I just bought a load of cheap maternity dresses to get me through the next couple of months and I don't really like any of them (they're fine, just... nothing beyond "boring" and "adequate") and they don't make me feel pretty, so I'm sitting here looking at vintage chiffon dresses and I'll probably end up buying one of these things before the day is out. I don't need it. I don't even like chiffon that much. I just want something lightweight and ethereal because I feel anything but, myself.
Also I cancelled going to my birthing class this weekend so I could stay home and watch Daredevil S2 instead.
Whatever, this week sucked, I don't want to think about how this squirming alien is going to have to come out in a few more weeks. I just want to watch the Punisher blow the hell out of some dudes for a few hours.
Now, I know what you meant, but my brain went somewhere else first. Now I have to look up the Punisher actor and see how cute he is...
@merciel 1. Where are the boring/adequate dresses from? I've been doing the same thing because I can't even try to fit into my old clothes anymore and I am running out of things to wear to work. Boring and adequate is as good as it's going to get for me this next ~7 weeks, I fear.
2. Isn't this the second time you've skipped birthing class? Lol
The boring and adequate dresses are all from Amazon -- I did what I usually do when I'm half-assing something and just flipped through the top options on the first page of search results. Here's what I got:
Melody maternity dress in cobalt: it's fine, fabric looks pretty decent in person (not great, but passable), tends to be tight/form-fitting so you might want to size up if you don't want it super close-fitting, could probably wear this out to a casual dinner or party with the right accessories. There are no zips or buttons and it's a straight pull-on, which is a minor workout at this stage. 3.5/5.
PattyBoutik cowl neck short sleeve dress: much looser fitting, actually shapeless on me (I got the small and it's too big, but at this stage who cares), fabric is soft and comfortable but flimsy. Smelled weird right out of the package, will definitely need washing before wear. This is like the definition of "adequate for two months and then either it'l fall apart or I'll set it on fire." It is really comfortable, it just looks and feels like wearing a comfy potato sack. 2.5/5, you can probably add another point if your actual size is available.
Simplicity Women's Short Sleeve Ruched Maternity Dress: same comfy shapeless potato sack deal as the previous one (I'd probably like these better if they came in XS, but they don't). It didn't smell weird though. I got this dress in burgundy and wish I hadn't, because it's almost exactly the same color of burgundy fabric as Isabella Oliver uses, so it looks like a poorly fitting IO knockoff. Anyway I'd never pay anything close to list price for this dress, but it's 75% off on Amazon right now, and $25 is maybe arguably sorta fair for what it's worth. 2.5/5 (for $25).
That concludes today's episode of mediocre reviews for mediocre dresses. They're all fine but I don't love any of them and I will for sure not wear them any longer than I have to. But they'll get the job done for now.
(And yes, that is the second time I was a giant failure at attending birthing class. Oh well. I did read the packet though!)
My fffc is I really need to stop watching the food commercials. So far I have seen the Lays flavor swaps commercial, the Wurthers soft caramels commercial, and the velveta with ROtel commercials and I want to go to the store right now and buy all that. So far I'm not going to the store, but I fear that is b/c the only store open right now is the Walmart Supercenter and I'm NOT going up there this late; it's not safe and it's creepy up there at night. Oh and then the Red Lobster commercials have got me going too. Hell, I just want to eat everything!
Oh and it does not help that my DH took a Flexeril before he went to bed. He had some left over from where he hurt his back and he is so stressed right now (we owe over 3600 in taxes thanks to his work not taking taxes out like they were supposed to. That is a story for later though) that his muscles are all locking up and he just wants to relax so he popped one of those and it has made him loopy. He went to be before me and he was laying there snuggling with one of the dogs and suddenly raises his head up says that he is hungry and asks me if we have any Hot Pockets................... so now I'm also thinking about Hot Pockets which we do not have either. It's almost like Flexeril makes him high or something and gives him the munchies.
Second fffc, I had an OB check up yesterday. The night before though, I pulled my groin muscle (where your leg connects to the torso) really bad to the point that it is excruciating to walk (like I was so close to going to the ER). OB wrote me a prescription for Flexeril (that is what triggered DH's memory that he still had some left). She said I could take it during the day but it would probably make me loopy and it would probably be best to take it at night. I took one last night and omg I slept the most I have slept in a long time. My back didn't hurt any like it has been. It's like it relaxed my groin muscles and my back at the same time. It was awesome. She prescribed a qty of 30 but I think Im only going to take them once at night until my leg muscles/groin muscles can be used again without causing me pain on a level of 10. I know that is not thirty nights worth though. So I think I will save whatever I have leftover for when the future menstrual cramps show up. I get them really bad - like doubled over in pain can't move bad.
I went to my chiropractor and he asked if I was exercising. I said "Yeah, yoga and walking mostly." I'd barely bought the yoga DVD the night before. DH just looked at me with a cheeky smile and says on the car ride home, "I wasn't going to rat you out!!"
@nerdymama15 Flexeril won't help with menstrual cramps. It's not the same kind of muscle that that medication effects. That's why if they're bad enough they usually prescribe NSAIDS or low level pain killers.
