Size Matters

Our son is going through one of those growth spurts. It seems whenever we pass a mirror at the same time, he has to drag me over to measure how much taller he is. Fortunately for him, I am shrinking. When I joined the Army back in 1981, I was measured at 5'5". When I retired, in 2003, I was measured at 5'4 1/2". This morning, he went into my sewing kit and broke out the measuring tape. He is a perfectionist like his mom. He may forget to make his bed on occasion, but when it comes to numbers, he's a perfectionist. This morning, I measured in at 5'4" even. That's good to know. I guess I am now officially a petite.
My husband had to work today, so I told him I was going to head over to the mall, maybe do a bit of walking. What a madhouse! I really should have known better. Still, I walked around and tried to dodge shoppers going about their business at a snail's pace. I thought it would be easier to handle if I stopped in a few stores and tried on some clothes. After all, who doesn't like trying on clothes? Okay, maybe some folks don't. Me? I love it especially since I lost weight. I tried on clothes in Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, BCBG, Ann Taylor, and in Calvin Klein. I was there for a couple of hours and walked a little over 2.5 miles ( I spent a lot of time in dressing rooms).

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-rack
http://www.tjmaxx.com/
http://www.marshallsonline.com/
http://www.bcbg.com/home/index.jsp
http://www.anntaylor.com/
http://www.calvinklein.com/home/index.jsp

There is a lot of vanity sizing out there, which is extremely confusing. In an effort to make consumers feel better about themselves, some manufacturers adapt their sizes. The problem is no one designer is really on the same scale. I tried on one designer's line of dresses today. It actually had a separate card attached explaining their sizes compared to normal US sizes...and get this...it was made by an American designer. I had to put on my reading glasses just to figure it out...a 4 US was a 2 in theirs, A 2 US was a 0 in theirs. Not worth it. Too confusing. I moved on to another designer. I like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. On me, they are about the size wise, and I like their classic look. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanity_sizing
I love to bargain shop, but I don't want it to be a painful experience. And I know size matters. As far as I'm concerned, this has gotten out of hand. The designers need to get on the same sheet of music. Forget vanity sizing. Consumers are not as vain as they believe us to be. I tell you what...just tell us what measurements fit what size, post in on the door like nutritional information at a fast food restaurant and we'll figure it out ourselves. Easy pleasey...happy educated shopper.
Oh, I did discover that, when it comes to clothes, I am really not a petite regardless of my son's measurements. I am a whole number (at least everywhere except Ann Taylor). : )