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We shop therefore we are.. Wise & Avid

999 replies

blossoming · 23/05/2010 17:59

Thanks to ltec for the new title.

OP posts:
carciofi · 24/05/2010 13:56

Tracey, hope your DS has a better day at school today. I am dreading that side of school, DD is very confident and I hope it doesn't get knocked out of her.

Really like the JCrew playsuit but can't bear to pay the prices here, I remember it as being just a little more expensive than Gap.

Apuski, sounds like you looked lovely for the wedding.

I'd also love to know how to help DD avoid food issues. She hasn't much of an appetite and I have to force myself not to badger her to eat. One of my best friends had bulimia and her sister was anorexic and their mother said that she used to force feed them as children and thinks that may have been a factor.

LetThemEatCake · 24/05/2010 13:56

oh thank you hells, you;re really sweet. I must confess to having the same suspicion about you, notyummy - it's that excessive, competitive, compulsive thing - I am tuned in to it!!!

I agree re dds though and needing to be careful about what they pick up on ... I never let my dd see me weigh myself and if I suspect that I may have gained weight, I don't weigh myself in the morning at all, since I know only too well that a higher number than the day before will make me bad tempered and miserable, which will affect the dc ... I always eat with them and as for the stuff I don't eat, it's put down to intolerances - and there are so many kids around with these at nursery etc that they don't question it .. on the plus side of my diet, they eat veggies and fruit like no kids I have ever seen before .. they have just been stealing bits of raw broccoli off my plate even though their lunch was so much more appetising!!

anyway, must dash as off to the paddling pool but 2 links before I go;

how's this for a yummy holiday number??

and

please please please play this to your dc today - if it gets the kind of reaction that I just got, your day will be made!!!!

carciofi · 24/05/2010 13:57

VB, I think B sound good. Best of luck!

LetThemEatCake · 24/05/2010 14:05

ooops loads of x-posts ... back to catch up later x

notyummy · 24/05/2010 14:11

hells - your question about how we can get dds to see their bodies in a happy light is a really important one and one I have have thought about a lot since I had dd.

My mum was/is in most ways a supportive and lovely lady, however she has always been quite 'figure' focussed. I can VIVIDLY remember when I was 13, trying a swimsuit in a shop (having put quite a bit of weight on) and her saying to me 'OMG!! Look at the size of your thighs.' It cut me to the quick.

In some ways I am glad I didn't have dd until my mid 30s as I had worked my way through the ridiculous diets/bulimia in my teens and 20s. I had come to the realisation that my body is built a certain way; that at 5 ft 10, a size 10-12 is perfectly slim and healthy; that body fat % and how clothes look/fit is a much better indicator that an arbitory figure on the scales. My DH is great and always has been on this issue - in fact (with all their other faults!) all my ex partners have been nothing but complimentary and mystified about my hang-ups. I find it frustrating that it has taken me, a well-educated and (so modest!) generally clever woman, the best part of 20 years to be sensible about these issues.

These days I try and be a role model about these things for dd. I saw my mother doing the Cambridge diet; only doing powdered shakes; only eating grapefruit etc, and its not good. We eat together when we can. We eat the same foods as a family so she sees us eating a range of foods. I eat all sorts of food with her so she understands that no food should be 'forbidden' (allergies aside, obviously!) We try and eat sensible portions of food, because so often I think that is how people on an otherwise sensible diet gain weight. We eat 'treats' sometimes, and try to help her see that you can have the occasional treat as long as you also eat healthy food and that an active lifestyle and exercise can give you a toned, strong body that looks attractive. I try not to comment on other peoples size/shape negatively (although small children pick up on these things, and I have already been asked - in a very LOUD voice why 'is that lady so fat??')

I hope, for her sake, that it works.

Sorry for the diatribe.....

notyummy · 24/05/2010 14:15

Thanks for the Sesame Street link - will play for dd when I get home!

MarshaBrady · 24/05/2010 14:21

That is very wise notyummy.

My mother is very, very observant and is factual about what looks best for us (French side coming through).

