How do you dress this new body?

Before the mastectomy, I thought the surgery wouldn't really affect my wardrobe.  My game plan was to use accessories.  Scarves and chunky necklaces could hide a scar (and they are one size fits all!), and big earrings and brightly colored shoes could bring attention away from my bust line.

Little did I know what was in store for me in the form of the post-mastectomy bra.  UGH.  Now, I am no stranger to the push up bra, nor to stuffing my bra, but this post-mastectomy bra really takes the cake.  I feel like my breasts (one real one, one "first form") are very high and coming to choke me.  And the bra itself is massive.  Thick straps.  Enormous cups to hold the "first form" in place.  A huge band with two clasps in the back (and I won't lie, it was always a weird point of pride that I could wear a dainty one clasp bra).  This is the biggest bra I have ever owned.  And it's so large that only a small amount of neckline can be shown.  Forget v-neck, or anything scoop neck or boat neck...it's all out the window.  It's crew necks only for now.  Good thing I have sexy clavicles (that's snark in case you don't recognize it).

I'm coming to strangle you!

Can I just stop a moment and say it really sucks to lose a breast.  It's a loss of femininity, a loss of sensuality, a loss of just being normal!  Add to those feelings of loss not being able to wear my clothes (I always thought I was a boring prudish dresser - who knew I had such revealing clothes!).  Add on those feelings of feeling inadequate as a woman and wife not being able to wear anything but t-shirts.  It's being hit while you're down.  I feel and look like half a woman, and I can't even wear my cute tops?

I went to Target two weeks after my mastectomy.  When I first walked in and saw the cute bikinis on display, I knew it was going to be hard to get in and out and not have a breakdown.  Somehow I got the bright idea to actually look at their clothes to see if they had any nice up-to-your clavicles clothes (which is completely ridiculous considering they NEVER have anything that will fit a tall girl), and it ended up in my going around looking at all things I can't wear (the Easter dresses were so cute!  And so low cut!).  And then that lead to the great idea to look to see if they have any girlie yet modest nighties (they don't - they all have cups).  And then that lead to my walking around looking at all the bras.  I've never looked at Target bras before.  Why I had to look at them now when I have zero chance of wearing one is beyond me.  But I did do it all with no tears, no pity parties, and so will you.

Anyone who has any issue with breast asymmetry, or anyone who loves someone with breast asymmetry, needs to immediately bow down to the fashion gods and thank them for Chikara Design.  Please, please, take a moment to peruse her site.  Note how she doesn't try to draw attention elsewhere - she actually brings attention to the bust!  Her clothes are so feminine!  Using Chikara as my guide, I'm going to figure out how to dress this new body!  And I'll be posting what I find - all in Talls of course!

What tips do you have for dressing your new body?  Do you feel like the post-mastectomy bra is choking you, too?  Do you feel like you're really showing some skin if you find a clavicle-revealing top?  Do you LOVE Chikara like I do?  What are your favorite shops for us tall girls?