Wow.

My research assistant Greta took me shopping today.

I had humbly cast myself upon her mercy. I hate shopping so much that I'm usually low on clothes that look good and fit, and the current situation was compounded by the fact that I hadn't really bought new non-maternity clothes in about two years. My shape changed with the pregnancy, too - I tried to order some things online, and wound up having to send almost everything back. I needed to go to stores.

Greta was the perfect person to ask for help: brisk, determined, doesn't shop for fun, always looks smart, and - perhaps most importantly - about my size. She dragged me on a lightning-quick tour through a DSW shoe warehouse and a Filene's Basement. I came away shocked at what I found:
( pictures ahoy )