Cause I need some help.
When I bought this dress it was a titch tight.
Then Christmas and New Year’s food binge extravaganza came and went, AKA,
“I can eat anything I like cause it’s the holidays B****! YO!“
and now seven pounds later I need some serious help sucking in my back fat.
If I were more advanced in yoga I bet could do it. I’m sure Sting knows how to suck in his back fat. Well, if he had any.
I’m just beginner level yoga. I can’t even figure out how to do a frog stand. Why does everyone else make it look so damn easy?
Comparison is the thief of Yoga, I know, I know.
I should just be grateful I made it to my mat…
and slept.
Well if you want to get all fancy about it “they” call it savasana but we all know it is sleeping. Probably why my husband loves yoga. Where else do you get praised for being so relaxed you’re falling asleep? I should have been turned onto this yoga thing years ago.
Okay…back to my outfit, because I almost killed myself trying to get some photos in my coat outside for you guys!
I was determined to get some outdoor photos so you could see the proper colour of this coat.
It’s the colour of the year! Serenity NOW!
Which is exactly what I needed when trying to get these photos. That snow is actually crusty ice.
I almost did a full-on face plant while wearing these extra slippery skates boots. It would have been a real disaster because I’m sure my too tight dress would have exploded, and I would have gotten my Serenity Now coat filthy and possibly crushed my furry assistant Zoë who always seems to be underfoot. She might have broken my fall though. There is that.
Thank heaves my yoga skills are advanced enough that I was able to pull a Cirque du Soleil move and didn’t fall. It was close though. Seriously close and I pulled a muscle in my neck.
I appreciated the built in fuzzy collar neck warmer on the coat for my aching muscles.
Isn’t the coat gorgeous? And the boots match! I wrestled Melanie for these boots at Talize. She almost had to call the fire brigade to remove them. Since they are made of plastic (fauxtastic leather) they create quite the suction.
My favourite thing about this dress is the fabric. It looks like ancient Mongolian warriors.
So any ideas about sucking in back fat?
I’m all ears moustache.
Linking up with What I Wore, Turning Heads Tuesday Throw Back Thursday
Bwahahaha!! Thanks for this fantastic wake-up post. You are so hilarious!!
Back to serious issues… You know how gravity works. Well, if you walk bent over all the back fat will magically move to the front. Voila! If that’s a problem, stand on your head and then all the fat will move to your… You get the picture.
It’s always a good idea of have a furry break-your-fall assistant on icy shoots. Hahaha! Those boots are excellent on you. I guess they could use those little gripper pads glued to the bottom.
Love the dress. Love the coat. Love the collar. Most of all, love the humour. Mwah! I should take up yoga!
Ah ha! I need to permanently be a hunchback is what you’re sayin’. My Mom would be horrified after all the years she spent telling me to “sit up straight!”
I need to find where to buy those gripper pads.
If you like sleeping and feeling very inadequate I’d highly recommend yoga.
Haha. That would be very convenient if we could (temporarily) suck in back fat… Well, permanently getting rid of it is of course better, but for those from behind photos… Anyway, you look fabulous in the dress. And I have serious coat envy!!! And those (almost) killer boots – fabulous!
The short answer is….You can’t. wah wah Discovering back fat is the worst, I know. But last fat on is first fat off, so with a little effort, or abstinence, it will go away.
The coat! The COAT! The COAT and those boots! Total fabulousness! And it really does look best outdoors! Thank you for risking life and limb for us kiddo!
I am absolutely loving your rabbit! Fitting….after your recent fall down the rabbit hole of art books! It’s FUN, isn’t it!
This confused me. I’m like rabbit? rabbit? what rabbit? Does she think Zoe is a rabbit? Ha! Then I realized you must have looked at my old rabbit I did a few years back for Easter.
Abstinence…you mean I have to quit my 4 brownie a day habit? (She says as she is eating chocolate bark and graham wafers.)
BTW…I fell face first into that hole and $100 later came up for air. I haven’t ordered that many books since I was in University. I bought another book by this guy called Sweet Paul that I’m really pumped about. He has a blog and is a Norwegian male version of Martha Stewart but genuinely nice. Might not help with my back fat though.
Oooh….let me know which ones you’ve bought. I borrowed Creative Girl from the library, but definitely will be buying it this week! I also want the Painting Beautiful Faces that you mentioned. Will look up Sweet Paul.
YES! Your rabbit with zee moustache.. ‘e is so very cute, non.
I actually think that they make a full body spanx type thing especially for back fat but then it all smooshes down into your arms and that’s another issue! This blue coat is so pretty. You look like the Snow Queen. Oh yes. A canine photography assistant is most helpful. Maybe you can teach Zoe how to work the camera. And I, too, live my life from one Seinfeld quote to another. Insanity Later. Ha!
