First, another confession, and then, an honest-to-appearance tip.
I ran (in the minivan) to Walmart right after walking with Shalece today. While I didn’t shower or anything, I did change out of my exercise clothes.
But if the same kind of people shop at your Walmart as do at mine (people like me), then you know that I was NOT the most frumpy person there.
That didn’t stop Susan from saying to the (surprisingly well-styled) cashier “You have pink lips.”
WHOSE MOTHER NEEDS LIPSTICK?
This is what I looked like (Susan wondered why I was taking a picture of the mirror. Finally got her to be quiet by working her into the shot).
I wanted to get a picture of my back because that’s the subject of my Fight the Frump tip today: Hide the hunchback.
Now, I don’t know if this is a common woman problem, or if it is specific to my family, but I have to say that I think I get it from my mom. We just have a bit of a hump at the top of our spines. So I feel weird wearing shirts cut low, even a little bit, in the back.
It’s for sure not a calcium deficiency, ’cause we drink enough chocolate milk (Nesquik with added Calcium: we’re healthy like that) to float your boat (literally).
So when I went shopping with Tara for spring dresses, I kept my hunchback in mind. I picked her out a cute pink-y Easter dress and found a rather Autumnal (flattering darker colors) ensemble for myself for $15.50 at Ross. I love making Dick guess how much I paid for clothes. Perhaps he’s humoring me after ten years of this game, but he always guesses outrageous amounts ($35? $25?) and then acts all relieved when I say “$15.50″ “for both the skirt AND shirt.”
Notice how the Mandarin-ish collar hides the hunchback, but it vees in front so I don’t feel choked to death. My breasts look kinda saggy (who’s still nursing?), but I promise I am wearing a bra in this picture, one of two I own; maybe I shouldn’t have thrown them in the dryer.
Speaking of bras, and nursing (anytime, anywhere), I loved Fussy’s post this week on Nursing with STYLE. The only thing I’d add is that great longer-length camisoles can be found at ‘modesty’ stores like Shade and Down East Basics. They’re sometimes a bit shrink-wrapped for this body, but that’s not necessarily a drawback for an underlayer.
Can’t wait to see what the other Frump-Fighters tackle this week, though I am trying to keep my participation secret from Dick. Don’t want to raise any unrealistic expectations.
Tags: body image, breastfeeding, fashion, fight the frump
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You are probably talking abot Dowager’s Hump. This is a curve of the vertebrae (compression) that is caused by osteoporosis. My grandmother had it and all the women in her family before her – my mother and here sister have avoided it because of early calcium supplementation and exercise.
You should consider talking with a doctor and a chiropractor about what you can do to minimize this problem for yourself!
Good tips in the meantime though!
Daisy’s last blog post..And now – FtF from some REAL experts…
I really need to up my calcium intake. On another note though dont cha just love Ross and places like that.
Valarie in AL’s last blog post..FIGHT THE FRUMP
Great post. I wish I could say I recently bought an entire outfit of $15.50.
Loved that you are not wanting you husband to think you’ll always be fighting the frump. Too funny. I always tell mine that he’ll be so excited for my FTF post. He just looks at me like I’m crazy.
fullheartandhands mama’s last blog post..The Dreaded Diaper Bag
Wow – someone’s turning into quite the shopper. Must have had a good example or something. Your new outfit looks great! Thanks for fighting the frump with me.
tarable’s last blog post..Recipe Box Swap: 40 Cloves and a Chicken
I dont’ tell my husband that I’m FtF either, of course, he has wondered what was up with me lately, with the new haircut, and new shoes… I think he’s starting to get suspicious! LOL!
Melody’s last blog post..Friday again – You know what that means.
I am a huge lipstick fan. When I have time for nothing else.. I put on lipstick. I’m sure people are thinking… who is that frumpy, unshowered gal with the bright red lips?
the mama bird diaries’s last blog post..the queen of excuses
tmbd — I love lipstick too. It is usually the ONE thing I put on (well, often a powdery/foundation/concealer-type thing too). But lately my lipsticks have been purloined by three also-lipstick-loving girls. SO FRUSTRATING.
Here’s Spot with cherry chapstick.
Daisy — I’m usually proud of myself for getting the help you need, so I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t ever asked a doctor about my hunchback (my dad is a DO FP though, so maybe I just assumed he would say something if there were a medical-type-ish remedy). But you have inspired me to fight another day (rather than just covering up). Thanks!
My mom and sister and I have that too, it’s called kyphosis. It gets worse over time, it got so bad with my mom that her lungs are being squashed and she has to use an inhaler. So it’s important to do whatever you can to prevent the progression. Certain stretches really help, and rowing exercises, and always being conscious of keeping your shoulders back. But yes the clothes situation is terrible. And not only do I have the hunch, I have NO SHOULDERS. Boat necks work well for the shoulder situation, but not for the back.
Memarie Lane’s last blog post..Memarie Snopes
Jane! I need your address so I can send you the springy bows and other fun stuff you won on my blog! I need to send it out before they get lost in the pile of toys and who knows what else in my house.:) Help! I’m drowning in a pile of winter clothes!!!…..Email me. –Gourmet Mom
Mandy’s last blog post..Oh-so-yummy Teriyaki Sauce
There’s a hump in my future, I just know it. As for frumpy people at Wal Mart-NEVER. Where do you live anyway? Everyone around here takes pride in their errand running
We are THAT family’s last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway!
My grandmother has this and so does my mother in law.
I ALWAYS dress in my sunday best to run errands. ~snort~
Blessings,
Karla
karla ~ looking towards heaven’s last blog post..Who knows what I’ll admit to next week!
I doubt you have osteoporosis.
I have that too…I hate it
I am so bad about doing my stretches.
Someone told me that laying on your back with your head hanging off the side of the bed for 15 minutes a day helps stretch it out…my husband liked the idea
Lalena’s last blog post..Comfy Clothes
Brad — Probably right. Just lazy and misshapen.
Lalena — I’m with your husband — lying on the bed sounds like a great plan. Will do, as soon as Dick is home to take hear the screaming masses!
To answer your question over at my blog. At that point I was probably starving and out of my mind. They suggested putting it in a shake so I went with the slim fast. Since it’s supposed to speed up metabolism, I figured it would probably balance out.
Valarie in AL’s last blog post..ANYBODY WANT TO BUY A HOUSE?