Shopping Spree!

Hello All! Is anyone else at a loss when it comes to personal style for clothing. I am 31 and I have been a fairly large woman since my son was born 12 years ago and I am down from 297 lbs. to 237 lbs. My mother has offered to take me on a shopping spree when I get down to 185 lbs. I am 5'10" tall so anything below 160 lbs. I look like a super model.. LOL My only problem with this is that I have lived in sweats and t-shirts for MANY YEARS! I do not want to dress too young and I am still young. What to do.?! Anyhow, has anyone else run into this problem? Any advice would be appreciated!

Hey, the "skinny" girls always flaunt themselves and I've seen not so skinny girls flaunting the flab in to tight clothes - so why shouldn't you treat yourself to somethng nice and sexy? Nothing wrong with that!!! And you deserve it cause you've worked for it!!! I want to be wearing some nice sexy (not to sexy though) clothes. Who cares? The important thing is that you feel about yourself!!

I have no idea how to dress myself. I don't know any other color but black and I have 2 pairs of jeans right now that are to big. Prior to surgery I didn't wear jeans. I asked my cousin what color shirt would match a skirt I had wanted to buy and with his advice I went back to the store, bought my skirt bought a shirt and I think I have something pretty nice to wear on Easter. But he isn't always available for shopping advice so I am slowly just trying to learn. I need a book or something, a personal stylist would be nice. Shannon

Hi Jennifer Congrats on your success so far! You are doing great! How awesome to be 5'10"! You get to eat more than us shorties, plus everything looks good on you. I don't claim to be a fashion expert but I LOVE shopping and have learned a few things. For one, Try on some fitted tops. This is sexy without being revealing. They don't have to be tight! But they shouldn't be at all smock-like or loose either. We have worn enough of that stuff to last a lifetime! Just cut to fit instead of big and boxy. I love bootcut jeans (slightly wider at the bottom... not bell bottom and not straight) I find that they balance out the bottom and make me look slimmer (the ones with a bit of stretch, but not too much are best.) I like fitted tops with cardigans alot, partly because I'm always cold, and partly because sweaters give me a portable security blanket when I'm not 100% comfortable in fitted clothes. I can take it off or put it on depending how I'm feeling. My biggest problem is that I gravitate to black tops and jeans, but I am trying to expand my horizons with a bit of color. In the summer, I plan to do cottony print skirts (to hide my belly sag ) with a more fitted t shirt and flip flops or slides. The best thing is really just to try on a bunch of stuff and see what you like! Ask a friend whose style you like to go with you. I forgot to notice where you live, but hey, if need be you can fly me out to be your shopping buddy!I'm here for ya! I'm a great bargain finder too But seriously, take some pics after your shopping spree and share them with us, I'd love to see what you find! Happy shopping! Love, Sue

Thank you all for the advise. I think while I am in Boston for a month I am going to hit Niemen Marcus(?) because I love their clothes and we do not have one up here in Maine. Sue, I would love to go shopping with you, but I'll have to look into a plane ticket.LOL Hey, thats another great thing! I could actually fit in a plane seat now not have to squeeze into it and have permanent hip dents the rest of the day where the arms were! Thanks for the advise though everyone! I appreciate it.

Hi Jennifer. I have found that I just try different things on to see what works for me. I dont buy too much because they dont seem to fit for long. I started at 190lbs. and I am down to 185lbs. 6 months post op. So anyway my size keeps changing. So far I have stuck to basics. I have kind of felt like you do as far as age goes.I am 32 and have been overweight for awhile. I like to try different shirts with simple black pants or skirts. I also like to wear tops that are more form fitting than loose. I find that loose shirts make me look heavier. I hope I have been some help. Heather

I'm "considerably" older than you (I'm 49) but I have on a pair or "crop pants" today for the first time in my life! I am very self-conscious, but all of my friends assure me that they are really cute!!! I have also been trying on lots of "all the way to the floor" dresses and I like the way they look! I've never really been a dress wearer, but these are cool and lightweight for summer. I buy almost all of my clothes at Goodwill or consignment stores or garage sales because I refuse to pay big prices for something I am only going to be able to wear for a month or so!! Good luck in your search!!! Hugs!!! Pam

Pam, Thats right summer will be here soon and this year I will be able to wear shorts in about 10 years and I'll be able to swim in my mothers pool in a swim suit. Go figure. I always wore a pair of long shorts and t-shirts. YEAH! Now I am excited. I love long dresses for summertime. I may even get away with a short dress for summer. I love goodwill and I do shop there, but my Mom is taking me on a shopping spree, so she wants to do me up right with some new things. I never buy expensive things for myself. Jenn