June 28, 2011

Woes of being XS

I've had my $100 gift card to Holt Renfrew for quite a while now (it was a Christmas gift!), but I finally thought I would have the chance to use it yesterday on a very pretty mint green Alice + Olivia Lauren Blouson Dress (which is sold out online, and which explains why I can't find a larger photo):
Because of Holt Renfrew's Summer Sale, this dress was marked down from about $290 to $139.  I was definitely willing to spend $40 on a silk-chiffon dress, and unlike all the other tops I could have used my gift card towards, a dress would actually be worth giving up my gift card.  As well, since I have a wedding to attend in August, I thought this light, airy dress would be perfect for the occasion.  Below is the salmon version:
Initially, it was the colour of the dress that drew me towards it.  I thought the mint green was nicely refreshing, and ideal for summertime.  Then I saw the relaxed cut, gathered elastic waist, scoop neckline, flowy skirt, and began envisioning how I would style the dress.  Finally, I saw the cutout back and knew that this, at first glance, simple dress just keeps on surprising you with little details.
I tried on a size S, but alas, it was a bit too big.  It actually fit like it does on the model above, but seeing as I'm not a model, I can't go around with the upper part of the dress just skimming my torso.  I understand that the dress has a looser feel to it, but on me, it didn't look stylishly loose.  It just looked loose.  The skirt was also slightly long - just under my knees.  So after much contemplation, and considering the cost of tailoring, I put the dress down.  The thing about being XS is that whenever there are sales, you can bet the only sizes left will be anything but XS.

Image Source: Shopstyle, Shopbop

20 comments:

  1. AW BUMMER. I was totally ready for the "eek, it's so cute, congrats comment." But apparently not? Aw. But I can relate. There are times when I'm like, "DAMN. I wish I was xxL/ had size 10 feet/ etc etc." Average joe sizes always run out.

    But I'm sure you'll purchase something equally fabulous! And you'll have to blog about it when the time comes yeaah!

    QUIRKYEXPLOSION.blogspot.com

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  2. I have some problems too, im XS as well, but sometimes, if I really like a dress, i would grab it , even they are too long or too wide, and I keep them , for years ?, and my husband calls me "a dress hoarder' bec someday I am hoping to have my sewing machine dream,..or sew it by hand if i can make it unnoticeable if I can't wait!...sory sweetie, you're not alone, but you would look gorgeous on this one! thanks for sharing the Versace for H&M, i hope they will still be affordable as before?....

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  3. Bummer !
    I know what you mean, sometimes I try on things that just don't look good even though it's supposed to be loose x) hate that.

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  4. THE DRESS IS VERY NICE IN THIS COLOR, I LIKE IT A LOT. BY THE WAY THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT DRESSES, OR CLOTHES IN GENERAL, IS THAT THE SIZE IS THE RIGHT ONE AND SO I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND YOUR "FEELING" 'CAUSE I'M A "S" AND I'M A BOY SO IT'S VERY COMPLICATE TO FIND CLOTHES OF MY SIZE AND THE SHOES (I'VE A 40) IT'S MORE MORE COMPLICATED :(

    i LOVA SALES BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS CHEAPER BUT I ALSO HATE THEM BECAUSE IS VERY DIFFICULT, FOR "SOME PEOPLE" WITH "SOME SIZES", TO FIND WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR,....

    http://fashiondoesntexist.blogspot.com/

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  5. It's a pretty dress. Sorry you couldn't find your size. I guess women of all sizes have the same complaint, we all feel cheated when it comes to sales because somehow it always seems our size is never to be found. Better luck next time. XOXO

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  6. I have the same problem. Being an XS stinks sometimes

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  7. Very cute dress. To find the right size is always a problem , even for me ( I have a L ).
    XX. Yoana

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  8. I just hate it when you find something you love and they don't have the right size! How frustrating! I can see why you were drawn to it, it's lovely. I'm still on vacation right now, but couldn't resist dropping by a few faves when I saw an empty computer! xoxo Have a fabulous weekend, sweets!

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  9. honestly i can never find any type of clothing at holt renfrew cuz everything there is SO big! I gave up trying on clothing there a while ago and stuck with shose and purses lol

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  10. i can totally understand u.sometimes clothes don't look the way they look on models and photos.lovely dress choice dear :)

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  11. I'm totally the same way (I'm an XS but even some XS things are too big for me), but if I really love something I'll just get it and try to convince myself I can rock an oversized look

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  12. Don't you just hate when you get your mind set on something like that and it doesn't work? But like my husband always says, some problems are better than others!

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  13. Such shame :( what a beautiful dress... love the colour.



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  14. I'm an XS too, and oftentimes have the very same problem. No worries, though; you will find something even more fabulous in due time! :)

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  15. that's funny, when i am seeing sales all thats left is XS!!!haha :) it's a very cute dress though :(

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  16. A shame they didn't have your size. It's a beautiful dress and I love the shape. From what I know, usually the XS and XL (and sometimes L) are always the sizes that end up being left over after the sales. I'm an S and I have to buy on the first day of sales or else I can forget it. I guess the size we want is generally never there!

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  17. Oh yes! I'm an XS..actually, according to some stores, I'm XXS! I know what you mean because I've been to sales and my sizes are always the first to sold out! It's a shame that your dress sold out in your size though but don't worry, I'm sure you find even better alternative in your size! Shopbop is always good with their sales! Have an awesome weekend! xoxoxoo

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  18. I love that last dress!
    Thanks for visiting!

    xoxo Sootjeelina <3

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  19. @Dear Girl Wallflower: I considered getting it tailored by my mom, but I was afraid the delicate silk would make the job a bit more difficult. Although I'm sure you'll be able to tailor all those dresses you've hoarded! And I'm confident that H&M won't let prices get too high. The prices before have always been acceptable, considering the prestige of the designers.

    @Pop Champagne: Really? That's a surprise, since I love Holt Renfrew for their smaller sizes. It's one of the few places that offer 0 or 00. Haha, another reason to love handbags: no need to worry about sizing.

    @A Daily Mishmash: Haha, I tell myself I'm rocking the oversized look all the time! Although it would be nice once in a while to have clothes that fit nicely.

    @Krystal and Haute World: Well then, you must tell me where these sales are! Stores here usually only stock one or two XS per style, so those usually get sold out first.

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