The answer to this dilemma, I've discovered, is elasticity. With a stretchy fabric, I can fit into ordinary sizes (8-12) whereas with non-elastic material, I'm stuck up at size 16. When shopping, the first thing I check is whether the fabric stretches or not. Even a large size might not fit my unusual shape if it won't expand where I need it to.
Imagine my surprise on a ride home from court today when I visited my favorite thrift-store and saw a cute dress. I wanted it but, checking the label, saw it's a size 0. Zero! I didn't even know there was such a small size. Certainly I could never fit my big-ass size 16 into a 0. Or could I??
The item is so cute. Amazingly adorable. I pulled and pulled on it, watching it stretch like rubber. But a size 0?? The lowest size I've ever squeezed into before was an 8. A 0??
Obviously I couldn't try it on in the store. I don't do that. I don't want to make a scene or upset anyone. So it was a gamble... will it fit? At all? It was too cute to pass up AND it was ridiculously cheap ($8). So I took a risk and brought it home.
It fits! At least enough to squeeze onto my body. Happily, it has a built-in bodysuit which keeps it from riding up my torso.
Wearing this dress makes me smile like a fool. I love its delightfully feminine character.
Can you fit into more than one size?
FUN! and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that kind of neckline!!
ReplyDeleteI too encounter this dilemma: you see small sized items and hold them up and ALAS they look like they could fit. I dont go by the tag sizing on clothing anymore and even though it may say 0 or 18, just hold it up and see!! GREAT outfit.. so fun!
J
You are officially a skinny-minnie, lol! Size 0! Yay spandex! I love your joyful smile- that grin is a plus size! : )
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely fun! You look like you're ready to dance.
ReplyDeleteI've worn everything from XXS to XXL. I often shop up a size or two for comfort, but also for added drape. I like oversized looks on me.
I agree with Jodi, it's not about the tag. It's about what feels good!
This reminds me so much of a skater's dress, and I mean that in a good way!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the six-footer challenge; I go everything from an actual XS (Gap, notorious for their wonky sizing) to like a UK 20, which is a US 16 equivalent.) Allegedly, I'm about a US 8. Size tags are just the most basic of guidelines.
Now if only I could cram into a smaller size shoe, then I'd be in business.
Sizing is completely erratic. I can wear anywhere from a size 2 to a size 12, or an XS to an XXL, depending on the manufacturer.
ReplyDeleteI love how fun this dress is on you!
love that neckline! Xo, Megan, www.TfDiaries.com
ReplyDeleteSo you're telling me we can share clothes now? Nice!
ReplyDeleteWe must be on the same wavelength, Ally - here you are sporting pretty polka dots (the ruffled skirt is cute!), and I just bought a dotted skirt and dress today.
ReplyDeleteWomen's sizing can be frustrating at times ... I can wear anything from a 0/XS to a size 8. It all depends on the cut, fit, and fabric. This can make online shopping tricky, particularly with sites that carry lots of brands and have only a generic (i.e., just about useless) size chart.
sizing is a sport, there are no guarantees even with trusted stores (I ordered my regular size dress last week, which was teeny, it was significantly smaller despite the label stating my size booo!)anyhoo back to you! I'm a sucker for frills and sparkles, did you twirl? I always twirl in my favourite dresses x
ReplyDeleteYes! Twirling is my favorite part. :)
DeleteThat is fabulous! There is so, so little (really, I'd argue, none at all) uniformity between the sizing in different brands. In terms of modern garments, I have pieces in everything from an XS to a large (and a 3 to a 10 on the number scale) in my closet, with small and medium being the most common. I try never to let the number on a tag matter one iota, as long as I'm relatively ok with my weight at the time. Shopping based on a size instead of what fits you best (or you like the lost of the most) is just a recipe for poor fitting clothes, in my books.
ReplyDeleteDear Ally, I want you to know how much I sincerely appreciate your comment on my outfit post today. I love that you feel like you can share the kinds of responses my outfits evoke in you (and how they relate to your memories) with me. I hope that you always feel like you can live some of those "unattainable" fashion dreams vicariously through me and my vintage wardrobe.
♥ Jessica
Thank YOU for giving me the chance to do that.
DeleteThat's great that this purchase worked out so well for you! I love it because of the gorgeous frills and polka dots. I adore the shape too. It's amazing how different sizing can be at times. Thanks for such a helpful comment on my blog!
ReplyDeleteAH! I am so glad that you went with it! I think you look awesome! I love that stretchy fabric is in style. I have so many friends who have been able to wear a lot of their clothing while pregnant because of this!
ReplyDeleteYou know what that outfit needs? Ice skates!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteAlly, that dress is so much fun! I've bought some polka dots this spring too. And I have similar problems being 6ft and in the 200lb range. I'm 3 different sizes officially (measuring bust, waist and hips) and at least twice as many in real life. But the local Goodwill lets me take stuff back for full refund, so it all works out.
ReplyDeleteWOW--you look amazing!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm totally depressed your waist is smaller than mine--LOLOL
i wear anything from a 14 to a 24. I try on EVERYTHING unless it's a brand I know well
Holy crap! I'm an 8, and I'm reasonably certain I haven't been able to squeeze into a 0 for at least 10 years. No--probably more like 12. Back when I literally had no hips/butt at all (aka pre-puberty, haha).
ReplyDeleteCongrats! You now have experienced a uniquely feminine joy: Comfortably squeezing into a size you thought was too small. Isn't it the best feeling in the world?
I love how you find so much joy in small things :)
ReplyDeleteI dont think i have been to get into a size 0 since i was about 6 years old !
Ok I absolutely love this. I know I keep saying that, but seriously I fall in love with all of these new outfits you post.
ReplyDeleteI can fit into anything from a size medium in children's clothing (I frequent the girl's section, because it can be cuter)to a size 8 in women's. Sizing is so spastic and especially useless in women's clothing. Can we please just size things by waist size and length in inches...please. Enough with these random numbers.
This little swimsuit is quite adorable! Good thing you were able to squeeze into it.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is so cute ! I have some dresses size 0, but as also others said, I can fit into anything from a size 0 to a large size. I also love stretch fabric, it does wonders ! :)
ReplyDeleteFashion and Cookies
Cute little number that highlights your killer legs PERFECTLY!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSize 0?? I can't fit into any 0s. Ever. Elasticity is my friend :). Since it has a built in body suit maybe it's a dance costume? Because that feature is unusual in regular dresses. I love the neck/top part of it!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I have no idea what it is. A dress? A dance costume? A figure-skating outfit? It has no label in it.
DeleteWhat a great dress! I love polka dots, so cute!
ReplyDeletexo
styleontheside.com
elastisity is no friend of mine as it is supposed to hug not to be baggy.
ReplyDeletethis dress fits you perfectly! You look very cool. I wonder if it is unusual soft of dress (like one for dancing) or it looks so because you are taller than it was supposed (like skirt starting not on waist but on hips).
you are very stylish my dear!
What an imagination and bravery of you to even attempt squeezing into a size 0... I hate that you can't try things on in the store....
ReplyDeleteFabulous legs, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDeleteMy husband also has the best legs in the house.
Jealous.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
wow! love it! shows off your sexy legs!
ReplyDelete