Clothes Shopping

I NEED TO PREFACE THIS WITH THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: There is to be NO regarding my clothing size. You may find it that I'm what I am but it doesn't matter what size you are. I have a harder time finding clothes to fit now then when I was a size 24W. So please, if it offends you that I'm complaining - DONT READ THIS MESSAGE!!!!! OK - I need some advice on shopping for clothes! First of all I wouldn't know fashion if it came up and bit me in the nose!!! I have no clue what to buy, or where to buy it from. So far, I've done WalMart and JCPenny. WalMart smallest is a 4 and they hardly carry those, they're a tad too big and the only alternative is Junior sizes which I KNOW I don't like the styles. (I don't do shirts with sayings on them and jeans that are painted on my body). Next stop, JCPenny - now here I can find jeans alright (still have to get size 4 and they're still big in the waste inorder for them to fit my big thighs) but I don't know what kinds of outfits to shop for. I need dressy casual clothes (no jeans). I go to a lot of Mary Kay functions and they're either dressy casual or our business attire (which I already have). I do have a brown leather coat that dh bought me for mothers day!!! It's the nicest thing I own. I'm always cold so I need layers or an option to wear a sweater. So, if you find anything that I might like or a place to shop to look PLEASE let me know. I'm going on a MK weekend trip the 19th and dont have anything to wear!!!

Do you have a Petite Sophisticate nearby? Chadwicks has petite 2s and 4s... Many stores will carry the smaller sizes online.... Maybe if you find something you like at Penny's, Sears, etc but it's a bit too big you can see if they have the next size smaller online... Also might try the little boutique-type stores near you. No flames from me. As much as I would like to say I'm a 4, just to say I was, I'm flirting in and out of 6s and even have a hard time finding those sometimes...

Frankly some of the current clothing choices look like stuff that came from the rag bin. I saw a young lady at work yesterday who although in the height of style, was dressed very much like the very poor in Apalachia in the late 60's when I was there. Have you taken a look at your local thrift or consignment stores? I live in an area that supports what is called the White Elephant - a thrift store that donates all its proceeds to our local charities. The women who move here (this is a retirement community) bring their really wonderful clothes and then discover that since all they do is play golf and bridge they have no use for the Chanel suits or Oleg Cassini dresses and donate them to the elephant where I buy them for a couple dollars. I have had fabulous luck - particularly in the smaller sizes. As we well know, women who wear size 4 - 6 are not nearly so hard on their clothing as those who wear 28's! I know that because my size 28's were rags by the time I had surgery. In any event, my entire wardrobe, including belts, shoes and handbags comes from the elephant. I have called it "renting my clothes". I bought size 14 - wore them for a month or so then donated them back and got 12's, etc., down to my current size 4 to 6. I buy my underthings at Ross or WalMart - but only my husband sees those. Truthfully there have been some clothes that I really loved, but shrunk out of too quickly to really enjoy! I am probably a good bit older than you - at age 56 I'm a grandma many times over - but like you I love being the sexiest grandma in Green Valley. Hope this helps - Mom Bear

Laurie, I know exactly what you're talking about. I need a 4, sometimes a 6 and sometimes a 2. And are those ever hard to find. I don't know exactly how someone my weight can stuff themself into a size 2 and have it fit, but I can and do. I haven't even had a tummy tuck yet. I am afraid I won't be able to find anything to wear if I do have a tummy tuck. My only advice is to not totally discount the junior's department. Not all of their stuff is too young. And if you buy your pants with a slightly lower rise, they'll fit better both on your butt and your hips than if you try to fit your waist. Sizes are a little different in the junior's department, so make sure to try it on before you buy. I think I wear anywhere from a 3 to a 7 in Juniors. Also, look for a brand that fits you well and stick with it. Go to Goodwill and troll the aisles. I have a fabulous Tommy outfit that I got there for 8 bucks! And it's a good place to try something you might normally try, because the prices are so affordable. You just have to try, try and try again, lol. Good luck, Sonja