Size me up... for jeans and overall style pointers - YouLookFab Forum

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Size me up... for jeans and overall style pointers

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Hi All,

All the threads and commentary on jeans have set me on a quest for a fab set of premium denum. Problem -- I'm a size 16, and a lot of the traditional premium brands just don't go there (start me on that subject at your own risk)! Anyway, below is a link to a few pictures of me. This should give Angie and forum members a sense of my body.
http://s709.photobucket.com/al...../YLF_pics/

I'm quite certain I'm an hourglass shape, but not sure what other tendencies I may exhibit. I'd be very grateful for any style input you may have on ways to upgrade my current look (these shots will give you an idea of my ordinary style plus how I do fancier occasions). I'm very much interested in all recommendations of hot jeans that would work for me. I know NYDJ's are an option, but part of my brain just refuses to accept that a 28-year-old should be sporting a brand of that name! Of course if you all think it's the best option, I'll relligate my pride to the same corner as my six-ear-old birks and buy some..But I'm sure there's other options out there? Do David Kahn's fit someone like me or am I just a bit too big for them?

One other question posed in pics. In two of the shots I'm wearing the same outfit, one with a jacket and one without. I'm going for Angie's smart casual look in the pic with the jacket. In the jacket-free photo, does the tee I'm wearing look too casual to be worn alone or is it acceptable for day-to-day wear?

Thanks all for your feedback!

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from Vani

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Michelle, thanks for posting pics of you and your baby! You are both 1000% FABULOUS.

I am absolutely blown away by your sense of style. You get a KILLER rating for your outfits. They are perfect. People who are able to use all their senses often don’t get it as right as you do. I have launched into orbit! You are SO in tune with how to dress your hourglass bod. WELL DONE. You are an inspiration.

For jeans, try shopping for 7’s at Lane Bryant or Calvin Klein at Nordstrom. Also, you look great in cool colours which you have down to a T. AMAZING. Can’t wait to see more of your great style

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Angie, you're so sweet and just gave me a massive boost! Thank you! I wish so much that I was smaller and am actively working on it, but this vote of confidence goes a long way to letting me be cool with the status quo for now!
Thanks for the jeans suggestions. Am I right in thinking that nordy's now delivers to Canada (I'm in Toronto)? Too exciting, if true! But do you know offhand of anywhere that would sell 7's in my sizes around here? I know you're pretty up-to-date on shopping options in some Canadian cities, but not sure if TO's on your radar.

Thanks again!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Ok, and now I have another question after doing some online research. I know the Lane Bryant sevens aren't the same as SFAM (the US$50 pricepoint was the first clue :)). Are they still considered premium?
Secondly, what's the style verdict on Jones New York, yay or nay? That's one of the few plus-size brands that seems to be available in denum here in Toronto.

Kari

Veteran

Michelle, you are lovely and McClure is adorable! You look so polished, makeup or no.

I especially love your last two tops. The colors in the printed wrap top are beautiful on you, and the silky ruffled top looks like it has a good figure-flattering structure. I always like seeing other busty girls wear ruffles well - it's a good "how-to" exercise for me, since I totally avoided ruffles or any bust detail for a while.

I have never delved into premium denim, but I'm sure the other ladies will be able to help with your questions!

tarzy

Veteran

Wow - you have such beautiful eyes and skin! I'm so impressed with your fashion style. You seem to know what works on you very well. And McClure is gorgeous!

I can't help with your jeans question, but I did want to add that I'm a size 8-10, but I need a very high rise, and I have yet to find a premium jean that fits me. I know how frustrating it is!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear Michelle, it’s YOU and McClure who have given this forum a boost. I am SO tickled with your wonderful sense of style, and super fab canine buddy. It’s made my Mother’s Day.

I believe Nordies ships to Canada now, and Jones is an excellent clothing label. I highly recommend it. The LB 7’s are still fab so if you can get your hands on them – go for it. Talbots does excellent jeans too. Perhaps you can try those as well.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Angie: I will check out the Jones and Talbots stuff available here, as obviously I'd prefer to try the jeans on before forking over the big bucks, but if those don't fly then I'll be seeking opinions as to which online options have the best look. Online shopping has led to some pretty hilarious mishaps...if only retailers would write better descriptions of things! Thanks for the suggestions, as always.

Kari: Thanks for the complement! The colourful top is for sure one of my faves and is in heavy rotation at the moment. As for the ruffled satin one, I had to get talked into it, and I relented because the colour was absolutely bang on with the skirt I was wearing that you can't see (black with embroidery in that same kind of champagne colour). I always avoided ruffles or other potential bust enhancers too, for obvious reasons, so I was pretty psyched when that one worked out! What other styles have you steared clear of, and which do you find you can pull off?

Tara: Re. my skin and my eyes, you're so sweet! The guy who made the prosthetic eyes would be very flattered! And in case that came off snarky, it wasn't meant to be at all. I am 100% comfortable with my blindness and joke about it all the time. Good luck with your hunt for denum! We can lend each other moral support. At least you're in a pretty ideal size range, I'm sure the perfect pair is out there somewhere.

Kari

Veteran

Michelle, when I wear ruffles or any bust-enhancing details, it's usually minimal (small or flat ruffles that don't carry much volume) or the garment is a shape that flatters my figure (a structured shirt with a V-neck; a fitted scoop-neck knit.) I think that's the key to your top - you have a large ruffle detail, but the shirt looks like it has vertical seaming that gives it good structure and the neckline is a very flattering shape/length. I'll bet it looked great with the embroidered skirt!

merry77

Great to see pictures of you, Michelle. You and McClure are both beautiful.

I'm a 14/16 so I understand the frustration with sizing. Stores like Express that only go to a size 12 drive me batty!

