Fashion Help - Shawnee,KS

I like Fashion Bug/ Khols/ Sears. I seem to go for the cute button up plaid or decorative short sleeve shirts with a colar and have a tank top under them with the blouse open ? Hard to explain...but I like these styles because it hides the hip area. So I get many colors of tank tops with lace on the top and add it with color with the blouse. Wear jeans and or shorts and it is a cute look.

I'd also try Gordman's and TJ Maxx for department store stuff at much cheaper prices. I sometimes have to pick through the racks, but they do have great prices on name brand clothes, and their clearance racks are dirt cheap. I always go to TJ Maxx or Target when I need bras - and I can usually find a few on clearance for under $5/each. JCPenney has great clearance rack prices too - and they always have coupons and promotions in the newspaper ($10 off or 25% off).

Get a personal shopper at a major department store (FREE) to help you figure out what styles look best on you.

Try on LOTS of styles, even things you think might not look nice on you... you never know!!

Nordstrom's, Macy's, Dillards, are good... I love White House Black Market and Neiman-Marcus

ETA: A size 12 is not a bad size... it is pretty normal so don't beat yourself up about that.

Focus on your underwear. I'm telling you, if you can have smooth, firm lines, you'll feel good in just about anything. Invest in some good shapewear--panty girdles, supportive (but pretty) bras that cover back rolls, something to hold those thighs still in a sexy pair of capris.... Girl, your options are limitless. Don't feel intimidated by other women who look great in their clothes. They are wearing shapewear, too!

Once you get over that hump, go to a high-end department store and plan to invest in a couple of staple pieces, but try on EVERYTHING. (At the high-end stores, they cater to women who want to polish what they see as flaws. AND you have more choice of quality and classic pieces. Trendy looks okay on the itty-bitties, but not so good on larger sizes. It also doesn't wear well.) Let the shopper know that you are working on your style. Do NOT gawk at or complain about the prices. Just buy what you want (at least two pieces to make it worth her while). Nordstrom carries Not Your Daughter's Jeans, and I love them since I just had a baby. They do wonders for my self-esteem. Walk into the boutique that you've been passing every day, the one with the stuff in the window that you slobber over but wouldn't dare try on. Go in there and tell that owner that you are looking to change/improve your style, that you want to venture outside of your comfort zone. Get the ball rolling by wearing something (flattering) that you wouldn't have imagined--drastic haircut, bold nail polish or earrings or bracelets. Get a toe ring or an ankle bracelet, to show off on your trip. That'll feel sexy.

Start now with good eating habits (if you're not doing that already) and keep your bowels moving EVERY DAY. You've noticed the difference when you've emptied it all out. I know that I feel light and sexy. And more comfortable. Confidence is key here. Enjoy!

Burlington Coat Factory has a variety of clothing at very affordable prices! Happy hunting! I also love Target! :)

I envy a size 12! You don't need to lose weight. If it's a confidence issue, you could just start working out and eating healthier, so you know you are at your very best.
I don't think summer styles are out yet and if they are, they are really high. I would go to resale and thrift shops now. You can get all sorts of cool things you wont find in any other stores. And if you get it home and secide it doesn't work, you're only out $3!
Wait to go to major dept stores. Places like Dots have cute easy breezy clothes year round and they are very affordable. You could buy one outfit every 2 wks and be set by the time summer rolls around.
You could also search ebay size 12 vacation wear or resort wear. I bet some good deals come up.

Do you have a Dress Barn near you? It's a great store if you're a size 12.

I have to agree with Heather - shapewear is important. So get a bra fitting at a high end store and maybe buy something.

Whatever your largest department store is, go there first and get some basics in neutral colors - spend some money on these. Then, go somewhere fun for some fun and flirty shirts - try mall stores like NY and Co. And Old Navy, too. They have lots of trends for cheap.

Also, get some fun sandals! Try Zappos.

Enjoy your trip.

I have found a lot of cute things at JC Penny. I had gained a lot of weight since becoming a SAHM and was not happy with the way I looked either now I am 7 months preg with #2 so it will be a while before I can loose the weight too. I was able to find a lot of cute, comfortable, affordable things there. Plus if you use their coupons and do the surveys on the receipts you can get huge discounts. I like the Liz Claiborne, as well as the A.N.A lines, the jeans line called Common Genes is great too, I love their capris, and some of the St John's Bay stuff is good too. Good luck and enjoy your vacation.

a size 12 is not big!!!!!!! I would focus on one store so as not to become overwhelmed. As much as I would love to shop all the time at Von Maur or Nordstroms or even jones of new york...I am a realist and shop at Kohls which is more affordable plus I watch out for their coupons.

Now is the time to go and pick up a few things. They have a ton on clearance. While I think I have a bit of fashion sense myself I many times take my kid sister with me or show her pictures prior to my purchase....She's a "fashion plate" head to toe! So.....take someone with you or buy a bunch of cute things and model them for someone you trust and take back what doesnt work out.... :)

I would thrift store it or goodwill it or consigment shop. Many amazing designer items end up there and yes it is something someone else doesn't want but if you buy or glance through current fashion mags and decide on looks you like then go and put together 7 outfits 5 casual and 2 for hitting the town at night and you will be set. Your budget for vacation will remain in tact. Last trip I got a jacobs blazer with original tag still on, express jeans(70.00 originally) and silk blouse plus acccessories and pair of italian leather shoes the whole outfit 43.00. Go on an adventure in these stores, try on everything before you buy and remember that if you find something amazing and it is a little big using a tailor to make it flatter you makes you pulled together and polished.

We are going on a cruise at the end of this month, so I am shopping for warm clothes now too and am also a 12. I have found some cute things at Old Navy, but be careful b/c their clothes tend to shrink so be careful when you wash and dry. I just ordered two really cute summery dresses, for pretty cheap but I haven't gotten them yet so I can't say whether or not they fit well! But, last year I went into the store and found some cute stuff there, so I would look both places. The stores really will start putting out some spring stuff within the next few weeks so depending upon when you're leaving, you will be able to find some stuff. I would hit your favorite shop's sales racks right now. Nordstrom rack also has cute stuff and it just opened by OP Mall. I also had luck at The Legends at the Tommy Hillfiger outlet for shorts and tees and the Gap outlet for dresses, tanks, etc.

I know exactly how you feel...I'm not feeling super confident in my body right now either, but I do agree that a good bra to keep the boobs in place really helps! Plus, finding cute clothes that fit you right will help you! Even if you feel like you need to loose a few pounds, try to find things that make you happy b/c you don't deserve to be miserable...especially when you're on vacation! ;)

hard to find "warm weather" clothes in december in kansas lynne! :) i am in olathe though. i would try kohls, jcpenny, fashion bug or lane bryant...gosh i'm going to have to read your responses. where DO you buy warm weather clothes in december????

I really like Kohls. I'm always finding cute stuff on their clearance racks.

my niece & her friends swear by TJMaxx & Marshalls...& now is the time to be buying! JCPennys & Kohls will also be running big sales in the next few weeks.....

try going to pintrest.com and type in summer/spring outfits....ENJOY!!!

Maurices and Dress barn have super cute clothes!!! I buy most all my clothes from Maurices because they are very cute and at a good price!