msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Mar 26, 2016 13:20:33 GMT
I have the twin skin too, so I know what you're up against. For a casual top, you might do well to look at the short little dresses in a junior's plus store. They look cute with a pair of jeans and some heels, and they're long enough to hide what you want to hide.
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
Jun 26, 2014 16:09:34 GMT
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Post by brandy327 on Mar 26, 2016 13:32:47 GMT
Pinterest, that's how I do it. I can't get dressed without it. I'm a very casual dresser - ripped jeans, half tucked in baggy top, Converse, jewelry. Pinterest taught me everything I know Seriously. I have an entire board of clothing that I like and I've gone out and bought the pieces I didn't have to put together the looks. I only do casual so it's helped tremendously with putting stuff together. As far as the belly skin, girl you're singing my song. With the weight I've lost, I have LOTS of excess skin in the belly area. It's proving to be a challenge to find pants that fit right. I'm 5'6" so I'm a bit taller but I've found great jeans at American Eagle. I have to buy the super stretch ones though otherwise what fits across my excess skin is too big in the waist.
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Post by SabrinaM on Mar 26, 2016 14:52:26 GMT
I have lost 180# with WLS and have a lot of excess skin.
I wear shapewear. I wear a bodysuit and sometimes a cami. I spend a bit on each piece, but it's worth it!
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
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Post by StephDRebel on Mar 26, 2016 14:56:14 GMT
I have lost 180# with WLS and have a lot of excess skin. I wear shapewear. I wear a bodysuit and sometimes a cami. I spend a bit on each piece, but it's worth it! I wear a cami, control top britches, and a bust minimizer every day. Do you have a fave brand?
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Post by anxiousmom on Mar 26, 2016 15:17:24 GMT
I am probably not one to ask. I am so helplessly uncool that I am reasonably sure that no one wants to be me. I wear capri w/cuff jeans (like boyfriend jeans,) with a tee and a light cardigan (it gets really cold inside most buildings to me) and flip flops or converse tennis shoes. If I am going to be outside, generally I go with some kind of sleeveless thing or another. I am fluffy, flappy and almost 50. There are days that it is warm enough that even I think sleeves are a no go and I figure that as long as I shave my arm pits, people can make whatever judgments about my arms that they want. I am also a big fan of jjill. They seem to be fairly reflective of my style most of the time-at least when they aren't veering off into resort wear for the summer.
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Post by SabrinaM on Mar 26, 2016 15:22:35 GMT
I have lost 180# with WLS and have a lot of excess skin. I wear shapewear. I wear a bodysuit and sometimes a cami. I spend a bit on each piece, but it's worth it! I wear a cami, control top britches, and a bust minimizer every day. Do you have a fave brand? www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0055X1NQ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?qid=1459005525&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=flexees+body+shaperOn my phone, so I'm not sure how this link will work. I get mine at WM, Target or Kohls. I wear them every single day and they do lose elasticity after a while and don't seem to hold me in as well. So, I buy a smaller size down. In the beginning it's really snug, but isn't uncomfortable at all. I love the flat straps of this romper, too. They don't dig into my shoulders like others do.
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Post by myshelly on Mar 26, 2016 15:28:18 GMT
My advice would be
Don't get stuck on jeans.
Casual doesn't have to equal jeans. If you don't like them don't wear them. I almost never wear jeans.
Build on what looks good in your professional wardrobe for your casual wardrobe.
Do you enjoy the one piece ease of dresses? Try summer dresses from Old Navy, Target, NYandCo. Try maxi dresses.
Do pencil skirts look good on you? Choose a less structured pencil skirt in a stretchy material for casual wear.
Love wide leg trousers? Try palazzo pants.
One of my favorite places to shop is The Zig Zag Stripe. And then they have a FB site where women share outfits using ZZS pieces so you can be inspired to mix and match them.
I just hate the mindset of casual equals jeans. Today I'm running errands trying to get Easter baskets together and my outfit is a cute skirt. This IS my casual.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 0:01:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2016 16:30:01 GMT
Interesting thread! I know this isn't for the OP, but someone might be interested.
When I retired, after wearing scrubs and PJs every day for 50 years, I had a hard time deciding what to wear every morning. I went though my closet (took all day) and found I had mostly Jeans and Kackies. So I got rid of everything else. I wear jeans and a white shirt or kackies and a solid black shirt every day. I still have some solid colored shirts that I am wearing, too, but will phase them out. It is so much easier!
