I've never been into shopping (mostly because it's a painful experience but also because I haven't the patience or tenacity for it). I tend to buy a look right off of the mannequin. But although I am only a couple of weeks out from surgery, I greatly look forward to a time when I might actually enjoy trying on clothes, and be able to wear things that other young women my age can wear. I certainly can appreciate a well put-together look on someone else, and I'm okay with color matching. I fancy myself a more bohemian or edgy/rock kinda girl, based on what I've read in magazines and online. But beyond that, I'm not so sure I have the creativity to put together any truly unique, daring, eye-catching looks.

So here's my question: how do those of us just foraying into fashion, who want to recreate our image, learn HOW to dress well (*cough* on a budget *cough*)? Anyone on this forum who is super artsy and creative and expressive? Anyone who just loves fashion? Know any good websites and books? Please do tell.

Aside from the age difference (your a lot younger than me)- you and I have a lot in common! I'm African-American and just under 5'4". You just described my body type completely- booty and all! Dressing for my shape is critical.

Cuts that are more flatting to our shape include: jackets that end at or slightly above the hips' date=' same with shirts, we can wear longer tunic styles but then you may want them to be a bit looser and balanced out with a skinny jean or fitted pant. Empire waist dresses are our friend. They emphasize the girls up top and skim the hips on bottom. If your waist is well-defined, belted dresses can also work well just pick wider belts and wear then at the natural waist. Belts right above your hips will only emphasize them. I have to be careful with skirts. Fitted (think pencil) or straight cut look better on me for two reasons: I'm short so I need a leg-line that flowy skirts don't offer and if I wore an A-line skirt that goes out from my hips, I look even wider. Calves, sigh. Yeah, I got a lot there too. Heels do help, you can try kitten or low heels and see if they are comfortable. I wear heels a lot because they give my calves a slimmer look but really I just wish they were smaller! I have worn maxi dresses and if I can find a way to cinch them in the back, some have ties in the back, then I can create some shape with them and I look better in them.

I guess the synopsis of all these tips is: Highlight the good stuff, the girls, deemphasize the stuff you don't like hips/thighs, and find clothes that create that curvy silohoutte (sp) for you.

PS- Booty is smaller as I've lost weight but definately not gone. I like the shape of it better now in clothes but I do have some sag when looking unclothed. [/quote']

Awesome tips I am 5'2.5 and I try and wear heels all the time because of the calf thing. I love empire waists and tunics with skinnies or jeggings I have never tried a pencil skirt but now I am going to try:) My booty is getting smaller but I still have enough to balance out my top thank goodness.

Wow thanks all! You guys rock. For some reason I wasn't aware that anyone was answering me...must've messed up my notifications somehow. Anyway some of your responses have me giggling. And others are just very insightful.

Ah' date=' Cowgirljane, heels. *sigh* One day, maybe. I have such a flat foot I think, that I'm not sure if losing weight will really make it easier for me to wear heels. But I wish. I'm 5'2, I can use a little assistance in that area.

LOL Ms. Antiband, I'm currently a jeans and hoodie kinda girl. It's my uniform. We joke that I'm like an anime character...clothes never change.

Hah, neneh, I feel you. I'd really rather like to keep the curve of my booty as well. It's definitely a cultural thing. I'm a pear shape, for sure...I could almost claim hourglass but I'm not very busty. My weight is in my hips, lower belly, thighs, calves, cankles...I genuinely despair over how my legs are going to turn out, I truly do. All the after photos I see are women with mostly sort of apple shapes, so they have these really fab legs. Which brings me to Kelly's post..

Speaking of legs...and dresses. I never wear dresses. Ever. Or shorts. Ever. And I really really want to. They look easy and fun and much more comfy than jeans. Not to mention cool. Every Summer I'm still essentially wearing what I wear in the fall minus the jacket. I'd love to dress more femininely; I guess I could at least try maxi dresses and those flowy, ankle length skirts.

Thank you for the feedback, and humor, everyone [/quote']

Yes the weightloss will make difference in the wearing of heels. I also have a flat foot that was made worse by the weight I was carrying.I have about half an inch on you so I know how shorties want to wear heels:) I can definitely feel the difference in my feet and when wearing heels I can actually tolerate them for longer than 30 minutes at my CW of 158 but at 230 not so much.

Yes the weightloss will make difference in the wearing of heels. I also have a flat foot that was made worse by the weight I was carrying.I have about half an inch on you so I know how shorties want to wear heels:) I can definitely feel the difference in my feet and when wearing heels I can actually tolerate them for longer than 30 minutes at my CW of 158 but at 230 not so much.

Yes!

Afrodite82, it will also make a difference in your legs! You will be rockin cute summer dresses in no time.

I like to look at fashion mags. But I have zero fashion sense. I don't know how to accessorize. I'm not into trends. I tend to keep it super casual-jeans, tshirts, and my faithful clunky danskos.