Sigh. I do miss Seinfeld. Imagine the field day they’d have now with all the changes in society.
The icy silvery blue coat is a real beauty, you look like a snow princess (albeit one with red hair!) The dress doesn’t look tight from the front, it’s lovely. As for back fat, I have it but work on the assumption that if I can’t see it (which I can’t) I don’t need to worry about it. If anyone standing behind me is offended, they should move. So there! xxx
The issue was doing up the dress. LOL. I didn’t really care what it looked like from behind but trying to suck it all in enough to do up the zipper was the problem. I went braless at even at that with a monoboob it was still touch and go.
🙂 I had such a sh… day – this really made my evening. Thanks, Suzanne!!!
Back fat – yikes, I know what it’s like, but I have no idea what to do either, other than change the eating habits, drink 2 1/2 litres of water per day, no sweets, no sugar, and no-anything that your body doesn’t like – something like metabolic balance. Then you’ll gradually loose weight. And fit into your lovely dress again, without pulling muscles or whatever.
Love the outfit. The boots! Yeah!
Have a wonderful day and thanks for making mine XO 🙂
Sorry to hear you had a crap day. Sometimes we need a refresh button for our day.
Glad this at least put a smile on your face.
Yes…losing the weight the old fashioned way. The closer I get to my 50th (this year) the more I see my metabolism slowing down.
I recently bought some bras from Marks and Spencer that have ‘lace wings’ at the back to smooth away any back fat creating by the bra. I bought the bra in two colours, it’s amazing, and also isn’t too modern in its lines so the cup shape is more natural and looks better under vintagey styles.
Sounds like you pulled some Matrix like moves to stop from falling, you’re a Ninja!! Love the coat and boots, really lovely xx
I saw one like this recently and loved it. I couldn’t buy it though as it was all lace. The kind of lace that makes it look like you have weird bumpy skin under your dress/shirt. I must do some research.
Such a pretty baby blue coat…I love the feminine lines and how you modeled it with the pretty purse! Back fat? I would never have guessed!!!
–G
gingerwroot.com
I need to have my back, my arms, my stomach and every where sucked out the fat but in a painless way. Maybe like a magic lotion that I put on at night and wake up with less fat. Your coat and boots are just stunning! I love that you have boots in all sort of colors.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Whenever you find that magic lotion please share! I find it hard to believe with all the workouts you do that your entire body isn’t just lean muscle mass.
Haha! I love the coat, the boots, and the idea of being able to suck in my back fat! I’m still forcing myself to not apologize for my front and back fat after every hot yoga class. I am also using my yoga skills to avoid falling on the crusty ice!
In the outside shot you look like you are floating. All that serenity and yoga must be paying off!
That ice looks all kinds of dangerous.
Thankyou for sacrificing your neck for our entertainment. Because heaven forbid we couldn’t see the exact colour! Gasp!
Doesn’t your hair look amazing on the blue?!
You are hilarious, my friend.
Xo Jazzy Jack
I’ve finally reached the ultimate level of yoga! I’m levitating!
kiss kiss
stylentonic.com
That coat is perfection in the form of a coat.
OMG, that coat and those boots! Adorbs. On another subject… I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the fact that you look better wearing a moustache than I do…
Did you spot the trophy? : ) I’ve actually moved it now and it has flowers in it.
Gotta run…I need to shave my stash ; P
You are a very funny lady!
Am lusting after that coat. It is soooo gorgeous it actually makes me wish I lived somewhere cold so I could wear beautiful coats like that. Dress looks great, always love intriguing novelty prints. BTW, is that a vintage needlepoint bag you’re carrying? Very pretty.
As far as back fat, maybe one of those longline bras like they used to wear in the 50s to smooth things out? Also, keep up the yoga. Doing lots of vinyasa classes will def tone up the back.
Yes the back is vintage. Sweet right?
I’m totally looking for one of those long bras.
I haven’t given up on the yoga. Just like I haven’t given up on sleeping ; ) Ha!
Ha, you are so funny!!!! Your coat is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I really appreciate your efforts at getting cold and almost exploding so I can see it in all its magnificence!!!!! You are so stylish AND funny- that, my friend, is a lethal combination!
HOW nice is Tache Bunny!!!!
P.S. No idea about the back fat I’m afraid! Being unable to eat comfortably at Christmas due to the dooooom of wisdom tooth infection, I ate a lot less than I eat in real life during the Christmas period!! Was VERY sad not to eat chocolate for daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaays!
