This May Sound Odd....

Hi T.!

I am a size 0

I have always had great experiences with Ann Taylor Loft.

good luck!!
*K

I think if the clothes fit and you feel attractive in them then it does not matter what anyone else thinks.
I often shop in junior section, I like the styles and I don't want to dress like a gramma before I am done being a mum.

You could try vintage clothing stores. People were smaller in the past and clothes were better tailored to fit. I'd guess 1950's and earlier was also more conservative or "classy". Vintage = cool retro = environmental, etc.
Good luck!

T. - Okay, first of all I had to laugh at what Julie S.said. People OFTEN tell heavy people to "just put the fork down", "did your husband marry you that big?", or "just go to the gym"! I think you will hear it from both sides.
That being said, who cares what other people think? First of all, you are still young!! Take advantage of the petite body you have.
I will say that I used to work with a very tiny woman (small bones, very petite, very thin) and she always looked FABULOUS. She shopped at Anne Taylor and they seemed to carry small (00) sizes as well as petite (you didn't say how tall you were). I would also suggest Gap and Abercombie (although they are WAAAY expensive. Also, this may seem a little lame, but if you find a dressy shirt, slacks, jeans that you love, buy a couple of them, maybe in different colors.
I also agree with another woman who said you can always wear a cami underneath something that may be a little too "boobalicious".
I will say, that when I see a grown woman wearing teeny little skirts with some low cut shirt and high boots I think she is trying a little hard....but I am also a little jeleous!
Keep trusting that "inner voice"! Being a first time mom is scary! L.

Hi T.,

I don't have the same reason you have for having a hard time finding clothes but I do have trouble finding clothes that fit, are in anywhere near what I would consider "my style", and don't cost a fortune. I finally just deciding that my style would have to be more casual in general because it is easier for me to find basics like t-shirts, jeans and such that actually fit. It gets old and I go through stages where I just want to add some fashion to my wardrobe. Then I look through the speciality catalogs and cringe at the prices. (I am not terribly frugal but I do have a hard time spending $400 on a shirt and pants. So, maybe I am cheap, not sure.) I go back and forth between times of "woe is me" and feeling pretty good about the choices I have made about what to spend money, i.e. not overpriced clothes.

I will say that when I see thin moms in more teen style clothes I tend to think that they just have more fashion sense than I do. I can't ever seem to find fashionable clothes that fit at a reasonable price. They must know something that don't is what usually runs through my mind, first. I know that really they just have to buy what is available in their size just like me.

I hope that helps.
Good Luck,
S.

T.,

You deserve to feel good in what you are wearing no matter where you are on the size chart.

Have you tried retailers who cater to Asian women?
I have a t=shirt from Bangkok which is a xxl and it just fits. I usually wear a medium.

You might also get a few jackets made. Once you have your measurements, there are places you can order from online.

Most of the people I work with are on the other end of the chart and they find Lands End very helpful. On their website you can input your measurements and see on a virtual model how clothing will look on you.

We come on all sizes and all sizes are lovable.

Good Luck,
L. Crunick
Helping You Change Your Mind!

ok so.. i am also 25 and a size 4 after struggling to lose my baby weight. i wear a lot of juniors clothes because the women's tops swallow me. i try not to wear revealing clothing also not only because of modesty but because i feel the same as you being a mom of 2 myself. the fact is...we are young. many women would love to have your body. one day we will look back and wish we had lived in our youth a little longer. we try to mature so fast and then it hits us that we want to be young again. i say if it's cute and not trashy and fits well, if it make you feel and look attractive, then go for it. i am starting to. i see young moms tastefully dressed in cute clothes and say "she has a great style and takes care of herself. i wish i would take a little more time to do it myself." it inspires me to do better and get out of my sweats.

Hi T.,

I too am small (although I am a 0-2 ,so not as small as you :) and I share your frustration. I am almost 38, so think how ridiculous I feel. There are several stores that carry really petite sizes, Abercrombie ( you have to search, but its great for basics like jeans, Tshirts and activewear) Anne Taylor and Anne Taylor Loft are my favorites, but also Gap, Old Navy, and Macy's INC line all have some petite sizes.

Its so frustrating isn't it when people tell you to eat? I love to exercise too, and not so that I can be skinny. I don't want to be skinny ever and I am not. I am just SMALL - that's the way God made me. Why doe people feel its okay to tell small people they need to eat? We would never in a million years tell someone who is bigger to go on a diet -

Happy shopping !

