Hawaii clothing HELP

I'm dreading this, but I see much ordering/returning in my future, so I figure I'd better get started. We'll be going to Hawaii at the end of March (Maui/Kauai). I need pretty much EVERYTHING, as my clothes from last summer are 2 sizes too big. I'm hoping to get them to the point of being 3 sizes too big by the time of the trip, but we'll see.

Here's the deal.

I'm firmly in between a 14 and 16 these days. I hate being in between. 16 is too loose, 14 is too snug. (standard size, not women's 14/16).

Huge boobs. Last bra fitting had me at 38 EE. I really detest the "tent" look.

I don't love showing my arms, but after 6 months of pilates, I don't detest it, either.

I've got some Keens for hiking, but will need cute sandals, too.

I've got a lot of short sleeve t-shirts that fit or are just slightly too big (thank you Old Navy), but am looking for some pants, shorts, skirts, maybe a dress or two ...

[spotty_dog]

No fashion help but we just got back from Maui and man was it gorgeous. Where are you staying?

Way to go on the weight loss! I bought my whole vacation wardrobe before the trip too, mostly because my summer clothes were worn to nubbins, too small, and/or were maternity and I got rid of them. But I went with Sierra Trading Post and American Apparel, which I don't think is what you're asking about.

On Kauai we're staying at the Kaua'i Marriott Resort Kalapaki Beach, on Maui we're staying at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. We didn't have a lot of choice - it's all free (points). It looks like they're both lovely, and I have a friend who says the Maui one is really, really nice -- but honestly -- it's free. I'm happy.

[spotty_dog]

My brother in law was married near Wailea, so we were in that area circa 2001, but we didn't see much of South Maui on this trip. You should have great snorkeling and see plenty of sea turtles! (We didn't put a lot of thought into where we stayed either, just grabbed a great deal for a 2 br/2 ba condo via Travelocity -- turned out to be a winner! We were in West Maui.)

[PrincessFiona]

No sympathy. Hawaii. Waaah!

[Vanquisher]

No sympathy. Hawaii. Waaah!

Let's go, Kris. April?


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CLOTHES, people. CLOTHES.

[SuzySunshine]

Jenn, I'm not going to be helpful on specifics but I say just pick a site that has clothes you usually like and start ordering. If the 14 is snug but you hope to lose more weight before you leave then I would go with 14's anyway. Order a little of everything, including nice suits and cover-ups.

Or get a sitter for the day and head to Oak Park with a girlfriend that will be honest with you!

[oceanchild]

I'm built way differently from you, but my Hawaii attire last year was primarily flouncy skirts and camis. Usually over a swimsuit.

Jenn, I'm not going to be helpful on specifics but I say just pick a site that has clothes you usually like and start ordering.

The problem is, it's been about 12 years since I could shop anywhere that wasn't plus sized. I don't have favorite "regular" stores, nor do I normally dress in a beach-y kind of way.

I really don't like Oak Park. The only good store there is Nordstrom ...

[houseelf]

The fashionistas on the site are cringing because I'm about to step in with some advice.

Does Athleta have your size? I wore a few skorts on hikes and I was happy to be able to layer up and down. There was a huge temperatue variation. For night, I like things that pack well because lord knows I'm not ironing on vacation. I own several cotton sundresses that have a bit of lycra in them. Take a pair of sandals and voila, you can go anywhere. Hawaii is a bit more more casual than other places so you could get away going to a nicer restaurant in a cute sundress and sandals.

Oh yeah, take the sunscreen. Apply liberally. Don't forget your scalp. Trust me on this one.

The fashionistas on the site are cringing because I'm about to step in with some advice.

Does Athleta have your size? I wore a few skorts on hikes and I was happy to be able to layer up and down. There was a huge temperatue variation. For night, I like things that pack well because lord knows I'm not ironing on vacation. I own several cotton sundresses that have a bit of lycra in them. Take a pair of sandals and voila, you can go anywhere. Hawaii is a bit more more casual than other places so you could get away going to a nicer restaurant in a cute sundress and sandals.

Oh yeah, take the sunscreen. Apply liberally. Don't forget your scalp. Trust me on this one.

LOVE Athleta! In fact I ordered a dress and two skorts (don't worry fashionistas - they look like skirts ALL the way around, there are just shorts in case I forget I'm a lady or take a spill while hiking), and a shirt from there today. They're on ebates, you know.

[PrincessFiona]

Jenn, You might consider buying the larger size and then having it tailored to fit as you continue to lose. I imagine you have to tailor your tops anyway?

Just my .02 (ihatyouihateyouihateyouforgoingtohawaii). Congrats on the weight loss. I could not be happier for you. I know you have struggled, as have I, and I'm so happy for you.

Kris

[SuzySunshine]

I'm not much help - I like to get my casual clothes at Target and nicer stuff at Ann Taylor LOFT. I used to like New York & Co but they have gone more professional then casual. I also like the INC and Style & Co lines at Macy's.

[poky]

Hawaii is a bit more more casual than other places.

That's got to be the understatement of the week.

No help on the clothes, I'm afraid, sorry. I'm jealous, too; last time I was there was almost 10 years ago, now.