Sales Clerks Can HELP!

Hi, Dumplings!
I just had to share this lovely letter from a devoted pigeon with you. It certainly brought joy to my heart. It is a wonderful testimonial to the power of a helpful sales clerk, and Godde bless them all. A good sales clerk is worth his or her weight in gold. They are knowledgeable about their inventory, know how sizes run (as in, “Does this skirt run small? I’m usually a 6, should I try it on in an 8?”), and will be honest about how good something looks on you (or not). They will fetch you new sizes and garments they feel might really flatter you, find you accessories to pull your outfit together, and point you toward sale items.

This past Saturday I spent many hours at the mall with a dear, young friend who is dedicated to moving from “young hottie” clothes into a look that is more mature, professional and beautiful (not just sexy). I went as her stylist, bringing armloads of clothes in for her to try, reviewing with her why pieces or outfits worked or didn’t work, and taking loads of photos. This outing fulfilled me in a few ways. First of all, I got to help a gal I love to look her best. Second, I learned that even slim gals really have as big a nightmare finding pants that fit as do plus-sized chicks, and third, I was affirmed in my suspicion that all the worst sartorial dreck from the 1980’s is being revisited upon this generation. That is to say, children, that this would be a great season to sit out purchase-wise unless you really, really need new clothes. At the very least my I at least implore you not to step foot in The Limited? For the good of your soul, I beg you.

Without further ado, here is the letter.

I’ve been reading and re-reading your advice on how to develop a sense of style. What a great piece. I still don’t think I understand how to do that third thing — figure out how fashion communicates my sense of self — but I did discover a short cut that I can use while I learn. For the first time ever I actually asked a clerk in a department store to help me.

I went into the suit department at a major national chain and, when the clerk asked if she could help, I said “yes.” I feel self conscious and distracted by my clothing if I try to wear complex or busy patterns, so I said that I think I need something simple and tailored. Right away she pointed out that I had chosen things that were too big for me — the skirts were too wide, the sleeves on the jacket were too long. She ended up bringing me a very simple black sheath (2 sizes smaller than I normally wear) with a thin belt. I didn’t even know you could wear a belt with a sheath! It has nice darts at the waist so I don’t look like I’m wearing a tent. The clerk paired that with a fitted twill jacket, so I’ve got a little pattern, but it’s understated.

When I put on the outfit and looked in the mirror, I was shocked to find that I looked like me. I looked like a confident, middle-aged professional woman. Like someone who knew what she was doing. I finally got that thing you say about not letting your clothing wear you.

I made a major presentation on Monday morning in that suit, and I felt very comfortable and confident. I thought I looked like someone who could be taken seriously, who could be trusted with a big project.

The clerk also told me to come back when I want to turn that sheath into evening wear. She’s going to show me how to pair it with a patterned shawl or a little-bit sparkly shrug for fancier evenings out.

Anyway, this is a long way of saying thank you for what you do here. Thanks especially for the style post.

In gratitude,
C.

Right back atchya, darlin’.

6 Replies to “Sales Clerks Can HELP!”

  1. “Second, I learned that even slim gals really have as big a nightmare finding pants that fit as do plus-sized chicks”

    This, yes. I’m a size 4 or 6 depending on the outfit. I once went into a department store and tried on every single pair of jeans in the women’s section and couldn’t find one that fit right. Either I couldn’t get them over my hips, or they gapped at the waist. (Or sometimes both.) And yeah, I know the answer is tailoring, but I couldn’t afford to pay someone else to do it at the time and I *hate* to do that kind of tailoring even though I know how–it is such fiddly work.

  2. I’m afraid I’m going to have to mount a defense of The Limited. But that’s just because they’re my go-to for tops and pencil skirts. I can’t defend skinny jeans, and I hate neon. Skinnies look ridiculous on most people over 18, regardless of weight.

    I’m looking at their top looks online, and while I don’t like how the outfits are styled, I see a lot of good separates. But then, The Limited really fits both my body and my demographic, unless I’m kidding myself (late 20s, muscular but curvy build, business casual desk job). I’m tall and long all over, and solid tunics with super long sleeves bring a tear of gratitude to my eye.

    And absolutely about the pants. Try fitting slim hips/modest rear/average waist plus long length? Even on the rare occasions I can get the length (Thank you, Gap!), the seat is usually way too baggy. If I fit my waist, I get weird empty hip bumps. If I fit my hips, I can’t breathe. Like Anna Haugen, (And my real name is also Anna. Hi!) I sew, but it’s usually not worth it to alter pants. I have four pairs of Gap jeans and just wear skirts the rest of the time.

    Also, total props to the saleslady. It’s wonderful to find somebody who is actually there to help you, and not just to boredly ring up your purchase. When I find somebody helpful like that, I find I spend more with less buyer’s remorse. [What a spirited defense! Your Honor, she rests her case! – PB]

  3. For me, it’s worth paying a bit more to shop at really good department stores to have access to the incredible knowledge and service their sales staff offers. They always bring me great stuff to try on that I wouldn’t have picked for myself, and if I tell them I’m on a budget, they know the few gems left on the sale/clearance racks and can find them for me.

  4. Definitely agree that smaller women can have trouble finding pants. I’m shaped like a pizza slice – normal size 6ish upper body, size 4ish waist, size 2ish hips, size 0 – as in nada, nothing, zilch – backside. It is next to impossible to find pants that fit both waist and fanny. Low-rise helps, but only so much.

    As for sales clerks – I mostly agree. Generally they point me to skirts. And rightly so. However, I did have one sales clerk, suggest that if only I would wear padded underwear, perhaps the pants would look better. And she was so sincere. Which only made me laugh even harder as I exited the store, never to return. [That is hilarious. I am having a MAJOR chortle over here. She suggested ASS PADS? LOL!!! And you were like, “Girl, I ain’t a drag queen. Step off.” – PB]

  5. I’ve found that Nordstrom’s salespeople salespeople are amazingly helpful. When I need a special piece, that’s where I go.

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