J. S

I have always had this problem, just because your a mom doesn't mean you have to give up your style in the latest fashion. I have always bought my jeans in the Junior Department. I do have problems with the tops but I have learned to layer if its too revealing. It really does take alot of hours shopping but when I find a designer I like, it really helps in the future.
And forget about gaining weight, I have always been small since high school and I am happy with the way I look. I have a son that is in college, that doesn't mean I have to look and dress like a mother/grandmother.

Banana Republic carries smaller sizes and has clothes completely appropriate for "a mom". J Crew is another place to try - preppy and not revealing.

As a 39 yr old mom, I think that if you wear juniors clothing you are dressing age appropriately - enjoy it while you can! Bananna Republic carries a great line of petite clothes online.

Hi T.-

I've had that problem too. Although, since my second child was born I'm a little more average in my size and its easier to find clothing that fits. My favorite place to shop for shirts is www.shadeclothing.com it's affordable, modest and very cute, and size extra small, really is extra small. At the end of every season, Shade always has really amazing sales. Also, I've always had good luck purchasing pants that fit well at Ann Taylor Loft. Happy Shopping! :-)

Enjoy being little. I always was little too, size 3, until my second and third children were born. I had two within 18 months of each other, turned 30 and now I can't seem to drop the extra weight. I know lots of women would love to be a size 8, but I really miss being a size 3 and shopping in the juniors department. If you don't like the styles out in Juniors, you may want to try shopping in the girl's department. I used to get lots of tops in the girls department, and they are cheaper than juniors or womens. Enjoy being a young mom. You really are only young once, so live it up for as long as you can. I don't think there is anything wrong with dressing young as long as you have the body to go with it.

Stick with solid colored shirts that arent low cut, boot cut jeans and you should be fine. And, try not to care what others think of the way you dress; you know who you are and that's all that matters.

I am very similar to you being barely a 2 and short - I just dont fit properly into most clothes out there. Since I am in my late 30s, Jr styles really dont look appropoaite on me anymore. I started shopping at Ann Taylor LOFT. They have small sizes, cute, but older styles. They also have great sales and you can get things at reasonable prices. They have petiet sizes so things arent long and need to be altered all the time. If there isnt a store near you, you can buy online: http://www.anntaylorloft.com/home.jsp

My daughter is a 00 so I know how hard it is to find clothes that fit. She is also a teenager so I really like for her to not be too revealing. That's hard to do with the clothes aimed at teenage girls.

So I can't really help in the top department but I just wanted to stop in and let you know that PacSun has 00 jeans that fit her well and are jeans I would wear at 36 (if they made them in my size).

Ironically, I am having the same "too revealing" problem with maternity clothes right now. Seems the makers thing that since you have breasts to feed that you should show the world. Ugh.

25 is still young! If you feel to reveled Old Navy has a ton of different styles of camis you can use to layer under tops to cover up more but still look super cute! I know how hard it can be to find cloths that fit and look good if you are not in the "middle" sizes, but if it fits in the right places (like the bust, or the hip) you can have it altered to fit the rest.

T.,
I just wanted to chime in on the question on how people respond to how you dress. I am a 39yo SAHM with 5 and 2 yo boys and have struggled with not wanting to be labeled "old mom." LOL! I'm not sure why we worry so much about what everyone else thinks! But I've decided to be who I want to be, not conform to my own idea of how a "mom" should dress or act or whatever. Stick with what makes you FEEL good, no matter what "age" the clothes, hair, makeup, etc is meant to be and let your own style emerge. The more confidence you have in yourself, the more confident your little girl will be in herself, growing up seeing her strong mommy!

Good luck!
D.
http://www.sparkthatflame.com

Hey T.,
I am a 00 size too and I know how annoying it is to find jeans. I go to a store in the mall called "the buckle" you can get very small, cute jeans, long or short. and you can get them shortened free! They have every size in every length. The jeans can be spendy, I spent about 80 dollars or more on my jeans usually,they are the one clothing item I splurge on since they fit so perfect and last forever.

I used to have the same issue, T.. (Wish I could still say the same, but after baby #2 and about 10 more years I'd love to have that problem back again :) One place that I often had good luck finding clothing in those sizes that weren't quite so teeny-bopper was at Gap. They tend to have trendy, but classier looking clothing. The only trick is that, depending on what colors look good on you, I could often only find clothes that I liked there during certain seasons (for me, that was late fall and winter because I look best in those colors).
Best of luck, and appreciate the "curse" while you still have it. I never thought I'd be battling to get off nearly 20 pounds, but our bodies do change over time, and having a body that naturally maintains a low but healthy weight like yours is really a blessing!
D.

