the FASHION thread

BethNY

Aldo shoes start in size 35 at select stores. Which is European sizing- but will fit a 4 1/2 to a 5. 

Check out the location near you at www.aldoshoes.com

Go with a short jacket- I love the wide leg flowy pants that are in Nordstroms separates department (you can go online at www.nordstrom.com )

That will be such a staple in your closet-- you'll have them for as long as they fit.

As for makeup- a little mascara, a little lip gloss and you're good to go.

bluesky

hi ladies,

i'm in the fashion industry and just found this thread, i was also a shapewear buyer for the last two years, i did not read thru all the postings so this may be repetitive, the best butt shapers, stomach slimmers, muffin top coverups, fat hiders can be found at;

www.spanx.com

www.cassandco.com

www.sassybax.com

purplemb

Raye.. thanks... lol  not so tiny, just small feet.... ok so I will look for a jacket... as for fitted... not with a unilateral... but fits nicely...

light lipstick?... hmmm.. always go with color.. may have to try it....

thanks again..

MB

Raye99

The cami sounds gorgeous, MB. You know, I've always worn dark lipstick myself (reddish) - but then started wearing a pink and really liked it, but for some reason, this week I started to wear the darker again and like it. If you like darker, then go for it!!! Just don't play up the eyes as much. You'll have to take of photo of yourself with your outfit and makeup and post it here.

Raye

2up

mb "size 2" over here!!!!!!  no joke!

buy a size 5 narrow, get heel grips and insoles and rock it out .......... i have a 100 pairs of 'hot heels' ........ you just have to get creative!

purplemb

Shel.. never thought of the heel grips... whoo hooo shopping spree this weekend.. maybe a trip to Buffalo... thanks so much...

MB

BethNY

SO, in my never ending quest to find jeans, I finally had a breakthrough.

Now, maybe I shouldn't say never ending, cause the truth of the matter is, that when I was a nice size 8, it was a pleasure to try things on, and I didn't have to go digging to the bottom of the pile in the store to find the biggest size. 

But since I've gained weight, I hate the thought of shopping, but I can't get by with only one pair of jeans that fit.

First, I hit up none other than Target.  For $30, they had these converse brand jeans, that are straight leg, which isn't my preference, but they're not skinny jeans by any means.  I tried on two pair.  One was not happening, and one was okay.  I took home the okay one, and with heels they are somewhat decent.

Then I got this catalogue called Alloy.  Its a teen catalogue.  The sizing is juniors 1-13, however they have extended sizes 15- whatever.  I like this catalogue b/c they have cute shoes in the $40 range.  Really cute... but I'm learning that their shoes run big, and I should've taken 8 1/2's-- but a little insole, and I'll be fine.

The other day, I decide to just order a pair of jeans... I figure for $30 whats the worst that can happen?  I tend to do better in shorter rise jeans, that come in adjustable lengths.  You can order 30, 32, 34 etc for the length. 

I ordered a basic flare leg jean with a great wash for $30.  They came today, and are PERFECT!!!!  They have just the right amount of stretch in them, that they aren't too stretchy, but not tight enough to make me have muffin top.  I am elated.

Marin, I know you like lower rise stuff, and I bet you'd look awesome in them (only 10 sizes smaller than what I ordered)

Raye99

You know, Beth, I've gotten the Alloy catalog and they have some cute stuff! I was always a bit worried to order because some of the prices are SOO low that I had a concern with quality. Good to hear their jeans are nice. I might have to try something out. They have really cute casual summer dresses (I just went online) at very reasonable prices. Also, a very cute skull hoodie on home page (although probably way too young for me).  

www.alloy.com

Raye

Anonymous

Well, I just happened to amble by here today and saw your jeans post, Beth! We used to get Alloy all the time, but I guess we didn't order enough (since my daughter went artsy vintage) and I haven't seen it in awhile. But jeans for 30 freakin' bucks????!!! That is amazing, especially with a perfect fit! I'm saving up to buy some Hudsons which are at least 6 times that amount but I know that they fit me very well (I have pale pint Hudson cords already). Anyway, I'll have to take a look at the Alloy ones too. Is the waist really low, Beth? That's the way I like them and I'll perish if the waists on all jeans go up to the....well, waist! It's kind of like thongs....once you're lovin' them, you can't imagine going back.

