I don't like shopping for clothes.
It's not a size thing. I'm still hovering around the size of the average American woman. I don't think that's going to change much, given my inclination to randomly start and stop exercise programs and to give in to cravings for big plates of comfort-food spaghetti.
So it's not a size thing.
When faced with the racks and racks of choices, I get overwhelmed. Lately, I've put myself on a budget, so that forces me to limit my choices. Even so, I'm overwhelmed.
I went to JC Penney. The lack of sale signs there is actually distracting. I expect to see signs saying "40% off!" "Clearance!" but there are none. This doesn't help narrow down the choices.
Usually, I have fun in JC Penney's dress department. I tried lots of colorful, non-black, printed dresses with fluttery sleeves, hi-lo hems, shifts, hankerchief hems, kimono peekaboo sleeves, maxis...
Nothing worked.
About those asymmetrical hems, who can work those? Not I. Can you?
I turned my attention to tops. The East 5th brand had very cute-stretchy-forgiving-fabric with fun prints options.
OMG, is that an old lady brand? Am I turning old lady?
I like the tops that have little belty things on them so that I look like I have a waist.
Here's what my big shopping excursion yielded:
When I checked out, the old lady working the register offered her compliments on my taste. She said, "This is such a nice design house, East 5th. You should try their pants, too! Ooooh, and you could wear this top with any number of colors." Thanks, register lady.
I also hate shopping for clothes. I tried to buy myself a summer outfit at Macy's over the weekend but everything I tried on made me look like a retiree.
I do much better when I take my sister with me. She has a good eye and helps me pick flattering styles that I wouldn't have otherwise chosen.
Posted by: Average Jane | 12 June 2012 at 11:04 AM
I always think that shopping by myself is more efficient -- I mean, it took 3 hours to try on loads of stuff without much payoff -- but I think I may need to bring along someone with a good eye next time! Good idea.
Posted by: blaugra | 12 June 2012 at 11:54 AM
I'm a lone wolf shopper and could do it competively. I always find too many things I love and have to whittle it down. I wish! I usually just buy it all and forget I own it. It's actually not cool and I wish I had your problem.
At least she didn't call them "slacks"...
(I'll go shopping with you ANY TIME)
Posted by: lg | 12 June 2012 at 05:25 PM
So, true story: I shopped at JCP this weekend and bought some shirts, one of which I'm worried might be too old for me. I have to rely on BF for the final answer on that one.
Asymmetrical hems make me look about 5" shorter and twice as heavy.
Last, JCP started a "no sale" campaign, where instead of being glad you're getting something on sale, you're supposed to feel good that you're always getting the lowest price. It's apparently not working for them.
Posted by: KtP | 12 June 2012 at 05:51 PM
I hate, hate, hate clothes shopping. I have gained too much weight and nothing fits except big stuff. I go to the mall, try on clothes and get so depressed I leave the store and go directly to Sees Candy (Fanny Farmer in the east I think) and order a whole pound and immediately devour it all........makes me feel a whole lot better. I now shop on line.
Posted by: Diane | 17 June 2012 at 03:07 PM
You probably know these stores. Their online shopping is great and they only have womens sizes online: www.coldwatercreek.com and www.chicos.com. You can see what everything looks like on the models. Also, of course, JCPenney. Just thought I'd share.
Posted by: Diane | 17 June 2012 at 03:23 PM
Crap, just reread online post. I meant those stores carry larger sizes online only-not that they only carry large sizes online.
Posted by: Diane | 17 June 2012 at 03:25 PM