.  It was then that out of desperation, I somehow ended up trying on clothes from the Jessica Simpson Collection. 

For the record, I’d never taken Jessica Simpson very seriously.  Not once did I ever consider looking at any items from her multiple collections though I always did wonder how she ended up with a billion dollar business.  In hindsight, maybe I should have looked.

For such an affordable brand, the quality of the garments is pretty high.  I tried on and ultimately purchased 5 dresses and every item I tried on was made with nice fabrics, was properly lined, and had an above average finish. As far as the style and fit goes, I guess Jessica learned a thing or two about the female body having been on both ends of the thin and fat spectrum because her clothes work.  I felt well-dressed, fashionable, and comfortable in her designs which is ultimately what drove my decision to buy.

In the future, I can see myself buying more clothes from the collection.  If there is one thing that I have learned from watching all those seasons of Project Runway, is that clothes are intended to make you feel good about yourself.

For the first time in a few months, I didn’t feel inadequate trying on clothes and was actually excited about having an opportunity to wear them .

I think that women with bodies of average size will find that this is a good brand to keep in mind when they go shopping.   Until further notice, I recommend it 🙂