https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:31:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-292207 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:23:30 +0000 Bluebell 292207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aw *waves* everyone is SO great! You have all made me feel so so welcome...it means such a lot! I've never felt my body was even close to ok and you have just made me feel like a valid woman! I've been smiling more in these past few days than I have in years. You guys are SO awesome! I love the cinders comment Mary I can't believe I lived without a skinny belt all this time!<br /> Shopping I didn't find much - a better bra, a shirt, 2 cardis, some big rings (suddenly I want to accessorise!!)... going out again next week. Got a waist coat from a charity shop today too - not sure what to do with it though ;o) Going to look online too. Will get some pics together Then you can tell me where I'm going right and wrong I'm totally open to guidance :D<br /> Katja - thanks so much for all your tips and for taking the time to do that xx it was really helpful I've just been learning belt loops round coat arms are a no no as well as they keep getting stuck in my elbow crutches *sobs as I adapt my karen millen coat*.... Really interesting that you are short waisted and have lovely long sexy legs! I've also found bracelets are a no go (getting caught in spokes and also caught on my wrist on crutches). You have a great positive attitude lady *high fives*<br /> Sue - I'm going to talk to my physio and see what she thinks I could get away with *fingers crossed* So sorry to hear you have scoliosis hun. My friend has that too. I hope they can control your pain levels somewhat xx I'm really pleased you are able to dance I used to dance before all this started... I used to love to dance </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291801 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:35:27 +0000 AJ 291801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome Bluebell! You have a beautiful figure! I understand tummy issues because that's where I gain weight first. Even a two pound difference makes me look preggers.</p> <p>Kudos to you for starting your style journey and cleaning out that closet. I look forward to seeing your shopping loot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291795 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:24:57 +0000 Sue 291795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh I see. Yeah if you have blood problems a cosmetic surgery would probably be the last thing you want to do willingly. Also, I think its probably wiser in that case to consult your doctor before using any regular body shapers. I believe there are more regular ones that are built into your panties, as opposed to waist cinchers or corsets (which I don't think would be a good idea for you). Either way, your doc's the best adviser I think. </p> <p>And I totally know what you mean about the 'get out of jail free' card. I have scoliosis (and had two surgeries in my teens), and as such I was allowed to sit out of my PE classes HAHA! Technically I could have done it I just didn't want to cos I didn't like to. Dance is my form of exercise. Not running or playing games and etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291282 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:45:25 +0000 Patty 291282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are at role model status Bluebell!!<br /> Rock on!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291281 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:45:14 +0000 Katja 291281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Bluebell, sorry I am late to the party!</p> <p>Like everyone else, I'll assure you that your photos show a woman with a fine figure.</p> <p>Like you, I'm 5'7" with a short waist and a long inseam (33"-34"). I'm maybe more of a pear then than an apple (ie, bigger hips than waist), but still have plenty of belly that I'd rather not draw attention to.</p> <p>I use a manual wheelchair fulltime and have modified some of the standard advice for short waists and pear shapes.</p> <p>I find most waist-lengthening techniques impractical as a wheelchair user, so my tops/jackets either end right at the waist, or go way down to the thighs. I get my pants extra-long so that they end right at the shoe even though I am sitting (that probably wouldn't work for you as you'd trip over your too-long pants hems when standing and walking). I avoid puffy sleeve details below the elbow (well, I avoid them above the elbow, too, but below the elbow is for practicality wheeling and/or crutch-walking).</p> <p>I've learned (mostly) not to obsess over not being the perfect shape, but to only buy things that look good, that fit well, and that make me happy. I try to enjoy what I'm wearing and how I present myself as a person, not as some sort of ideal of the human form. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291242 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:35:29 +0000 MsMary 291242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, my! This is such fun! Like watching Cinderella getting ready for the ball! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291233 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:51:54 +0000 Barbara 291233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome Bluebell! We are delighted to have you here with us. </p> <p>Your shape is absolutely SLAMMING! No doubt about it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291227 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:21:17 +0000 Bluebell 291227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much girls You really are all so lovely xx I've just spent the day going through my wardrobe and have thrown out 80% of it *ekk* the taking pics was an eye opener! I always thought hiding my figure improved it... and fitting clothes to it and belting it would make it huge... oh I'm such a plonker I am stunned at the pics! And bizarely all my fav clothes I lived in are the ones in the charity pile and the keep pile is the ones I thought I couldn't wear!! :)<br /> My husband is taking me shopping tomorrow to start getting things bit by bit *stares at empty wardrobe* - I can't wait :)<br /> Lisa - I've never even tried a wrap dress... *adds to list*<br /> Sue - I have a mass on my brain and then completely seperately also my spine, hips, pelvis, knees are all degenerating so severely an 85 yr old has a better skelton than me (I'm early thirties). This has gone onto to cause serious problems through out my whole body (i.e. it effects everything from the use of your arms sometimes, to being able to move/use your legs). It's slowly got worse throughout my twenties and now I'm left using crutches and a chair. Took me a while to get used to it as I still feel a bit of a newbie to it all but I have a sense of humour about it It's been tougher getting used to people staring at me when my legs drag. I'm not 100% sure if I can take the pressure of support underwear as my joints are very unstable &amp; painful but I'm going to try it. I turned down the tummy tuck as I have blood clotting problems and with every op I have there's a high-ish risk of me not pulling through so I didn't think it was sensible to put my life at risk over Hehe! absolutely re: food. I live on a strict diet as my meds for my brain make people pile on weight so it's a constant battle. When I first started them I piled on about 2 stone in 2 months... I was horrified! *diet diet diet*.<br /> On a positive note I see the fact I'm not allowed to exercise like someone has given me a get out of jail free card *chuckles* I never did like it as a kid *waves at joggers out of my car window whilst hiding my own wobble with new body sculpting underwear recommended on YLF* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291084 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:40:54 +0000 taylor 291084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been avoiding this thread Bluebell out of fear, not quite sure what to expect!! :).<br /> Goodness you look amazing!!<br /> Welcome...And enjoy your YLF journey! I cant wait to see more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-291083 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:30:31 +0000 Sue 291083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm gonna echo everyone here. I think your body is great! You shouldn't be ashamed of your nice slender figure at all! </p> <p>I don't know what sort of disability you have, but if it's preventing you from exercising, I think the next best thing you can do for your body is watch what you eat. We are what we eat, so eat healthy and you should be set! </p> <p>Your tummy bulge, well that can't be helped since it came from childbirth. But have you tried using body shapers? Those really thick high underwear that go up to your bust to give you a slim silhouette. You can probably find them in almost every lingerie section in a departmental store. Cos I think that would really help bring in the tummy. </p> <p>Something like this: <a href="http://www.classicshapewear.com/yummie-tummie-briefie-bm1002-p-2439.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.classicshapewear.co.....-2439.html</a></p> <p>PS. Just curious, why did you turn down the free tummy tuck? </p> <p>PPS. Anyway I have really really great respect for mothers, sacrificing body and beauty for children, because its something I can't see my selfish self doing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290903 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:52:37 +0000 Lisa 290903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to the party here but your figure is lovely! My waist isn't nearly as defined as your's. You will wear wrap dresses to perfection and belting will be a breeze! (I'm a pear and finding my waist is not as easy for me) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290803 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:11:09 +0000 Inge 290803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So happy to read that this is already making a difference, Bluebell!!!<br /> A big welcome to the forum from me too, by the way. (And I couldn't agree more with the other ladies, I saw your pictures and immediately thought 'such a beautiful, trim figure!').</p> <p>Enjoy your new-found confidence and shopping for some fab new clothes. And do share your finds with us, pretty please?-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290800 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:07:51 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 290800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow love hearing about your shopping expedition! So pleased you're following the first rule of YLF - having fun with fashion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290685 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:03:02 +0000 Bluebell 290685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you girls My husband also says thank you! He can't believe the confidence transformation in me after yrs of him trying with no luck. He thinks you are such a lovely bunch! (I showed him my post).