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Shel
Full Member
Posts: 408
Jul 16, 2014 0:32:12 GMT
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Post by Shel on Mar 26, 2016 16:31:02 GMT
Now that I'm no longer in the work force I dress casually most of the time. 95% of my wardrobe is from Eddie Bauer! They have great options including skirts and dresses. I also really like that their sizing is consistent so i order online most of the time.
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Post by apeacalledliz on Mar 26, 2016 16:46:53 GMT
Have you tried doing the Capsule Wardrobe? It's easy and once you find bottoms you like, you mix and match so you don't need a ton of pieces. The first thing you should do is find a couple different bottoms that you like, I am a chunky girl and I love Maurices stretchy skinny jeans, the cheapo ones 30-40 a pair. They fit well with just enough stretch in the waist to be comfortable but not enough to fall down. I like Curves and Chaos, she has some great ideas for plus size fashion, not to mention she is a really amazing person. I shot a wedding this summer that she was in and she was just the nicest woman, super stylish with an ease about her.
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Post by joblackford on Mar 26, 2016 16:53:56 GMT
One of the best blogs I have seen for dressing a curvy figure is www.wardrobeoxygen.com/She helps people out with designing capsule wardrobes and has lots of great posts. She recommends a belt that I have found amazing - Beltaway (or Invisibelt) is an adjustable flat nylon elastic belt that will cinch in your pants at the waist without leaving a big belt lump over the button, and you adjust it anytime without taking it off (ie I let it out when I sit down for a big meal). It makes a huge difference to the fit of certain jeans I love but can't afford to have altered. Alterations is the other big thing- on those "what to wear" type shows they buy all the "after" looks off the rack in whatever size fits the BIGGEST part of the person's body and then they tailor the rest of it to fit perfectly. Most of us can't afford to do that with our everyday clothes, but it's something to keep in mind. Also, bridgetteraes.com/ does styling/wardrobe consultation by email and skype. One of the bloggers I used to follow had a consultation with her and learned a lot. And www.puttingmetogether.com/ is fabulous for smart casual mix&match stuff. And she shops mostly at Target and other accessible places. I love her posts on building a remixable wardrobe. Good luck!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 0:01:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2016 17:02:44 GMT
I, too, am marking my spot so I can find it when I'm on my laptop. I agree with Eddie Bauer, JJill, and I like a few things from talbots. I have trouble with accessories. I'm just not good with picking them out. I like the Gap 1969 skinny jeans & wear them all year round. They have the right amount of stretch. I'm 5'3" & not overweight so much as I have the apple shape. So I look for tops that help hide my middle.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 0:01:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2016 17:07:08 GMT
I dress casually almost all the time, I live in jeans, mostly skinny ones but I have some straight cut ones as well. I like to dress up my jeans with pretty tops and jackets (jackets are my weakness!) funky shoes and scarves. Once you find the basic pieces that give you an overall shape that you're happy with the details make all the difference.
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Post by lurkingsince2001 on Mar 26, 2016 17:15:37 GMT
Inside Out Style is a fellow busty gal and teaches a lot about neckline shape and discreet yet still flattering bust. She's also big on the whole dressing for your body shape.
Get Your Pretty On, who I've gotta admit I liked better before she wrote a book and turned into a business for her, does have great casual elegance and style.
You Look Fab is where I learned that even short, chubby girls can wear leggings or jeggings with boots and a tunic and pull it off with style. Lurking there is also what made me embrace the all important third piece. That and a few accessories were the magic my wardrobe had been missing.
Pinterest is always a good resource as well.
If any of these blogs don't help, google What I Wore Wednesdays. It's a compilation of submissions from individual's blogs showing off their style. Find someone whose you like and it'll link to their blog and off you go into the rabbit hole.
Good luck! And please report back on whatever you find so we can check it out ourselves!
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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on Mar 26, 2016 17:32:00 GMT
I wear leggings and long tops.
I have the same kind of weird tummy. I have lost almost 100 pounds and I am always trying to get clothes to fit. My daughter and I went shopping the other day and I got some tank tops and longer tops and a couple sleeveless long sweater type shirts so I can layer with the tank tops and longer tops and the sweaters. I was freezing since we moved from Medford.
