the FASHION thread

abbadoodles

Wanting to share my newly restored cleavage from free lat flap 2 weeks ago.  I hope this isn't improper but I AM wearing a fashionably black bra by Warners. 

abbadoodles

More photos on the Breast Recon thread (August recons) if you are at all interested.  BTW, it's the rt. breast.

Jorf, I don't know about prices but so many companies now have monkey-see, monkey-do Pandora bracelets.  Brighton has them, I know for sure.  I'd bet places like Target either have them now or will be coming out with them.  I assume you mean the silver base bracelets that you put the charms on.

Alternatively, you could string the charms on a lovely black cord of some type and be a bit different.

sushanna1

Tina,

You make me want to have reconstruction, but I cannot bear the thought of any more surgery.  I still have two breasts, but one is much smaller and pretty mishapen--thanks to an excisional biopsy, lumpectomy, re-excision and (I think, having trouble remembering) four more biopsies over the past 6 years.  Pretty hard on an A cup. 

Sue

PS What's a Pandora bracelet?

KAK

Jorf!!!  Brazil!!!   Wow!  That's a long way to go for good undies, but have a terrific time!  Can't wait to hear all about it.

Tina, you look fabulous, dahling!!   You'd never know you ever went through anything from that photo!

Raye99

Tina, you look magnificent!!!  Wow. You make me want to get reconstruction as well!, but I am very afraid. Thanks for sharing your photo.

I saw another company in Vogue this month that has the Pandora type of bracelet, but I cannot remember the name of the company, which probably is best - I can't imagine they would be better pricewise then Pandora, but I can look for the ad if you'd like.

Anonymous

Tina, it is a great job - doesn't look like anything was done - very natural!  Wish I'd had my non-bc boob done to match the smaller, perkier bc lumpectomy boob!

barbe1958

Tina, you done good!

abbadoodles

Thanks, girls.  You cannot imagine the crap I went through to get to this point. Well, maybe you CAN!

My goal was to look perfectly normal in clothes.  There is, of course, scarring on the breast and hopefully that will resolve in time.  If not, I heard recently about some new laser that takes hyper-pigmentation out; it's called V-beam laser.  Don't know anything about it yet.

Anyone gets any closer to check out my boobs and they get two black eyes and knucklebumps on their head...........

Bought a pair of Not Your Daughter's Jeans yesterday.  I discovered the local farmers discount store had them and I paid $79.00.  I don't know if that is particularly good or bad but I was thrilled to find them where I could try them on.  Now that I know my size I can look for them online for better pricing.

The petites were fine in the crotch, unlike most petites.  The pair I bought is perfectly classic P400M, boot leg, midnight wash (very dark demin).  Comfortable as all get-out, hug my butt and then zoom in on the waist and thighs, no excess fabric to look sloppy.  I think I may have to go and buy those booties now to go with these!!!

lexi4

Tina, you look terrific! Very nice d'ecollet'e! Also, you got a great deal on the jeans. I'd like to try them as well, however I've only seen them for $130.00 and so I've not even tried them.

I'm so happy that you are feeling well after surgery. Happy shopping to you!

Lexi

lexi4

Hey, again, I don't want to be a stalker, but has anyone heard from Beth? I am really looking forward to hearing all about her rafting adventure. Yoohoo...Beth.... missing your posts.

Hope all is well.

Lexi

farila_1966

Tina - like everyone here you made me feel that I should go for a reconstruction too. But now after 13 years of being one boobed woman I can't muster up energy to do it anymore. You look fabulous.. and young.

abbadoodles

Lexi, Beth is a busy girl these days.  She had a fabulous kayaking trip with First Descents (I think it's called.  You can google it.) and made tons of new friends.  She's been busy since coming back with not only WORK (an evil necessity of life) but bc functions, fund-raising and actual, real life.  Hopefully, she will pop in here from time to time with some funky NYC fashion advice!