<br /> I've always had body issues and hidden under shapeless clothes (believing my shape was peculiar and not like anyone elses) and since I've become more disabled, it made me feel even less attractive &amp; accepted. Since getting the courage to post I'm beaming from your positivity &amp; warmth and SO excited to feel like a girl (possibly for the first time ever!) and to be proud to be Sorry to keep saying thank you but I really was at rock bottom and I never thought I'd feel like an attractive woman You all rock! xxx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290635 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:38:44 +0000 Deb 290635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fabulous figure, and killer legs! You certainly are far, far, FAR too hard on yourself! Sheesh! :-)</p> <p>I hazard to guess you're an hourglass, but others know better than I. However - whatever outfits you style, you *must* play up your legs! Lovely, long ... lucky you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290584 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:11:06 +0000 MsMary 290584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What fun!! It sounds like you are already observing the only rule we have around here: "Fashion must be fun!!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290579 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:59:06 +0000 Bluebell 290579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much xx Well I have to say I was SO excited after reading some guidelines I nipped to our local supermarket (I know of all places??) and took the plunge and tried a v neck shirt with puffed sleeves (having always thought V necks were a no), an aline skirt (which I have always worn thinking I had monster hips *chuckles*) and picked up a skinny belt rather scared... I always ran from belts being short waisted... and having a tummy... BUT I read Angies guide and looked at some of your wonderful pics and saw how stunning you guys looked in them so thought - why not!? </p> <p>OH MY! What have I been missing??? I tried to find my perfect 'spot' and just as Angies guide says my perfect spot being short waisted is if I wear it on my natural waist in the back and a little loose and slung slightly low at the front... I thought it would make me look worse but it looked SO much better! I am literally bouncing with excitement!! Thank you so much everyone!! You really have NO idea what a confidence lift this has given me. I feel like a lady again!! xxx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290565 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:11:43 +0000 celia 290565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late for the party but wanted to welcome you and tell you one more time that you have a wonderful figure.<br /> Glad you posted and hope to see your outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290492 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:01:33 +0000 lynn 290492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Arter reading your post I was expecting something like a hunched over, huge bellied, ogre! You have a great figure! These ladies are the nicest ones ever and you have come to the right place to help you love your body. I would love to have your shoulders! Welcome! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290475 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:32:23 +0000 Bluebell 290475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! thank you for even more warm and lovely welcomes girls! Oh I'm here to stay I'm just frustrated we are doing up a bedroom currently as I want to spend the next few days clued to here absorbing knowledge. I am SO excited and eager to learn! Thank you for more advice and for the link (that was SO helpful/insightful!!!). I truly am feeling so differently about myself and I never thought that would have been possible! I can't stop smiling xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290456 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 06:38:25 +0000 Lena 290456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome Bluebell! I'm glad forum members and Angie got you sorted. YLF is a terrific place, I hope you stay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290353 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:24:18 +0000 Katiepea 290353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*~*~~**~~**~*~Welcome Bluebell!~*~*~*~*~*~*~*</p> <p>Goodness, I didn't know what to imagine by your opening post and was so suprised when I clicked on your link. My, you have a lovely figure! I can completely understand how you feel though - it is easy to be so incredibly hard on ourselves when it comes to our own special "areas of interest".</p> <p>(As an aside, I can vouch that banded tops can be your *best* friend for highlighting those parts you want to emphasise and disguising those parts you'd rather hide. It's definately a style worth considering next time you are out and about if you haven't already.)</p> <p>I look forward to seeing more of you around! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290257 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:13:47 +0000 Refugee 290257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to welcome you. And let you know you're not the only one with body image issues. Many of us have them. Our own can seem insumountable because we know our flaws intimately. Glad to have you here. So much to be had. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290230 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:31:18 +0000 anne 290230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bluebell - add me to the admiring chorus. Just 2 things to add.</p> <p>1. Angie once said that pears and hourglasses with a bit extra around the waist/tummy due to kids are the most common body type she comes across. You are not unusual</p> <p>2. Sal of the blog Already Pretty wrote this informative post about her own figure, which has some similarities to yours <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/2009/11/reader-request-side-view.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....-view.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290154 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:22:58 +0000 Theresa 290154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome aboard Bluebell! </p> <p>I am just going to echo the other lovely ladies here - you look soooo good to me and I'm glad you now have your body shape sorted </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type/page/2#post-290148 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:18:38 +0000 Jenava 290148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome! I think you should try a dress with a flowing skirt and a fitted waist that hits right at your natural waist. I bet that would be pretty and very comfortable for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type#post-290101 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:56:03 +0000 Louise 290101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Bluebell I'm a bit late to this one and I see Angie has you sorted but I just wanted to welcome you on board x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type#post-290033 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:17:18 +0000 Bluebell 290033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you! thank you! thank you Angie, and every body. I am so grateful... excited... happy... I am overwhelmed at how kind you have all been at helping me figure out what is going on with my body and I cannot tell you how excited I am to sit down tomorrow and start reading completely new rules on what I should be doing. It's like all my christmas's at once. Thank you for everyones experiences and input. Everything has been so insightful. I don't even own a belt!! *chuckles at self*... I will be looking at quite a few of your posts to spot your piccies... i.e. hello kitty etc... I'm also tempted by those magic pants. You've all been so helpful and inspiring and I'm SO excited. I can't wait to join in You are such a supportive bunch. I love the idea of taking pics too to check myself out as I was suprised at my poor outfit attempt today *rolls eyes* :). I actually can't wait... you guys have had such a postive effect on me. Wow I'm not a perfect pear or a brick! I'm still gobsmacked! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH *HUGS* xxx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type#post-289971 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:25:05 +0000 HelloKitty 289971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome Bluebell!! It’s so great that you found the courage to post here, good for you! This is a very warm, welcoming place and you will feel safe here :)</p> <p>I want to second everyone and say that you look fantastic! You have so many wonderful features – tiny waist, strong shoulders, shapely arms, long legs! Lots to show off! Be proud of your wonderful body </p> <p>Your body type is similar to mine, except that I’m short (5’2”) and have a larger bust. I also consider myself an hourglass with an apple tummy. Before joining YLF I too was always trying to hide my tummy in all the wrong ways. I’d buy size M and L in tops, when I really should’ve been buying S. Also, belting was a totally foreign concept to me, and now I love it! I can’t believe how much difference a belt can make. Try longer tunic tops (in woven, not knit fabrics) that flow over your tummy, and belt them at your natural waist. Taking pics of my outfits (even without submitting them for feedback here) was…sort of life-changing for me, as dramatic as that sounds. I really couldn’t believe how different I looked in photos compared to how I looked in the mirror. So I’d encourage you to start that way. Oh and…have you tried push-up bras? I started wearing them after my pregnancies and they help me achieve the right proportions (even though I have a larger bust…they haven’t been perky in a long time hehe). </p> <p>If you look at some of the pics I’ve posted here (not many, I’m also pretty new) you might not believe that I have the same tummy as you. But I do! So believe me when I say you will figure it all out soon. Welcome to the forum </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-really-unusual-body-type#post-289890 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:21:57 +0000 Angie 289890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting bluebell and congratulations! Welcome to the forum. </p> <p>First, you have an fabulous body. Oh my goodness! Please love it like we do :)</p> <p>Second, you're an hourglass with apple tendencies. I look forward to seeing more of your style! </p>