But also I remember such wonderful meals with great French and beautiful food and every meal being a social, civilised occasion even though she didn't eat much. I thank my lucky stars for those memories. A female role model wrt food and healthy eating is good I think.

Anyway I am losing weight atm and eat the same thing every night. Poor dh is not allowed to touch it! So he has been relegated to ds1's menu.

roary · 24/05/2010 14:24

Hi all
Hope your weekends as lovely as they all sounded - have been enjoying sunshine and (ahem) MIL visit (well, a bit less so, but that's a longer rant and laptop is almost out of batteries). Needless to say: potty training advice nightmare continues.

Went into town today for the first time since DS birth (7 weeks ago, YIKES). Saw a great silk military inspired shirt dress in gap but only in v small sizes. I saw that maxi in French Connection (can't remember who is looking??). Thought the fabric a bit less nice in person. They have a navy one too which I thought looked lovely.

Denim topshop mini arrived and it is MINI. It is essentially a denim belt. So back to the drawing board.

Saw lots of gorgeous students in playsuits and thought if I were 20 I'd be rocking the playsuit but wonder about muttonousness? I don't know why I think so but think they might be less muttonous on petites than talls like me. What think you?

Do the Coggles Blochs come in half-sizes?

On the more serious topic of healthy eating habits and DDs: I had a friend doing a doctorate on this topic and apparently fathers are as crucial if not more than mothers - girls who described their relationship with their fathers as close and healthy as adults were much less likely to have eating disorders than girls who identified difficult relationships. So that's very interesting, get the DHs on board! Also I am fascist about never using sweet food as 'treats' - food is food. don't know why I feel so strongly about this one but it just feels odd to reward good behaviour with food.

MarshaBrady · 24/05/2010 14:26

Oh yes that too, good point Roary.

The best comment I have read on mn for a long time was from Sophable I think (elephant-like memory) who said that family dynamics played a larger part in our relationship with food than media imagery.

I found that very interesting.

DolceeBanana · 24/05/2010 15:00

Hello girls...loving the weather!

Had a lovely weekend with DH and DCs...relaxing in the garden mostly, but had friends for dinner on Saturday and wore the most lovely stitch linen dress from white company in slate...it looks nothing on the hanger but is v laid back chic in RL...wore with strappy delicate flat glads with pewter discs, and long pewter/shell necklace, et voila...a true effortless outfit ...now, Because I am obsessive like this I am ordering in white too....!

Oh, took advantage of the discounts at white company over the weekend bought the 7/8 trousers in white and white bfriend cardi when I zipped (yeah literally), in on Sun morning...both lovely....

Alas, find maxi's don't suit me ... or maybe not found the right one - but too voluminous for my build, and hide what are probably one of my best features...

Roman - sorry to hear about your gorgeous Frette bedlinen being ruined - can you use colour run remover - should sort it out - may need two washes in it...?

Me too seeking shorts ....

Tracey sorry about your eventful time first with Bea falling down stairs and then DSs problems...kids can be so bloody mean - and one consolation thing is everyone goes through it...it's a rite of passage almost - it'll get better Romans suggestion about inviting the little group over to help bonding is a good idea...

DolceeBanana · 24/05/2010 15:07

Cake - loving the Sesame Street vid - I grew up on SS....my kids luuuurve the vid too!!!!

I need a couple of things now for summer - a couple of halter neck tops, couple of pairs of shorts and I think I'm done!

DolceeBanana · 24/05/2010 15:25

I managed to miss out some pages(?) whilst quickly updating myself on the thread...

Cake/notyummy - I completely sympathise on the eating thing in context of your relationship...my DH, lovely though he is, is totally unsympathetic when it comes to 'new fangled' diets and so forth....and rather than supporting/empathising he will get cross if he considers I am being irresponsible...I def don't have issues any more and am normal weight - slim but totally normal but in my early days with him I ate v little and was about 6.5 - 7 stone...too thin for my 5'4 inch frame...