Pandora bracelets are very popular.  They are basically rigid, silver, round bangles that you put charms on.  The charms can be very cute and quite pricey.  One of my friends has one bracelet all filled and is now working on a second.  I'm not into them but they are very pretty.  I think Pandora started the trend, then companies like Troll Beads, Brighton, and others jumped on the bandwagon.  Here is a link to Pandora. http://www.pandora-jewelry.com/US.aspx

Farila, Raye, Sue and others:  Yes, it's a lot to go through for recon and a VERY personal decision.  I wasn't trying to make anyone feel bad by posting the pics and I hope it didn't have tha effect.  Maybe I was being insensitive.  Please forgive me for wanting to show off my FINALLY good result.    Hey, I've never been busty but I'm still vain!

And,no, I'm not young.  I will be 62 in November.  Blah.   But, at least I'm still here and still in fighting form.  Thank God.  And, thank all of you for your kind support.

farila_1966

Hey hey Tina  ... LOL You were not a bit insentive  and I never felt a bit bad. When you show off it is good for us because that is the encouragement we need. Isn't it nice to know we can go for reconstruction and look good all over again? You have every right to be vain and especially so if you are going to be 62, Seeing that bustline no one could get near that number LOL.

Here in India we pay for the treatments out of our pockets. When I went through BC I could barely manage my treatment and put off reconstruction. I had a year old special needs girl and getting involved in her treatment made me put it off so often that finally it did not matter.

But there are moments when I feel I should do it even now...

barbe1958

Tina, I loved your new look but didn't get envious, so it's all good! Since learning your age, I am envious of you not having stretch marks or wrinkles....how do you do THAT? I'm 51 and thought I looked good for my age.....sheesh! You really raised the bar!

sushanna1

You weren't being insensitive.  Consider our comments a compliment.  Sort of a wow!, could I do that too?

Sue

abbadoodles

You girls are the BEST.  Thank you.

Has anyone else seen the September issue of Vogue?  On the cover:  '40's is the Style, RED is the Color, Boots and Suits are BACK. 

Well, this is a good thing.  That black suit I bought last year seems to be more in style THIS year than last.   Can I consider myself a fashion leader?  

Am ordering those Born booties this AM.  J.Jill also has some flat Born tall boots I am looking at.  May have to pop into a local store to try them on.

Oh, God.  Another week is off and running.  Cat goes to vet at noon to have her stitches out, then to groomer for Soft Claws application (red, of course).  But, maybe this belongs over on the MakeUp thread........And away we go!

KAK

And Tina looks great from the neck up, too, I can attest!

I'll have to check out the Vogue.  I LOVE red. Obviously.  I think I have to switch back my avatar!  LOL

Raye99

Yes, you indeed raised the bar, Tina. Lookin good! Oh, and lord no, you were not being insensitive.

I have the new Vogue and it's funny, because they have an add in there for Not Your Daughter's Jeans and I thought of...TINA! Freaky Red Riding Hood photo layout near the back. I guess it is supposed to be arty.

I need to try on some of those William Rast jeans, but want to lose a few belly pounds first. Ann Taylor is also calling my name...come visit me at lunch sort of thing. Maybe just to try a few things on...

lvtwoqlt

Tina, the recon does look good.

Sheila

abbadoodles

Kathi, get out your RED.  Pull out all the stops!

Ladies, the TWO pairs of boots came yesterday UPS.  I just ordered them the day before from Zappos!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the shortie boots in the antiqued bronze metallic.  They are SO cool, I made my husband drool.  (Well, I did wiggle my butt at him while I was at it.)  These shoes will change my image forever.

I also had decided to order the black flat tall boots by Born.  They are very, very flat and supple, almost like ballerina boots if you can imagine.  Will look great with leggings, opaques tights, etc.  Now I have to plan some outfits. 

I am justifying all this as reward for 6 mostly major surgeries withing 2.5 years.  Hey, I'm allowed.  Must go buy more shoes!

Anonymous

The boots sound so great, Tina!

