I Have A Problem
I have a problem. A problem I should have thought about much sooner then I evidently did. But, the fact that I can be slightly slow isn’t really the point.
And in the scheme of my life, this problem is pretty minor. But, it’s still a problem none the less.
.
I have to buy essentially an entirely new shirt/top wardrobe.
It turns out, losing 5lbs from ones chest drastically changes how clothing fits. Basically everything I own no longer fits me properly. Currently I’m living in zip-up hoodies and 1 old button up t-shirt that I found in my closet. But, they are all sized to fit my old chest and now they just look frumpy. And honestly, while I didn’t get this surgery for primarily fashion reasons, I most certainty did not get this surgery so that I would look frumpy afterwards!
So, I have to go do a major closet overhaul. I figure I’m going to donate most things because most of my cloths are pretty good quality. This really isn’t a problem.
The problems are that:
- I HATE shopping. Amazon is my best friend because I love the fact that I can order from my desk and never leave the house. But, amazon doesn’t exactly sell a lot of adult clothing. And, buying online probably isn’t a great idea right now as I don’t have any idea what will fit and what will look good. I desperately wish stitch fix shipped to Canada.
- For the first time in my life I can wear a button up blouse to work, or I can wear a lower cut shirt without feeling self-conscious. So, I figure my style can completely change now. How does someone who is fashionably inept even begin to start figuring this out??
- Bras. Seriously, I’m used to going to speciality stores and buying what fits for a ridiculous price. I’m still a few weeks away from being able to wear anything other then a front zip sports bra, but I’ve already realized when you don’t have to shop at a speciality store there are SOOOO many options! How does one figure out what store to go to and what style to buy?! I have a feeling I am going to go slightly crazy with new bras.
- Buying a completely new top wardrobe is going to be costly! I think my strategy for this is that I am going to replace the more expensive items (i.e. hoodies, dresses) over time. Then, I’m going to do my best to shop at discount stores (i.e. Winners) and to shop sales, to build up enough supply that I am not wearing the same outfit everyday just for the short-term. But for someone who hates shopping, discount stores and sales are going to be hard for me to tolerate. To survive, I’m going to have to find my inner zen and not go shopping on the weekends!
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My Perfect Breakdown 
So can you start by going to a high end store. Do you have Nordstroms there? They have personal shoppers who can help you shop and pick a new style. Then you can just purchase only a few of the things they pick out but use their elsewhere? I hate shopping too and order everything online. Good luck!!
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I had never even thought about this! But, I have officially booked myself a personal shopping appointment! Thanks for the suggestion!! I also have a friend who has fashion sense into helping me.
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I feel the same way about shopping that you do!! At least you can use the money you save in bras on new tops…that’s one way to look at it. Take hubby or a girl friend with you to help you out. See if there is a good secondhand store somewhere near you with good prices to start out. (There is one about 45 minutes from me that I really want to go to for maternity/baby clothes, I just still am trying to talk B into going with me!) I find that when I really NEED to go get some clothes, if I take someone with me to help me out I do better. Good luck finding some great new items!
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I think I am going to spend so much money on new bras that I’ll quickly spend the money I’m saving on my old bras! I’m so excited for fun colours and different styles! I am going to laugh so hard when I buy I push up bra! 🙂
And I have texted a friend who is so much more fashionable then I am to help me! Great idea. I also dragged Mr. MPB out yesterday as I needed to buy a shirt for a meeting today and picked up a few things. I picked out 2 shirts and a dress and he made me go find more so I ended up buying 3 dresses and 3 shirts, which is a pretty good start. 🙂
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I know what you mean…big boobs means boring bras! Hope you have fun shopping with your friend when you go!
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Do you have a thrift shop that buys clothes there?? You can at least sell some of your really nice things and make a bit of cash. We have some really nice thrift shops in Boulder that only buy super nice things. I sell and shop there! I get $200 jeans for $25!
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I hadn’t thought about trying to sell any of my current clothes to make some cash for the new ones. I’ve always just donated when I was done with pieces, but this is kind of different since many of my items are still really nice. That’s a great idea! I’m going to try to find somewhere to sell and shop at! Great thinking!! 🙂
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I second all the above suggestions! I think consignment stores are the same as thrift stores but that’s another great place to sell your clothing and get good deals on quality items. Good luck (I love to shop, but hate spending money and hate crowds so I mostly get your problem…very valid!)
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I had not thought of a consignment store, I think that’s a brilliant idea. Normally I just donate my clothing when I’m done with it, but I do have some really nice pieces that a consignment store would probably take. And buying there would be great too. I’m going to look into it! Thanks for the idea and the understanding. 🙂
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Best of luck. I am a v-neck tee girl. No gapping buttons! Wishing you well as you enter the new world of button up and fashion forward.
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Buttons have always been a no-go for me. I’m excited to see what I can find now. 🙂
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My best advice: Bite the bullet and go shopping. Try on everything. Every. Thing. Even if you think it looks hideous on the hanger, or you would never wear that style, try it on. I have found some of my favorite pieces doing this, things I never would have even take off the rack based on what I think I would like.. I say this as someone who also HATES shopping for clothes. Shop at places that also have online shopping. That way, once you have an idea of the styles you like and sizes that work, you can order more pieces online more efficiently. Good luck!