I have a SIL who is 5 ' 10 inches and a size 6 tops/trousers - she's 43 and has had a boob job - ! Can't wait to see them her...now, she is reaaaaaaaaallly self absorbed..(we don't get along)...well. no, not strictly true...we get on superficially !
She is not a 'woman's woman'...she runs off with other women's boyfriend's....like, all the time, and flirts outrageously (she's even done it a funeral-flirted that is)

Exes - nah, me too...don't keep in touch with any of them - and wouldn't let like DH to either (slappers!)...tbh, we've been with each other for soooo long there weren't any really significant others ... awwww.....

mrsjuan · 24/05/2010 15:25

Re diets and children - I never once heard my mum say anything derogatory about her own figure or mine or my sisters in all the time I was growing up - she must have had a few hang ups because she talks about them now but I was never aware of body image as an issue until well into my late teens. It makes me really sad that such young girls are worrying about their weight nowadays.

I hope I can do the same for P. Since before she was born her weight has been a constant worry for me - I was induced with her because she was so small, then she struggled to put on weight and is still tiny now. I have to make a conscious effort not to force her to eat things and am dreading her 1 year check next week.

UO combats have arrived! They're great - agree that they come up big - glad I got the smalls and that they have those useful little tabs on the side

Playsuits - think they look great on some people but I'm not brave enough yet!

DolceeBanana · 24/05/2010 15:31

playsuits - love the idea of a halter neck long legged playsuit...an eveningy one...in black, with gorgeous suntan, subtley sparkly clutch, and dramatic black heels....

DolceeBanana · 24/05/2010 15:36

MrsJ - babies are a worry - a constant source because we love them so much - Most children have ups and downs on weight scale and I have a friend who's little girl was a bit premature and she is dinky; as a newborn failed to grow consistently, always down on the centile charts (blasted things!), but she's almost 3 and still slim, but dainty and beautiful and they have stopped worrying. All that's important is that you can identify a growth curve...that its all going in the right direction; doesn't matter that she is 9th or 91st centile, as long as she is following her natural curve...

FritziGreenEyes · 24/05/2010 15:39

Sorry, quick hijack.

Back from Barcelona and just wanted to thank LTEC and OWW for great shopping tips! I loved El Born, especially C. dels Flassaders. Found also great stuff at Hoss Intropia on Passeig de Gracia. Somehow I can't link to the clothes on their website

Also got some really cute summer clothes for DD and then I discovered Sephora and couldn't resist...

Bought this eyeliner in purple and some pink eyeshadow and it really makes my green eyes pop (in a good way, I believe...).

Have a lovely day Wise&Avid ladies...

notyummy · 24/05/2010 16:52

Interesting points there about fathers and daughters. I have a great relationship with my dad,and he has never been overly critical or controlling...but he has issues with food himself! It is only as I have got older I have realised that he is a compulsive over-eater. He cannot leave food on his plate - it MUST be finished; even if the plate is heaped and heaped with food. Butter on toast is literally a tablespoon per slice etc. Not sure if it has affected me or not - but I think it comes from being in a orphanage from 3-10 years old for him.

DH is a lovely hands-on dad woth dd and tells her how beautiful she is, and also eats well and exercises, so hopefully she will have a head start!

LetThemEatCake · 24/05/2010 17:27

ooooh Verity, good luck tomorrow! i love the sound of the raspberry pink, no surprises there!

funny you mention dads wrt food issues, i remember reading a book callled Father Hunger about emotionally absent fathers etc & link to self image issues ... resonated with me at the time. Also makes sense when you consider that your dad often informs your choice of partner...

