the FASHION thread
Comments
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When you finally get down to it what do we really NEED: keys, ID, credit card, some cash, lip gloss or chapstick.. That is it! All the rest is "in case"!!!!! So all those wristlets are DA BOMB! Keep those really needed things to carry into the stores and those things that are ruining our posture and causing us pain in the dang car.
I learned that early on when on a family vacation: if I have a small purse, the famly cannot add their crap to it. They have to carry their own stuff. And if I, MYSELF, have a small purse, I cannot add to my pain and suffering by addind STUFF to it. I also stopped carring a shoulder bag. Yep, everything is on my arm and if it goes on my shoulder, it fits right under my armpit.
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Dotti- i love it " i don't have to carry their stuff"
I am totally the official carrier of the stuff. All the time, my BF says, Babe can you hold my keys/wallet/phones etc...
HOWEVER, in my world, a bag can never be too big. I LOVE big bags. A. They dangle over half of your ass when you wear them on your shoulder. B. they hide a protruding fat stomach when viewed from the side. C. I can have everything that anyone ever needs in a flash. Okay, maybe not a flash. Maybe I have to dig around for a minute, but eventually, I've got what you need.
I call my bag, THE ABYSS. I wanted to invent a product (but someone else patented the idea in 1990) to have a little clip mag lite that hooks into the inside of your purse and lights up when you press it, so you can find everything easily.
If you really want to know a person, all you need to see is what's in their purse. I also read, that if you're ever waiting for a friend for coffee, or a lunch date, and your friend is running late, you should take the 15 minutes of time, to clean out the receipts, gum wrappers, shopping lists, and whatever from the bottom of your bag. It's a great way to pass time, and your bag will be cleaner!
I have my girlie first aide kit (tampon, wipes, immodium, pepto chews,bandaids, nail file, breath mints) then the add-ons, lip gloss, a few pens, business cards, a small flashlight (like super tiny, in case i'm in the dark and need to find something) travel deoderant, and a tiny bottle of oil that is scented with my favorite perfume.
The bag is big enough that I can fit a large bottle of water, and a pair of pajamas. I always keep my phone and camera in easily accessible pockets so I am never fidgeting.
The bag organizers are okay-- there was one on Oprah that I really liked, b/c it easily moved from bag to bag... but I only change bags twice a year-- so it's not a big deal.
For evening bags, I carry nothing more than lipgloss, ID, cash, and a phone if it fits... I swear it's like putting a puzzle together when you try to pack an evening bag. Maybe a stick of gum or two...lol
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I like to use those breath strips that disolve on your tongue--fresh mouth right away.
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I had to pare down on what I carry in my bag just because now it really hurts to have too much weight on my arm or shoulder after the last surgery with the expander. I got a backpack bag at a flea market (the fake Fendi form an earlier post) because at the time, I needed something to strap on the back of mom's wheelchair while I pushed. Now she has the bag that holds everybody's junk. She said she has come full circle again. She was at the small bag stage and when she became a mom-mom with my ds, she got bigger bags again. Then he got bigger and her bag could get small again. Now she is in assisted living so is back to a bigger bag but she doesn't have to shlep it, just hold it on her lap. She has everything from tissues to her diabetes testing kit to Depends. Uh oh, TMI. Sorry!
Back to the thrift stores for me. I need, no I want, a new pocketbook (that what we call it here in PA). You got me thinking and for a couple of bucks, I can get retail therapy cheap!
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ok beth here is a few great tips get your butt over to ann taylor loft they have great things on sale i got sooo many nice blazers and cute jkts (i have a jkt fetish) i think i paid 10 dols most 19.99 for each item i got great white blouses pants etc and they have good quality clothing
the best body shaper - there is a store in the americana manhasset its across from herschliefers side entrance (its all intimate apparel ) they have this body shaper the goes under boobs and to knees that is unbelievable
my favorite store for great buys is annie sez it really is the best kept secret and get a credit card there and you get great coupons all the time
xoxox -
TBT - 2 large pursekets... LOL That's ME too! I think when you need two of them, it's time to de-clutter
Raye - I am totally stealing your perfume on the robe idea!
Erica
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I LOVE all the purse ideas!
My organizer friend is here this weekend (she is a professional organizer), and she showed me her purse.
She has a large purse (like the size I carry around), and inside it she has a teensy weensy purse that has her credit cards, cash, ID. When she has to run into the store, she just snatches that.Wait-it gets better! She also has a zillion little pouches (like tiny makeup bags) that are specified for each necessary purpose, like the toiletries pouch (tampons, lotion, bandaids, little scissors, file), the receipt/banking pouch (she sticks all receipts in there, and keeps extra bank deposit slips in there), coupon pouch, the list goes on!
Her purse, while it is the same size as mine, has like 15 times the stuff in it, and is NOT bursting at the seams. She even blushed and pulled out a stapler and staple remover! She also had snacks and water in there.
