lucky dresses

So, in keeping with my goal to add more color to my wardrobe, I’ve picked up a few cute little summer pieces for cheap at the dreaded F21.

First off, can we talk about how much their sizing sucks? On a good day, not sucking anything in, I’m 38-28-38. I’m 5’1″ and about 120lbs. I’ve gained about 2″ of what we like to call “woman meat” all around in the past 5 years and I’m okay with that. (Looking up my measurements online, I fit into the mail-order Russian bride aesthetic. Fantastic!)

Since there is no strict standard for sizing in the US, I can float between sizes 4-7 depending on the brand. Half the time when they say what the measurements will fit online, it ends up being too large for me. My chest measurement makes me a size 12 on average charts, but my arms, shoulders and back are small.  This means that I’m always looking at the cut, stretch, and tailoring without a top being huge around my middle. Dresses are usually a nightmare.

F21 carries multiple lines with different fits. So, for the most part, I’ve figured out that if it’s the regular F21 stuff and I don’t want it skin-tight, I’m a large, unless it’s a flowy style in the first place. If it’s one of the lines with a more “modest” fit, I’m a medium. These damn boobs ruin everything for me. You ladies who can grab whatever breezy cottony strappy top or halter/spaghetti strap dress, or anything with those boob pockets… I hate envy you all. So, pretty much, if you’re a woman with some serious curve, you are almost doomed at F21 to have to try on multiple sizes and pray. (They do offer a line of plus-sized clothing now though!)

I had super good luck with these two little dresses. Both are sold out.

This red one with the detailed shoulders is fully lined and made surprisingly well. Because of the elastic waist and blousy top, I was saved since it’s a pull-on style.

This dress miraculously fit like it was made for me. The skirt is lined and it’s silk. It has a fitted waist but a super long back zipper. I was scared that it would be too tight across the chest or something else would be off. Really, it was a miracle. I want to pair it with red heels or silver flats for the 4th of July!

 Shopping online is such a pain in the ass. I guess it’s that way for most women since we all have our special features that throw a curve ball at sizing. What’s your sizing dilemma and what do you have to avoid?

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Tagged as: dress, fashion, shopping