It's not just the Junior section that has "revealing" clothes. I am petite 'woman' (size 16/18) but don't have the large chest to support a lot of the styles - when I bend over you can see more than I want to show. What I do is wear a cami under the shirts. Old Navy carries them in many colors and sizes. Don't worry about what section you buy your clothes in, just find the right size and be comfortable with who you are. I am working on losing weight, but have learned to be comfortable with what I have. Some of that comes with age (I'm almost 41) and some comes with attitude. Luckily I've got both. LOL

Good Luck.

Hi T.,

I found some nice jeans that are sized 0 in Western Stores. Coastal Farm and Ranch is one of my favorites because it's convenient and we buy other supplies there too. I love the tops, many button up, are form fitted and feminine. I can find clothes for days I want to dress young, for days I want to feel my age and even for days I want to feel like I am in another era. :) Not sure if it's a style you want or would be interested in, but it's easy to find modest tops that have a taylored fit and still feel young.

Everyone else also mentioned the usual spots to buy clothes, so I thought I would add this one.

A.
www.punkinbutt.com

Hi T.. I had 4 kids and was a size zero myself. I know what you mean about nothing available besides juniors (expecially when you dont want to pay 100 bucks for a pair of jeans). I was a junk food junkie with a high calorie diet and im just writing to tell you dont worry what other people think of you. If you do all it does is bring down your self esteem. Be yourself because that's what people really see is the beauty of you and not your clothes.

Btw *ahem* when you hit over 35ish that weight sneaks up on you real quick LOL so enjoy it while you can!!
You may want try to amazon.com or some place like that as they may have size zero available. i never tried this place but here is another
http://www.shop.size-0.com/2012-Size_0_Warehouse.html

i have a daughter with the same problem, she found that at j.c. penny they will taylor pants to fit and are very resonable. momma mona

T., I understand where you're coming from and I am that youngish mom, I'm 24 with 7 mo twins. Yes I can still fit into all those stylish clothes that high school students and college students wear but most of the time I don't. And yes the women's section can have hideous clothes, lol. I don't like wearing those clothes for two reasons: I don't want people thinking that I'm just out of high school with babies on the hip when I'm a college educated women and two I'm a MOM! I've found that if I stay away from the t-shirts and stick with shirts that are kinda generic like you can't tell where you bought them then I feel more comfortable. I still shop at American Eagle and all those stores but I am very paticular at what I buy. Try finding clothes that are more timeless that you can always wear.

But yeah, it does kinda bother me when I see moms dress like they're still in high school even when they are still young enough to do that. But that's just my opinion.

I love the Victoria Secret catalog too. I'm not as small as you, but I've always found them to have a great selection of clothes in all sizes, and a lot of their stuff runs small, so even if they don't have 00 you could probably get away with a regular 0...
Also, don't let the Victoria's Secret name fool you - they have plenty of regular clothing that isn't revealing at all.

I used to be that small! It is hard to find things to wear! Look for shops that specialize in smaller clothes, like *5-7-9* I think that's the name of the place I used to get my clothes.
I have the same problem now, too big for the clothes that look good and too small for *Lane Bryant*. size 9 clothes aren't in the Women's section only in the Juniors. So when I do weigh less, I still can't get clothes that fit. 8 is too small and 10 is too big.
Good luck! I understand and support you. I just wish there were more designers that understood women's needs and sizes!

I say, you are young! Enjoy. I remember being that small and having a very hard time finding things that fit. You might have better luck in Bebe or Banana Republic Outlet or something. They definitely have lots of smaller sizes. I would stay away from the department store "Junior" section though. The clothes tend to be cheaper and materials aren't so great. You can find some decent staples, like t-shirts and jeans there though. Anyway, good luck.

I agree, many of the styles for younger girls are a little revealing and actually more adult. So in theory an adult should not feel bad to wear them. I know there a few catalogs/online site like Lands End, LL Bean, Sierra Trading Post who all have petite clothing that might be more adult and modest at reasonable cost when on sale. You might be surprised at Old Navy as well, I think many of there clothes run small for the sizing. Good luck I know it is difficult to find something that fits the way you need it to and still has a nice style.

