So I have decided that French Connection does not really make clothes for people bigger than a size 6. How do I know this? I have recently gained an astounding 15 pounds (ouch, I know). Although I could still squeeze into my too-round-for-an-Asian butt into the old size 4 skirts and pants, my muffin top spilling over such garments makes me look like...well, a muffin. Simply put: I had to go one size up, sometimes two (ouch, again). This whole weight gaining process was accompanied by a rapid expansion of wardrobe. So, naturally, when I found out that French Connection was having a sale, I had to check it out as soon as I had the time.
Johnny, the salesperson who was always so eager to help me find outfits every time I visit the store couldn't be more aloof. Maybe he was having a bad day. But the usual "surprises" that he puts in my dressing room along with what I picked off the racks were no where to be found. He was more occupied scouting for dresses for the two girls in the next dressing room, who were both obnoxiously loud and in desperate needs of haircuts. No help for me. Not even the occasional "how is everything?"
Ouch.
Yet, as soon as I tried on the size 6's that I picked (OK there were not much "trying" on, more like "not being able to try on"), I realized why he didn't pick anything for me. Not only there were not much that I could fit in, I looked like a sausage in whatever I squeezed myself into something. At one point, I had to call my mother who were lingering at J.Crew to rescue me out of a dress that were too tight.
Sigh.
I can lose the 15 pounds easily. That's not what I worry about. What I found strange was that I am not even that big. I am still a size 6 or a size 8 at most. Anyhow, so that's why I decided that French Connection was not for fatties. I still love the store with every fiber of my being, but I'll have to hit up the store again once I drop the weight.
I took some pictures in the dressing room at FCUK. Sausage-like? You decide.
For those who are like me. Here are some stores that offer a more reasonable and forgiving sizing range:
The Gap - Oh, how I love the Gap. The Gap's sizes have always been bigger. A size 8 elsewhere is a size 4 at the Gap.
Banana Republic - Same as the Gap. But more chic, and for the office.
Old Navy - No fashion, but lots of big size options.
J.Crew - My fave. It has a similar sizing method as Banana Republic, maybe a little smaller, but not much.
Club Monaco - Affordable and super chic. It has jackets for all shapes and sizes.
Urban Outfitter - A wide range of designers translates into a wide range of sizing methods. You can always find your fit.
Anthropologie - Similar to Urban Outfitter, but more pricey.
Of course, there are many more. Those are the stores that I frequent and haven't had a problem like in French Connection. Although gaining weight and still being able to find things that fit and look good may be challenging, remember that our style is always evolving. Therefore, welcome the challenge as a new opportunity to discover a different style or develop a better sense of fashion. For example, I have been resorting more to loose outfits lately. I have developed a sharper sense for what camouflages a pooch the best or what accentuates rolls of fat, so I can avoid looking sausage-like. I avoid man-made fabrics such as viscose and polyester, and find that thick cotton and silk look better on my new physique.
Until next time,
Christine
