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getting dressed {or trying}

23 July 2015

I just knew there was a Grace-Patton-selfie sized hole in your life. Multiple holes? I knew it. Worry not, I'm here to rectify and day save and probably actually mostly just horrify but ... carpe yolo.

I blogged a few weeks after I had Phoebe last year about these postpartum pants and so I thought I'd do something similar again because I'm a self-professed creature of habit which is just a fatty euphemism for: predictable. Right? Right.

Anyway, nothing fits. Nothing. Simon actually seriously and gently suggested I wear running shorts to Mass the other week after listening to me curse yet another outfit that was cackling in my direction after it (you guessed it!) ... didn't fit. And, I'm not complaining. I get it! Babies ruin bodies in the best way and are so worth it and if my hips are locked into their newfound wide position forever and ever ... fine. But, I can only wear running shorts (and truthfully - even they look a little too snug right now - thanks for nothing, elastic) so many days in a row before I don't want to wear them anymore because I'm doing zero running these days.

So, I turned to Stitch Fix to help a mother out because shopping is all but out of the question. Stitch Fix is not in any way sponsoring this post, at all. This is my referral link though ... if you are so inclined. But, I understand if you're not. Always!

I logged back into my account and left a lengthy explanation that I was two weeks postpartum and needed clothing that was nursing friendly and um, forgiving? And I left the link to this Pinterest board.

I was pleasantly surprised when a note came with my Fix explaining why they chose what ("you live in Tampa - it's hot! this is all Costco-friendly! And congrats on Bosco!") which was very much appreciated.


You see that smile? Fake. Because I can't breathe -- those shorts were very, very tight. I could barely walk in them and they were SUPER unflattering from behind. Shudder. But, I did love them OFF my person and love the concept of some dressy-ish shorts in lieu of denim shorts but ... these just didn't quite work.

The shirt though .. a different story. It had a nice forgiving drape to it and was slightly longer in the back (but not mullet length, thankfully) and has become a staple in my wardrobe of late (I kept it, if that's not obvious). 

Next!


Again, wanted to love this shirt but it was just way too short. If it had been longer ... I would've been all over it. You can see the elastic from my maternity jeans sticking out loud and proud ... nope. I was almost tempted to keep it and alter it into a dress for one of the girls but not tempted enough. 

Onward.


I didn't think I'd like this polka dot blouse when I first pulled it out but putting it on ... I was sold. The buttons make it nursing friendly and it's really lightweight and dressy enough for dates and church and the like (not sure what "the like" is? Me neither). And the curved hem (like this skirt hem - I can't explain it - so there's a visual!) was a lot more flattering than I'd anticipated.

Kept it! Heart it.

And last and potentially least ...


these jeans.

Again, wanted to love! I did. But they were super heavy and had no stretch to them and were way too hot for summer and SUPER tough to button. I hate to call them mom jeans because .... I'm very much a mom but ... the shoe fits. Even paired with my favorite wedges, they looked frumpy. MAYBE in the winter with some clogs? But ... probably not. This pair that's on sale looks a lot more up my alley.

So, I'm excited to try Stitch Fix out again in a few months after giving my stylist feedback from two fixes. But in the mean time ... if you see a frazzled lady donning a silky blouse + running shorts around town ... just keeeeeep on walking. Thanks.

27 comments:

  1. Shopping for clothes is the worst! I took a parenting survey and one of the happiness indicator questions asked about being satisfied with the last clothing item purchased ("NO!"); totally makes sense! Love the grey shirt- simple, but not. I just splurged on my first "real" pair of jeans at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale (Paige- skyline). I've always been blessed with wide hips, but these jeans actually help a mother out.

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  2. I actually love those jeans on you but post-partum, and really anytime, no stretch = no bueno. Can I come hold Bosco? Such a peanut.

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  3. I've got one coming this weekend I made a big stink about my last two being HORRIBLE and impractical, and I think it's finally going to work and be my style! You can apparently pin items from other people's fixes to request them in your next one, and they've been really good about nursing-friendly items for me :)

    Oh and PS congratulations on Bosco (which my phone autocorrected to Biscuits so... Nickname?)!

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  4. You look amazing! Love the button top... With it's .... Get this, "shirt tail hem" yep, that's what it's called.
    That's what taking two years of sewing in high school in the 80s will teach you!

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    1. cracking up - that's what I thought but it seemed so .... obvious? thanks!!!

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  5. You always look SO GOOD. I can't count the number of times I've compared my one-pregnancy body to your five pregnancy body and bemoaned how you look so darn good. If you need a moral boaster/compliment dropper than I'm your girl. ;)

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    1. oh gosh - you're the best! please know that these are heavily filtered and Bash still asks if there's a baby in my tummy!!!

