Hawaii clothing HELP

[Sheherezade]

"Forgiving" fashion places: Boden, J.Jill, Coldwater Creek, Athleta and Title Nine.....

I was actually blown away that their was significant vanity sizing at Anthropologie. Because there is NO WAY that I'm a size 8. But I love them for thinking it....

[oceanchild]

Land's End? You can try their stuff on at some Sear's stores.

[Deebs]

I think we're about the same body type, same bra size. It is really hard to find clothes that fit. My first tip - stay away from Maxi dresses. You'll just look fat, and all your curves will disappear. If I were you, I'd really consider calling a personal shopper at Nordstrom. It costs nothing, and while it is a little awkward, it simplifies things a lot to have someone basically bring clothes to you, have you say, "I like this, don't like that" and bring more in the styles and sizes that suit you. You can also give them an idea of price range. I'd definitely go there and invest in a great bra, making sure it fits right. A good bra can make all the difference. I also have luck at Loft for tops, Gap for pants/shorts. I also LOVE miraclesuit (I get mine on cyberswim.com - they have a large selection). Only the DD styles will work, but they're really flattering and will fit your chest! Most importantly, be patient with yourself. It's so frustrating for me to shop because of my chest size. I was especially crushed that blouses seem to be making a comeback - they don't even go on unless they're WAY too big. Good luck and have fun with it!

[corn poffi]

If I were you, I'd really consider calling a personal shopper at Nordstrom. It costs nothing, and while it is a little awkward, it simplifies things a lot to have someone basically bring clothes to you...

THIS! Personal shoppers are amazing! They know a lot about what works with different body types, and obviously, they are familiar with the inventory. They can cut down on mucho frustration.

[alison]

I agree! I had a personal shopper at Nordstrom who helped me out tremendously! She was really a cheerleader in disguise and gave me clothes to try on that I would have initially said no way to. They're my go-to clothes now, and I always feel grrrrreat in them, and even receive compliments. That would NEVER happen in a wardrobe that I pick out for myself!

I'd definitely go there and invest in a great bra, making sure it fits right. A good bra can make all the difference.

I've done this several times over the course of my weight loss. I've got about 5 bras (a fortune) that work right now, plus a good, sturdy sports bra (I'm pretty sure there's kevlar in it). My strap size keeps going down (started out at a 46"), but cup is going up.

[SoonerTexan]

My strap size keeps going down (started out at a 46"), but cup is going up.

That sounds like an absolutely awesome clothing issue!

[diggitydot]

I'm in the same boat. DH and I are going to Maui during the 1st week of April and after a ridiculous winter (we're currently 38" over our average for snowfall) I'm more than ready for cute, warm-weather duds.

I really like Macy's online selection, but our local store's inventory is definitely geared to a more geriatric clientele. My biggest issue is that sizing between brands is so inconsistent, my sizes vary drastically. I HAVE to try everything on. Which means my choices are pretty limited unless I really get into the elastic waistbanded polyester Alfred Dunner sets. Uh, no thanks.

[Vishenka69]

I second (third?) the suggention to make an appt with personal shopper at Nordstrom. I think you're at a point that requires a lot of trying on and venturing into different cuts than you're used to.

[peggyfromwastate]

I didn't even know there was a personal shopper service. I totally need this...

No advice jenn about clothes, but you can't really go too casual in Hawaii. Have an awesome time!!!

[bokelley]

I second Boden! I really love the clothing I have gotten from there.
I wanna go!!

I just need to type out that I WILL BE RETURNING A FAIR TO HEFTY AMOUNT OF WHAT I'VE JUST ORDERED. Holy smokes.

That said, I'm excited and hopeful about what I've ordered. I've shopped at Land's End, Athleta and Title Nine/Bounce mostly. I know many of you suggested a Nordies personal shopper, and if/when I need something fancy/higher end, I'll do that. As it is, I'm looking for mostly causal, kind of sporty clothing that I will wear all summer. Title Nine has a great selection of dresses, and, if the one I posted from Bounce is any indication, I should have a fair amount to choose from. I ordered several swim suits from Land's End, and the skort I found and liked was from Athleta, so I ordered another color as well as a flowy top to be worn w/leggings.

Thanks for all the suggestions -- I can't possibly tell dh how much I've just spent b/c he'll be so shocked he won't hear the "more than half of it is going back" part ...