Brainstorming women needed! Help with style during weight lo

ResilientWoman
ResilientWoman Posts: 440 Member
Okay ladies, need a few creative minds to help out. Have shed over 100 lbs and I'm caught between sizes on my transition to the healthiest me. Anyone else doing Kettlebells or NROLFW know what I'm talking about?

HW: 352, >Size 26/28, Men's 60"X30" jeans got too small, couldn't fit in women's clothing.

CW: 248, Size 16/18, curves finally too 'girlish' to fit men's jeans. Closest to 42"X30" in Levi's 550's, but they're too big in the legs.

GW: 185, Size? Who knows??? <20% body fat would rock.

I'm female, a single mom trying to avoid looking frumpy. Shooting for a female version of Cary Grant's, 'simple elegance'. Don't *ever* wear skirts/dresses. How can I get clothes to compliment my figure, all the beautiful new muscles I've built and still not live in only lycra/spandex-y athletic clothing.

Height: 5'7.5"

Fitting challenges for new wardrobe:

Bust: 40DDDD
Waist: 43"
Hips: 48"
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Replies

  • Lane Bryant carries a large variety of great clothing and amazing bras! I am a size 18/20 they are amazingly easy to locate within the store! Also, fashion bug is also great! They carry larger sizes, I am a size 40d and I can even find button down shirts that fit great! Good luck and good job!
  • Tiffanydepiano
    Tiffanydepiano Posts: 169 Member
    I love the look of really short mini dresses over leggings. Too Girly? Maybe Bigshirts over jeans, or worn as a jacket over a tank with jeans or slacks. Big Tees are great with capris and they show off your sexy shoes and new pedicure.
    Is this what you are looking for or did I miss the point?
    Also you can access woman within via internet and find lots of cool stuff.
  • BRANDYLYNETTE
    BRANDYLYNETTE Posts: 192 Member
    When I was size 18......I would go to Macys and get either Tommy Hillfiger jeans plus sizes....or I love the Stlye and Co clothes! The style and Co had YOUNGER looking clothes. Nice things I could wear out or to wear to work. Check it out. Best of luck!!!!! : )
  • bjfmade
    bjfmade Posts: 543 Member
    Lane Bryant is an excellent idea! Let them help you pick something you normally wouldn't wear. There is a new you emerging! Dress her up and enjoy!
  • u could do ross stores womens world section they have tones of stuff that should fit
  • cloneme_losehalf
    cloneme_losehalf Posts: 356 Member
    I like CJ Banks, Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Dress Barn.
  • jamk1446
    jamk1446 Posts: 5,577 Member
    Lane Bryant is an excellent idea! Let them help you pick something you normally wouldn't wear. There is a new you emerging! Dress her up and enjoy!

    I love this advice!

    We have a store here called Dress Barn that carries women's sizes. Obviously by the name they carry a lot of dresses but they also carry slacks and casual things.
  • msbanana
    msbanana Posts: 793 Member
    Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Target all have multiple fits of the same type pant. LB and FB both use shapes, Target uses numbers (fit 1, 2 etc...) this is EXTRODINARILY helpful as your shape changes. Also I always loved Avenue for my business clothes. Oooo! ANNNND Torid! They have fab trendy plus size clothes.
  • ResilientWoman
    ResilientWoman Posts: 440 Member
    Avenue and Lane Bryant lack anything accept really lacy/floral dress clothes (I'm Butch, not Femme) or way-too-casual clothes when I've shopped there. In general, neither plus sized nor athletic clothes are built for my 40DDDD chest or the difference between my quads, abs and overall size.

    If I was a guy, I'd wear Italian designer suits in an athletic, tailored cut.

    As a woman, clothing doesn't seem to be made for high powered, professional women rippling with muscles who are still overweight.
  • ResilientWoman
    ResilientWoman Posts: 440 Member
    When I was size 18......I would go to Macys and get either Tommy Hillfiger jeans plus sizes....or I love the Stlye and Co clothes! The style and Co had YOUNGER looking clothes. Nice things I could wear out or to wear to work. Check it out. Best of luck!!!!! : )

    Never shopped at Macy's but we have one in Seattle. Haven't worn Tommy Hilfigger before either, thanks.
  • GettinMyLifeBck
    GettinMyLifeBck Posts: 201 Member
    Try Torrid!! Silver Jeans and they have many blazes and nice shirts
  • msbanana
    msbanana Posts: 793 Member
    Avenue and Lane Bryant lack anything accept really lacy/floral dress clothes (I'm Butch, not Femme) or way-too-casual clothes when I've shopped there. In general, neither plus sized nor athletic clothes are built for my 40DDDD chest or the difference between my quads, abs and overall size.