Lately I've been considering cultivating a more bohemian style. I actually cut a pic out of a recent VS catalog of a model whose hair is like mine, but longer. She's wearing a sundress with giant flowers and a smocked bodice and she looks perfectly wild. I want to get messy! I really dress so crisp and trim, ya know, and I feel like it's time to break out a little. Has anyone ever consciously changed their style? Or maybe I'm just weird......

~Marin

Raye99

Marin -

Sounds like you want to go a little "Vermont." I love it. I've consciously changed my style (or at least tried), but always seems to go back to the fitted, simple, black clothes style, although I do have a couple of long flowing skirts which I wear with boots. Do like the look, as long as I couple the skirts with a tight fitting shirt to better show off my size B prostheses.

Raye

PuppyFive

{{Beth}}

Could You please send me a catalog??

sounds perfect for what I am looking for.

Puppy

Anonymous

I did the fashion test, and I am understated elegance....

oh, that is too funny, as I sit here in my Mickey Mouse giant hoodie, and workout pants with a ratty t-shirt underneath! 

Marin, about consciously changing styles, I totally did.  Cancer made me more of a hottie dresser, than my old "dowdy teacher" style. 

BC (before cancer), I wore Liz Claiborne classic fit jeans.  They were SOOOO high waisted.  I wore them for YEARS.  After the chemo diet, I began wearing Hydraulic low-waist jeans with a flared leg and a little stretch. 

BC, I wore NO prints at all.  This is partly due to my dh, who has a very....basic.....eye for clothing.  He sees colors differently (re: color blind), so if I wore a print he'd go, "OH my GAWD, what are you wearing?!?!" because he saw something that totally clashed.  So I toned down my clothing to be mostly blacks and neutrals. 

After cancer and the chemo diet and the mastectomy which made all my original tops not fit at all since I had huge boobs before (whew, that was a mouthful!), I began wearing those gauzy, flowy sleeve v-neck tops (kinda bohemian?  I don't know what they are really called, sorry), with very feminine prints. 

I just felt like such a boy after having short hair and no boobs, so I went ULTRA femme.  I changed my make-up style (bc: a little foundation, after cancer: a lot more obvious), I even bought shoes (I would usually only wear Doc Martens in the winter, and Birks in the summer). 

Ok, here is my fashion issue.  After my Dad died, I began packing on the pounds.  However, there are many weird factors to this weight gain.  First, I know I was eating myself silly that first month, but since then I have still gained about 15 lbs.  Second, all that weight went straight to my belly!!!!!  

I am having a helluva time finding jeans to fit my belly AND my legs!  AND, my shirts all look stupid because I have a gut now.  

Where the HECK did it come from?!?! 

I blamed it on stress, but that is much better now....I blamed it on eating too much, but after hiring a trainer and going to Jenny Craig, I was STILL GAINING!!!!!  

I need fashion advice on my belly, please! 

iodine

Not sure where I heard it, but I mixed some of my bare minerals foundation with my cream moisture, in my hand.  It worked great!  Just enough color to blend in my cheeks and jaw and my moisture was done for the day, too.

Oh, I love these little goodies!

BethNY

its definitely estrogen related.  That's the first place the weight goes.

Whenever I watch TLC's What not to Wear - they always say find jeans that fit your thighs, and then go to a tailor to fix the rest.

But, what will totally help you in your situation?  A body slimmer!!  You can get one of two types.  One is like a unitard like you used to wear in ballet class as a kid. or the other is a high waisted thigh, tummy shaper.  Try the bare assets collection from target to save money.  Slip that sucker on, and then throw on your jeans, and you'll be free from muffin top, and it will hold in the extra belly flab from hanging over your jeans, and your blouse will sit really flat and nice.

