Disapointed with options for summer, and stores in general.

Blah, Blah Blah. VENT.

This is my little fashion vent. ok. I'm no spring chicken at 30, but I'm not going out to pasture yet either. I would assume that stores like Jeans West would have some cool great trendy pieces. They now cater for pregnant women and I think that is a real step forward, but after bubs and breastfeeding there are few options. That's ok- I don't really need exclusive breastfeeding clothing (and the stuff available looks more like sleepwear to me anyhow) but really they could just have some summer dresses that would button down. Nope almost impossible to get, and they need to be layered with breastfeeding singlets anyway. So yep just what you need when you are nursing a sweaty baby against your skin in 40 degree weather- another layer! I would really like to look like a lady and wear a dress for a change though. The last piece I got from Jeans West started to fall apart, so quality wise I'm not convinced either. So why not get cheap & cheerful at K-mart? I brought a white shirt from K-mart recently and it also started coming apart at the seams. So I returned it. But yeah, you get what you pay for. Sussans, looking through their on line catalog I thought YAY! I have found some pieces that will keep me cool in summer & looked age appropriate, although they are a bit on the pricey side. So I went into the shop, only to find that there is this rating system that Sussans use. If they are not an 'A' store they only get some of the stock, 'B' stores get less ect. And if I wanted to order from the online catalog they would charge me a delivery fee and I wouldn't get to try it on first :(. I just thought HOLD ON THERE you want me to pay $79 for a shirt and then add $10 and I can't try it on - NO THANKS. Of course I agreed that was a good option to the sales rep and made a speedy exit from the store. My biggest dilemma is quality, a $19 top is lovely, but if it is only worn once & falls apart it is really expensive for what it is.
The lovely bra shop in town was great at selling me stuff too. It's a shame they didn't size me properly and I could only wear the bra after 8pm when my milk supply was at it's lowest. So, I've turned to online shopping. Convenient and I don't have to drag kids around from store to store. I've just loaded up and payed for some stuff from Ezibuy and Mothersdirect. Maybe I'll have a better success rate there. Because at the moment all I can think of is getting something comfortable to wear, not something trendy. So I'm sitting here thanking the stars that those 'ugly' navy 3/4 thin cotton pants with the elastic waist were not purged because it has been so hot here I just want comfort. Uhhhh... shopping! I guess this is why people have 'stylists' do the hard yards for them
Ange - you do a wonderful job keep up the good work

15 years ago

anne

Veteran

Hi MumtoJess and Luke

I can so sympathise with you sentiments about just wanting something comfortable in the heat (It isn't that hot yet in my part of Australia, but it will be soon!).

I have hardly looked in the shops so far this summer, as I splurged last summer and am cutting back, so no real suggestions. Sorry you are having such a hard time!

One style of dress I found useful for breastfeeding was one that had a crossover top, but I am not sure if they are around much this year.
here is one
http://www.ezibuy.com.au/women.....-73842.htm
(just to illustrate the top part, not the length)

mumtojessandluke

Active Member

Thanks Anne. For reading my rant and offering a suggestion.
It's great to know other breastfeeding mums out there have been successful in wearing a dress while feeding. I've worn a dress before to breastfeed by although I thought I looked hip and stylish the pictures told a VERY different story. And I have to be careful about the under the bust lines, as half of the time they hit me mid boob
I'll try to post a photo of my failed attempt at my sons and daughters birthday party last year!! I laugh.. 'cos there isn't much more I can do. LOL. The first photo is one taken by my DH - TYPICAL boob shot. The second is my aunty & her son, My husband and daughter and me and my son. Yep, should have thought it through. Too much leg showing and the shoes I had to borrow to ride the train- so please don't think I get around in them!! LOL.
My first post with photos. (Nervous laugh)

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Whoops that is my friend not my aunty- LOL.

That dress would have been fine with a cami and cropped leggings - but I hear you about wanting just a single layer of clothing when it is hot.

I hope some bustier ladies will have some more suggestions for you. My experience was a bit different because I am usually an A/AA cup and even in the first months of breastfeeding don't get bigger than a C.

puffenstuff

(website)

Welcome to the forum! While I cannot offer any assistance for breastfeeding I can sympathise in the boob department and lack of good clothes. For some reason most of the shops stock dresses with empire waists, I dont think they do alot of people any justice at all, especially if you're busty. I think you're best off sticking to simpler shapes but it does depend alot on what your body shape is as to what will be the most flattering for you. I would also recommend to stay away from polyester for summer dresses, I just find them horribly hot and uncomfortable - stick with natural fabrics like cotton for better ventilation.

Jeanswest clohtes have gone down hill terribly in the last 12 months, good for jeans and that's about it. K-Mart has improved in quality and I found they have some good basic pieces but not long lasting. My favourite stores at the moment are Sportsgirl, Sussan,Barkins and Witchery - yes they can be a little pricey but if you're getting good wear out of something it is worth it in the long run.

I found this really nice dress on the Rivers website too that might interest you
http://www.rivers.com.au/catal.....#038;PS=31

If you feel game at some stage you might like to post a "What is my body type" post so we can get a better idea of what clothes to recommend to you.

Thank you so much Puffenstuff
I am completely agree with you on polyester. But the range to choose from that are breastfeeding friendly are very few and far between so when I saw it and it fitted I grabbed it... and I actually thought it looked good until I saw the photos -SHAME, SHAME, SHAME.
I'm in a country town so the options are even more limited. But I am thinking I must look at some of the boutiques and start supporting local businesses instead of chain stores with crappy quality. I'm just a little afraid of the sales people to be honest, and being talked into something that is 'wrong' for me and expensive. Might have to grit my teeth and go for it... well maybe my next shopping spree I've already spent over $300 this week on clothes. Yet again SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!! LOL. Darren Hinch would have some great fodder. (Ausi Joke).
I didn't even know that Rivers had an online store!! Thanks again. That dress looks really nice.
I'll post a pic in the "what is my body type" section for you I'd love a hand in the selection area, because clearly I don't know what I'm doing in that department especially after two babies and the associated body changes.
Feeling a little better today. I've had my children minded, shaved legs, dyes hair, dyed eye lashes (did you know there was a home kit for this- super easy, effective & cheap). This has only happened before I had kids in early 2007. So I'm feeling really good right now!
yet again- thanks

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