    If I was a guy, I'd wear Italian designer suits in an athletic, tailored cut.

    As a woman, clothing doesn't seem to be made for high powered, professional women rippling with muscles who are still overweight.

    I beg to differ about Avenue and Lane Bryant. You can get great slacks (that aren't painfully girly) and both have always carried a great selection of button down business shirts and sweaters. I have procured good blazers at Catherines but they carry a boat load of frilly granny stuff. You just have to get past it and find the good stuff. Torid is mostly trendy stuff that wouldn't necessarily be up your alley. Give Lane Bryant a chance- have you looked at their online selection?
  • ResilientWoman
    ResilientWoman Posts: 440 Member
    Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Target all have multiple fits of the same type pant. LB and FB both use shapes, Target uses numbers (fit 1, 2 etc...) this is EXTRODINARILY helpful as your shape changes. Also I always loved Avenue for my business clothes. Oooo! ANNNND Torid! They have fab trendy plus size clothes.

    I will give LB another try, maybe in an upscale shopping area they'll have a better suit jacket/pant combo that would be less sporty, more business-y. FB, I've heard of, need to find out if their is one out here, Target must be around here but I haven't seen them in my neck of the woods. Torrid? Will Google.
  • kbrogan78
    kbrogan78 Posts: 158 Member
    If you're least willing to pay more for you clothes, Nordstrom has personal shopping which is entirely free and a wonderful resource. I believe you can either do a phone consult upfront or meet with a personal shopper ahead of time to discuss your body, your style, your budget, etc. Then, when you come in to shop they've already pulled multiple items that they think will work and if those initial items don't work, you have someone who knows the entire inventory of the store helping you find additional items.

    Obviously, Nordies tends to be pricier but the clothing is generally high quality. I don't think that finding the female equivalent of a beautifully tailored Italian suit would be too big a challenge at a store like Nordstrom.

    Good luck!
  • LolaVaantz
    LolaVaantz Posts: 74 Member
    Target is pocket book friendly, old navy also pocket book friendly, lane bryant not so much financially friendly but you can get some awesome clearance, not a fan of dress barn as things are often a bit baggy and not taylored, Torrid is fabulous but extremely trendy.

    Not knowing your specific body type, but knowing you are part way through your weight loss, i'd recommend you look at getting some layering peices that can also be belted well (think lovely knit dress in a classic shape with longer over sweater a cute belt, tights and boots). The belt on anything will accentuate the weight loss, show a womanly figure, but still allow for changing out items as you continue to shrink down.
    Jeans, always go for boot cut/trouser cut in women's, it helps balance out other parts of the body and helps you look longer and leaner (don't buy men's jeans!!!!!) T-shirts again with a nice sweater, or a hip length jacket that is fitted to your body will be classy, serviceable (and still inexpensive.)

    I personally wear a lot of peasent type tops with sweaters (cardigans) in layers (flowey top, fitted sweater creates a nipped in waiste but is forgiving on my bumps), i'm an 18/20.
  • dovesgate
    dovesgate Posts: 894 Member
    Torrid and Fashion Bug may be a little too girly for what you are looking for. Also, I have a hard time shopping at Torrid. All their jeans in my local store seem to be the skinny jeans that look horrendous on me even if I can squeeze into them. Both stores have a better selection online though including slacks.

    Lany Bryant does carry decent business type stuff depending on the season (blazers and slacks). They also have the jeans cut for specific body types which I absolutely love. It is worth it to go in and get fitted at the very least. That way if they don't have what you are looking for, you can order it from their website if its on there. I wear a 14/16 at LB with many items in that size being too large but I wear an 18/20 everywhere else.

    You're in luck - Fall fashions are starting to make their way out and you can always find good menswear type clothes coming out in this season.
  • TropicalKitty
    TropicalKitty Posts: 2,298 Member
    I agree that you should give LB another chance. They have their moments. Sometimes I hate em, sometimes I don't. It just depends on when I get to the store - as in fresh stock for the season or end of season picked over nastiness.