Anonymous

I luv ya, Beth! 

Anonymous

Raye....Is "Vermont" style kind of like tree-huggin' or granola? If so, I guess that's a bit like the direction I'm leaning towards. But with clean lines. Like you, I tend to like fitted and black, but I'm trying to add some flow and softness. As mentioned before, I love contrasting styles in one look....like a very feminine top with tight jeans and rockin' boots. A cameo at the throat maybe?

~Marin

NarberthMom

I finally wore my "simply Vera" top from Kohl's and got an unsolicited "you look nice" from dh!



Also, Beth -- the Philly Inquirer focused their travel section today on Getaway Weddings. If you want I can send it to you (pm your address) or you can try to find it online.



Hugs,

Hillary

Raye99

Again, I am happy I am triple negative (gosh, does this sound shallow???).

Marin - yeah, some Vermont style can be very Bohemian or just plain granola - we used to call the style crunchy crunchy granola, when I lived upstate -  (no offense to anyone of course, very nice laid back people). Long, flowing printed skirts, very casual and free. You can, of course, mix this style with more fitting or solid fabrics. I love the look of a feminine top with tight jeans and cool boots.Very sexy and modern.

I like tight dark jeans, simple white shirt and a funky necklace and shoes.  

abbadoodles

Dressing advice needed!!!

Less than two weeks out from my uni free TRAM, my foob is hard.  I have no idea when it will soften or how much.  In the meantime, I  now have a big foob and a little boob.  I am not allowed to wear anything but a sports bra once the tubes come out, which will likely be Friday. Yay!

Beth has recommended a shelf bra top, too.  Although that will work to cover and lift the little guy, it won't do a thing to disguise the size discrepancy between the two of "them."  I am planning on calling my old bra/wig lady (who is a real peach) for a look-see/fitting soon and possibly procuring a silicone shaper for the small side.  Ya think it will stay put in the sports bra or shelf bra!  I am in a panic thinking about going through the summer this way and need real advice. 

And then there is the swimming suit issue........

Damn.  And I was looking forward to buying myself some new clothes for summer.  Rats.  Oh, well.  Onward and upward.

Tina

BethNY

If you go to a custom bra place, they can take a few shelf bra tanks, and probably add a panel where you can place a chicken cutlet (LOL-- you know those little bra inserts) on the one side to add some size.

And by the time the summer rolls around-- a lot of the swelling might be gone, so don't count out bathing suit season just yet...

ijl

I was looking for a pair of jeans that were a bit more like pants not too tight. And I found a pair I adore, they are called ( get ready for this "Not my daugthers Jeans" .

I tried the black pair and they felt so nice and soft. They have panels that helps you with a tummy and shapes your butt, etc, etc. Considering the fact that I had DIEP, I did not need tummy tuck, but they are sooo comfortable and look really good!

They sell them at Macys and Nordstrom and I am sure at other department sores as well. They come in different styles: relaxed and tight fit.

Give it a try!

ps123

Tina,

You can get a partial prosthesis to even things out, although you might want to wait a bit to see if some of the swelling goes down. It should be ok by itself in the sports bra but I would think it might be a problem with the shelf bra.  Some businesses will sew pockets in bras for you but you can also order them at this link and sew them in yourself if you'd like.  Good luck.

 http://www.tlcdirect.org/subcategory/americancancersocietysewinbrapockets.html

Pat

abbadoodles

Thanks for the hints, Pat.  Yes, I'll have to wait a little for the swelling to go down, but there will come the day when I have to go out into the world.  Luckily, it's still cool enough to require a top layer so I guess I shouldn't whine too much.  Still, it feels good to whine now and then.  Out with the bad, in with the good......

Have found some undies I like.  Since I needed to buy some control briefs for my belly incision, I went over to Target and bought two different brands.   The one I really like and is quite cheap is the Hanes Collection 2 for $11 tummy control brief.  Nothing binds but they do control very well and the backs of these briefs cover my cushy butt all the way.  No butt wedgies for me!!!

