When I received the assignment for my classes towards a certificate in Industry Essentials at Parsons to write on the issues that I have found on fit across brands, I knew that this was something I had to provide insight on. As a woman of color who is both “hippy” and “well endowed with a back side,” it seemed that I would always be hard pressed to find clothing that fit in a favorable manner and was appropriate for the workplace without having to buy larger and head to the tailor. This was doable, but pricey in the long run. Now anyone who knows me knows that I love for my wardrobe to take me from desk to dinner and anywhere in between. My favorite brand for this very aesthetic: J Crew. However, I have gained about 14 lbs in the past year and a half, and at the moment – all of my size 2 and 4 dresses/skirts/slacks from before, now have to be an 8/10 in order for me to even comfortably get my arm inside of them. Now you would think that gaining less than 20 lbs in a year would not make THIS much of a difference, but such is the case. And I must admit, it is daunting. I went from small blazers to large during the course of the year, from size four pants to size ten – and even those felt too tight. Truth be told, I learned that my beloved brand is not for even the slightest curve.
For my certificate based excursion, I tried again. Same issues, same sadness, same self esteem blows as a result. So I meandered my way outside of J. Crew – and even the mass retailers, into the Ann Taylor store. My first thought was: eek, this is where my grandma once shopped. Yet, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Not only were the items surprisingly both on trend and speaking to the classics, but they fit in a way that did not make me feel as if I were the Orca whale from the movie Free Willy. I left with several size small shirts, a small blazer and jeans that were well below the double digits. NOTHING WAS TOO TIGHT. Moreover, I felt better about my weight loss goals and that I could wear these items to work with confidence, not that I had to add a fourth element/layer in order to make them work. All in all, I know that different brands speak to different demographics, but I believe that if more brands took the Ann Taylor approach and accounted for ACTUAL curves, their profits would sky rocket. Not to mention that their quality and price point and quality is on par as well. Hey faves – take note or take off! -Sincerely, your beloved shoppers.
Button Downs & Ball Skirts 