Overheard

This afternoon after work I headed to the mall - I had a top to return at Loft and wanted to do a little casual shopping. I seem to not have time to do this on my own often anymore, and I really do like leisurely shopping alone! My recent quest has been to find a nice pair of dress pants for work in a camel/khaki color. Who would think this was so impossible? Curvy fits no longer are right for my body. Modern fits can be a little too slim in the hips/low rise to accommodate my tummy that I'm still working on getting rid of. I would complain it's very frustrating, but to be honest, I still sometimes have to pinch myself that I no longer am limited to plus size stores, even though it's been at least a year and a half since I've had to shop in one, and I am happy and thankful for that. I was still almost shocked when I asked the saleswoman at Ann Taylor (where I've never shopped before), how their sizes run (large like Loft?) and she looked at me, then said I probably usually wear a 6, so try a 4. Seriously? I think she was being sincere, but of course I questioned that she was just trying to flatter me. In reality, I'm an 8 pretty solidly in most clothes, a 6 apparently at Loft and Ann Taylor. Oh the mind games women play about their bodies! Unfortunately, I think it really starts at an early age, and so many women are guilty of perpetuating it with their daughters, whether they realize they're doing it or not. When I was in the dressing room at The Limited this afternoon I overheard a group of teen girls and one of their moms - they were all trying on dresses and outfits (and sounded like they were having a blast). One of the girls came out in a slim fitting dress (size 2), and the Mom (not HER mom, mind you!) actually told her she should try some spanx, how much she would love how great they'd make her look. Seriously? Could she not realize that she was perpetuating body image issues? No size 2 16 year old needs to wear spanx or get it in her mind that she should be self conscious.