I can just imagine some of the possible mishaps with online shopping. You can always utilize the gals here for assistance by posting links of items you are considering if you would like to make sure the description matches with what you're thinking. It is so much fun when items arrive that work, but it is a hassle when it's the totally wrong thing for you and you have to send it back.

I especially love the wrap top you're sporting and you have some great necklaces in the pics.

shiny

Veteran

You're a knock-out! Your lipstick in the last pic is the perfect shade of red for you. I really love the sheen and color of that blouse - so beautiful with your skin tone. And the patterned top is perfection. Can't wait to see more!

bella

(website)

Veteran

Again, I am super late to the party but I wanted to say welcome to the forum and I am looking forward to seeing your pictures!

Dani

Veteran

Michelle, thank you so much for posting pictures! You do have a great sense of what works for your body! McClure is wonderful...how old is he?

As to your specific questions about the outfit...t-shirts are generally frowned upon here (but I do own a few for casual days when I don't want to worry about ruining anything else and I do use them for layering occassionaly). Woven tops are a better option, but I understand the frustration in finding woven tops that work when you are busty (I'm fairly full busted and have enough trouble in that department). Knitted tops work well but it's hit or miss with those. Have you tried any of the sweet pea tops? They work great for layering and are comfortable to wear. I think the jacket you add is too much of the same color as the pants...what about a denim jacket?

Thanks again for posting pics...can't wait to see more from you!!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Hi Michelle! (I love your name, it's my middle name.)
First of all, your puppy is too sweet. I have such a big heart for animals of all shapes and sizes, but he really is beautiful.
And so are you! The last photo is smashing! I love that top on you, and I agree with Shiny that the lipstick shade is perfect for you.
To answer your question on Lane Bryant "Seven" jeans...I do believe they are different than 7 For All Mankind. I did own a pair once upon a time (I used to be 14/16 [and I'm close to your age too - 27!]) and I quite liked them. I do not have a photo of me in them, sadly. But I really liked the rise, and although I don't think they are considered premium denim, the washes and cuts were some of the best out there for me at the time.
Good luck!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

You're all so sweet, thank you!!
Kari: Thanks for the detailed description of what makes bust enhancements work. It makes sense, and yes the satin top was quite structured and tailored specifically to my body. I really wished I'd known about this forum in the weeks leading up to that dinner, I stressed over my outfit like you wouldn't believe just because it was an industry function!
Merry: I'm absolutely going to ask you ladies for input on some online purchases. Probably sooner than later, actually.
Shiny: Thank you for the lovely comments! I only break out that lipstick for special occasions. I had to laugh when a friend of mine said I looked very Joan Crawford minus the psycho factor.
Bellacville: Thanks for the welcome! I've got a link to some picks in the main body of this thread, if you want to take a peak.
Dani: Thanks for the input on the black jacket. I am in the market for a jean jacket, and I'll retry the outfit if and when I find the right one. As for tees, I wasn't sure if there were details that could make them acceptable. For instance the purple one I'm wearing in the first and second picture has a little satin trim and buttons at the v-neck, so I wasn't sure if that kind of detail could elevate the style quotient or not. I am interested in checking out the Sweet Pea tops, though I don't think they're available in Canada. I might ask you ladies to help me pick one out as part of the pending online order I was mentioning above to Merry.
Sarbear: Thanks for the endorsement of Sevens. I'm definitely going to check them out. Hopefully some day I'll be able to join you in leaving this size phase behind! Didn't you find it was tough to find age-appropriate stuff in those sizes? I actually wrote an article on that subject for work because it annoys me so much.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Hi Michelle!

You look terrific in your photos, and I think everyone already explained why.

I've been losing weight since New Years, but I have years of experience trying to shop for 16-18 sizes. It's very hard to find! For jeans, my favorites were the Gap Long and Leans (I ordered the 16s and 18s online because they don't carry them in the stores). Unfortunately they are not carrying the dark wash right now, but I would hold out for that to return; I've had all 3 washes and the darkest were definitely the best. Not a premium jean, but it sure could fool a lot of people that it was!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Michelle - yes, it was tough to dress my age at that size. Lane Bryant had some of the best items, but it was hard wearing it when my 50 year old supervisor at work wore the same things. I would love to read your article sometime!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Kristen: If only I could take you up on your suggestion of the Gap jeans...Gap online doesn't deliver to Canada! Do they realize what a market they're missing out on? O Guess the person who made that decision is also the brains behind the ridiculously flimsy fabrics I see in most of their stuff now, at least in store. I do miss gap jeans though.
Sarah: It's a long-ish article and I don't want to bore people on here by posting it, but I'd be happy to send it to you.

HannahC

Michelle,

I have nothing informative to add, but I just wanted to say that I am in awe about your fashion and style sense. You look great!

And can you please send me that article you promised to Sarah too? I am not strictly in the plus-size range (size 10-12), but I have a very large bust, and I am also frustrated from trying to dress appropriately, modestly, and for my age (although, I confess that it becomes easier as I become older - I am 36 now).

merry77

Michelle - I think I heard that Gap is going to start delivering to Canada in the fall. There are several other Candians here in the forums, and I think that was discussed in an earlier thread. It obviously won't help you out immediately, but it's something to look forward.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Michelle, you are welcome to email me the article (sarbear1121 at hotmail.com...use the real @) but I'm guessing there are many people here that would benefit from it as well. I am not size 14/16 anymore but I am always interested in an article like that. Maybe you could start a new topic for it?

Vani

Veteran

Michelle,

Super late to the party but I just wanted to take the opportunity to welcome you to the forum! You are super cute in all outfits esp the champagne top. And love red lipstick on you! I can never find a shade that works for me I hope to see more pictures of you!