Happy Shopping! Is That Even a Thing?
There is so much negativity around shopping, body image and fashion in general. How about Happy Shopping? What if you could shop for clothes that were designed by people who not only understood your body shape and how to fit it properly but also really GOT you? How often do you have a happy shopping experience? The truth is, there are companies that exist right now run by women just like you, who want to give you a positive experience every time you shop. They do exist!
Staying in the moment.
When I had my own retail store that catered to sizes 10-24 you wouldn't believe how many people would spend their time, in my shop, that catered to them, talking about how there was nothing out there for them. That may be true but right then, at that moment they were standing in a space that was inspired by their wants and needs. A safe, happy space with quality clothing and lots of choices IN THEIR SIZE. It's kind of like going on a date with someone for the first time and spending the whole time talking about all the bad dates you've been on. I don't blame them at all, it's like being triggered by a trauma or something. One of the reasons I love working at Diane Kennedy is that I find it so easy to help create a happy, positive experience for our shoppers AND we have the goods to back it up.
They totally get me!
What a wonderful feeling it is to enter a space that honours who you are. In many cases, it's because the people who created that space are a lot like you. Or maybe they just possess the empathy needed to make you feel welcome and comfortable when you enter their space, whether that's a retail store or an online store. Those are the businesses you want to support.
You do You.
This year I turn 53. So far my 50's have been pretty great. At this time in my life I have a pretty clear idea about the battles I want to fight. Shopping isn't one of them. There are so many different types of folks out there and everyone has their own shape, size, and story. I'm done with being pissed off because a store doesn't carry my size. They aren't after my dollar and I'm not their customer. That's okay. I'm sure they are filling a need for someone out there or they would have gone out of business long ago. I do think that cheaply made fast fashion is bad for everyone and there's no excuse for badly cut and poorly fitted clothing, but that hasn't made me immune to it. We're all just doing our best to get dressed in the morning without regretting what we are wearing all day. Right?
Look, fashion and clothing isn't everything, but it is something. All I know is when I feel well dressed I find it pretty darned easy to feel good about myself. It gives me confidence. It's one less thing to worry about.
I will leave you with this story...
I ordered some cotton underpants online. You know the type that comes in all sizes and 5 in a package. They fit ok but not great. I didn't want to return them and they were a good price but they ended up being second stringers right away. Never the first ones out of the drawer and only worn when it was laundry day. I decided to order a different style the next time and also to go up a size. When I got my package I unrolled the first pair and they were just enormous looking, full coverage, what I might call a granny panty. My first thought was to send them straight back but then I decided to try them on for a laugh. The laugh was on me because omg, these are the most comfortable underwear I've ever owned. They cover everything that needs covering, and a bit more, and they stay put, no riding up. I never would have bought them if I'd seen them in a store but now I'm so glad to have them. They make me happy!
There's no real moral to this story except sometimes your bum is a bit bigger than you think it is. As long as someone makes the size that fits YOUR bum, life is pretty good! Sometimes it's the little things and the slightly bigger things...
Find out more about happy shopping at Diane Kennedy here.
Warm Regards,
Barb
