When I was young, I didn't care about fashion.  I suppose it was partly because my mother had a hard time making ends meet while raising three children.  (Note: the photo above was taken at my grandmother's, so I did have a taste of the good life ...)  My wardrobe consisted of jeans and t-shirts from grade school right through college.

Then, when I entered the real world and started making my own money, I realized that you can have it all!  I could almost buy anything my heart desired.  I developed a passion for - well, to put it simply - SHOPPING!  At first I wasn't quite sure where to go or what to buy, but I soon developed my taste and learned where to get the best products.

My favorite store is Ann Taylor.  I also enjoy shopping at Nordstroms, Macy's, Banana Republic, J.Crew, The Gap, Tiffanys, Cole Haan, Coach, etc!  Sometimes I like visiting Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue - but they tend to be a little out of my price range.  (Unless I win the lottery!)  

.... So, needless to say, my closet tends to be packed full of really nice clothes, some of which I have never worn.  Of course, then there are the clothes that simply don't fit - whether they're too small or too large for me.  I've gone from a size 6-8 (oh, to be that thin again!) to a 10-12 and even up to a 14-16.

Of course, I think a woman can be beautiful no matter how much she weighs.  Which is one reason I love fashion so much - it can make you look good no matter what size you are!  And more importantly - it can make you feel good about yourself.  My husband does not understand why I love to shop, but there is just one simple answer - it makes me happy.  What more can you ask for in life?