Mrs Whirly, your approach is identical to mine. DH doesn't understand it at all (he's a very successful 5:2 dieter and loves that he doesn't have to log anything at all). I find logging stuff not only makes me more accountable for what I've eaten but also helps me feel more in control of the process.
I believe that a slow, 1lb per week weight loss is easier to sustain in the long run. It also means that you're more likely to adopt your plan as your lifestyle as you go forward because you're more familiar with the effect that different foods or reduced exercises have on you. If you just do a 10-day juice diet you've lost weight but not learned anything.
Going back to your OP about clothes. I'm an hourglass and so for me my weight comes off my face and my stomach first. It will take me ages to get into my size 10 jeans, despite me needing to use a belt pretty soon, because my thighs and hips carry the weight. It will happen for you though.
I've put away all my size 10 clothes, with the exception of a few choice pieces that I love for motivation. These range from ones I can just about still fit into to those that I've currently got not chance of getting into. Each item is like a goal, so when I've lost enough to fit into Dress A (fits now but is a tad uncomfortable), I shift my focus to fit into Dress B (can get into but it looks rubbish because it just doesn't fit my larger shape) and then once in that I'll aim to get into Dress C (which I absolutely can't even do up right now) etc etc. Not sure if that will work but it's just another strategy.
I've also put up a weight loss chart on my mirror so I can log how I'm doing. It's in plain view so that I have a daily reminder and it also lets my family know how I'm doing as well so they can help keep me motivated.