When you're ready, you'll buy. That has ALWAYS been my problem, not knowing how to dress. I always bought and wore plus sized clothes the majority of my life. I utilized a personal shopper, the service was free depending on the store.

by PAPERBACKNOVEL

Nicole you are so cute. Many people would LOVE to have your problem. You look simply MAHvelous. I would suggest (at some point) going to a very good clothing store and have someone assess your body and what looks good on you. The finer stores will have sales people who KNOW what will work with your body type. You don't to buy anything but you can try on clothes and begin to get an idea of what works. I used to shop in a boutique in the East and the woman there was amazing. I'd look at stuff on the rack and then "oh no" - she pull it and tell me to put it on and I'd be stunned. There are people who are trained in this. One good session will work wonders. The cheap clothing stores just hire people to ring up sales and they won't be as skilled unless you get very lucky. Good luck and enjoy - it's a whole new adventure for you now!

by ICANDOIT7

i am so with you right now! shopping has become a chore. i feel like i want to go buy something but i go and get discouraged because i don't want to spend anymore money and it's work! my chest has also (and is still) shrunk/shrinking! i was a fool and bought about 4 VS bras in 36D and I am sure I am now a C going on B. grrrrr. OH, and yes, the excess skin... awful! i am pretty sure i am going to soon have to start rolling them up like blinds!

by RAEANNESISSON

That is a great problem to have! Might I suggest a nice resale shop? That's the route I'm taking until I'm where I want to be.

by MENOKEO

Everytime I go home, I go to suzy shier. Cheap clothing, will get me through for a few months, and fairly trendy. But I hear you - Other than those few pants I bought the other day, I'm trying so hard not to do any other shopping until the end of summer when I know what size I'm going to be.

by HAPPYNSWEET77CHI

Thanks everyone! Up until now I've loved having a reason to buy clothes... but I guess with the heat wave that hit the city and realizing I have NO summer clothes and having to shop in a hurry and then seeing that I don't even know how to dress for THIS body cause I don't really know what this body looks like... is freaking me out! :afraid4:

It's weird not knowing what you look like! I'm figuring out I'm much more "boy" shaped and athletic looking than I ever though I looked. I'm used to looking for clothes that are roomy in the hips, skirts that flare out, shirts that flow (to hide my belly) and WIDE sleeves, nothing sleeveless.

Now I have to throw those rules out the window and create new ones.

It's weird getting to know this new person I am and look like! :$

by PLATEOFSTARS

Not a bad issue to have if you ask me. It is much better than the alternative...not having anything that fits you because your too heavy. I envy you girl!! It might just take some time to figure out which stuff looks good on your new shape. You look amazing! Pretty soon, once you figure out just how many styles you can fit into that you couldn't before, you will be loving shopping again.

by TNYBUBBLZ

I just ran over to Volunteers of America (or you could go to Good Will, or Salvation Army) and got 6 pairs of shorts for less than $17.00. I also discovered that they have a much better selection in smaller sizes than they do in bigger ones. If you need some quick solutions while you are figuring out your long term shopping plan, it might be an option!

by VANRIPED

I think what you described for clothes is still more than what I own that fit right now. All I have are a couple of pair of exercise pants and tank tops and a sports bra.

Shopping will come back to you. You just need to see this as a new adventure and take the time to try different styles on your body instead of just hovering to things you like.

As much as I loathe fashion magazines and the like, they usually have some basic advice on how to dress for your body type. I know my local Barnes and Noble has a section devoted to "Beauty" which entails fashion, makeup, and that sort of compilation books. So, maybe going to B&N, grabbing a few promising books and sitting in their cafe sipping a cappuccino while scanning them might be a good use of time.

I happen to own one such book and I can dig it up and transcribe the info if you are interested. Just let me know

Good Luck,
Rinn

by RINGAROUNDRINN

pictures! Seriously, try a personal shopper at one of the bigger stores.

by RICK6003

Well I'd say to make it more fun, take a couple of friends who's tastes you trust and have them pick out all the outfits. Try them on and let your friends tell you which ones to buy ... then do it! Kind of like a grown-up version of playing dress up. :)

by THORNEAPPLE

Hmmm...I have the desire to play the world's tiniest violin for you. (Boo-hoo, you're too skinny!) =D

But I'll refrain (kind of, hehe) and instead tell you that's not such a bad problem to have. You'll learn how to shop again! I so look forward to the day I reach my goal and can refill my closet with clothes I love!

by ICEDINOGIRL