@babyfmama and @merciel anthropologie has great options that work for maternity and after, and they're doing 20% off if you're an anthro member this weekend. I love anthropologie but I really love that I can still wear everything after the baby so I'm not buying anything that has any expiration date, especially now. My shower dress from last pregnancy was from there and I just got a flowing strapless dress for Easter, both Tracy Reese. I just buy my pre-pregnancy size and look for forgiving cuts and fabrics.
I appreciate the tip but can't really get on board with Anthropologie because, IME, the price:quality ratio just isn't there. Super cute designs but shoddy construction seems to be their standard. Every time I get a fall coat from Anthropologie, it falls apart by spring.
I currently have the boiled wool sweater coat from fall 2015; I bought it in October, all the buttons fell off before Christmas, and once I had that repair done, it's still falling apart. The fabric is pilling all over and it's definitely going to be on its last legs by the time warm weather's here to stay. I don't mind because it was a cute design, I got a ton of compliments when it was new, and I really only needed a pretend maternity coat for one season (for which it served quite well, given the loose and boxy design), but the fact remains, that's a $250 coat that lasted about four months of fairly moderate wear. And that's the best experience I've had with their coats. None of the others even lasted that long. One-season wonders, every time.
Also my sister used to work in their design department and was super unimpressed with their fabric and manufacturing choices. Admittedly she's a huge snob about those things (she's a RISD textiles major, what can I say) and that was five or six years ago, but some of the stories she told me about how inflated their prices are relative to what you're getting... it's just that the designs are so pretty and nice, people don't look that hard at the construction of the garments.
I appreciate the tip but can't really get on board with Anthropologie because, IME, the price:quality ratio just isn't there. Super cute designs but shoddy construction seems to be their standard. Every time I get a fall coat from Anthropologie, it falls apart by spring.
I currently have the boiled wool sweater coat from fall 2015; I bought it in October, all the buttons fell off before Christmas, and once I had that repair done, it's still falling apart. The fabric is pilling all over and it's definitely going to be on its last legs by the time warm weather's here to stay. I don't mind because it was a cute design, I got a ton of compliments when it was new, and I really only needed a pretend maternity coat for one season (for which it served quite well, given the loose and boxy design), but the fact remains, that's a $250 coat that lasted about four months of fairly moderate wear. And that's the best experience I've had with their coats. None of the others even lasted that long. One-season wonders, every time.
Also my sister used to work in their design department and was super unimpressed with their fabric and manufacturing choices. Admittedly she's a huge snob about those things (she's a RISD textiles major, what can I say) and that was five or six years ago, but some of the stories she told me about how inflated their prices are relative to what you're getting... it's just that the designs are so pretty and nice, people don't look that hard at the construction of the garments.
As someone that does apparel production for a living, just thought I'd jump in for a minute. It's unfortunate what "fast" apparel has done to the industry. Sales at places like Zara and h&m are up while sales at better quality stores is down. The customer now wants fast fashion at a cheap price. So I think we will continue to see the old stand by places known for great quality/ construction have to scale back on their eye on detail in order to compete. When you need to get goods out fast to appeal to customer trend needs, something has to go. Hopefully those old standbys can retain their core customer base instead of bending to the new business model. Anthro (imo) was one of those core places years ago, but I agree, they have cheapened materials and labors in order to compete. If they are going to reduce quality they should also be changing their pricing structure, which they obviously have not done.
I appreciate the tip but can't really get on board with Anthropologie because, IME, the price:quality ratio just isn't there. Super cute designs but shoddy construction seems to be their standard. Every time I get a fall coat from Anthropologie, it falls apart by spring.
I currently have the boiled wool sweater coat from fall 2015; I bought it in October, all the buttons fell off before Christmas, and once I had that repair done, it's still falling apart. The fabric is pilling all over and it's definitely going to be on its last legs by the time warm weather's here to stay. I don't mind because it was a cute design, I got a ton of compliments when it was new, and I really only needed a pretend maternity coat for one season (for which it served quite well, given the loose and boxy design), but the fact remains, that's a $250 coat that lasted about four months of fairly moderate wear. And that's the best experience I've had with their coats. None of the others even lasted that long. One-season wonders, every time.
Also my sister used to work in their design department and was super unimpressed with their fabric and manufacturing choices. Admittedly she's a huge snob about those things (she's a RISD textiles major, what can I say) and that was five or six years ago, but some of the stories she told me about how inflated their prices are relative to what you're getting... it's just that the designs are so pretty and nice, people don't look that hard at the construction of the garments.
That's frustrating. I've never had those issues and buy from there regularly - but I have specific lines I usually buy from consistently each season. Also worth noting, I did have a shirt shrink last year after washing and following the instructions and they exchanged it without question. They also take returns from months prior (and without a receipt if you're an anthro member). You could try to return it if it's in such bad condition after one season!
I could, but (since I'm still in the confessions thread) I'll cop to returning clothes being one of the chores I absolutely hate doing.