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
Jun 26, 2014 20:10:29 GMT
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Post by raindancer on Mar 26, 2016 18:15:59 GMT
Check out alison with get your pretty on. I cannot recommend this enough and the fb group alone is so helpful it's amazing. Let me know if you want details. We are nearly identical in size (not so much the bra size. ) The spring style chalenge starts April 10th so it's perfect timing! I would love details! Well it seems like a lot of money upfront for nothing but a shopping list and some outfits. But I found that is so much more than that once I bit the bullet and decided jeans and t-shirts weren't working any more. It's a community of uplifting women, I've even met two of them in person and had ready made friends when I moved to Raleigh sight unseen without a friend in the world here. The Facebook group is where everyone interacts daily, shares photos from the dressing room of stores asking for opinions and "Which one should I go with " and "Do these pants look flattering on me?" with honest and kind answers. It's like no other group of women I have ever been a part of. I have seen nothing catty, nothing rude, no spin off groups to be nasty about others behind their backs. There are tall women looking for help finding long inseams and short girls looking for petites. There are plus size and size 00. There are women who are in their 70s and girls in their 20s.The support, the pictures, the insight, the suggestions, the enabling to sales, is worth more than any amount you might pay. Plus each season Alison builds upon the list from pieces you already have, so the first one you shop a bit more and then after that you work a few new things into the old. And having pictures for each outfit, and substitution ideas for dressing it up or down is so helpful. Don't think you will ever wear a nave blazer? Sub in a navy cardigan. Live in Texas? get a short sleeved version. Live in Canada? Add a pair of leggings. It's great. There are affiliates, but I am not one. I just feel like the network of women is incredible and that the kindness Alison and her team extends is fantastic. And it just stays at that same tone. Lots of previous challengers have moved on and are now a part of different group who use what she taught them, pinterest, etc. to build their own styles and it's also a great group, but you have to be an alum from at least one challenge to be invited. So if you want to just spring for one time, then you can be in the other free group for more great ideas, tips, and friendships. Many of us overlap on both groups, including a couple of her staff.
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
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Post by StephDRebel on Mar 26, 2016 18:25:34 GMT
I've got time in the airport this week, I'll be digging through all of your suggestions. Off to soma today. I realized I broke all but one bra last week and dh is making me buy new under britches... Why are panties Shi dang expensive? Ugh.
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Post by Zee on Mar 26, 2016 19:38:17 GMT
I have lost 180# with WLS and have a lot of excess skin. I wear shapewear. I wear a bodysuit and sometimes a cami. I spend a bit on each piece, but it's worth it! I wear a cami, control top britches, and a bust minimizer every day. Do you have a fave brand? I'll go you one better...I'm in love with my new waist trainer (faja). I've never looked better. I'm not that large but I swear this mom pouch is the bane of my existence. Not even an issue anymore and my back feels wonderful (actually the main reason I got it). I thought it would be really uncomfortable to be trussed up every day but it's not. I got mine on Amazon, Colombian made, for just under $40. Figured I wasn't out much if I didn't like it, and I'm happy to report that I love it.
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
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Post by StephDRebel on Mar 26, 2016 20:27:19 GMT
I wear a cami, control top britches, and a bust minimizer every day. Do you have a fave brand? I'll go you one better...I'm in love with my new waist trainer (faja). I've never looked better. I'm not that large but I swear this mom pouch is the bane of my existence. Not even an issue anymore and my back feels wonderful (actually the main reason I got it). I thought it would be really uncomfortable to be trussed up every day but it's not. I got mine on Amazon, Colombian made, for just under $40. Figured I wasn't out much if I didn't like it, and I'm happy to report that I love it. Can you post a link? Take all of my money and truss me up like a thanksgiving turkey!
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Post by meridon on Mar 26, 2016 20:56:33 GMT
Look on pinterest for capsule wardrobe ideas. Also, I agree with what a lot of other people have said that you need to basically make a uniform for yourself. Mine is skinny jeans, t-shirt & cardigan (if it's cool or I'll be in freezing A/C), and scarf or statement necklace. Ballet flats or boots in the winter and sandals or wedges in the summer. A variation on this is what I wear 70% of the time. I also wear leggings or tights with boots and dresses a lot in the winter. I'm a teacher, so my workplace is pretty casual and I can get away with jeans at work as long as I dress them up and they don't have holes or rhinestones or anything crazy.
