The Clothing Issue

I didn't go from plus-size to regular, but I did go from regular to juniors (sometimes). Anyway, you might consider taking a friend who likes shopping or whose clothing tastes you like and also find a sitter or friend/family member to watch your baby. I sometimes find shopping so overwhelming that I basically shut down and can't do it, but having a friend really helps. I "window" shop online, to get ideas of what I might like before hand, and make a list of things I need and colors that will go with what I have or will coordinate. Go in with a plan:) Also, don't buy too much at once, because your body is still changing and the clothes you buy now may not fit well after a month or two.

I worked at a retail clothing store for years, and saw a lot of moms with toddlers. (I personally didn't shop much when mine were little, we were too broke! LOL) Anyway...
The moms I talked to that had good kids (had to compliment moms who's kids weren't brats!) kept the trips short, even if that meant they had to spread the shopping out over a couple trips. The BIGGEST thing is not to make idle threats. If you're going to leave if they don't knock it off, then LEAVE if they keep acting up. Once the child knows you mean what you say, that you really won't go to the park or play area or whatever if they are good, then they will behave. I'd avoid rewards with food, so that you aren't giving them issues with food.

Is there any one who can babysit for you for your next couple trips? Maybe just so you can get a feel for what stores you might like to shop in, with no distractions.

If you're still in transition, buy a few nice 'core' pieces at a dress shop and fill in your wardrobe at the thrift stores or stores like Ross Dress for Less where you can get name brands for a fraction of the price.

Once you get past the initial shock of how much is available to you, you'll probably still find just 3-4 stores that you gravitate to.

If I saw a woman wearing something I liked I would ask her where she bought it. I actually still do this. I had no idea where to buy clothes, and it is still a mystery in many ways. Also keep in mind that it is time consuming and that you will have to try on many items. You may make mistakes and buy stuff that isn't quite right a few times. It is a learning process.

I second the opinions to get a babysitter and try to bring a supportive friend. Shopping with kids is usually challenging and frustrating.

I ventured into Old Navy first I believe. There was comfort to me
knowing if I couldn't fit n2 the normal sized stuff, I'de get plus sized.
I'm still a bit new to 'non plus sized'. I've bought vanity sized items
but it is daunting never knowing if anything will/won't work. What
really made me realise I'm not a plus sized woman isn't so much
the particular stores, it was when I no longer had to buy men's
sports apparel. I actually can wear sexy sports attire in womens ..
that was my aha moment.

Ebay bargains all the way. None of the hassle of store shopping. Can be done after the little one's bedtime or while he's occupied with something else.

Sometimes I get the sizing wrong without the benefit of trying something on, but never did like the dressing room experience in any case.

You soon get an idea of which brands give the best fit for you. There is still enormous variety in sizes across brands so a size 10 in one will swamp me but in another will barely claw past my hips.

I like this site for size comparisons but it's UK based http://sizes.darkgreener.com/

ETA just noticed there's a little button you can click on (top right of page) for US sizing and stores :-)

I had a similar thing! I had to get my clothes on the internet because I was fat and tall and tall sizes only go up to 16 or 18 in stores! Not cool! Now I can shop wherever I want! It is soo cool! But hard with a child who is nearly 3! I try to take someone with me if I can to help keep tabbs on the child! Or I make use of hide and seek around the racks!! This does depend on the child though! My LO is quite good and wont stray too far!

I highly recommend googling Project 333. It is all about dressing with less in number of pieces. That being said, get some basics (depending on your work and home life needs) and then shop the thrift stores , TJ Maxx, etc. At my skinniest in my late 30's I had been a size 10, so when I lost weight down to that size I bought a few very nice things -- Wrong! -- my weight stabilized at about 10 pounds below that which put my waist at a size 4, pants at a size 6 or 6, and my tops are small/medium size 8.

I even lost a half size in shoes. Crazy , at age 54. I manage my budget/clothing by following the guidelines in Project 333 with a few exceptions (sorry, jewelry,purses and shoes don't count in the 33 pieces).

I shop at TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Nordstrom's. I buy two bras every six months at Nordstroms and am remeasured each time. I work as a business consultant so it's pretty easy to mix and match Blazers, cardiagans, pants and skirts. I live in jeans at home and wear the same black seperates I wear for work at church as I am in the church orchestra.

I have bought the tall gloria vanderbuilt jeans in black and blue at Costco, and a few cardigans there as well. I wear NYDJ pants/jeans otherwise for work.

I don't like shopping for clothes on line, but NYDJ runs true to size after you have picked the style, length, and size you feel comfortable in. They actually had a table full of them at Costco yesterday - but none in my size, darn it.