Wow-it all goes to show you what a little organization can do.
She also organized my closet, and it's like I have a whole new wardrobe! I can see clothes that I forgot I had! Everything is accessible! I actually said, "I forgot I had those shoes!"She should write a book or have her own show. She is the BEST!
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Have any of you tried the body shaper by; Spanx (Nordtrom)? They also have a great front closure bra that's like a second skin that's almost invisible under t-shirts, etc. It's called the Bra-llelujah (it also works great with my prosths). Both items and lots more good stuff can be found at: timeformecatalog.com
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Oh, that is the one I was asking about a page or two back! I think I called them "Spanks," though!
Whoo-hoo, I am going to buy one!
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Dotti- I used to be into the dissolvable breath strips by listerine, until one time, I was driving at night, following a friend in the car in front of me. I couldn't flip the light on to look at how many strips were on my finger... I figured maybe two, worst case scenario.
Well, to my surprise I pulled out like 6 strips, and before you know it they were dissolving on the roof of my mouth, and the tingling/burning sensation was awful... So I dug my finger in my mouth (all while following the car in front of me) and tried to pull it out, only it landed on my lip, which was now burning.
Miraculously, I survived, and didn't get into an accident.
So now I stick to mints or sucking candies.
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hahah bet i had that happen to me too! i use a listerine pocket size spray i love it!!!
funniest was when i took out my lip liner in the dark car (i was in passenger seat) did it without a mirror and turned around to my 3 kids in the back and they were hysterical - i had lined my lips with my dark blue eye pencil instead ahahah what a site! -
Blue lined lips! bwahahahahha......thanks for the great giggle tonight, I NEED it!
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Now, that's BRAVE! I've put on lipstick for decades without a mirror, but I'd never try liner! You've really got this stuff down pat! I'm impressed.
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Ladies, try Baggallinis! You can get smallish ones as for travel but pop them into a tote bag when you need to carry more stuff.
I totally love my Baggallini.
http://www.baggallini.com/products.htm
Dotti, I figured out a long time ago that if I had any room in my handbag DH would ask me to put all his stuff in there. Now, I don't have any room! Sorry, dear.
Tina
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The baggallinis are great. I got myself one of the tinier ones last year at TJMaxx.
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When I found Baggallini I was so mad. I had an idea to make a similar product but they beat me to it.
Oh, well, it's easier to just go out and buy one.Still, as wonderful as the B. I have IS, it's not perfect. Maybe I will whip up something better ONE OF THESE DAYS.
Seriously, though, it's time someone that has a flat boob(s) from recon invents a bra that will compensate WELL, yet not be so constructed that the darn thing stands up BY ITSELF! Girls, put on your thinking caps.
Tina
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I really think there is a lot of room to improve on the Baggallini- I don't care for some of the colors that much. You could do a lot with other colors, patterns, types of fabrics. I'd be willing to pay a bit extra for this.
On bras and flat boobs- I have not had recon and am not going to. I've had a terrible time finding a swimsuit I like. All the mast suits tend to stop at size 8 and I don't like the styles. This weekend I got a great suit at TJ Maxx. Somehow the way it's made the flat side is not so obvious- the cups have a little bit of padding. I am not so skilled in the sewing dept. but I have this plan for adding a little more padding to the flat side and wearing the suit like that- no need for a prosthesis.
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I am going to chime in on the swimsuit topic. Like Allyson, I have not yet had reconstruction (not sure if I ever will) and have had a terrible time finding a bathing suit as well. Last year, I was missing only one breast, which made it much harder to find a suit. Now that I am evenly flat; I found an inexpensive suit through VS - a bandeau top, that actually has a little padding AND a slit in the side to add more, to which I added some shower scrubby material. The result is nice and convincing. No cleavage, but I never had that anyway. I cannot even tell that I've had bilateral mast.
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My daughter is in the same mode as a husband ... "here mom, put this in your purse," ... I pretty much use one of two Dooney & Bourkes ... not too big and is good for work and casual days
My dad was in Italy and got me some Prada and Gucci purses and totes, Todd bags and even an Hermès Birken!! I am too scared to use the Hermès except if I have a meeting and tend to use it like a small briefcase/file folder. Don't want to just leave it in my office all day! I will not need to buy another purse in my life!!!
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Raye, you can buy gel inserts for the bathing suits that are waterproof. But the shower scrunch stuff is a good idea and won't be heavy!
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rocktober-- go to the nearest ALDO shoe store, and buy a can of the defense spray. Spray every bag you have-- from the D&B, to the Hermes. I worked for the company for so many years, and I swear by the defense spray. It works on leather, seude, fabric... it's a water proof/meets scotch guard. I swear it will keep your bags looking awesome. Spray it once a week on bags you use every day.