Hi T.! Welcome to my club! I'm 53, 5'1" and on good days if I'm lucky weigh 100lbs. I have 3 beautiful daughters-2 grown and one 17.I've always been a "lite weight" and have always eaten like a horse. My youngest gets mad at the things that I wear because they are "old lady" clothes. Pants are my main problem. If I can find them to fit my waist they are way to long. I remember as a young teen mom would by jeans from the boys dept.for me.
Don't worry about shopping in the juniors dept.After all you're still a spring chicken!Places like Sears, Macys, Pennys should have petite depts. I don't buy clothes for myself very often but I've had fairly good luck with jeans at Kmart.
Good luck!
T.

Check Eddie Bauer maybe? They go to size 2, but I think they tend to run a little small so it might work well. I think adult women who shop at Forever 21 tend to look like they're trying too hard and look silly. You can also layer a cami under anything that's too low cut/revealing or do a sweater over maybe depending on the weather. You can also check the Gap. Sometimes there stuff is a little much, but they also have a lot that's more modest without being dowdy. Good luck!!

Hi T.
it's hard to find clothing for small frame when we are out of the teenager age group.. fashion bug carries smaller sz's ..I use to cut off the gggrrr animal tags because I was in such a small size but I wanted grown up clothing and these days the younger girls dress well they show more...but no your still young enough to wear cutesy clothing :)

I have similar problems with my oldest- she is a very slender 5'11" and it is hard to find clothes that are long enough for her - the teens clothing is often too revealing and catalogs that cater to taller women have clothing that is too adult for her tastes.

I think you have to get a little creative, when shopping in the teen sections get colors and styles that are not too trendy and then as far as the revealing part- use camis and jackets to layer and make the look more professional, adult, etc.
The right accessories will help to 'grow up' the look a little too.

My daughter will get a neutral colored/ stlyed blouse and wear it with a bright funky scarf, a big belt and teen appropriate jewelry-
I can wear that same blouse with a tailored jacket, slacks or a skirt and some modest jewelry and you would barely be able to tell it was the same blouse.

Personally, I think everyone has their own style or flair. I have no problem seeing a young woman or even an older woman wearing whatever it is she likes to wear- my problem comes when the clothes they are trying to wear either don't fit properly- (a size 10 woman should not try to squeeze herself into a size 6- it does not fool anyone and it is unattractive) or when a woman feels she has to reveall all the flesh God gave her- - I am not saying to dress like a muslim but a little modesty is a good thing- even and especially for teens!

Depending on your budget, you can also try looking for clothing in styles that you like, getting the smallest size possible and then taking them to get altered- I would use this option for jeans and professional/ work clothes and dressy special occassion clothing rather than for everyday wear.

T. ~

First of all, thanks for writing this question! I read so many good responses and gleaned some helpful information on some places to shop. I'm 35, but run into some of the same problems being a "0" for pants (but a small for tops). I haven't shopped in the junior department and keep looking for other alternatives. If you do shop in juniors, you might come off looking younger than you really are (depending on the particular item). For a different choice and to agree with some of the other women, I have found that Ann Taylor Loft makes smaller sizes (probably Ann Taylor as well). You can order size "00" over the internet on their web site. I just keep looking each month and eventually find a few items. Someone else suggested Eddie Bauer, but it all depends on the type of pant. They do run smaller by a size in the pants. Shadeclothing.com is a good source as well especially for layering pieces (Costco even carries them). Also, I'm always watching What Not to Wear on tv for some suggestions and they always say that find the item and have it taylored, which I myself need to remember.

Anyway, good luck with your search (and remember you're not alone...I'll be out there as well). ~ M.

well, it is always best to dress appropriate for your age, though some women can pull it off. 25 seem still young enough. but you can also try shopping the petite section. there should be plenty of age appropriate options for tops there. good luck!

Congratulations Mom on surviving the first year! Yes, you are a mom, yes you are an adult. I think it took me until 25 to finally feel like an adult, or at least feel like I was being treated like one. Yes, you are in your mid 20's and still considered young. No, you don't want to look like a teenager. I agree with the petite section suggestions, as well as the asian clothing store sugesstion... great idea (Vietnamese women are tiny!) I would like to throw out there the "recycled fashion" stores as well. Buffalo Exchange, Red Light, vintage places,etc... I know there are more, I just can't think of them off the top of my head. Its a funkier more "stylish" environment. I know of trendy teens and young adults, who trade in clothes regularly to keep up with the trends. You might find some cool stuff. Its a younger vibe than Ann Taylor, but not 14 yo younger.