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  6. Those two shirts look great (you don't look pp at all!)! And bummer that the cute shorts didn't work.
    Question: Overall how were the care instructions for your two fixes? I reallyreally want to try SF out in the fall but am on the fence since having read a few reviews that mentioned receiving mostly non-mom-friendly clothes (hand wash, dry clean), and I don't want to get my hopes up...or lose my $20. ;)

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  7. Those jeans look SO cute on you but yeah, stiff jeans don't work so well being a mom and all! Looking good, Grace!!!

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  8. I actually got the grey high low shirt in May via Stitchfix and its the bomb. Versatile & comfortable, I've worn it quite a bit already this summer.

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  9. So I have never been postpartum, but I can totally relate to the "NOTHING FITS!!!" curses and clothing flying everywhere. Especially with shorts.

    I recently discovered this great thing called CUTE and ELASTIC shorts. Seriously the best. I have a pair from Gap (on clearance!) and Old Navy and I love them. Stretchy and cute.

    These from Gap are similar - http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1032110&vid=1&pid=516039022
    And I have these from Old Navy in red - http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1009253&vid=1&pid=173934012
    And the longer version - http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1009253&vid=1&pid=431846002

    This is seriously the greatest invention ever. I don't know why it's taken us so long to make stretchy and comfy shorts that are still cute!

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  10. I can't even believe you fit into all this!! I would need everything with extra stretch! Like silly puddy type strength! But, I am loving that tee and the polka dot top, total keepers!!!

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  11. Finally tried Stitch Fix a couple months ago and loving it. I've had 3 so far. Kept nothing from the first one, everything from the 2nd and 1 thing from the 3rd. Love the whole concept because I hate shopping with a passion.

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  12. oh my gosh, girl, you are so skinny and perfect. i know for me, i spent so much time just focusing on my smalls, that i didn't have the time to deal with fashion until at least several months post, you know?

    stitch fix is so hot right now, so go for it, girl!

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  13. Oh boy. I absolutely hate trying to get dressed post baby. Maternity clothes don't fit, your "fat clothes" don't fit, and I end up wearing yoga pants all day. We ended up having a Christmas party to go to after our third son about two weeks postpartum. Let's just say I cussed at all my clothes, cried, then remembered I just had a baby and found something that "worked". They should have a line of clothes just for that time!

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  14. I love that gray shirt! I'm a Stitch Fix stylist and have been sending that top out to a scary amount because it's such a great basic! You looked great in everything, to be honest, but I understand you have to feel comfortable!

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  15. I am also 3 weeks postpartum and am with you in the nothing fits department! I bought these jersey jogger pants from gap and they can be dressed up or down, have an elastic waistband and are SUPER comfortable!
    http://m.gap.com/product.html?dn=gp514030012&dv=1&shopid=0&pdn=gc1011761&outlet=false

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  16. I love the gray shirt and coral shirts so they are now pinned onto my StitchFix board -- hopefully my stylist will see and take note. Although my hips are significantly wider than yours so I'm questioning whether the shorts will fit me... maybe size up x5? :)

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  17. I hate getting dresses postpartum, especially for church. Don't mind me while I wear the same outfit every week since it's the only one that fits. Finally at 4 months, things are improving. This makes me want to try stitch fix, my closet is looking at little sad.

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  18. Postpartum dressing=worst thing ever! And no kidding about the running shorts, I never thought they'd let me down!! By the way, never would guess you just birthed baby #5... I want your secret potion!

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  19. The shorts in the first picture are super cute. Too bad they didn't fit right. I hate when that happens. You look great mama!

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  20. J Crew and JC Factory has elasticized non-frumpy looking shorts that were lifesavers for me after my last pregnancy...and I believe they are on sale too now! Maybe they might work for you too??

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  21. I had a baby June 27th and made the mistake of trying on some of my jeans and shorts last week thinking....well I wasn't thinking I guess! It led to an online shopping spree. I got a couple of knee length Patagonia skirts that fit like maxi skirts at the top. Super cute and flattering. I also got some shirts and cardigans from Loft that all worked. Another item I'm loving right now are Target Mossimo brand super low rise shorts (I do the 2 inch inseam but they have longer). They have stretch and are flattering on legs and rear. I wore one size larger while I was pregnant and was able to button them and everything because of how low they were. I love the white and the navy because they go with everything.

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  22. you look great post-partum! congratulations again :)

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  23. Ooh I love with a capital L that first pair of shorts! I would get them but my behind is gigantic and they would probably look terrible on me. It's too bad they didn't work out. They're cute! Also, you look fabulous! Good job!


    Erika
    www.partofherlittleworld.blogspot.com

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  24. That polka-dot blouse is so pretty! I definitely know that 'nothing fits!' feeling, such a nightmare! Stitch Fix is a good shout though!
    Lauren
    en.emoi-emoi.com

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