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Yes, that’s exactly what I’m going to have to do – actually go shopping. I dragged Baby MPB and Mr. MPB out with me yesterday to find a new top for a meeting today. I found 2 tops and 1 dress. Mr. MPB said that wasn’t good enough and made me try on more stuff that I passed by. Once I tried on more, I left with 3 dresses and 3 tops which are a mix of work and play clothing. So for one store I think I did pretty good. And I think you are right, I have to try everything on to see how it actually fits now. 🙂
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Best kind of problem! But yes, definitely a problem. I keep wanting to recommend various stores, but then I remember you’re up in Canada and probably don’t have anything like the same ones.
I’d definitely try to make it a positive experience, if you hate shopping. Like just make a chill hour of it with no pressure to actually buy anything and get something delicious afterwards, like coffee. That should give you a better idea of what will work, what fits, and what types of shirts you want to look for.
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Yes, it’s an excellent problem to have! I think I am going to have to find a way to get to an outlet mall in the USA – even with the low Canadian dollar the prices are usually so good that it’s still better then anything I can buy here. But, for now, I like your strategy of making it fun and not putting too much pressure on myself. 🙂
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For new bras, I suggest going to a department store, trying on about 40 different styles, then buying 2-3 that feel good. After a few weeks, it will be clear what the winner is, and then you should go back and buy LOTS of the one that is your favorite (every color!) because you will never find it again and when they wear out, you will miss them!
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I think you are brilliant! I like the idea of buying a few, then trying them and then buying lots of the winner! I am so excited about the world of colour that I can now enjoy! I think I’m going to go crazy with my bra buying. 🙂
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A good problem to have but definitely a problem. I wish you luck in your endeavors! I hate shopping too and do most of it online. I always look for free shipping options and even buy more if they have free return shipping and order two of everything and send what doesn’t fit back. Here’s to hoping you find some good quality stuff soon!
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I am so with you about the free shipping options! I actually avoid companies that don’t offer free shipping. I think I’m going to try to focus on stores that also have websites so I can buy from their online stores once I know what size I fit.
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Lol. Shop old navy, cheap tees and you can do online too.
For bra’s now that you can shop “normal” stores maybe you should hit Victorias Secret :)) it be funny to try a push up or a Maximiser bra! :)) have fun. Glad your healing well and so positive
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Old Navy is a great idea! I think I’ll add that store to my list! And clearly Victoria Secret is about to make a lot of money off me!
I’m going to absolutely try a push up bra! It’ll be entertaining, especially since my reduction also included a pretty nice lift. 🙂
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If you have a Victoria’s Secret or La Senza nearby they’ll do a free bra fitting to find the correct size and will help you find something comfortable. Different styles and fabrics will fit a bit differently, so a 36B in one style might be as comfortable and supportive as a 34C in another style. As a previous poster said, you should try on a bunch of styles and see what feels and looks good with your new breasts. I worked at La Senza in university (many moons ago now) and during my years there we had many clients who came in after surgeries. We always did a fitting then advised them to just buy 2-3 comfortable bras to get them through the next few months while everything healed, then to come back and we’d do another fitting to see if anything had changed. When you get a reduction your posture can change plus if it’s easier to exercise some women would lose a bit of additional weight in the months after the surgery, both of which can change the ribcage measurement.
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Great advice!! I’m currently just wearing a front zip sports bra and will probably be in this for a few more weeks. Then, I am going to do exactly as you suggest – get a proper fitting right away and then another one in a few more months. Thanks for the tips!! 🙂
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Why don’t you try doing a personal shop/stylist at a Nordstroms? (If you have one where ever you are)… There is no minimum spend and you get the benefit of a stylist to help you find your new styles for your body type. One of my girlfriends just did it and was really happy with the experience and it didn’t need to cost a fortune.
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I honestly had never even thought about this, but I love the idea and hope that it makes shopping a bit more fun! I just went online and booked an appointment for a few weeks from now (I figured I’d wait until I heal up a bit more). Thanks so much for sharing!!! 🙂
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Great! I have been wanting to try it too ever since she told me about her experience. Some of the stuff she got it super cute that you may have walked by on the rack. Have fun! Let me know how it goes!!
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Maybe consider looking into starting a capsule wardrobe! I really want to do that when I go back to work. Wearing the same 5-10 things postpartum has been super liberating!
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I like that idea especially for my work clothing – I work from home most days so I don’t need a lot of work outfits just a few items for meetings. 🙂
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I was totally going to ask if Stitch Fix ships to Canada! I’m surprised that Canada doesn’t have their own version of this. I think Mamajo is right on point with a personal shopper. I already told J that we’re going through my whole closet when this is over and anything he doesn’t think looks flattering on me is going to go! 🙂 I can’t wait for this part, lol!
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P.S. How did you know what size sports bra to get? Did you wait until after your surgery to go get one? I know they’re sending me home with a surgical bra that I need to wear for a week but then what? They also suggest the zip up sports bra but I don’t really want to have to go shopping that first week to get them and I know there will be swelling.
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I am was told a front zip bra in my normal brand size and about a c cup. No surgical bra for me. I’d definitely try to buy one before your surgery because you’ll be bleeding slightly for a few weeks after and you want be able to try anything on. And absolutely find a front zip. There is no physical way I could do up a back clasp still.
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Good to know! Thank you!!!
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