The last time I lost some serious weight I was very ill. It is the silver lining but a very crappy way to go about it. I think I might just have to not put as much food in my mouth. Shocker! I know it’s not as flashy as a grapefruit, saw dust and cayenne pepper diets but I just have a hunch it might work. It does require dedication though…I might need to borrow that from someone.
Missing out on chocolate is like missing out on breathing. Okay, well I might be exaggerating a bit. I feel for you! Glad you are over that.
Mwahaha, love that Serenity Now (Insanity Later) thing!, thanks for sharing!, and you made me laugh a lot as reading your adventures, oh yes, blogging can be a risky business!!
Anyway, your outfit looks absolutely Fabulous, love your coat, love your matching boots!! and you look gorgeous!!
My dear Suzanne, big bottoms are the new thing. just think of Kim Ka. hahahhahah
You are delicious and eventually the it will go back to where it was.
Love the pale blue and the brave husband in the snow.
Tons of love.
I only wish we could meet soon
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Leave it Melanie to come up with just the right advice and so easy to use (haha). I won’t go into mine, you already know my morning routine, although those weights to help the back. I’m not a yoga fan, love Pilates but the yoga is just too dang slow and wierd for me.
I’m on the search for some grips for you, those boots are too fabulous for disaster to happen. I’ll let you know when I find some. But I’m glad to hear you’re still standing and sitting and all together. We won’t talk about the coat because it’s all sold out and I wouldn’t want to be a total copy-cat, well actually I would and I not be at all ashamed. Copying you is a fabulous idea!
Thanks for the lively entertainment. But please do say you have taken the complete look out and about!
I wore the coat out for New Year’s Eve when I was dressed 1940’s style. It was perfect!
I did manage to find some of those sticky things for the bottom of the boots. Thanks for offering though.
It would have been great if you had found the same coat and then we could go around as twinsies! LOL What do you think people would do if two women came in as friends dressed the same? That’d be hilarious!
OMG I love, love, love that coat! Thank goodness your nifty footwork, aka yoga skills, saved you. Oh, and the boots are utterly perfect too – totally wonderful ensemble – 10 out of 10.
And as for the backfat issue well it won’t surprise you that as your big sister (of the – am so ancient I’ve encountered this many moons before you sweetie- type), well here’s the link to my back fat story
http://www.annasislandstyle.com/2015/07/honey-she-told-me-youve-got-backfat.html
Enjoy and laugh away my lovely x
Anna
Loved the story!
Sensational ensemble with the most wonderful coat and boot duo. I’ll give that 10 out of 10! Great yoga skills too by the sound of it – it’s amazing what blind panic and desperation can do for you Suzanne. And re the back fat issue, well you won’t be surprised as to hear that I (as 10 years your senior I’m sure) have already encountered this and you can have a laugh at my person tale of the blighted blubber issue here –
http://www.annasislandstyle.com/2015/07/honey-she-told-me-youve-got-backfat.html
Enjoy x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
Sue knows how to do yoga. Perhaps she can advise you? Or perhaps cut out 1/3 of the food you normally eat a day? Things like that? It is a tough world you know. And every ten years you get older, you gain weight easier and lose it more difficult(ly?).
The dress is worth it. Until that time wear that gorgeous coat. Would go well with my baby blue sweater.
Greetje
I have been doing yoga, but not enough obviously.
I can see my metabolism is slowing to the pace of a turtle now.
I just need to do as you suggested and stop opening my mouth for food. Easier sad than done.
Back fat is the worst. There is no way to disguise it…except maybe under that insanely fabulous coat. Maybe you could just wear the coat all of the time, indoors and out. It certainly is worthy of all the time wear. And I love that you’re twinning with a rabbit; that’s not something most people can say they pulled off.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
“Comparison is the thief of Yoga”- oh, haha! I am going to chant that to myself as I start my new yoga class (like you, holiday eating was not kind to me though on a more practical level really its that my blood sugar levels were not loving that :/)
I like this dress though- a bit swinging sixties feeling!
When I put on the dress I feel like I need a extra dry martini in my hands all the time as an accessory.
Wait till you see the new vintage dress I just got to add to my collection! It looks like something Joan from MadMen would wear.
That coat is fantastic. I want it. You look gorgeous in this outfit. I laughed out loud when I saw your title – I was just complaining to my husband about back fat the other day. Where did it come from? And how can I make it go away?
If you find out please email me. And then we will patten the idea and make millions!
Back fat is one of the reasons spanx was invented…but, really, back fat is the greatest of the fats—you don’t actually see it, so out of sight, out of mind, right? That coat is quite the stunner!! Light blue & fur—I think I’m in heaven! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I actually bought some Spanx after I wore this dress. Notice I wrote I bought them, doesn’t mean I’ve worn them yet. I’m not keen on wearing them. I think they will feel like a combination straight jacket/ furnace.
