I Went Shopping
Posted on | March 1, 2010 | 14 Comments
I’m not much of a shopper. I really don’t like it. I don’t like it because clothes don’t fit me right. I’m sometimes a size 6, sometimes an 8. Sometimes I’m a large or a medium. A 28, 29, or 30. I wander into the dressing room with an armful of clothes.
I don’t like poorly made clothes. I especially don’t like them when they’re expensive. I don’t like clothes that are $80 and made in China or Sri Lanka or wherever and there are a zillion of those same shirts hanging right behind that first one with the seams about to split. I don’t like that the quality of clothes at Target is the sames as Anthropologie or Banana Republic. I’d buy clothes at Target, but the clothes there really don’t fit. The clothes there are made for boxes. To fit over boxes. Small boxes, medium boxes and large boxes.
Forget about Forever 21. I’ve never been able to fit into a single thing I’ve tried on there.
Jeans are too long because I’m short. I tried on a pair of chinos at J Crew and cried because though they were a size 6, they made me look matronly. Child-bearing hips and crumpled front to match.
When we were at J Crew the saleswoman was named McKenzie. I think she was 22. She said things like “Oh my god that looks sooooooooo kah-yuuuuuuuuute.” It feels bad, Internet, when someone lies to your face. Even when she has to because of her job.
She asked Fancyhats how I was doing in there and Fancyhats was honest: “Not good.” And McKenzie wanted to know more. She wanted to know what I was looking for. Why was I looking for it. And Fancyhats told her it was my first day at a new job and I wanted some new clothes.
And she said, “Oh, yeah. I’ve had college students in here who’ve never worn anything but sweats and need new clothes. I totally understand.”
I put on my regular clothes, which were not sweats, and we left. (Message to J Crew: I hadn’t darkened your door in more than five years, and I’m sorry I went in there this time. Never. Again.)
We tried Nordstrom and Anthropologie, which didn’t have a size 8 or 6 in the entire store. We ended up at Banana Republic where I bought three things despite the saleswoman calling me honey and Parisian and honey some more.
I wanted clothes that are professional but stylish. Classic and hip. I wanted things that are well-made. I want clothes that fit me — a woman of average height with a woman’s body who is also a size 6. Or 8. I don’t think there is such a store.
My first day is tomorrow and I’m very excited, Internet. I’m wearing a Banana Republic boyfriend blazer, and nice mauve top and my skinny jeans. And maybe an ironic scarf. It’s a very Parisian look, according to the Banana Republic saleslady.
And I’m nervous, Internet. I’m not afraid of spiders, I look forward to public speaking, but first days of work make me feel like what I imagine people feel when they have to get on stage. Fortunately, I’ve been working with my new company as a freelancer and the people there are so lovely. Really, really friendly. And I have a mentor showing me the ropes on the first day. And I’ll have my laptop with me. And I’m supposed to be looking at Twitter as part of my job, so I’ll have my friends nearby. But I just get nervous, Internet.
So wish me luck!
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14 Responses to “I Went Shopping”
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March 1st, 2010 @ 8:29 am
ms. lion, you will be your natural, effervescent, well-proportioned, and sharply-witted self.
in other words, you don’t have a thing to worry about.
were you wearing a beret?
March 1st, 2010 @ 8:56 am
Luck!
And it sounds like a great outfit. I’m coming from the other end of the size spectrum, but it’s hard to find good clothes there, too. Who DO they make these clothes for, I wonder? People who don’t care?
March 1st, 2010 @ 8:57 am
You are awesome. You are amazing. And don’t you ever forget it. Beam on, my friend.
J. Jill makes me happy most of the time.
March 1st, 2010 @ 9:01 am
Ken: thank you! You’re the best.
Kathleen: Thanks! I’ll tell you that they do not make clothes for cyclists. I don’t care what size it is, pants are not cut for people who ride a bike.
k8: I will try J Jill. Thank you!
March 1st, 2010 @ 9:01 am
I am sending nothing but good thoughts your way through the internety tubes and channels. You will look smart and sexy and speak with nothing but grace and charm and the Heavenly Gods will smile down and say Where the hell has she been all my life?
Note to self: stop drinking coffee, get off internet, do something productive with your day.
March 1st, 2010 @ 9:02 am
Other Melissa: Leaving comments IS productive.
March 1st, 2010 @ 9:25 am
Did I miss the big announcement? About the new job? If so, I’m very embarrassed for myself.
Or is it a secret new job?
Either way, congratulations on both the new job and finding something adorable that’ll entrance your new coworkers. Zing!
March 1st, 2010 @ 10:39 am
You don’t need luck. You’re made for this job and you already know the people. It’s going to go GREAT!
You’re taller than I am.
Ann Taylor Loft has what you seek. I promise.
March 1st, 2010 @ 1:31 pm
I’m jealous, it’s fun to try new things!
The only thought I have about walking into a new job situation like that is to remember that everyone there is 100% comfortable with their surroundings because they’ve been showing up there every day for a long time. In a few days time, you’ll be right at home too.
And most importantly, bring in sweets on your second or third day. Doughnuts, coffee cake, cookies, (cupcakes are even better) just something to make people say, “wow, what a nice person that new lady is…” (store bought is better because they dont know you yet and you could have put ex-lax in the brownies.)
Cant wait to hear more of ML’s adventures in business. Break a leg!!
March 1st, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
You’ll do splenderiffic. Congrats!
I have worked in an office for about 15 years now and I still don’t think I dress right. Perhaps 10% of the time I do. I think my boss wonders where all that money he pays me goes. Most days I just wish I had a uniform I could throw on everyday. Dressing for work is not fun!
March 1st, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
You will be wonderful.
March 2nd, 2010 @ 12:04 am
I think J Jill has become better lately. I just avoid their “outfits” and make my own. Separates are your friend!
March 3rd, 2010 @ 11:31 am
See, I was dying on the day you went shopping. If I had not been dying I would have taken you to Nordstrom and Banana and found the right things for you at Forever 21 because I have that power. I HAVE IT.
You do look Parisian.
March 5th, 2010 @ 10:28 am
Another thought – “Point of View” at Nordstrom (and the Rack). Lots of separates and they always have a sale rack. They even carry Esprit!