Size Matters?

Things are hectic as usual, but it's all good. My daughter is home for spring break and we've been shopping animals. From Walmart to Lord and Taylor, from Old Navy to Macy's and it goes on and on. I bought a lot of clothes this week, some winter bargains and some spring things. What bothers me is that they range in size from size 4 to size 12. We went in one store called Forever 21, and I swear to you, a large was a size 6. I can't understand it. I was standing there in size 8 jeans and could not get into a large in that store. What are these people trying to promote? Why are mens clothes so true to size and womens clothes so screwed up? When I find something I like, I have to take 3 sizes into the fitting room. Ok, gang...so what's your take on this? It isn't doing my body image issues any good, I can tell you that. Thanks! Love, Joanie

Size matters, dear Joanie, only when we're talkin' sex...sorry guys, couldn't resist! Yes, there is great disparity in sizes depending on where you're shopping and what the brand or who the designer is. In other words, try not to get all caught up in the hype. I am typically in a 6 or 8 jeans, a medium top or blouse, and dresses can run anywhere from an 4 to a 10, depending on the cut. I just bought a pretty scimpy red little number for a Gala event (a benefit for Walk From Obesity) - it's a size 4 and SURE, that made me giddy with joy! BUT it's a throw it over your head little dress, no zippers, no buttons, no darts (in fact there's barely a bodice to sew darts into! I don't know if I'm gonna have the nerve to wear it in public, frankly!) And the material has some give to it - now, if it was linen or some other more constricting type of material, I'm sure it would be at least a size 10. The upshot is, Joanie, don't sweat it! Are you healthy? Do you feel good? Can you move your tushy, can you dance a jig, can you jump up and down without getting winded??? Ah, there's the real success! Enjoy your daughter (mine comes home today, can't wait!), enjoy the shopping - and enjoy sex cuz that's where size really matters!!! Love ya, M.

Joanie, Just as a matter of personal fact....I hate trying on clothes! Always have I guess always will. Sizes in womens clothing have no apparent industry standards as mens clothing does. I have from Xtra-smalls to 2's to Petite Large to size 15 in juniors in my closet...all clothes I am currently wearing. When I do shop, I find that multiple sizes accompany me to the dressing room. Limits of 3-6 items in the dressing room are a joke. It generally takes two to three of each article of clothing to get the "right" size. Some things I buy petites some I buy regular misses and somethings are junior. I never know. So yes size does matter but the numbers on those clothes have absolutely nothing to do with the numbers on the scale!! Don't let the size discrepancy get you down!! You're doing good! Va

Hi Joanie, My new red leather coat is a 1X (but marked 1X 14-16). When did a 14-16 become a 1X?? It's distressing to me to buy a 1X, but the coat is beautiful and it's exactly what I wanted. I do understand what you are saying though. Old Navy is one of my favorite haunts for shopping and I have a range from 12 to 16 and medium-extra large. I am never really sure what is going to fit even there. I go with the wear what makes you look good and happy and try not to focus on the number on the label (though those smaller numbers are seductive!) Hugs, Mo

Size matters?/////////// that's something that drives me crazyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!! I never can say I'm using a 14 ?????????? It al depends what store I'm at. Sometimes I'm going from a 14 to 18 . It's so frustrating . But that's what happens. At least I'm not a 30-32 not more.