If I had mastecomies with no recon, I would go to a corsettiere, or a custom place, and have a swimsuit made for me. Yeah, it would cost more, but it would be totally worth it. Or you could ask a tailor what type of suits you could buy, where the panels can be cut out, and you can add a prosthesis to it... that way you can get the style suits you really like.
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my pantyhose are cutting in me in two right now and i'd like to rip them off and strangle the people keeping us here late tonight. not a fashion statement, i know...but i'm real uncomfortable and wanted to complain. i hate pantyhose.
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and if i take them off, my skirt won't fit.
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Ooh- never thought of the shower scubby as a prosthetic alternative- we even have one. Sounds worth a try (I am pretty open minded re: what can substitute for a breast, used a running sock for two months after my surgery. Thought it looked fabulous
). Rocktober- where can I get the waterproof gels inserts? Beth- definitely like the custom swimsuit idea but I'll have to save up for that. This Janzen suit from TJ Maxx is not bad though- I'd post a pic but I am not quite that bold...yet.
gsg- sorry to hear about the pantyhose. I hate them too, along with any other clothes that squish or pinch.
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I'll have to look online for the defense spray. We don't have a decent shoe repair shop so that won't work either. ALDO shoes? hmmmm Maybe they are in the mall, I'll check out online.
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I've never tried Spanx but I really want the full body one. I hate pantyhose or thigh/butt shapers b/c the tops always roll down and cut into my middle. Looks reaaaaally attractive that way! I would've tried it by now but I have a hard time coming off of almost $100 for bodyshapers.
I am still LMAO at the thought of the blue lips! That is priceless and TOTALLY something I would do! (Only I'd be in public I am sure!)
Hugs
Erica
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First of all, Beth 1225 - Willow Grove??? I can't believe that I'm seeing that. It was, like, an intersection when I was there in 1978-79. Was a working student for a trainer/student of Bruce's living at the Wintersteen place.
And on topic - Target absolutely. And mostly the sales racks at Target. A couple of weeks ago I scored a velvet knee length skirt that's great for work and going out (with some $6 fishnets for evening) and a soft green cotton v-neck sweater for $10! It's not usually that good but it can happen. Almost everything I wear is Target.
I hate, hate, hate the fashion jeans. Having grown up with the ONLY jean to wear is Levi's and anything with designs was SOOOOO tacky I just can't get past it. So, my jeans are Carhartts and I love them. They're wicked comfy, sit just below my waist and make my butt look good!
Otherwise I wear some Eileen Fisher (bought at the side-walk sale of seconds and samples - you should see the line at the door and the crush when it opens. They curtain off the whole back of the store for a mass dressing room and it's really fun. If you don't like something there's probably someone else eyeing it and everyone will say, "You look great in that" or "It's just not right on you".). I wear some Blue-Dot pants, again on sale. Sorry, not trying to name names I think it just kinda says my style.
Mostly at work I'm in a straight skirt or pants with some version of a close fitting V-neck (I finally figured that out and it was the main deciding factor on my recon) or 2 and often a scarf, when needed a short sweater or jacket (not constructed). Occasionally a white fitted button-down shirt but I always feel like a waitress in that. I wear a lot of green/olive and black so everything matches. I've just started wearing red and I love it (now I wish I really had gone with the red velvet wedding dress that I originally wanted but felt I couldn't wear red. Why???)
My shoes are Dansko clogs, black. That's about it. And Kamik (I think) pac boots for winter. Love my Blundstones and I'll wear those or my Ariat zip ups occasionally with pants. Right now I have on Merrill clogs (also on sale at DSW. I really only buy things on sale!) lined with fluffy fleece 'cause it's 15 degrees out and, while I need the boots at home, there's no snow down here where I work.
I finally figured out the empire waist thing. There are relatively very few overweight women in Brazil. One day I saw a woman in her requisite paste-on capri jeans with a muffin-top. But instead of the skin tight top that most women wear she had on one of those empire waist thingies (see jeans above to see how I feel about these too!) and it skimmed over her belly so that it didn't show. Since there are so many women in this country anyway that just can't wear low-cut jeans and it's hard to find non-low-cut jeans I figure the fashion industry actually did something kind.
OK, I'll stop.
This is a cool thread.
Jorf
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Ok, someone mentioned Bitten by SJP... I went to Steve and Barry's this weekend and they were having a sale: $8.98 on all items. I got 2 pairs of ballet flats, 2 pairs of pants, 1 turtleneck and 1 button down shirt. I got my dd 2 pairs of shoes and 1 long waisted hoodie ... It was a fantastic cheap shopping spree!
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gsg - I have some really awesome pencil skirts that I simply CANNOT wear in the summer because they don't fit w/o my control top tights on. The tights take away at least a dress size.
Yes, Aldo is at the mall. They have some nice stuff.
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need tights in the summer? Um, hello? welcome to the world of bare assets, the line created by the maker of spanx at Target.
You need to footless, tummy control-- they go as high on the leg or as low as you need.
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