Help- I need to rework my image quickly for work event!

[Anonymous]

Break a leg! And be careful with the Manderin collars. I think the are aging. You are young...and can pull off a vneck or open collar!

[Anonymous]

Mid-thirties, plus sized, new mom in tech who is just enjoying the hell out of this thread and seeing a ton of great tips.

I also have plantar fasciitis and wanted to second the Rockport recommendation. Actually I find a low heel (1-2 inch) aggravates my PF much less than a day in flats. I wouldn't assume you can't do heels if you don't know that to be true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:50ish lawyer here and I also really like MM Lafleur's stuff for work. I'm even wearing two pieces today, including the aforementioned jardigan. They have easy returns and have a lot of plus size stuff. Also agree with the Spanx recommendations.

You don't find them too clingy? I stopped by their shop in NYC when I was up there a few years ago and tried on a whole bunch of their dresses with one of their stylists. Seemed like it was all jersey material that clung to *every* nuance underneath and highlighted underwear lines, non-smooth places, etc. The jardigan was the one great exception. Wondering if I should give their clothes another try or if others are just more comfortable in thin clingy jersey than I am, or know how to better rock the shape wear? I walked away thinking it was best for super tall and thin people with no curves. That was a few years ago though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:50ish lawyer here and I also really like MM Lafleur's stuff for work. I'm even wearing two pieces today, including the aforementioned jardigan. They have easy returns and have a lot of plus size stuff. Also agree with the Spanx recommendations.

You don't find them too clingy? I stopped by their shop in NYC when I was up there a few years ago and tried on a whole bunch of their dresses with one of their stylists. Seemed like it was all jersey material that clung to *every* nuance underneath and highlighted underwear lines, non-smooth places, etc. The jardigan was the one great exception. Wondering if I should give their clothes another try or if others are just more comfortable in thin clingy jersey than I am, or know how to better rock the shape wear? I walked away thinking it was best for super tall and thin people with no curves. That was a few years ago though.

I wear a lot of MM.Lafleur and there are many non-clingy options and A-line shapes. Definitely try them again and just tell the stylists you don't want anything fitted.

[Anonymous]

OP here with a quick update. I have spent hours browsing all of the helpful links and plan to post some photos/ links for feedback soon. I have found some gift cards from Zappos and DSW that I hope to be able to use.

Spanx- I have ordered a mid-thigh open bust bodysuit
Teeth- great reminder- I have returned to using my white strips, I am going to try to find a dentist that can get me in for a cleaning.

Glasses- I currently wear small rimless glasses, I am open to contacts but my eyes are easily irritated so I am not sure I can make that work. I tried on some big frames and they looked a bit like I was trying to hard. Are rimless hopefully out of style?

Nina McLemore- Honestly this is sort of the style i am wearing now- but at a Talbots price point. I have been dressing like the senior leaders I work with- and they are older than me. I also do a lot of speaking in front of rooms of people so I tend to stick to bright solid colors but not a lot of statement necklaces and I can't pop a collar to save my life. I have just gone too far down this path. I think the comment about asymmetrical dark colors like are seen in IT consulting is more in line with what I should be targeting.

Talbots- what is up with the pineapples? I headed over to my local shop with the kids in tow (crazy I know) to see if I could just grab some things to take home to try on. And there were embroidered and beaded pineapples on everything!

I was really hoping to see this leather jacket:
https://www.talbots.com/online/Leather-Peplum-Zip-Jacket-prdi43462/N-0&selectedConcept=Petites&selectedColor=0057&multifab=False?cmp=dfc-20180814-google-August-allproducts&utm_medium=dfc&utm_campaign=Petites&utm_content=Coats%20&%20Jackets&utm_term=20180814&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrLv2pIjv3AIVCbXACh1DcQy2EAQYASABEgIjafD_BwE

I was thinking it would be a nice piece to layer over tops with jeans/ boots for the casual dinner events- any thoughts about this?

