Cotton Chambray Dress: Darling Ranges
Content warning: This post includes topics like weight fluctuation, body image, and mental health.
Hi everyone!
Just before the COVID-19 pandemic started, I started doing at-home exercises (Ring Fit Adventure, Fitness Boxing—both on Switch, online training by a health coach, and Apple Fitness). However, during the time when we cared for our late senior pup and for a few months after she passed (probably for about 1.5 years in total), I wasn’t able to stick with my workout routine as diligently.
When we used to take care of our senior doggo, Momiji, I focused so much on her well-being and in return neglected my own which resulted in weight gain. And then when she crossed the rainbow bridge, well, I struggled mentally.
For some time, I’ve been working with myself to have a body-positivity-mindset. As it turned out, it’s so hard to unlearn what I’ve always been exposed to—”skinny is the beauty” (maybe this is even more extreme in Asia where I grew up.) Like many people, I find that it is far easier to see beauty in others; when it comes to others, no matter what shape and what weight they are in, I can see their beauty. But why is it so difficult to do the same for myself?
I’m so tired of feeling that way, I’m so tired of not being able to feel confident, which is why I want to change my mindset and want to be able to love my body as is.
So my goal for doing exercises isn’t to “loose weight to look better”, but to maintain overall health and be stronger.
Sad to say though, since gaining weight recently, I lost so much of my confidence all of sudden, and felt sad that some of my clothes now fit differently (not as comfortable as before.)
But just because I’m a bit heavier now, does that make me less of a person? Absolutely not.
I was happy to be able to devote my time to our pup to give her all the care she needed (in those eight months, I barely went out. That’s how much she needed our care.)
I went through (and still am) grieving after she passed away.
I’d like to believe these experiences taught me a lot, and I’m hoping to grow as a person from it.
Body shape and weight fluctuate, it’s natural. My body still allows me to do everything I want to do and need to do. I want to be grateful of that. If my body changes, I simply have to make new clothes that fit better.
Not “one day when I’m skinnier”.
But now.
Clothes that make my heart sing, now.
(Of course I want to maintain my health, so I’m now back on my exercise routine and have been trying to eat more balanced food!)
This dress is a product of that mindset.
This is Darling Ranges, a pattern I fell in love a couple of years ago.
I can still (sort of) fit into the ones I made then, but there isn’t enough ease to wear them comfortably at the moment. (In general, I prefer my clothes fitting looser than too snag.)
As I get back into my regular workout routine, my body shape might go back as well, but I wanted a dress that fit nicely during that process, too. So I went up a size (or maybe it was two) this time.
Pattern: Megan Nielsen’s Darling Ranges dress & blouse (The curve size which ranges from 14-30 is available too.)
Fabric: 3.5 oz Cotton chambray (purchased from RickRack Textiles)
I have a tendency to choose bold colours and fun prints, but I’ve been trying to add more solids in my closet lately.
I’m someone who believes in dressing in clothes that one truly loves, no matter the age, size, etc. But as I get older, I feel like there are more occasions where I need to dress less “loud” or “whimsical”. Does anyone else feel that way too?
I think this is just what I needed in my wardrobe. I actually really like the simplicity of this dress!
It’s a cotton chambray, so it’s not a formal grown up clothes, however, is very versatile in casual occasions.
I love these buttons! Don’t they look like brown sugar bubble tea? That’s what I think of this marble colour.
I raised about 8cm or so at the centre front neck opening. Since I went up a size, I think I could have raised a bit more though. (I prefer a smaller neck opening.)
I lengthened the sleeves as I wanted this dress for spring/fall/winter with elastic at the cuff.
The skirt pieces are lined as well!
June 12, 2024