My favorite way to get new clothes though is a clothing exchange. (assuming you have friends of similar size and stature) Host a naked lady party. Everybody brings a bag of unwanted items, they all go in a pile, you get to pick and pull, get a bunch of new stuff for free... like your best friend's fav dress that she doesn't wear anymore... and anything left over gets donated to charity. If nothing else, it sounds like you could host one with the other women who have responded and you could all benefit. Good Luck. I hope you find something you are comfortable with.

Lizz

AnnTaylor Loft (love this store, never need hemming for OP or 00P!), Abercrombie, and Gap. Banana also has petites too 00P. Jcrew have petites on-line. Macy petites.

I dont really have this issue (size 6). But my mom is 4'11" and is a size 0. No one should EVER tell you to gain weight! I hate that. As long as you are happy AND Healthy, it doesnt matter what the scale or tag says. I just wanted to comment on you question regarding what others think of a 25 year old mom wearing clothes made for teens! It made me laugh because my mom just turned 50 and she STILL shops in the juniors department! Its really all in how you feel! I couldnt imagine my mom shopping in Womens! :) as long as you are comfortable, who cares where you shop! Oh, but I will say, i have a hard time with low cut tops also, because of my short torso, I LOVE the cami's with built in bra (i get mine from Old Navy), they are little tank tops and with the built in bra along with my regular bra, gives me a little boost in that area (if you get what I mean :)). They pair well with pretty much everything and cover up the cleavage area that a lot of shirts dont.

I have found some modest clothing retailers that work well for covering up, but still look stylish and fit really good. You can google modest clothing or try some of my favorites. They are downeastbasics.com, layers.com and shadeclothing.com, Kohl's is also a good place to look for some more age appropriate clothing by top designers.

HI, I didn't read through the other responses, but since you have gotten so many, maybe someone said this already. Ann Taylor has clothes that go very small. I think I have seen some things in 00 and in Petite 00. Their clothes tend to be more expensive, but if you can get them on a 40% of lowest price sale, pants can be around $20-$30 and some shirts under $20. The nice thing is that they have good quality and last a long time. There is also an outlet store in woodburn. The clothes might not be everyday ware but you may find things that are.
Good luck

Hi,
I am not a smalll size like you but I am young too.. and some of my friends are naturally skinny.. They buy seven jeans sold and nordstrom.. They go onsale first week of June at the half yearly sale.. They are so cute and run small side.. they will shorten jeans for free.. also I know they order some really cute dress tops from victoria secret catalog which carriers really small sizes.
Best of luck,
Lenc

So my answer is a bit more $$ but my mil is a size 000(ok,not really but she is tiny) she had been buying her jeams in the juniors too,until i introduced her to seven for all mankind and Joes jeans. if you buy them at say nords or macy they will run you anywhere from 125 up. but you can go to nords rack and find them for 69-99. they fit amazing and they wear like iron. oh my god i love my joes!!! they are worth the money!! good luck. i remember when i had this problem...after three kids and a whole lotta junk food i dont seem to have it anymore!!

You might have better luck finding small size clothes that you like on-line. I'm tall and I have trouble finding clothes that fit in regular stores so I often have to go on-line to find jeans and shirts that are long enough. Before I place an on-line order I always look for coupon codes on sites like www.currentcodes.com, sometimes there is a code to get free shipping or a discount on the order total.

Hi

I am not on the small side but struggle with sizes as well. Have you tried shopping online. I know that places like Old Navy, Gap, etc usually carry way more sizes online than you'll find in the stores. Yes, you pay for shipping but most of the time you can return them to the store instead of sending them back. I find it much easier than searching stores for my size.

T.,

A great place for 00 clothes that are more age appropriate is Banana Republic. They added 00 clothing within the past year or so to their website.

We come in all sizes.... try the Gap for clothes, their tops run smaller and you won't be so revealed. That or go to the petite section in clothing/department stores to find what you'd like to wear. You can always buy something you like and have it altered to fit. Or as last result, go to a material store, browse thru the pattern books and make your own clothes. That way you get to pick the fabric and the style, and the fit will be perfect.

Being on the other side of the issue, it's hard to find outfits that fit, that are stylish enough. I wish you well!!