New birthday dress; shopping frustration

Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version
on 8/25/12 10:28 am, edited 8/25/12 3:30 am - OH

I dont have many dresses that are more summery and don't require hose and heels, so I decided to buy myself a new dress to wear tonight for my birthday dinner.

The first two stores that I went to had only two kinds of dresses: full length (either formal or very casual maxi's) or ones that stop well above the knee. Neither of which are appropriate for my body, what I wanted, or for where I work. The third store had only short dresses (again, above the knee) in ugly prints, weird styling, or very cheap-feeling polyester blends. WTH?!? How about some dresses in normal solid colors or attractive prints in a decent fabric that cover the knees?!? LOTS of women don't want to show their knees and thighs!!

I finally went to Macy's and finally found some acceptable designer dresses to try on. All three of them were more expensive than I would have liked (and NOT on sale), but by this time, I was on a mission! I found a nice Calvin Klein dress, but I had to go up to a size 16 to get it fit my chest properly!!! I am used to sometimes having to get a 14 to fit my bustline, but a 16? Oh, no, no, no...

So, I found a Ralph Lauren dress in a nice print that hits just below the knee. It fis sleeveless, with a low V-neck (and a shallower V on the back), and fitted all over in a stretch fabric. It is figure skimming, though, so it shows how really huge my chest is, especially compared to my flat tummy... which makes me a bit self-conscious. I am, however, going to wear it anyway.I will try to get someone to take a couple of pictures tonight. Maybe, just for Paul, I will take a bathroom picture of it myself, LOL!
Where we are going is supposed to be a surprise, but I strongly suspect that we are going to drive 1.5 hours to Columbus to go to Ruth's Chris. That's where I had my last dinner before I had my RNY almost exactly 5 years ago.

Lora

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

Zeigled
on 8/25/12 10:34 am - Parkton, MD

RNY on 07/20/11

You might have to focus on skirts and tops instead of dresses given the significant size difference from the top to bottom :-).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - have a great time tonight!

HW 357 SW 341

wendydettmer
on 8/25/12 10:38 am - Rochester, NY

RNY on 12/22/11

I can't wait to see pictures!

I still find shopping a tough overwhelming, although since i only have 3 pairs of pants that fit me, i need to get over it lol. I hope you have a great birthday dinner!

Follow my vegan transition at www.bariatricvegan.com
HW:288 CW:146.4 GW: 140 RNY: 12/22/11

KathyS28
on 8/25/12 10:44 am - MA

Happy Birthday, have a fabulous time!

Linda B.
on 8/25/12 11:00 am

RNY on 06/06/12

Big chest and flat stomach sounds like a nice problem to have!! I think some of the finer stores like Macy's, Dillards, Nordstroms etc sizes run smaller than stores like Avenue, Walmart etc. I just bought some clothes this past week got a size 14/16 at Walmart and 1x and 2x at Dillards. Have a great birthday!!

Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version
on 8/25/12 12:08 pm - OH

RNY on 08/27/07

Yes, I have found that some designers are NOT doing the vanity sizing. Calvin Klein would be one of those, apparently. I routinely buy size 10 skirts and size 12 suits/dresses from Evan Picone, so having to go to a 16 for the CK dress was a shock. Even the one Michael Kors skirt I have (got it for 70% off, otherwise could never have afforded it!) is a 12, for Heaven's sake!

A big chest and flat stomach is one thing... an enormous chest and flat stomach is another... But, yes, I know many women who think they would like to have that problem. I have been self-conscious about my chest ever since I got teased by the boys in 4th and 5th grade when I started developing WAY before the other girls.

Lora

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

Linda B.
on 8/25/12 1:00 pm

RNY on 06/06/12

Yup, too much is just too much. I had a friend who was really, really large breasted and suffered through grammer and high school because of it. She eventually had a reduction and went to a size 'A' cup--drastic change but she was tired of it. Once again--Have a great birthday.

nfarris79
on 8/25/12 4:44 pm - Germantown, MD

RNY on 04/13/11

I think some designers are going for "kill-your-self-esteem" sizing, instead of vanity sizing. Despite the frustration, I hope you have a happy birthday!!!!

First ultra: Stone Mill 50 miler 11/15/14 13:44:38, First Full Marathon: Marine Corps 10/27/13 4:57:11, Half Marathon PR 2:04:43 at Shamrock VA Beach Half-Marathon, 12/2/12 First Half-Marathon 2:32:47, 5K PR Run Under the Lights 5K 27:23 on 11/23/13, 10K PR 52:53 Pike's Peek 10K 4/21/13, (1st timed run) Accumen 8K 51:09 10/14/12.