My odyssey to find normal clothing...

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DaniJude
You're My Home <3

Member since 11/06

14815 total posts

Name:
Danielle

My odyssey to find normal clothing...

Please let me share/vent... and can we discuss??

Can we just talk about what I have seen happening in clothing stores??

I went on Wednesday night because I feel like I'm in a little bit of a fashion "rut". I have not been clothes shopping since before my divorce except when I absolutely needed something specific for work or an event. Every single item, with the exception of maybe three items, in my closet is BLACK. It looks like Johnny Cash lives there -- or a funeral director, one of the two.

So Wednesday night after my mother and sister had an intervention with me that my wardrobe is all black and I'm in a "rut", I went to the mall determined to get myself out of the coma I have been in clothes-wise and my rule was I can buy anything BUT black. Fine.

I go - now, I need everything. Basics, capris, denim, spring/summer shoes, dresses, going out stuff, whatever! I don't really need as much work stuff because since sometimes I have to be televised for work or photographed I always keep a good amount of nice looking work clothes. Anyway, first store: White House/Black Market. I walk in, because that's my go-to place and realize that my first rule is I cannot buy black. Probably not a great store to start with. I leave.

My second store: Ann Taylor Loft. Lets see about basic stuff here. Well, is it just me or is every shirt built like it was cut for Sponge-Bob Square-Pants?? It is like a BOX - a big, square BOX of fabric. It just hangs on me. When I find something that is more form fitting it is COMPLETELY SHEER. Like wearing tissue paper that I wrap my presents with.

I leave and head towards J.Crew who is showing SWEATERS in May... SWEATERS. They are over $100 and look like I should be wearing them in December. The stuff that is shorter sleeved is HUGE - oversized, blousy, long, and makes me look pregnant. Mind you, I have a flat stomach and I'm a size six. I find a few shirts that are a little more figure flattering and they are SHEER. What is going on in this world??!!

I leave. I head toward Banana Republic. I had already looked online at GAP and ruled them out as they are now showing a line of what I call "Homeless Chic" clothing -- everything looks like a bag-person would wear it. I figure, Banana is the same company but maybe they'll be more cut in a way that doesn't look like a smock my son wears when he paints... WRONG. Everything was crew neck, sleeves - either short or 3/4, and then just AWAY from the body like a cloak or something. I mean, is this a trend?!

I leave. I am now getting angry. I go, out of utter desperation to Abercrombie and Fitch. It's like welcome back to eleventh grade! Whatever, figure give it a try.

They had cute spring jackets - I'll give them that.

I see a table of cute, kind of a scoop-neck, cap-sleeved shirts. I'm like SCORE! OK! Normal-form fitting stuff. I pick up the shirt, which is folded in half... AND IT ENDS.

THE SHIRT ENDS.

I look. Chat Icon

It ends just below the breasts. Oh. OK. So it's a cut off shirt that shows my entire stomach.

Right.

So, my choices are: dress like a MONK or dress like a HOOKER???

I leave the mall disgusted. All I bought was underwear at Soma.

A friend of mine was like, did you try Express? I have not shopped at Express in I can't even remember how long but I'm like OK let me check it out. I go last night with a renewed sense of faith! Well, thank God for Express.

They have, as soon as you walk in, a table full of nice, v-neck, short sleeved shirts that are a little stretchy that come in every color of the rainbow and are cut nice and figure-flattering, they hug but not too much. Perfect. Dress up or down. AMEN. I bought one in every color... BUT BLACK.

I move on, they have cute summer casual dresses - red, coral, cobalt blue, emerald green - I bought one style in each color. Some were spaghetti strap, some were halter, beautiful details, embroidery and some with beading. ALL FIT WELL -- hugged the nice areas of a gal, flattered other areas. Showed what you want to show.

I go to the back of the store and they have (I skipped over work wear but that stuff looked awesome too) and in the back is "going out" stuff -- nighttime stuff. I got cropped leggings that fit SO nicely. They have dark denim crops, they have capri pants in slate grey... and nice silver and blue and maroon halter tops, tanks, etc. with beading on them that make them look perfect to go out in at night over the summer.

I bought literally dozens of items and yeah, I spent close to $300 but I got so much stuff -- four dresses, shirts, pants, etc. I mean, it was awesome. A lot was on sale. The staff was helpful, got me sizes if I needed or other colors, they were responsive and great.

So, Express, you get my KUDOS for the day and you saved my life. I'm officially out of the rut. Oh and big-ups to DSW for the shoes. I went there and found FOUR pairs of sandals - they have Michael Kors at amazing prices.

Thought I would share --- but please tell me I'm not crazy and that the stores, the majority of them, seem to be showing "Monk-Chic" -- I mean, right??? Has anyone noticed this??

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Posted 5/1/15 10:12 AM