I’ve been reading up on filters that you can install in your washing machine that filter out almost all of the microplastics out of the wastewater. I haven’t bought it yet but I may. I’m very committed to not buy synthetic clothing but it’s not always possible - sometimes I wear a uniform to work and it’s not plastic-free, and it’s very hard to find bras that are made from natural fibers and are also comfortable. The filter could hopefully reduce the impact of washing those few items that contain synthetic fibers.
We have guppy bags for washing synthetics, they are priced at zero profit just to get them out into the world, or they used to be anyhow.
I just want to avoid supporting that industry as much as possible, even at a 2nd hand level. I’m never going to be vegetarian (we do buy from local farms tho) but this feels so important to me. Like, microplastic, it’s in the water, the soil, breastmilk, EveRYwhEre!
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I looked up this thread again, because things have changed in my workplace. Aside from personal issues that I am experiencing right now, a new wind is blowing. And while it hopefully won’t last, for now, things are different.
Things had been getting more casual at work, and I had adjusted to that. I’m not a huge fan of jeans but I definitely wore more of my ‘personal style’ dresses instead of more formal dresses, and occasionally, on days the office was mostly empty, I even wore my favourite Doc Martens Vonda boots. While I know they can’t really hurt me, the new leadership are right now trying to make everyone feel a bit uncomfortable and my guess is, try to make some people leave voluntarily - especially young mothers. I had been showing more of my true personality at work, but that’s gone now. I’m back in business lady mode, unfortunately.
That means, I’ve got a haircut booked for next week, at a really nice salon. I’m not planning a radically different look but I would like a haircut that makes me appear a little bit older / more serious. I’m 33 and look young for my age, especially without make-up. I have a lot of blond hair, I have rosy cheeks, I am starting to get wrinkles but apparantly not a convincing amount yet 
Although I’m sure if I did look old for my age, someone would probably object to that as well.
I am digging up my make-up that I haven’t really worn since Covid. And I’m back to heels and boring work clothes and you name it. I don’t have a lot of items left from my previous workplace so I’m afraid I’ll need to buy a couple of things as well. All because some old man who is close to retirement has decided that things were better in the 1980s and is tired of women and diversity and hybrid working and bla bla. I just need for this guy to realize that I’m not the right person to mess with, and move on to something or someone else (or better - retire!). I try to show respect to everyone, regardless of age or gender or their job, but it’s difficult with this person. He just has not moved with the times and thinks he can reverse almost half a century of social progress single-handedly.
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Those old farts still run the world.
My work place is a very nice office in an imposing building right downtown, like at the main intersection. The ladies all dress but the fellas mostly look like tech bros. My direct lady boss takes Tuesdays off & Friday is casual so I wear jeans & a tshirt or sweater twice weekly. The rest of the time I rotate 3 pairs of pants & 2 skirts with maybe 8-9 tops. One med length black cardigan because it’s always freezing. No heels, one pair of simple flat black Clarks. It is SO BORING.
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Has anybody tried Ann Tilley’s Magic Pants Pattern? I’m wondering if they can be styled for office wear. I need pants for work that I feel formal enough in but also comfortable.
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I’ve been looking for some very specific fashion advice, I hope you guys can help me out.
I work in a business casual dress code environment. I have seperate work and home clothes, and when I’m at the office I typically work in a small team and my summer outfits have been on the more casual side and it’s fine.
BUT I’ve got a few slightly more formal things coming up with new people and I need to dress appropriately. Due to a recent switch in (hormonal, life saving) medication I’ve developed a bit of a pregnant belly - it’s not bloat, it’s actual fat. I’m working on the issue with my medical team, but for now it’s there. The same meds have also given me acne, and I’m at that age where people are watching my belly like a hawk.
Do you guys have any fashion tips and tricks to hide a fat belly that looks like pregnancy? To avoid having to tell dozens of people I’m not pregnant?
In my occupation pregnancy can also be a safety hazard which is why people are even more likely to ask. And no, the average blunt Dutchie will not quietly take you aside and carefully ask you if you might be pregnant. I know it’s the asker that should feel uncomfortable, not me, but I’m already a bit tense before those events and six pregnancy enquiries before I have to present something isn’t going to make me feel better.
I know there isn’t a magic wand solution but any tips are welcome. It seems pants are the main issue - high waisted pants go over the belly but make it look three times bigger, low-waisted paints go under the belly and cause the dreaded muffin top. I typically wear dresses a lot but in summer when I don’t want to bother with tights I wear pants more often.
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I haven’t tried them so I don’t have any first hand experience but I’ve seen a lot of ads for “shapewear” that you can wear under your clothes. It might be able to help with the muffin top when wearing lower wasted pants.
You could also try jackets/blazers or more flowy, loose, or maybe slightly longer tops.
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I like an a-line swing top & tunics.
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I’ve never tried that either, it looks so uncomfortable that I’ve not wanted to try it out. Maybe it’s not as bad as it looks, I’ve never met someone who tried it.
I’ve got a really nice, sharp looking grey jumpsuit that I felt really looked good (I thought it actually looked really nice around my stomach) but I got an exceptional amount of pregnancy comments whenever I wore it, so maybe it doesn’t look that great from a different angle. I’d love to wear it again. So maybe shapewear would be worth trying.
I do wear these thights in winter and these are the most comfortable, most durable and best shaped ones I’ve found so far:
Because they don’t have a front-to-back seam in the middle and a wide band they look more flattering around the belly, the inner thighs are knit differently they’re more durable, and the legs are long enough for me.
I love flowy tunics and dresses and I wear them all the time, but I’ve not had much luck lately finding them in a work appropriate style. I’ve got some nice A-line dresses though, so maybe let’s just hope it’s cold enough for tights - bare legs are not okay and I’m certainly not going to bother with pantyhose, I’m not royalty.
Check out MM Personal Styling on YouTube. She has loads of good advice on how to dress your shape (whatever shape you have), diminish any ‘problem’ areas, and give the illusion of an hourglass figure. Her ‘body shape master classes’ playlist is great.
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Thanks, I will certainly look into that!
A family member gave me a pair of trousers today and it actually fits perfectly (family member lost weight and didn’t need it anymore). It’s medium height, up to the belly button, and the fabric is stretchy, so it doesn’t create a “muffin top” but the fabric is also sturdy enough to no accentuate my stomach. It’s a work appropriate model and dark grey, now I just need an appropriate longer / wider top to go with it, maybe an oversized blouse. It looks great with the long t-shirt I’m wearing today, I wish we could just wear t-shirts at work!
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Would not have initially thought that, but now I can’t think of anything else now that it’s been said. 
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One thing I did spend money on on our vacation was some slips and under things because I can never find what I want here. I bought these excellent jockey undershirts with like a formed boob area that fit so fabulous. I mean, it’s basically plastic fabric which I ordinarily avoid but there isn’t a good alternative I can find. And they’re so great! Supportive & shapely. I don’t have to wear a bra, even to work! The comfort is amazing.
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Sounds like they are great! I usually also avoid that type of fabric but for bras and bra-like things it does seem to be the best material. And it’s so difficult to find something that fits well, is comfortable and looks nice, so when you find them, better buy more than 1!
I feel this needs sharing
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It’s this one! I’m a 34D bra size, 5’7” 140lbs & fit the large undershirt. I like that the bottom part isn’t so tight that it rides up, it hugs the hips.
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not riding up is always good!
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