I also bought a pair of Assets by Sara Blakely (Target brand???) shaping panty.  These are okay but do crawl up my butt somewhat.  They'd be fine for those of you with less posterior.  They also were more expensive (1 for $14).  Both brands control my tummy equally well.

That's it for the panty report!

Tina

BethNY

clearly none of us has been shopping lately, and no one has anything to report.

I'm thinking about a new bag for spring summer, but it has to remain a fleeting thought in my mind.  It CANNOT happen.  We decided that we want to spend a week in Jamaica (at the place we're gonna have the wedding next year) this November. So as long as that trip is on the agenda, a new purse is not.  UGH.  There's a gucci bag that I could pay for technically with my econmic stimulus package thanks to bush's recession and china.

UGH. 

Any other fashion news to report?

Anonymous

Oh good lord, I got some of those body shapers, and I felt like I had a wedgie all day long.  

Deb

iodine

I went shopping last weekend at a Talbot's Outlet in KY.

I came home with a jacket, 3 trousers, 1 shorts, 1 sweater for less than $100.  Totaled up the full price tickets and it was over 630!

One of the trousers was linen and silk and was originally 148! 

No wonder they had so many of them.  LOL

My dh had given me a gift card at Christmas--foutunately I didn't spend it at a 20% off sale at Talbots when I visited my dd.  Oh, I do love a sale.

abbadoodles

Wow, Dotti, that was quite a haul!  What is it they say? Never pay retail?  Don't you just hate it when something goes on sale after you've paid full price?

What does everyone think about those new, patterned fabric headbands? I saw some very cute (but ridiculously expensive ones) in the www.garnethill.com catalog/site. I'm thinking they are so retro but would help control my wild and wooly chemo curls, which are getting so long and uncontrollable.  Even smothering them with product doesn't contain them for long. Where else would I find cute headbands (fabric)? I want to look for some when I go out later this week.

Beth, I've been coloring my hair since I was about 12 or 13, so I would never try to dissuade anyone from hitting the bottle!  I think your hair color is very pretty now, but you sure could experiment with a darker shade with highlights.  I've also seen some lovely reverse highlighting where darker streaks are put into lighter overall color.  Another thing you might try is a semi or demi permanent color in your own shade which would enhance your main color and tint the "silvers" probably a somewhat lighter shade but just enough for them to look like highlights, not grays.

I think if you buy the body shapers with boy legs or "bermuda" legs, they won't sneak up your butt, Deb.  Of course, it's getting to warm weather so who wants to wear long leg stuff?

Speaking of long leg stuff, when I was in Target last week (exchanging my nursing bra - long story) I looked for some shorts for the upcoming season.  Just about all I could find were those knitted, long, almost-bike shorts.  I did buy a pair just to have something for a warm day, but what I really want is a lightweight knit with full legs, almost skirt-like, kinda looking like a skort.  Skorts, themselves, are not what I want, as the inner shorts so often bind in the crotch.  Has anybody seen anything answering my description? 

Tina

roseg

I think Trinny/Susannah have some interesting thoughts.



What kind of stockings to wear?



I've read that flesh-colored is "old lady", yet it seems too wintry to wear heavy tights. Bare legs look all wrong to me in April.

BethNY

dark tights are still very in this season, so wear them while before it gets to be 75 degrees.



Tina, I can't think of anything that you're describing but I'll keep my eyes out while I shop.



Dotti- you got some great deals at the outlet. I always say outlets are hit or miss. Sometimes you'll leave with a million things, and sometimes its a long drive and you buy nothing.



About the colored headbands, since they are all the rage this spring, you can find them just about everywhere, from CVS to Target, Macy's, and almost everywhere in between. Don't spend a fortune on them, b/c you can definitely get them cheaper!

NaughtybyNature

Hi Beth: I finally hunted down the post wherein you mentioned that you got engaged and the pictures... OMG... just beautiful.

Rainbows and rainbows of happiness to you both.

Love,

Lilia

PS: Did U ever received my voice mail message I left for you a while ago?