Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Dear Spanx

striped dress + denim jacket + yellow scarf

I’m sure the brains behind the bodycon dress/skirt trend did not have mothers in mind when he (it must have been a he) came up with this look. Mothers who have grown two big monster babies, grown and swollen to crazy proportions, and have the stretch marks to prove it . . . we couldn’t possibly have been the target market.

striped dress + denim jacket + yellow scarf

Thank you, Spanx, for making them possible. Because even if we reach our pre-pregnancy weights, let’s be honest . . . things are not the same. Hips have spread. Rumps have expanded and deflated like week-old birthday balloons. Tummies are stretched out and a little on the loose side. And the boobs? I don’t even want to talk about it. The babies are worth it all, no question. But still.

DSC_0137

You may be shocked to hear that this dress was actually incredibly comfortable (so much stretch!), and awesome for nursing (another feature I’m suuuuuure the designer never intended). Totally stretchy enough to just pull the neckline down, which was a fantastic surprise, since I thought I’d have to totally undress to feed Darcy.

So thank you, Spanx, for giving me the confidence to wear this dress. Heaven knows I couldn’t have done it on my own, because the choice between cookies and sit-ups is a very easy one for me to make. (always the cookies)

Dress + Shoes: c/o LuLu*s // Jacket: thrifted // Scarf: Target // Bag: c/o JoTotes

26 comments:

  1. I LOVE this post. There's just something about it that brings me piece of mind for when I have kids one day that it'll be ok if I'm not super skinny and in shape after growing someone inside of me!

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  2. Love that you chose that yellow as a pop of colour to a very casual but chic outfit! Effortless style :)

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  3. found your blog today and was kind of hoping you named her because of P&P but your story is just as sweet. it's my favourite book, and my first daughter will 100% be named Elizabeth, but truthfully I've always loved the name, it just happens to be the main character in my fave book. If only I could convince hubby Fitzwilliam is a great boy's name.

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  4. What a cute outfit!!...and this jean jacket...great you refound your faith in Thrift shopping ;)

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  5. LOVE this look! The dress, the jacket, the scarf, the shoes...perfect!

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  6. "Always the cookies" Amen, sister! You look awesome as usual ;) I'm just a little jealous I'm 19months post baby and I don't want to talk about it, k? Because I pretty sure I'm slightly heavier than right after she was born... but anyway! Yay for spanx they are awesome!

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  7. I always had to steer clear of dresses during nursing so that is a good dress to have! Glad to hear other mothers with similar post baby bodies. It is always discouraging to look in the mirror but knowing I am not alone makes it a little more bearable!

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  8. Let's all raise our glasses (and sippy cups) to Spanx!


    Although I just can't fathom how you need them. You always look amazing and trim and gorgeous. Love the jean jacket, btw. Have you taken it off since you scored it?

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  9. That is so pretty! I love the color choices as well - what a lucky kiddo!

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  10. I will never ever take it off. And you have a lot of confidence in my post-baby tummy . . . it definitely benefits from a little restraint. Spanx forever!!!

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  11. Yep, nothing will ever be the same . . . but I guess it's ok as long as there are spanx to keep it under control ;-)

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  12. I love P&P too! I liked the name Darcy independently of the book, but I love that there is a little connection :-) And loooove the name Elizabeth. Perfect Pride and Prejudice tribute!

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  13. You're adorable!...and hilarious!...and I totally see you making a conscious effort not to do that hand "claw" thing you do. :-P Now tell me which magic spanx you have that don't roll down everythime you move because that's the kind I need. Cookie lovers unite!

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  14. I just got some cheap spanx knockoffs at Walmart . . . they don't seem to roll down at the waist, but the legs ride up and it bugs me. Cookies 4ever!!!

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  15. Love this dress! What size did you buy, if you don't mind sharing? The sizes on their site seem to run awfully small.

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  16. I was searching for ways to end my granny crochet project. This scalloped border is perfect! Thank you for sharing!

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  17. You don't need spanx!!
    But that was a great post- I have yet to experience it joys of what babies do to you, so i may not find it so funny when i do!

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  18. I'm using this right now and it looks great but the scallops won't lay flat! Any advice to keep them from flopping over?

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  19. Maybe try spacing them a little further apart so they are more snug and avoid getting that 'ruffly' effect?

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  20. First border I've ever done. Turned out perfect! So easy and so pretty! Thanks!!!

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  21. Love this pattern!!! Just finished my first blanket ever with this :). Thanks so much for the easy explanation!

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Thanks for commenting!