I keep a pinterest board going of things I want to shop for each season to add to my "uniform" to update it for that particular season..so it might be new jeans with a different cut or a longer or shorter hem length for the layering piece under my cardi, etc. depending on what the style trends are for that season.
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Post by Zee on Mar 26, 2016 21:11:39 GMT
I'll go you one better...I'm in love with my new waist trainer (faja). I've never looked better. I'm not that large but I swear this mom pouch is the bane of my existence. Not even an issue anymore and my back feels wonderful (actually the main reason I got it). I thought it would be really uncomfortable to be trussed up every day but it's not. I got mine on Amazon, Colombian made, for just under $40. Figured I wasn't out much if I didn't like it, and I'm happy to report that I love it. Can you post a link? Take all of my money and truss me up like a thanksgiving turkey! Having trouble linking from my phone, but if you search Ursula Waist Trainer, that's the one I ordered. In black. I got the long torso because I wanted the extra back support, though I don't have a long torso. Just be sure you measure your waist and follow their ordering guidelines to get the right size. And be prepared for it to feel like you're never going to get it all strapped in the first time--took me ten minutes to get all the little hooks and eyes done up, lying on my bed panting and swearing, lol. Now it takes me five. It's not easy but once it's on I keep it on for hours, all day. It says not to wash it, just wipe, but I wear it to work out so that's not an option. I wash it alone on the delicate cycle and hang to dry. Or, hand wash. It's latex and steel boning but all is encased in a fabric lining so there isn't rubber or metal on your bare skin. Maybe you won't love it as much as Kim Kardashian and I do but they're pretty cheap so it's worth a shot!
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Post by gritzi on Mar 26, 2016 21:34:29 GMT
Cabi & WHBM are my go to brands.
Stitch Fix might be a fun option, although I think it's hit or miss. Watch YouTube Stitch Fix unboxing vidoes and find those whose clothing you like. If you decide to join Stitch Fix request their stylist.
Trunk Club is another subscription choice that I would love to try sometime. If I understand it's affiliated w/Nordstrom. The stylist will email or call you as a "get to know". The stylist will then create a box of 15 items to send. It can be all clothing, or a mixture of clothing, shoes and/or jewelry. There's no fee for Trunk Club. I have read that you can request a certain price point w/your stylist. If not, you might receive one shirt at 48, a jacket at $98 and jeans at $268.
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M in Carolina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,128
Jun 29, 2014 12:11:41 GMT
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Post by M in Carolina on Mar 26, 2016 21:52:55 GMT
I also love J Jill. I wish I had gotten more of their scoop neck 3/4 sleeve tees that they had 2 years ago--a thicker knit with a wider edging on the neck and the sleeves and more curvy on the sides. I only bought a white one and a black one. --If you find a tee you LOVE buy a couple in white and other basics--I don't wear that much black because I look better in chocolate brown and navy. I adore J Jill's authentic "skinny" jeans. They're more like straight leg jeans--don't taper at the ankles and fit my curvy hips, thighs and lack of butt. I wear a 14 and have a lower tummy bulge and large bust--38 DD. They also have just enough lycra to keep from bagging from multiple wears. I only wear my jeans for a couple hours a time once a week or so--I don't get out much. I also like Not Your Daughter's jeans and pants--they have flattening pants in the stomach and thighs. I had a hard time spending almost $100 on jeans, but not anymore since they're the most worn item in my wardrobe. Quality lasts. Jeans and tees are my "uniform". I like nice plain tees and dark wash jeans--I also have a pair of light grey jeans I love. I am looking for a great pair of white ones, but it's difficult to find a pair that doesn't show thigh dimples. I add variety with different scarves and cardigans--I'm also looking at sheer kimono type jackets for summer since seeing some cute ones on other women. I definitely think that tailoring will really help get a great fit. Kim Kardashian has all her pants tailored--buys them to fit her butt and hips and has them taken in for her tiny waist. Jennifer Aniston has her tees tailored which is why a man's v neck and baggy jeans looks so fabulous on her while we mere mortals look frumpy. I can't stand restrictive clothing on my abdomen, but I do like spandex camis that I found at Target. I bought one in nude, white, and black and wear under my tees. They hold in my swollen upper abdomen and poochy lower abdomen and give my figure a nice clean line. They also minimize my bust better. For underwear, I have a nude Mystere bra I found at Nordstrom's. It's an underwire t shirt bra with just a bit of lace on the thicker straps . It reminds me of the viking armour from a Wagner opera--"Ride of the Valkryies", but it makes my boobs look amazing. (taking