So, here I am, a year later, and have lost 75 pounds. Got rid of most of my fattest clothes because they really looked ridiculous on me now (who'd have thought there was really that much difference between a size 30 and a 20?!)

BUT

now I've been browsing the stores trying to find some warmer stuff for fall and winter and the only things I see are retro '70's stuff, smock tops, fitted tops with much larger bust areas than I can fill, and leggings! What's with the ugly clothes out there? I look like an apple standing on toothpicks (not to mention very preggo) if I wear leggings with a smock top like they're showing. And, I refuse to wear a padded bra like one salesperson recommended.

So, where can someone find nice,conservative (not low-cut tops), PRETTY clothing for a reasonable price. I've tried Kohl's, Fashion Bug, Walmart, Target, Kmart(yes, I even went there), Shopko, Younkers, Sears, and JCPenney already. Not much else in our area, but if anyone has any suggestions for on-line shopping, I'd really appreciate it!

Maybe I should mention I'm almost 47, so I'm not ready for my grandma's wardrobe, but also not into the teen stuff, either

Ronnie, first off congrats on your loss!!! Have you tried Avenue? They are pretty cheap imo (a lot cheaper than Lane Bryant)and I think there clothes are cute...not too froo froo but comfortable and you can shop online if there is not one near you. There is also CAtherines (they are a little pricier but you never know what you might find). Lastly I always check ebay, I just type in the brand I am looking for then you can narrow by size. (this is where I go to try and find the elusive navy Houston pant that Lane Bryant does not make anymore..LOL) Well hope this helps, happy shopping and good luck.

Do you have a Lane Bryants anywhere nearby? Also, I love Coldwater Creek and Chicos. I know they are $$$ but maybe just invest in a couple of pieces that are of good quality since you are still losing.

OMG--I so agree, SO AGREE with you on the smocked top (flair just beneath breasts) and legging looking. PREGGO! So preggo looking! I have yet to see ONE woman that outfit looks good on--goes double for those ridiculous tops.

I hear you on the clothing , on my way down I bought most of my clothes at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers and Consignment Shops, You can often find new clothing at these stores. It does take some searching, though. When I had to pay retail I found good success ( reasonably good, that is ) at Avenue, Fashion Bug (dependong on the store) and Sears. I could find clothes at these store that you wouldn't mind appearing in public. Some stores that sell clothing for larger women have designers that obviously hate women.

No kidding on the smock tops. NOW, 180 pounds ago, I would have LOVED to have had that style in fashion...but now, I kind of want to show off my figure, not hide it. When I was 300 pounds the skin tight t-shirts and low rider jeans were totally in style, as if anyone over 110 pounds really looked good in that style. UGH. HATE IT.

Ronni I am so with you on all this retro stuff. I can't stand any of it. I think it looks terrible on most everyone. If the 70's and 80's stuff is so popular, when is the Yuppie look going to come back in? Penny loafers, (I have some ), cardigans, pinstriped oxford shirts...wool skirts and boot? I loved that look. Modest, flattering, and it looked nice...of course this is my opinion...LOL

Well I don't know what you mean about the leggings and long tops. I love them and they're very fashionable right now. But of course you have to be careful about trends because they don't work for everybody. You have to be really aware of your body shape (apple, inverted triangle, pear, rectangle, or hourglass) and buy clothes that will fit that shape. It CAN be difficult for an apple shape (large waistline, slim hips, skinny legs) to wear leggings and tunics but it's not impossible.

Have you ever tried doing a Macy's by appointment? They have a store appointed stylist that will listen to what you're looking for and will pull items for you to try on. I used the service once because i was looking for a dress for a wedding but she was very helpful in showing me how certain cuts of dresses were or were not flattering on me - I had no clue before. It's a free service, you just have to buy something I think.

It's good to venture out beyond your comfort zone, that's how we grow as individuals. I feel quite the opposite of you, now that I'm losing weight I'm super excited to participate in trends that I couldn't before. I've never been conservative but I'm never going back to comfort clothes again - bring on the leggings!!!

Wanna, I think we are discussing the tops that are the smocked ones--fitted across the bust and flairing just below--not "long" ones. Think Mimi Maternity window, and you will understand the style we are discussing. My shape is hourglass and yep, I definitely look preggo wearing them. I have a couple of teency friends and yep, even they look preggo too!

ETA: I think leggings (with the right top) can look nice if a woman has a gorgeous body.

I did buy a pair of black leggings and am working up the courage to wear them! I am loving shopping these days. At 47, I think that most people know that I am not preggo so I don't mind the smock tops within reason--I don't want to look like I'm 12! DD22 sometimes tries to tell me that I really can wear some of these trends when I so cannot. Today I'm wearing Express boot cut jeans, from the Salvation Army $3, a long sleeve crew neck tee, Kohl's $9, a long navy short-sleeved cardigan from the Limited $16 clearance and loafers. I think I look pretty cute.

I like The Territory Ahead, LL Bean, Cabela's, and Soft surroundings to name a few. You should be able to find them all online.

As for leggings and smock tops, YUCK. Being quite busty, smock tops make me look pregnant and never fit right. Besides, reminding me too much of maternity clothes. Leggings, to me are just fancy long underwear.

Macy's is my favorite place to shop and they always have awesome sales.

Lori-I looooved the 80's oxford shirts, skirts, and cardigans! I keep waiting for those styles to come back

Thanks for some ideas--going to do some on-line browsing right now

This.

ITA! I can't get enough of the trendy clothes! I now have a small waist and I adore tops that gather just under the boobs. They make folks look lean and long, IMO. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE leggings! I love wearing them under the super short dresses they have out now. I couldn't be happier with today's fashion.

Having said that, try TJ Maxx. They have lots of classic clothing there.

I am in love with leggings and ankle boots. I also own a pair of leg warmers! Yes, I do. Bring back the 80s!

Actually, I'm not usually a trendy gal, but I did just buy the most amazing, versatile sweater dress. I wore it alone, plan to wear it with leggings, over jeans, with a belt.

For classic pieces, I shop Banana Republic. You may also want to consider Chicos. I know your body is changing and it's expensive to buy higher-end clothing, but you can always have it tailored. I tailor most of my clothes anyway, because I'm short and nothing ever fits *quite* right.

Ooo yes I'm really excited about sweater dresses, bought 2 already and waiting for the weather to take a downward chill so I can wear them. It's just so much fun wearing clothes now, I'm having a great time accessorizing with belts, leggings, fitted shirts, straight leg pants, and bits of trendy clothing here and there. These are all things I didn't think I deserved to wear before because I didn't want to call attention to myself. I'm all about attention now!

Yes, I'm totally psyched about this fall's fashion!

I bought my sweater dress at french connection (fcuk). I haven't tried on anything from there in probably 10 years, because it used to be so tiny. But, I was inspired by a woman working there in a sweater dress who is not a small girl. But, she was rocking the sweater dress. And, if she can do it, then I can do it! I went in and tried it on and loved it. It's one with a thick elastic band around the bottom, so I can hike it up and show off my legs, which are my best feature. Used to be my boobs, but pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and gravity have taken their toll.