    I have plenty of LB clothes that aren't floral ugliness. I'm not girly either! They do expect gals to have big tatas. That's the thing I don't like about LB - they think if you're a big girl you have a big chest, I don't. ha.

    Also, when I was smaller, I would shop at Old Navy. They had all sorts of jeans cuts - like the boyfriend jean IIRC. Their pants/jeans looked awesome on me when I was around 210. Their shirts still fit me now: they go up to XXL in the store by me (some stores have plus sizes). They're affordable and I think have a decent variety of styles that you can make.

    Anyway, I think you should get a good girlfriend to go with you and help you pick things out. I know I tend to have better shopping trips, both emotionally and picks, when I have a good friend with me.

    :flowerforyou: And congrats on the loss!
  • I Would Try Torrid. I Love Their Clothes! Their Kinda High Though But I Still Shop There.
  • poesch77
    poesch77 Posts: 1,005 Member
    I was just in size 18 for the longest time and I am not muscular built but have a hard time finding jeans as I am very curvy ....thick legs and butt but small waist. I have had really good luck with Maurices brand jeans.....as far as shirts they have crap....floral and flowy or covered in hearts...I dont want to look pregnant or 12. I always find great shirts at Old Navy and they are really cheap! I like the fact that they have one style in several colors/ patterns so if something fits and I like it I can buy like 5 great shirts! Hope this helps you!
  • knittnponder
    knittnponder Posts: 1,953 Member
    Fashion Bug also has some really cute plus sized things. For jean you may need to try on a few styles and see if you can find what fits you best. I'm curvy and have found that Levi's Curvy or Gap jeans (button fly) fit me best. They're roomy enough for my hips but dip in enough for my waist so I don't have a huge gap and feel like I'm going to lose them all the time. The slightly stretchy jeans are great because they hug what needs to be hugged but also have enough give that you don't feel like you're unable to move. Just remember, well fitting clothing is much more flattering that baggy oversized stuff that doesn't fit well.

    ETA: Jessica London is an online retailer that has a variety of cute styles. The quality is decent and the prices aren't bad. The size table with measurements is accurate so be sure to base your sizing on that instead of 18/16.
  • ResilientWoman
    ResilientWoman Posts: 440 Member
    Sending each of you huge virtual hugs! Thanks for all the ideas and specific feedback. I think I'll look at it like HIIT, not always fun but definitely worth it.

    I'll get a gf and hit Target, LB, FB, Macy's, Nordstrom's, etc. I'll keep an open mind and see what happens and report back!
  • jadedone
    jadedone Posts: 2,446 Member
    Old Navy has a plus-size line, only available online that is cut a little differently than the regular stuff, and goes up to I think 26.

    You can also try Gap online. The online selection sells 18-20. Also, Gap Outlet does as well. Those are definitely worth a look.

    At Macy's, you should try the Calvin Klein jeans. They gap at the waist for me, but based on your measurements, I am probably hippy compared to you, so they will probably fit well. (I have big quads too, since childhood)

    Also, check out ASOS.com -- look for the "Curve" Section. They are a little trendy but you can find basics. They also go on sale. FYI: they are cut for people that are more hourglass in shape. Defined waists are the rule there. (UK sizes, so it goes up to more like a US 22-24) Also, if you are looking for skinny jeans that are slim at the ankle (and you have smaller calves) these are a good choice.

    Have you tried the UK shop, Evans? www.evans.co.uk. I have a skirt from there, and they have loads of pants in their online collection.

    I love Dorothy Perkins, and I have quite a few dressed from there. Another UK brand. They top out around US 20. Dresses are cut for a more hourglass shape. www.dorothyperkins.uk.co