I saw and tried on a few pair of shortie boots last night as I had to bring the gown for the Cancer ball back to Nordstroms - unfortunately, with the way the top is sewn, with lots of boning and ruching, it was too snug fitting (I still have some weird rads swelling under my arms), so I ran down to the store to return it directly and I was able to get the same dress, in a deep navy, one size larger.  Now, I have to take it to the alterations shop this afternoon so they can take it in, but at least it will fit.  Bummer that I won't have the eggplant color, but love the navy, and I found beautiful silvery satin dress shoes with straps and a little sparkle and a little mesh, and a nice, high heel, at Macys for 65% off - only $26.00!!!!!   So, I'll send the gold bracelet back and see what else they have, although I did just get from Kohls.com a triple strand dark gray (gunmetal) pearl bracelet with a little sparkle thing connecting the strands and matching triple pearl (large) cluster earrings that just might do the trick.  Then all I'll need is a silver wrap and call it done!

barbe1958

Chevlev, sounds GORGEOUS! I think the pearls will be classier than trying to match all silver...

Tina, you DID say you're 61, right? Wiggling your bootie? You go girl!

Anonymous

Barbe, I agree - it really will look classy and not the usual silver accents.  I did just order a shimmery silvery-pewter wrap and for some reason, I think I might try a double or triple strand of the gunmetal pearls at my neck - the navy seemed to need it - the eggplant didn't.

Tina, you are an inspiration to ALL women!!!  Work it, baby!

abbadoodles

michelle, I think the navy sounds so elegant, although I know you are disappointed not to have the eggplant.  Silver with navy is wonderful  and pearls are even more wonderful.  Whatever you wear, I know you will look beautiful.

barbe, 61 is what you make it. HeeHee.  My dh still does the "shower dance."    Well, I love to tease him.  It works for us. LOL  All begins and ends in the mind....................

dreaming

I have been traveling in South America for a few months, in Argentina the look is to have large breasts and big round butts, all thanks to plastic surgery. Also it is against the Law in many countries to sell Noni, the juice that who knows what it has and promises to cure everything.

Because it is the end of Winter short, plaid coats, leggings with minidresses are it, boots any length and also dark hose.

In a city I am know in another country because the altitude is very high, no fat people,and this is great, one has to eat a lot specially carbs because metabolism works fast. This is great for me I can wait to loose pounds abd keep on eating.

barbe1958

Tina, I'm jealous!

Jorf

Gorgeous, Tina! So glad it worked out and that you were persistent.

I did notice at Obama's speech the other night that almost all of the women were wearing red suits. Hillary looked a little like Santa Claus in the front row there but it could have been the tiny box on my computer....

abbadoodles

I noticed that, too.  I didn't see the speech (was out at knitting class) but in the news stories there were all these red, power suits. LOL

When is the Brazil trip?  Can't wait to see the panties!

sushanna1

Not sure if this is the right place to post but I am cranky and need some quick advice.  I used to wear Victoria's Secret IPEX wireless bras (in addition to two mastectomy bras that hold a form to even out my lumpectomy side).  I went to Victoria's Secret last night and bought a bra.  It was a quick procedure and the new bra fit really well in spite of me being uneven.  However, when I washed it this morning, I realized that in spite of being marketed as "no wire" and having "NO-WIRE" stamped inside the band, it does have wires.  There is a flat vertical wire at the side of the cup under the armpit.  (The IPEX had a thick seam in the same place, but no wire.) This is the worst place for a wire for me (and probably others) because of transitory lymphedema around the scars in my armpit.  So,  should I return the bra or cut out the wire and hope that it doesn't fall apart?  It cost $40.  I have the receipt but already discarded the tag.

Sue

iodine

Hi, I am a huge beliver in returning goods that I cannot use or offer to friends.  It's my hard earned money and I just have to figure up how many hours I have to bill to pay for it and my brain really understands --LOL

I'd probable put a teeny tiny nick at  the tip of the wire, remove it and try the bra.  If it doesn't work, replace the wire and return it.

I found some bras with well padded wires, but most of the side support is from a trapunto type flower leaf design which firms up the side of the cup and pushes me forward a little bit and takes more from my side.  I stock up on them when I finally found one I liked----you know how it is, you find it and they discontinue it.  Never fails with underwear of any kind, except for men's!