Oh Suzanne, I can’t help you with the back fat situation.
Goodness knows we have a lot of “issues” to contend with!
I could suggest growing your hair and swathing yourself in it?
Or wrapping yourself in clingfilm…to “sweat it out”?!
Luckily you have this beautiful coat to cover up any offending ooze.
And, it does it so beautifully.
Such a delicious shade with your red hair (note to self:..buy something else pale serenity blue).
And that bag is a beauty.
A gorgeous piece.
XXX
Samantha
I love that blue coat on you! It’s a gorgeous color. Back fat? Spanx and no bra perhaps. I’d never do it but it would probably work. Or, ignore it and get on with being fab. No fair with the cupcakes and brownie photos. Shot my diet to hell just now.
Hi Suzanne,
New to your site and this story got my attention so I clicked on it. I like your writing style, got me laughing. The clothes look fab on you and yes the blue, as everyone else says is gorgeous on you.
Now to the back fat….. You asked, so here goes… Since moving to Europe I have discovered lovely wine and beer, but unfortunately it wasn’t lovely for my figure. I was always thin but combine this habit and going from owning my own company to now working in an office and midlife, my shape is no where near what it was.
I finally have all these dream European vacations with my very much in love hubby (of only 4 years) taking photos of me when I am not aware. (I say he has a seeing problem)
Anyway got sick of another photo in a bikini with rolls that had no end. While they may have no shame here in Europe on the beach and I love that they are comfortable in their skin here, I am not comfortable with all my rolls on display.
So I did something about it, I am no where near my goal but I had to take drastic measures…. I quit any and all alcohol during the week. Yes I know drastic, I miss a lovely wine with my pasta or beer with schnitzel, but hey I still enjoy my day off and eat as I wish then. During the work week I am super strict, oatmeal with berries for breakfast and a banana, lunch is salad with chicken and a sensible dinner. Yes I still eat pasta with cream sauces, just not a portion for King Kong ya know.
It worked I already lost a bit of weight but more important the cellulite is lessening also and everything is firming up.
I also joined a gym, go right after work, cause if I go home first I will never get there. I do 20 minutes on the elliptical thingy (modern torture device) and 50 minutes or more of hard core weight training 3 evenings a week. Weight training keeps burning calories even after you stop working out. So yes ladies there is an exercise that keeps working even if you don’t.
It is working after only a couple months my hubby has said my butt is lifting and my colleagues have made comments also, well not about my butt, but about my shape changing for the better.
Good lord one “friend,” (I use the term loosely) said what happened to your stomach Melissa? I said what, he said it is gone, it was huge, like huge. (with friends like that who needs enemies). It is possible to get rid of it without drastic measures, yes I still enjoy treats just not as big portions and not every day. Hey I gotta get fit before I go to Greece in May, I refuse to see another bad photo of myself.
Anyway great blog, you are a funny, pretty lady with some great style. I will stop by more often.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I actually am quite strict about my diet as I’ve been a vegetarian for some 30 years now and aim for high veg, low sugar, low fat daily. I also don’t eat dairy and don’t drink at all (I’ve become allergic to alcohol).
It just seems that as I approach 50 with high speed now my metabolism is slowing down and I will need to start rationing my portion sizes drastically.
I do weights 2-3 times per week, run and also do yoga. I’m not an inactive person but I can see this year that with a little over indulging at Christmas I put on weight whereas in the past I never would have, and now I’m finding it hard to lose the weight.
I can see I need to change my routine if I’m to get back in “fighting shape”.
In the meantime it is Spanx and no bra for back fat avoidance.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for such a great and detailed reply. You know what is it with this age??? I had a young male colleuge say to me you can get rid of it there is no such thing as a menopausal women not being able to loose weight and get in shape she can loose weight just like when she was young. He said this after I complained about how weight was piling and no matter what Idid it wouldn’t bug.
Yep I wanted to punch him in the face. He had no clue….
I have had to radically change everything. It is nuts the way a woman can suddenly go from thin her whole life to gaining a kilo every couple months without changing anything. It just starts appearing like a leech. Baaaa!!!
It does seem you are active and the drastically reducing portions is an option, but reduce to what? I mean heck you eat healthy already. Sucks we have to go through this. My premenopause is over I think, it seems I am in menopause stage. Which has its up side.
But I am noticing with hard workouts the backfat is going away, my muscles are getting bigger next week I will start supersets weight training to get definition.
I think it is trial and error as we age what used to work may not work now. They do say to mix up the workout change routines to trick the muscles out of their lul.
Meantime there is spanx like you said. Ah the torture we go through for beauty:)