    [My body shape is pear w/ a large chest. I wear 18-20, but have narrower shoulders)
  • Tiffanydepiano
    Tiffanydepiano Posts: 169 Member
    OOhhh, Love Torrid!
  • healthybabs
    healthybabs Posts: 600 Member
    The timing of your post is perfect. Sounds like you are looking for some professional women's duds? I shop Macy's for my work clothes, great tailored suits and other casual clothes. They have a good selection of bras in all sizes, but if you can't find a bra there that works for you, DO have them at least measure you so although you think you know your current bra size, if you haven't been measured, it is time to do that. If they still don't have any in the store that fit you, I could go to www.jms.com (Just My Size) They have fantastic variety for all shapes and sizes. Macy's will also have someone help to put things together for you. We are having Macy's come to our office this week. They are doing a presentation on what types of clothes women can select that are in the process of losing weight so you get alot of wear thru a couple of sizes quite easily. Great timing. They had to move it to the auditiorium since the response was so huge!
    If you have Nordstrom where you live, they also have a personal shopper that can assist and they have a wonderful women's department. I go for the higher end stores for my professional wear. For casual wear, I am a Target girl or online at LLBean. Time to step away from the men's jeans, you can get great women's clothes in your size now!
  • andreae13
    andreae13 Posts: 239 Member
    My favorite store is Torrid!!! They have a pretty large variety of styles. I like their jean because they sit lower in the waist...I always feel like LB pants go up to my arm pits. I'm a large chested girl as well and Torrid fitted tops tend to run a bit small but their stretchy stuff works great! There's a store in the Northgate mall...and one in Southcenter, I think. Good luck!
  • ResilientWoman
    ResilientWoman Posts: 440 Member
    Funny how I ask my MFP peeps before Google-ing these days. You are all the best! Thanks!
  • fiberartist219
    fiberartist219 Posts: 1,865 Member
    If you're least willing to pay more for you clothes, Nordstrom has personal shopping which is entirely free and a wonderful resource. I believe you can either do a phone consult upfront or meet with a personal shopper ahead of time to discuss your body, your style, your budget, etc. Then, when you come in to shop they've already pulled multiple items that they think will work and if those initial items don't work, you have someone who knows the entire inventory of the store helping you find additional items.

    Obviously, Nordies tends to be pricier but the clothing is generally high quality. I don't think that finding the female equivalent of a beautifully tailored Italian suit would be too big a challenge at a store like Nordstrom.

    Good luck!

    I'm not for certain, but I think you can get your clothes altered there too. If you have trouble fitting your curves and muscles, a good tailor can be your best friend. This is especially true if you like to wear high powered, structured clothing.

    I wear a lot of flowy tops because they are forgiving, and I'm busty like you are. However, that doesn't go well with the butch theme. I actually try to avoid the butch theme, because I have been severely made fun of for my Birkenstocks and manly winter boots. :) I still wear them, but I try to mix them up with girly clothes.
  • nz_deevaa
    nz_deevaa Posts: 12,209 Member
    I never wore dresses either, but since I discovered that it was ok to wear leggings under them, I'm all in. LOL.

    However, I buy a lot of tops from Kiyonna Clothing online, in particular I have this shirt in 3 colours:

    http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-size-clothing/Tops09/28101801

    I wear them with trousers from an Australian plus size brand called 'Taking Shape':

    http://www.ts14plus.com.au/Shop_Collection/Shop_By_Category/Pants.htm/

    I know the tops are 'a bit' girlie, but you've got a whole bunch of curves coming out, flaunt them :)

    (By the way, by bra size is 20 F, I think that converts to 42 G US, and I don't have any problems with the neckline being too low).
  • Aurelina
    Aurelina Posts: 197 Member
    I recall feeling oddly sad to melt my way out of Lane Bryant 'cause the staff in any part of the country were always so damn helpful and kind. Torrid staff too. I got a pair of good jeans at Torrid long ago. LB had lots of good sales on t-shirts and bras.

    Right now I got to Nordstrom Rack as I melt my way through nice jeans. They have lots of styles in larger sizes and the mark downs are pretty good, occasionally great. There's one in Lynnwood and there's a Target not far away. Target has been great too. Good stuff on the clearance racks.
  • jadedone
    jadedone Posts: 2,446 Member
    For any of you DDD+, try Figleaves.com for Bras. They have a big selection of bras and some styles even go up to K.
    I am a very annoying 36H/38G (LB/Torrid doesn't carry my size, apparently they don't think it is possible to be a 34 or 36 with a G. :P I also find I need to go down a band in LB so i am SOL)

    Anyway, Figleaves is based in the UK, but they handle returns through a distribution center in the US.

    Check it out! (They even have sizes like 28F and other rare ones.)
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