FashBlog.com

by Christina VanGinkel

Ever go shopping for a new outfit and just not have any luck whatsoever? This happens to me all the time. At a little over five feet tall, the majority of the clothes in my size is much more geared to teenagers than a forty something woman. Styles are skimpy at best and flamboyant on the opposite spectrum. Some stores do carry clothing in my size that is not geared for teens, but oftentimes it heads in the exact opposite direction and is something that I picture my mother or grandmother wearing.

My sister-in-law always reminds me when I start on this rant, that I have this problem because of the rural location that I live in, and I am sure this plays a great part in it. Still, there are stores in my area that supposedly offer clothes for the average woman, even in petit sizes, but it always seems like they just sold out the last pair of this, or the top in that of the sizes I need. If there were so many of us in my size running around, you would think the stores would carry more than an article or two.

When I ask if they can get something in, I am most often met with blank stares from the young associates, and I feel as if I am a two-headed dragon or worse, for having asked such a ridiculous question.

Thankfully, I can, and do, shop for my clothing online. With more stores offering a wide selection of their wares online and advanced sizing information, it is much easier to do so than it was even a few months ago. I have always promoted shopping locally over shopping online whenever possible, and I continue to do so. Yet, more often than not, shopping online is the only way for me to purchase clothing that fits and is in suitable styles. With the rising cost of gasoline, I have been passing by any planned trips to Green Bay to shop their malls and stores, which is a bit over one hundred miles from my home, and paying the shipping charges to have items delivered to my doorstep. The cost savings are great and if I take the time to search for coupons, I have even avoided shipping charges on my last couple of online clothing orders. Besides the cost of gasoline, if I run to Green Bay, I also need to figure in at least one meal out.

Besides the typical clothing stores online, I have also taken to browsing Ebay for clothes if I know exactly what it is I am looking for. I also check out Overstock.com on a regular basis, as you never know what they might have in stock. They have a varied selection, from swimwear to active wear and everything in between. I found a Bob Mackie dress with matching cardigan in a pattern perfect for summer wear at just over fifty dollars. With Overstocks awesome discounted shipping, they are one of my favorite online places to shop!

If you happen to be in the same predicament as I was, with limited local shopping venues, be sure to check out your favorite stores and outlets such as Overstock.com online. You will be pleasantly surprised, as I was, with all the new sizing guidelines for ordering clothes online.