it off at night is like that waa-waa noise--poor things are stretched and gravity is taking it's tole.) I don't have white underwear. I wear nude and black. I love boyshorts and hipsters. I've found some I like from Amazon and TJ Maxx/Marshall's--I have a couple pairs of Izod boyshorts I love. I saw these cool lacy boyshorts called Foxers which are $$ but so cute! My undies last longer because I'm post menopausal so don't have to worry about the red tide destroying my favourite pair. I used to like some undies from Victoria's Secret, but they're quality has really gone down hill as has GAP. I'm also going through my wardrobe and seriously editing--I have so much stuff that I never wear/doesn't fit anymore/was from a previous life. I don't want to haul it all in another move so I'm donating most of it, have a few things to give to a few friends, and am consigning/selling on Ebay the nicer pieces. Congrats on your weight loss! I'm losing weight slowly. The extra skin is so irritating. I have bat wing arms--my biceps are amazingly defined (side effect of MS spacitity) but the underarms has thick, flabby skin and exercising just makes my muscles cramp. I just wear 3/4 length sleeves. I'm also getting a serger and will make my own knit shirts. I did a sweatshirt and tee in my college sewing class, and they turned out very well. Mood has some amazing knits and with the perfect pattern I could make some much nicer quality tees and even pretty camis and pj pants. I also want to make some real silk slips and camis.
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Post by freecharlie on Mar 26, 2016 22:30:08 GMT
I have the twin skin too, so I know what you're up against. For a casual top, you might do well to look at the short little dresses in a junior's plus store. They look cute with a pair of jeans and some heels, and they're long enough to hide what you want to hide. I might need to try this. What is a junior plus store?
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
Jun 25, 2014 20:45:00 GMT
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Post by melissa on Mar 27, 2016 18:07:23 GMT
Start by googling "body type calculator." Take your measurements and see what your body type actually is. I was surprised to find I am actually an inverted triangle and not an apple, like I had thought. Just looking at similar pages and then finding blogs by people with similar body types has been helping me. I started looking at these things recently because I've started sewing my own clothing. I've learned there are things I actually can wear if they are made to fit me. <slight hijack by a short, overweight 50-something year old who doesn't like most of her wardrobe either>
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AnotherPea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,968
Jan 4, 2015 1:47:52 GMT
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Post by AnotherPea on Mar 27, 2016 20:16:08 GMT
Loving all of these suggestions!
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Post by mikklynn on Mar 28, 2016 0:25:51 GMT
I also think layering dresses up a casual look. Add a little cardigan, a chunky necklace, a scarf...
I was loving JAG jeans, but they stopped making the ones I loved. I just bought a pair of Not Your Daughter's jeans. We'll see how they hold their shape.
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Post by Outspoken on Mar 28, 2016 0:41:59 GMT
I am a twin mom with skin, too. Actually I look like the Michelin man. I am 5'5", 42G bra. All of my weight is between my chest and hips. I find it hard to find clothes because I am between a 16/18 misses and a 16W. It's very depressing.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,969
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Mar 28, 2016 3:11:10 GMT
One of the most helpful threads ever!!!
Thanks to everyone for their great suggestions - because I need a change!!!
I also have some great new blogs to follow
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Post by epeanymous on Mar 28, 2016 3:19:01 GMT
I have three basic looks and I only buy casual clothes that fit one of them. Look #1 is "casual dress at about knee or a little above knee length, usually knit." In the winter, that is worn with tights or leggings; bare legs in the summer. Look #2 is "knit shirt with a-line shirt at about knee or a little above knee length." Long-sleeve T in the winter, short in the summer. Look # 3 is relatively new for me, which is a slim tunic with leggings, which is what I wear when I have to do things that are, yikes, active. I vary colors, textures, etc., but I just don't go off of those looks, which keeps my wardrobe manageable. I found when I was younger that when I would buy things I don't normally buy -- casual pants, e.g. -- I would never reach for them, so I just . . . stopped.
What I do is have a couple of things -- funky glasses, scarves, a really striking cardigan -- that I work in to that basic wardrobe to make outfits look pulled together. Those things tend to vary over the years without varying the basic outfits and style otherwise.
ETA: I have the twin skin too. It sucks. I am thin, but it makes it more difficult than it should be to get my clothes to feel comfortable.
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