rufus101 · 24/05/2010 17:29

Am so with you on the body issues and mothers. I have an extreme preoccupation with my rear end! No matter what anyone says it's continually "does my bum look big in this?" My DH can't understand it. No man Ive ever gone out with can understand it ,no complaints from any former partners! My mum is quite critical and stil to this day just has o make one withering comment and that's it, I wont' wear said offending item again. (she of course believes in "telling it as it is" That is her excuse anyway) I was brought back by your story NY, when I was buying an outfit for my sister's graduation. There I was in the changing room having just gotten out of a tight fitting dress and I hear someone say to my mother "that looked lovely on her. She's so slim" and my mother replied (knowing I was in ear shot!) "yes well she's slim, but she does have a big bum.(sigh) Well we all have our problem areas" I mean ???!!!!! I was in my early 20's at the time and I can still recall with acuity the sting of it. Am very paranoid about making any kind of comment on weight etc to my DD, but she does comment on overweight people and how she "wouldn't like to have fat legs" Dread the day, when she hits adolesence ( currenlty only 6) and becomes self-conscious. My mother was always commenting that she was 7 stone when she got married, a dig that realy that is the weight I should be. Frankly as I'm 5ft 5 and 8 3or 4, I think that if I was 7 stone I'd be severely underweight, but there were times when I used to think "maybe that's the weight I should be" Ridiculous.
Anyway LTEC I think you look perfect and stop weighing yourself and just focus on what you look like in your clothes. I got [http://www.coggles.com/store/item/Religion/96535 this peacok top](nod to LTEC) in coggles and it's lovely. Also I got the Emily and Fin dress in the red and blue last week, and got the xs and it's quite big, so don't worry Helles it will fit fine. It's very pretty. Am going to wear with red wedges.
Got the topshop baxters in white on Friday. Am well impressed. (I may yet be prised away from my addiction to premium denim!) Was at a faculty early bird dinner and nipped in beforehand to get them. Arrived with my TS bag and was of course asked what I had managed to buy in the 20 minutes between parking my car and getting to dinner. When I told them (very staid people) they looked at me blankly. I explained I was trying to channel my "inner Liz Hurly" cue further blank stares. I gave up. Some people just have no interest in fashion.(Although I don't I hasten to add have Liz as a fashion role modeL!

rufus101 · 24/05/2010 17:30

Try again![http://www.coggles.com/store/item/Religion/96535 this peacock top] Even managed to spell it properly this time!

traceybath · 24/05/2010 17:44

VB - definitely the raspberry - and good luck!

Greeneyes - glad you had a good time. Agree with you LTEC re. the comments on that thread - as though you should never enter a shop when abroad. DH and I went to Barcelona years ago and all we did was drink, eat and sit in the sun - oh and he got hideous food poisoning and ended up in hospital on our return. Perhaps we should have done more cultural stuff .

My mother, sister and I are still all obsessed with our weight and I really don't want the dc's to be like that. Its a difficult path though as my nephew can easily get a little podgy and my sister has to carefully manage that.

FritziGreenEyes · 24/05/2010 17:55

LTEC, I felt a bit shallow when I received those replies on my Barcelona thread. But then I thought, I posted this in S&B not travel and when I read your and OWW's posts I felt encouraged. It was the first thread I had ever started!

I couldn't help but lurk here earlier. I just love the way you all share your finds and are so supportive and kind with each other.

Without meaning to butt in or impose myself on your conversation, I just wanted to say that I also have been suffering from an eating disorder (without anybody suspecting) since I was 16. When I had DD I knew I had to do something about it as I don't want her to become as self-conscious as I a was, or still am from time to time TBH. I found a great therapist but it was still a long and painful process. Sorry if TMI, but this topic struck a chord...

LetThemEatCake · 24/05/2010 18:03

impose yourself, what rot!!

join us, you are clearly one of us already! No more lurking!

blossoming · 24/05/2010 18:03

Big bum? Who cares. Look at Kim Kardashian, ginormous, and so beautiful. And JLo. (Blossoming intends to nurture baby's beautiful bum for ever!!)

In fact I love those Kardashian curves. And the fact they're brunettes. I wouldn't mind some of those curves myself. I fear once I lose the baby weight I'm going to look like a boy again!

OP posts:
carciofi · 24/05/2010 18:05

Dolcee, I have been eyeing up that dress, may have to go for it!

Roary ... when does your mil leave? ;) I haven't even thought about potty training DD and she was 2 in April.

Fritzi ... I love Hoss Intropia.

I saw a pregnant woman in the park yesterday wearing a black playsuit and she looked fantastic.

Marsha, was is it that you are eating every night? I am intrigued!