And I just found out the agenda for the meetings has changed to get rid of the dressy evening in favor of more casual dine around type events we will have to walk to. So that is putting more pressure on my shoe choices, and limping is never a good look.

MME Lafluer- I really want that jardigan piece, I need to figure out how to wear it. What an amazing concept. I am so glad you all got me to look at their site. They have been facebook stalking me but I ignored because I assumed the jersey would be clingy. I also really like the asymmetrical top.

Rent the Runway- I have spent a lot of time looking at this site and think it might be messing with my head. There is a lot there that I don't think I could ever wear, but after looking long enough I started thinking a floral jumpsuit would be a good choice. At that point I just logged off to try to get some sleep.

And thanks for the attitude encouragement! I am starting to get excited to go to this meeting.

[Anonymous]

Check out http://dcstylefactory.com Their social media is full of great advice from a team of personal stylists. I really enjoy their Instagram stories, and have learned from watching (since I'm not currently in a position to hire a personal shopper/ stylist)

[Anonymous]

I think a lot of the Talbots suiting and professional clothing is website-only, although you can a) see if it's available in a store near you and b) order online and then return to the store. It is really frustrating though not being able to go to a physical store and have all the professional suit options in stock in a full range of sizes.

[Anonymous]

OP - white strips! Easy and instant gratification.

[Anonymous]

This thread is concerning. If your company is a saying we will select employees based on appearance and you are not retained I'd be looking for a lawyer. Nothing wrong at all about wanting to look your best but also unfair that few or no man or young woman has received the message on "image" as you perhaps correctly have...as a threat that your age and appearance are unacceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am very curious about what type of industry and event this is where so much seems to ride on your appearance instead of performance. Pharma sales? Has your job performance otherwise been at risk?

Honestly a lot of image and appearance at your age (or any age honestly) is being thin or at least not overweight. I'm sorry as I know this isn't helpful but it is true and the way it is.

I am also a winter in appearance and it sounds like you know what colors work for you, so you should stick with them. I'm also much larger on the bottom than on top and find that always wearing a blazer or jacket is usually a flattering look.

Look online for the return options of stores where you like to shop for free return shipping. Order several things in multiple sizes and return what doesn't work.

This is 100% wrong and super narrow-minded. A person with a flattering haircut and make-up, nice accessories and clothes that suit they body type and fit them well can look great at any size. These are all things that are manageable in the timeframe OP set out and to dump on her with this attitude is really unhelpful given the scope of the questions. Pipe down.

[Anonymous]

I was really hoping to see this leather jacket:
https://www.talbots.com/online/Leather-Peplum-Zip-...bXACh1DcQy2EAQYASABEgIjafD_BwE


I like this jacket better in the Walnut.

[Anonymous]

If not mentioned already, check out:

https://closet.gwynniebee.com/pages/size-quiz

It is a subscription box service but caters to more plus size. It allows you to try, wear, buy, or return.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If not mentioned already, check out:

https://closet.gwynniebee.com/pages/size-quiz

It is a subscription box service but caters to more plus size. It allows you to try, wear, buy, or return.

Good luck!

Sorry - if that link doesn't work:

https://closet.gwynniebee.com/a/clothing/work-dresses

[Anonymous]

Check out wardrobeoxygen.com. She’s local w/ lots of outfit ideas. She was mentioned in another thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel for you, OP! Our appearance stats are very similar - right down the planter fascitis!

Someone else mentioned Eloquii - I have not tried them yet but have been getting their emails for a few weeks and like what they offer.

You might also try Stitch Fix. My assigned stylist was very responsive to my needs.

Re shoes, look at Clark’s on Zappos. They make some shoes that have straps across the middle that look a bit stylish but give support.

And finally, easier said than done but own the room! Good posture, smiles, don’t look at your phone, make small talk, reapply lipstick etc. it sucks that you have to parade yourself like this in 2018 but accept it and do it! And btw, based in what you’ve written above, you seem pretty great. Good luck!

Me too.
Also recommend clarks. They have a ballet flat with hard sole and lined that's gelcushioned at ball of foot.