clothing frustration - HELP!!!

Okay so I have a couple of weddings to attend this season. one is coming up quickly. I have been looking for the last couple of weeks for a dress. I can't find anything. Part of the problem is my own issues with my body but a lot of it is just cut, style and colors that are available right now. I need some shopping help here. I have tried most every where I can think of here in my city. I have tried the thrift stores. Give me your secret shopping spots please. I am in a size 10 (sometimes 8 sometimes 12), need sometihing a bit dressy (late afternoon, early evening weddings but not formal). Help me please I am begging. Courtney (very discouraged, slightly depressed)

Courtney, I don't know much about your style (I'm new here), but I'm a Talbot's shopper. I love their quality and service and the clothes you buy there are classic (but not old lady boring) yet still "on point" for style. It's pricey, but for a special occasion worth it, and you'll get lots of wear out of what you buy there. If Springfield is convenient to you, I highly suggest you try the Talbots Outlet (off Bland Street/Road). Their big warehouse sale begins later this month and they have great things CHEAP! I picked up a pair of trousers there that sell retail for $108 - I paid $32! Found a really nice $5 cardigan too. Just a thought. Also, since Macy's took over Hechts, I've had better luck there too - and there's always a sale or coupon in the paper - or on a good day, BOTH!! Good luck and enjoy the event! Chele PS - cross your fingers for me, please. I finished my 6 month supervised diet today (lost another 7lbs this month) and just called Dr. Anez's office to restart the insurance approval process.

Chele I think it must be a sign, you are the second person today to recommend the Talbot's outlet to me. I do usually have good luck with Macy's but the one in Manassas didn't have much. I am thinking I might have to go into Fair Oaks. Thanks for the suggestions. Courtney p.s. my fingers are crossed. I love Dr. A. and his staff.

Frustrating as this is for you Coutney remember the days when you were so overweight it did not matter what you bought you still felt fatter than everyone there ?- or at least I did - well no matter what you wear you will never feel like that again!!! Have you tried Dress barn, Macy's or Belks? They sometimes have some really nice outfits that may be suitable. Springfield Mall has some nice clothes shops in it and so does Potomac Mills too. I have to find 2 wedding outfits - for the next two weddings I have to go to this month and next - so I am struggling like you are too.... so wish me luck also! Jackie

Well see my brain just isn't catching up to my body. I still see that fat chick only now she has a roll of loose skin at her waist, and bubbly hips and saggy tata's that don't look right in anything. I am feeling just as miserable about myself right now as I did when I was fat. I did hit Dress Barn and Macy's, don't have a Belk here in Manassas. I am thinking I am going to have to drive over to Fair Oaks this weekend. I hope you have better luck than me on your shopping trips. Courtney

That's not your reflection in the mirror it's mine! I'm still the fat chick with the rolls, hips and boobs. C'mon girl, you are still on your journey to a new you. Tell yourself every day how far you have come. Praise your legs, arms or whatever part you like better then before. Dang, I've got great legs is my mantra. I love Talbots. I like to dress in classics. Take a girlfriend to help choose a dress. Or just remember we think you are great! Jen

Thanks Jen. I needed the pick me up. Courtney

Oh Courtney! You are sooo not the girl you used to be!! Please don't be miserable -think of how far you have come and the inspiration you have been and still are to so many! Sure things hang differentky but I bet you do not want to go back to how you were before..... Keep looking until you find the dress that makes you feel the beautiful girl you are............ I haven't started my trip yet but it needs to be this weekend or bust lol!! Jackie

Courtney- Have you tried Kohl's? I was there the other day and saw some cute dresses that weren't outrageously priced and could do a day into evening look. Also, what about a place like Fashion Bug (the misses side)? Sorry I can't be of more help.... Christina S

I tried the Kohls & Fashion Bug here but didn't have much of a selection at all. Maybe I just need to go to one of the bigger stores. Courtney