Reunion time! Two months postpartum with skinny bitch friends

[Anonymous]

I'd love some help. I had a baby two months ago, and of course my reunion is coming up. I'd like to attend but cried shopping today (may be the lack of sleep too) over my body. I'm not worried about it most of the time -- after all, I just had a baby, I know! -- but many of my friends just got married this year, so while I'm 25 pounds overweight they are in the best shape of their lives. I'd like to feel pretty; this will also be our first date out while Grandma babysits.

What style would look good? Either simple dress or fancy top with pant suggestions. I hate heels but would be willing to wear them if the general consensus is that it will make me look better. Links to clothes are welcome -- then I could order something online and then I can try it on and cry in the comfort of my own home.

I'm currently 160 lbs, 5'7" and I usually try to emphasize my waist for an hourglass look. I've read some other threads suggesting wrap dresses which normally look nice on me, but my nursing breasts are a 32J(!) so it looks a little overwhelming right now.

Thank you! Bonus if I find something I can wear to other holiday parties this season.

[Anonymous]

Love this jacket and the way it is styled with the flower belt:
http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?zoomImage=04019084&id=prdi25667&catId=cat80008&rootCategory=cat70008&sortKey=Default&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008§ion=Regular
Over a basic black sheath or black tank and bottoms. Simple, not trying to hard, yet elegant enough for a nice dinner.

You don't say how far out you are from graduation (or if this is high school or college or grad school), but anyone who matters will know that you just had a baby and will be impressed that you made it at all, and that you are so close to your ideal weight. Don't forget to bring photos of the wee one on your phone!

[Anonymous]

First, get yourself some Spanx (I like the Higher Power ones that cover you from tops of knees to under your boobs), THEN go shopping. No need to add insult to injury with that harsh dressing room lighting and a post-partum bod. I think ruching would be your friend if your trouble spot is your midsection. Or go with an empire waist.

Do you like your legs? Then a dress. If not, or you'd prefer flats or lower heels, go for slacks and flattering color top. Arms good? go sequin tank. Not so good, throw a complementary colored cardigan over it (for example, black sequined tank with black cashmere or fine-gauge wool cardigan. Although if you're anything like me post-partum, black might be too harsh). My thought is to cover that spectacular cleavage ESPECIALLY if this is your HS reunion!

here's an idea:
http://www.jcrew.com/wedding/Wedding_Bridesmaid/dresses/silkchiffon/PRDOVR~29287/29287.jsp

Hope this helps. I'll keep looking for links. My husband will be so happy I'm using my shopping powers "for pretends" this time! So fun!

[Anonymous]

I'm sure you don't normally shop at Chico's, but I swear they have some good stuff! Something like these...

http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=28&pageId=1&productId=570010702&viewAll=&prd=Travelers+Sequin+Confetti+Tank&subCatId=cat40017&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=4&catId=cat40002&cat=Tops+Tanks&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=2&size=

http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=33&pageId=1&productId=570005474&viewAll=&prd=Toria+Shell&subCatId=cat5159286&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=3&catId=cat40002&cat=Tops+Blouses++Shirts&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=3&size=

[Anonymous]

The cleavage might make this tricky but this is pretty!

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=62541&vid=1&pid=788968

[Anonymous]

here's what I meant by ruching...

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28837&N=1200007&pCategoryId=3939&categoryId=180&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_180&loc=TN&defaultColor=Black&defaultSizeType=Regular

here's one that will let you wear a serious bra
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=24667&N=1200007&pCategoryId=3939&categoryId=180&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_180&loc=TN&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Lush%20Plum&defaultSizeType=Regular

[Anonymous]

And get a good haircut if you have time. They might not notice your body if your hair looks really good. And if they're good friends they probably won't even notice that you're a few pounds heavier than usual. After all, you've just had a baby!

[Anonymous]

Hate to say it but it probably wont matter what you wear your going to feel like crap - I know, I was in a very similar situation. But know this, you will actually look great dispite what you are thinking. Your skin and dhair probably look great and while you may not have the best body now, you will next reunion when the others are two months postpartum. Have fun! Oh, and buy a warp dress something from DVF.

[Anonymous]

You sound just like me, OP. I'm slightly taller (5'8"), but had HUGE boobs post partum. Whatever you do, do NOT wear anything empire waist. It will emphasise your chest, hide your waist, and make you look huge. At this point, your waist is likely to be the smallest part, yes? (Oh, and I was about 160 shortly PP, too). I would definitely get something in a darker color, get good Spanx as recommended by a previous poster. A good, expensive wrap dress like a DVF can work wonders. Something in a thicker, non clingy material. DO wear heels, even if you don't normally wear them. Or wear a really nice pair of slacks and a great silk blouse. Something that is loose and somewhat flowy will de-emphasize your chest, and can be really dressed up with jewelry. THe heels will add height and be slimming. A great haircut/color will go a long way to just generally making you feel good.

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4193112&fbn=Taxonomy%7CShirts&fbc=1&pg=4&f=PAD%2FDivision%2FWomen&f=Taxonomy%2FPOLO%2F2735224&kw=silk&parentPage=search

Something like this in colors that suit you?

[Anonymous]

What shape are your legs in? Are they skinny? Do you feel comfortable showing a little cleavage?

[Anonymous]

Sequin! Sequin! Sequin! They are totally hot, always have a fun glitsy feel for special events, and there are lots of styles that are either boxy or loose tanks so they are forgiving.

A lot of these are similar, and some are pricey, but you get the idea of the look.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446375870&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492710876&bmUID=iN31OO5&ev19=1:61 This is my favorite, although it's crazy $$$. But notice how she's wearing it with black tight pants and sexy black heeled booties. This makes her legs look really long. It's a very flattering look that anyone could wear (assuming you're not going to your 25th college reunion). I would pair with a long decorative but delicate necklace.

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446383554&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574491846625&bmUID=iN320xf&ev19=3:94
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446383907&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574491979551&bmUID=iN3dOXj&ev19=4:29 (I tried this one on and it's flattering but a little more casual)
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446383903&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574491979551&bmUID=iN3dOXy&ev19=4:31
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446381092&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492821485&bmUID=iN3eUfr&ev19=8:70
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446381859&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574491979423&bmUID=iN37..B&ev19=1:28
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446358601&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492299615&bmUID=iN3800X&ev19=1:55


I also LOVE this one
http://www.shopbop.com/reese-tunic-young-fabulous-broke/vp/v=1/845524441881737.htm?folderID=2534374302072624&fm=other-shopbysize

[Anonymous]

Also, this type of top is great for distracting.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446372522&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492821485&bmUID=iN3801B&ev19=1:69

[Anonymous]

10:35 again. A necklace like this is great, and I would go for an even longer one.

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446385901&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574488339108&bmUID=iN3KC_L&ev19=2:36

[Anonymous]

I love all these suggestions! Thank you all. I'm thinking about trying the sequins trend. It's my 10 year high school reunion so I don't want to look fussy - I want to look fun!

I went to the mall today (with the baby and my toddler ... It was sort of a disaster) and wore spanx (excellent idea!!). Tried on this dress:

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=13658&vid=1&pid=791635&scid=791635002

Not sure about the neckline but what do you think of the style?

[Anonymous]

Oh and I think my legs look pretty good - especially in my black Spanx! So I'm leaning toward a dress that shows off an hourglass shape.