I just throw things out or donate them if they're in good enough condition to be donated, I hardly ever return anything. I realize that's dumb and just setting money on fire, but I can hardly ever make myself do it. Pretty much the only time I ever get around to it is if I'm returning a gift and want the gift-giver to at least be able to get their money back.
Re: FFFC 3/18/16
I think Bernthal is pretty cute (especially when he's doing his super nerdy ACLU lawyer role from Show Me a Hero), and he's a hell of a good actor.
But nobody will ever eclipse Wesley in my heart.
I guess there's a bonus confession: god damn do I have a weakness for cold-blooded Lawful Evil sociopaths in suits.
2. Isn't this the second time you've skipped birthing class? Lol
Melody maternity dress in cobalt: it's fine, fabric looks pretty decent in person (not great, but passable), tends to be tight/form-fitting so you might want to size up if you don't want it super close-fitting, could probably wear this out to a casual dinner or party with the right accessories. There are no zips or buttons and it's a straight pull-on, which is a minor workout at this stage. 3.5/5.
PattyBoutik cowl neck short sleeve dress: much looser fitting, actually shapeless on me (I got the small and it's too big, but at this stage who cares), fabric is soft and comfortable but flimsy. Smelled weird right out of the package, will definitely need washing before wear. This is like the definition of "adequate for two months and then either it'l fall apart or I'll set it on fire." It is really comfortable, it just looks and feels like wearing a comfy potato sack. 2.5/5, you can probably add another point if your actual size is available.
Simplicity Women's Short Sleeve Ruched Maternity Dress: same comfy shapeless potato sack deal as the previous one (I'd probably like these better if they came in XS, but they don't). It didn't smell weird though. I got this dress in burgundy and wish I hadn't, because it's almost exactly the same color of burgundy fabric as Isabella Oliver uses, so it looks like a poorly fitting IO knockoff. Anyway I'd never pay anything close to list price for this dress, but it's 75% off on Amazon right now, and $25 is maybe arguably sorta fair for what it's worth. 2.5/5 (for $25).
That concludes today's episode of mediocre reviews for mediocre dresses. They're all fine but I don't love any of them and I will for sure not wear them any longer than I have to. But they'll get the job done for now.
(And yes, that is the second time I was a giant failure at attending birthing class. Oh well. I did read the packet though!)
Oh and it does not help that my DH took a Flexeril before he went to bed. He had some left over from where he hurt his back and he is so stressed right now (we owe over 3600 in taxes thanks to his work not taking taxes out like they were supposed to. That is a story for later though) that his muscles are all locking up and he just wants to relax so he popped one of those and it has made him loopy. He went to be before me and he was laying there snuggling with one of the dogs and suddenly raises his head up says that he is hungry and asks me if we have any Hot Pockets................... so now I'm also thinking about Hot Pockets which we do not have either. It's almost like Flexeril makes him high or something and gives him the munchies.
Second fffc, I had an OB check up yesterday. The night before though, I pulled my groin muscle (where your leg connects to the torso) really bad to the point that it is excruciating to walk (like I was so close to going to the ER). OB wrote me a prescription for Flexeril (that is what triggered DH's memory that he still had some left). She said I could take it during the day but it would probably make me loopy and it would probably be best to take it at night. I took one last night and omg I slept the most I have slept in a long time. My back didn't hurt any like it has been. It's like it relaxed my groin muscles and my back at the same time. It was awesome. She prescribed a qty of 30 but I think Im only going to take them once at night until my leg muscles/groin muscles can be used again without causing me pain on a level of 10. I know that is not thirty nights worth though. So I think I will save whatever I have leftover for when the future menstrual cramps show up. I get them really bad - like doubled over in pain can't move bad.
First Pregnancy
Second Pregnancy
- BFP: 09/11/2015
- EDD: 05/25/2016
Baby Born04/15/2016
PGAL
prescribe NSAIDS or low level pain killers.
I currently have the boiled wool sweater coat from fall 2015; I bought it in October, all the buttons fell off before Christmas, and once I had that repair done, it's still falling apart. The fabric is pilling all over and it's definitely going to be on its last legs by the time warm weather's here to stay. I don't mind because it was a cute design, I got a ton of compliments when it was new, and I really only needed a pretend maternity coat for one season (for which it served quite well, given the loose and boxy design), but the fact remains, that's a $250 coat that lasted about four months of fairly moderate wear. And that's the best experience I've had with their coats. None of the others even lasted that long. One-season wonders, every time.
Also my sister used to work in their design department and was super unimpressed with their fabric and manufacturing choices. Admittedly she's a huge snob about those things (she's a RISD textiles major, what can I say) and that was five or six years ago, but some of the stories she told me about how inflated their prices are relative to what you're getting... it's just that the designs are so pretty and nice, people don't look that hard at the construction of the garments.
I just throw things out or donate them if they're in good enough condition to be donated, I hardly ever return anything. I realize that's dumb and just setting money on fire, but I can hardly ever make myself do it. Pretty much the only time I ever get around to it is if I'm returning a gift and want the gift-giver to at least be able to get their money back.