Professional Wardrobe

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

@@Inner Surfer Girl, I am thrilled beyond thrilled for you. You've been a hero to me in many ways from the start. You've got so much to offer on all fronts. I don't know what sort of job(s) or field(s) you're seeking, but you'll be an amazing asset anywhere. I write great personal references if that's wanted by a prospective employer; it's a little off the wall, given the nature of our association, but you may interview with someone who's got imagination.

I'm not familiar first-hand with Hotter shoes, but they have a couple three styles in extra wide widths which you may find right for skirts and/or pants. RetailMeNot.com usually lists good discount offers which probably are accepted by Hotter. I don't know where Hotter ships from, but I believe I've seen notations about free shipping and returns. http://www.hotter.com/us/en

Easy Spirit seems to have some possibilities: http://www.easyspirit.com/

I think that clothes that fit properly, especially for overweight people of 'unique' proportions, look so much better than adjustable things such as drawstrings. They look neater and, for your purposes, more professional, too. A proper fit looks better in two ways -- the garment looks like better quality and it is far more flattering to the wearer. It gets more expensive, but, if it boosts your confidence and you feel ready for anything, it's worth it.

You may find a local dressmaker/seamstress or two who can make things for you at prices equal to or not much higher than ready-to-wear. You'd have your choice of fabrics, etc., and the dressmaker probably knows enough to advise you on fibers that work best for the most flattering clothes. To find someone, you can try the online version of good, old-fashioned Yellow Pages (remember that?). Another possibility is to ask your dry cleaner; if the dry cleaner has a resident tailor, see if that person makes clothes from start to finish and if you can work something out either in the shop or after hours. If there are sewing classes at a public school or some sort of continuing ed facility, the teacher may also do dressmaking.

If I could sew, I'd visit and whip up a complete wardrobe for you. Barring that, accept my wishes for a wonderful adventure ahead. I hope you'll write as things develop.

Thank you so much for the encouragement and the great suggestions. I may take you up on your offer!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

P.S. Getting more and more excited for you.

[waterwoman 180]

I have fund Munro to be an excellent brand for dressier flats. I also use Nordstrom because they carry so many sizes and widths. Congratulations on your success and courage!

[stacyi 9]

a suggestion for shoes since I also can't wear heels is Clark's. a bit pricey but they wear like Iron and they have some very comfortable flat or nearly flat (slight perhaps 1/2" wedge) dress shoes (I also have several pair of lace up ones I wear with pants). if you go online you can find them in extended sizes and wide widths.

Clark's are awesome...go on ebay to find them...you can save a few $$$

Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

[stacyi 9]

Can I ask what size you are now...and how tall?

Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Can I ask what size you are now...and how tall?

Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

I am 5' 6". My size is all over the place. I am currently wearing 1x-2x, 20-22 ish in tops and 22/24 ish in skirts. I do not wear pants.

To update:

I just made my first ever purchase at Talbot's and got a 24 dress. They didn't have any interview appropriate skirts. The 24 s are big on top, but my bottom-half is the largest part of me right now. Turns out that when I went to check out everything was 70% off! The dress is a little shorter than I am comfortable with but it actually looks pretty good on me in spite of the fact that it shows too much of my legs (which are currently my worst feature).

I spent less at Talbot's than I did at Kohl's today (where I got some 0x and 1x t-shirts, some jockey underwear in 2 sizes and a bra, one size down from my current bra, a navy purse, and a couple of necklaces).

Yesterday I bought some black SAS shoes for interviewing and a pair of topsiders just for fun. Both on sale.

I may just have to get some longer skirts made for now. I can't seem to find any in stores or catalogs that fit my needs.

[KristenLe 5,979]

What type of material skirts are you looking for? Lane Bryant actually had some beautiful skirts this season.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

What type of material skirts are you looking for? Lane Bryant actually had some beautiful skirts this season.

I'll have to check them out. I am fairly open but am not interested in "broomstick skirts" or clingy knits. Knits need to be thick enough and not cut tight/show every bulge.

[KristenLe 5,979]

These are pretty...

http://m.lanebryant.com/products/21288c59p230289

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

These are pretty...

http://m.lanebryant.com/products/21288c59p230289

Very similar in style to the skirts I had made when I was larger (except mine are longer). I am going to see if the lady who is doing some alterations for me can run up some basics for now.

[judy vsg 126]

These are pretty...

http://m.lanebryant.com/products/21288c59p230289

Very similar in style to the skirts I had made when I was larger (except mine are longer). I am going to see if the lady who is doing some alterations for me can run up some basics for now.

Sorry for eavesdropping

But, I've found great skirts that don't cling at Dress Barn...

Good luck!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Thanks!

I was just looking through a Talbot's catalog and they have a long Italian Flannel Riding skirt. Unfortunately, it's dry clean only, doesn't have pockets, and costs WAY too much.

I'll have to check out Dress Barn.

[higher 966]

Re: shoes. My job involves lots of walking and running through airports, long hallways, marble floors etc etc and the women are pretty much expected to wear heels. I don't always, because they've been harder to wear the more I weigh but one trick I learned is to just not spare a cent when it comes to footwear. You cannot beat an exquisitely crafted European shoe for comfort and sturdiness.

So what I like to do is check out high end comfort show stores. Washington, DC has one of the best stores I've found- it's called Comfort One and they also have an online store. Comfort shoe stores like Comfort One or Tip Top, Eneslow or Harry's in NYC specialize in problem feet- they have a solution for literally any foot.

You can give them a call and explain your needs and order some pairs to try on at home.

The best thing about the high end comfort shoes is that they don't all LOOK like orthopedics.

I look through their limited selection of heels (they don't carry a ton because heels DO NOT equal comfort) but they have a ton of gorgeous flat shoes in all varieties.

And in terms of budget, these shoes are so well made that they last forever. I just have a good cobbler tune them up for the season and I'm good to go.

Great idea!

When I lived in Atlanta I used to pass a shoe store every day that catered to drag queens. I figured if anyone could do comfortable, large-sized high heels, they could!

That's funny!

[higher 966]

Thanks!

I was just looking through a Talbot's catalog and they have a long Italian Flannel Riding skirt. Unfortunately, it's dry clean only, doesn't have pockets, and costs WAY too much.

I'll have to check out Dress Barn.

That sounds like a very chic skirt.

[gowalking 10,790]

When I lived in Atlanta I used to pass a shoe store every day that catered to drag queens. I figured if anyone could do comfortable, large-sized high heels, they could!

I live in the West Village in NYC and was a time that 8th Street had nothing but shoe stores that catered to the Drag Queens. There's even a show on Broadway called Kinky Boots that's about a shoe company that makes boots for the queens. If you are ever in my neck of the woods, make sure to see it if it's still running.

Now..regarding your original post, first off lett me congratulate you @@Inner Surfer Girl. Going back out into the world is a scary thing and I applaud you. I wrote a post today that you should read. It's all about participating in our lives again. I think it's very timely for you. I've got no input on clothing tips but you've gotten some great advice so go with it.

What I can say is that once you are comfortable in clothing again, don't be surprised if you become a clothes horse. I know I have. I am playing with clothes and accessories like I was my own real life Barbie doll. I've overdone it, I know but I don't care at the moment. I have years of catching up to do so the fact that I spend on fashion jewelry, shoes, bags, and lots of clothes doesn't bother me at all. I've slowed down as my size has stabilized over the last couple of years.

I know you're not yet where you want to be but do try to have fun with this and buy yourself some good pieces. You are worth every penny of it!

Keep us posted on the job hunt. and enjoy your weekend.