Shopping for yourself

[Ralitsa]

Last week I was out shopping with my friend who needed a dress for a bikini contest and I thought we should stop in at Talbots to look. As it turned out, I thought we were getting stuff for her but she decided that I was going to try on a bunch of stuff. Shopping with women is crazy compared to what I've always done. She picked out about 20,000 things for me to try on. After a while a guy who I think might have been the manager came over and told us something like "I'm going to give you this other dressing room over here where you can have a little more privacy".
He was very polite about it, and very considerate and one could tell that he was trying to accomodate the feelings of everyone but was a little nervous about the situation, like he was afraid someone was going to make a big deal about it.
So after trying on everything in the store, I think, we bought 1 or 2 things. I don't know how the SA's can stand people coming in and trying on everything, which they then have to refold or rehang or put back, and then only buy 1 thing. But this seems to be standard procedure. The great thing about shopping with women is that you can do it and not feel guilty, I would never do that by myself.

[KimberlyS]

Ralitsa glad you have a friend you can do things like that with. Did she want to see every outfit you tried on?

[Janet Bern]

If you go to Victorias Secret be sure your band size in less than 38
I dont believe they go higher than that .. I am a 40 or 42 depending
on the bra type.
therefore VS is a shop I dont frequent
Janet

[Ralitsa]

Kim, she did want to see everything I tried on, and decided on a few things for me that I would never have picked for myself, $50 capris for one thing.
We did go to VS a few days later, but that was to get things for her, not me. I don't usually get anything from VS because I don't have the right shape to make it look the way VS lingerie should look. She was complaining that they never have bras in 34D (her size), boy I wish I had that complaint

[Stephanie H]

It had been a long time in Manchester but recently I was fortunate enough to be there. The SA's in all the shops are very helpful and do go out of there were to be of assistance. On both days that I was there, morning shopping was the best.

[Janet Bern]

Feel free to email me
Janet

[Trudy]

I can`t remember the last time I shopped for Trudy`s clothes en drab. I have not had any issues in years however certain stores and/or SA`s are more welcoming than others. When I find a store or SA that is more accomodating I shop there more and just avoid those less friendly.unless they have an item I `absolutely`` have to have. I have even gone so far as to call a store to see when a favoritte SA is working., especialy at the store where the SA`s earn a commission.

As fror bra fittings I always shop the Soma boutiques for bras. I had my first fitting at a Somaa boutique many years ago and have always been treated great regardless of who is there, how busy they are, or whether I am there to buy or just browse. I know they may be a liittle more expensive than many of the bras at department stores but the service and respect I receive is worth it.

[Janet Bern]

I agree with the Soma comment.. I also find that I get the same
treatment at the Maidenform, Bali Hanes, and Jockey stores.
However at Jockey that bra are all a bit small for me.. but the panties are superb
Janet

[Heather W]

I have only been out a little over a year and yes shopping en femme is far better and more satisfying than in drab. Amazing how much better my clothes fit now and how they look so much better on me. I don't know about the rest of you but I know I have bought things while in drab and gotten them home and after trying them on I look in the mirror and say to myself "what was I thinking?" So many things look so cute on the hanger yet look so awful on.

As for bra fittings I finally worked up the courage last fall. I went out to a Hanes/Maidenform outlet store. As it turned out I was wearing the right size, 34C, but she told me I should wear a full coverage bra with my forms as it would hold them better on those days I don't attach them. She was definitely and the full coverage bras are now my faves!

[Melissa Mac]

There is nothing more relaxing than an afternoon of retail therapy. I love perusing the racks to find that special piece or outfit. Whether it is a full outfit or just a simple of costume jewelry I love hunt.

As for bra fittings I agree that the outlet stores are the way to go.

[Rikki]

What's everyone think about this UK store? http://www.lindybop.co.uk

You all know me, a sucker for the 50's and anything with a full skirt!

Rikki

[Anthony Simon]

What's everyone think about this UK store? http://www.lindybop.co.uk

Their "about us" and "our history" sections, makes them sound a ruthlessly competitive business - so I guess they'll take the money from wherever it comes. They have obviously invested a lot in a variety of different outfits, but it's kind of a narrow stylistic frame they're operating in - and I'm not sure I'd get into any of their dresses without looking silly.

I do actually like their stuff, but I doubt I have the figure to get away with wearing it (maybe their skirts or petticoats).

[Janet Bern]

that site looks good if you are going for the June Cleaver look