A Big Huge Plus-Sized Rant

May I start off by saying that I do appreciate that most stores are now stocking plus-sized clothing, because I still have bitter memories of the time that I tried to find a party dress for an office Christmas party back in the 90’s.  Long story short, I was forced to embark upon a quest throughout the tri-state area before finding a forward-thinking little dress shop in downtown Canonsburg that was plucky enough to carry some party dresses in a size 16.

It was a dark time in my life, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the fashion retailers all believed that no one would invite a larger woman to their party.

Although we’ve come a long way, baby, things are not perfect.  I have a few pet peeves that I really need to get off my chest.  In the spirit of helpful cooperation, I will also try to dispel some misperceptions some  stores seem to have about their more zaftig would-be customers.

1)      Plus-sized clothing segregation.

It is never very encouraging when I can’t find a plus-sized department, but it really sticks in my craw when I ask for directions only to find that the plus-sized clothes are located on a different floor than the rest of the women’s clothing in a corner through the housewares and the luggage just past the maternity clothes. 

The implication here is that they are ashamed to have larger customers (and pregnant customers for that matter) and they certainly don’t want them to mingle with the rest of the clientele.  We are not second-class citizens and I am pretty sure that we won’t scare other shoppers away.

2)       Token Plus-Sized Clothing Selections

More often than not, when I complete my pilgrimage to the plus-sized departments in these stores, my efforts result in finding about rack-and-a-half of the most basic clothing. 

Clearly they must think that because I am larger than Kate Moss that I don’t need or want “fancy” clothes, but nothing could be further from the truth.  I am just like other women.  I want a decent selection of fashionable clothes for different occasions from which to choose.

3)      Plus-sized pantyhose only available in Control Top.

I realize that in a sad turn of events in the fashion industry that pantyhose have fallen out of favor, but I still like to wear them.  Curiously though it seems that very often pantyhose in my size are only available in Control Top, because they are convinced that women of weight must only want pantyhose that will make them look smaller.

Let me tell you, and I cannot be too emphatic about this, I do not want my top to be controlled.  I want my top to be comfortable and I cannot overstate how much I enjoy breathing. While we are on the topic, I think the waists of most non-control top pantyhose are far too tight, so how about some waists that are cut larger and allow for some stretch?

Oh, I could go on, but you don't even want to get me started about the unavailability of shoes in wide widths.

Now I'm not unreasonable. I don't expect all stores to be as perfect as Dress Barn or Nordstrom.  Dress Barn offers equally stocked plus-sized and regular clothing side by side and offers the same styles in all sizes, and Nordstrom.... 

Oh, excuse me.  I must run.  My Personal Stylist from Nordstrom is on the phone now letting me know about an upcoming sale event, and offering her individualized assistance in helping me to find whatever my plus-sized heart desires.

How the Other Half Shops (Finding Nordstrom)

For some reason, Mr. Rip and I found ourselves at the Ross Park Mall on Saturday.  Hypothetically, it could have been because we wanted to get out of the house to escape the deafening racket made by the dehumidifiers that were drying out our living room and basement after the pipe burst flooding both rooms on Thursday, but whatever, we were there and in no hurry to leave.

The Ross Park Mall used to be a regular run-of-the-mill mall, a perfectly good place for people from all walks of life to shop.  It had Lane Bryant and Easy Spirit stores for me, and a cool little housewares shop for Mr. Rip.  

Then the Ross Park Mall suddenly went "upscale" on us, mostly because Nordstrom moved in.  Some of the smaller stores that didn't fit into the new neighborhood moved (Lane Bryant) or just closed their stores not to reopen anywhere in the region (Easy Spirit).  While I didn't analyze it too deeply, I think subconsciously I blamed Nordstrom for ruining...er, I mean transforming...our local mall into someplace I couldn't afford to shop.

I had never been inside a Nordstrom store, but their reputation intimidated me.  I mean I'm more likely to shop at Target than Macy's, so how out-of-my-league was Nordstrom going to be?

 

It was out of love that I finally dared to enter Nordstrom. I want to look presentable at the wedding of my son and his lovely fiancee later this year, and I kept looking at a dress that the store carried online that I thought might be perfect for me.

Finally, Mr. Rip suggested, in his infinite wisdom, that if I really loved the look of the dress so much that I should order it.  I could always send it back if it didn't work.  Well, I thought if we were going to be killing time...er, I mean, spending some quality time... at the Ross Park Mall anyway that I might just stop at Nordstrom to see if they had it in stock.  

So, just like that, without another thought, I bravely entered the majestic grandness of a department store that is Nordstrom.  Wow, it was nice in there, with an actual stunning decor and everything, and the merchandise all beautifully spaced out.  This department store had ambience. I had never seen anything quite like it.  I felt underdressed.

As I was taking it all in, I was approached by what I thought was a saleslady, greeting me as though I was a long-lost friend she hadn't seen in awhile.  I explained that I was looking for formal wear in plus sizes, and she was delighted to direct me to the Encore section.  What a genteel name for the plus size section!

Jan was waiting to assist me when I reached Encore.  When Jan handed me her card, I saw that she was my Personal Stylist!  I don't know if you will be surprised to hear this, but I have never had a Personal Stylist before.  Of course I never asked but I don't think they have them at Target- hell they barely have plus sizes (and the few offerings they do have are hidden in the corner just past the maternity clothes).  I suppressed the sudden urge to sing  - If they could see me now, that little dusty group, traipsin' round this million dollar chicken coup...if my friends could see me now!

Jan was very sorry to tell me that they did not have the dress in question on the floor but was more than happy to order it for me.  It will come to my house.  She helped me to select the best color of those available in my size.  She offered her assistance in finding the right accessories to go with my dress and she will be calling me when Nordstrom has special offers, as IF I could afford to shop there on a regular basis (but I didn't want to burst her bubble).

Boy, I could get used to this kind of stellar shopping experience. Shopping at Nordstrom is definitely going on my list of things I'll be doing when I win the lottery.