"Visiting with family" is definitely not equivalent to a "Vacation".
I was over the moon thinking about the vacation, was stressed out completely during the "vacation", but nevertheless didn't want to come back and felt devastated and depressed when I returned. Weird and totally expected at the same time. I miss my folks so much it actually aches. I think I now know why I avoided going back home for so long. :(
I think that's all I want to say about my "vacation".
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11/15/2009 23:01 #50315
"Visiting with family" =/= "Vacation"Category: opinion
11/15/2009 22:03 #50314
Sizes and why I hate clothes-shopping.Category: whine
Over the past few weeks or so, I have been finding out what size I am or rather the numerous sizes my clothes need to be to remotely "fit" me in some way.
In Delhi, I am an XL for some shirts or an 80-85 or some weird European size in some arbitrary scale that the dressmaker invented while getting sloshed. Here in Buffalo, I am apparently Petite. Okay, that sounds reasonable. But I am also:
-- 3/5 short for trousers in the juniors (teens) section
-- 3/5 short for jeans in the juniors section (I like jeans with a looser fit, -- 3-short somewhat fits me but would be uncomfortable over a day of wearing)
-- 2 for tops in the women's section (this is baggy and they don't go any smaller).
-- Petite-Small-Extra-Small (not Average or large) for tops in the petite-women section
-- 2/4 for shorts/trousers in the women's section
-- 2/4 for jeans in the women's section
And none of the busts or lengths on any of these tops or trousers ever fit me. If they do, they are in the "girls" section - but then my hips don't fit. To make things even more fun, sizing varies among brands and in-store lines. I don't fit petite trousers at all - they are 7-10 inches too tall for me. Worse fits are regular women's trousers/jeans -- they are sometimes a full feet (and maybe a half) longer than I am.
Does it mean that the average woman here is well over 5'7-5'10 and has a bust of around 55 inches? I don't see many such individuals on the street. Who are these people tailoring clothes for? I see tons of women who are around 5' to 5'4". Where do these women shop? Do they all have enough money for tailoring/alterations or own sewing machines - because I never see them rolling up their cuffs or trousers like I am forced to.
I am completely baffled by sizing and fatigued with shopping. I could easily wear the clothes I currently own for the rest of my life, had it not been for the fact that work requires me to dress-up from the rather hobo-like frayed faded ill-fitting clothes I have been wearing over the past four years. I could also easily have brought my wardrobe back to Buffalo but I am not sure the wild colours, embroidery and mirrors I used to wear would be street-safe here.
I think I unconsciously stare in horror and fascination at people who say they love clothes-shopping. How could anyone possibly enjoy shopping if they are not 6' tall and have a 55" bust or have an incredibly small hip size? Or maybe I am just an alien mutant.
EDIT: I scrutinized a lot more sizing charts and I think I am a 2 Petite and unusually short. Good to know I am a pygmy even among petite people. Dockers metro trousers in a 2-Petite-Short with an "ideal fit" or a "curvy fit" almost fit me - except that the waist is a bit larger. As for tops, I am almost a 4 petite extra-small to small. Even by this measure my bust and waist are a whole inch or two smaller but my hips are almost fine but not really. :/
In Delhi, I am an XL for some shirts or an 80-85 or some weird European size in some arbitrary scale that the dressmaker invented while getting sloshed. Here in Buffalo, I am apparently Petite. Okay, that sounds reasonable. But I am also:
-- 3/5 short for trousers in the juniors (teens) section
-- 3/5 short for jeans in the juniors section (I like jeans with a looser fit, -- 3-short somewhat fits me but would be uncomfortable over a day of wearing)
-- 2 for tops in the women's section (this is baggy and they don't go any smaller).
-- Petite-Small-Extra-Small (not Average or large) for tops in the petite-women section
-- 2/4 for shorts/trousers in the women's section
-- 2/4 for jeans in the women's section
And none of the busts or lengths on any of these tops or trousers ever fit me. If they do, they are in the "girls" section - but then my hips don't fit. To make things even more fun, sizing varies among brands and in-store lines. I don't fit petite trousers at all - they are 7-10 inches too tall for me. Worse fits are regular women's trousers/jeans -- they are sometimes a full feet (and maybe a half) longer than I am.
Does it mean that the average woman here is well over 5'7-5'10 and has a bust of around 55 inches? I don't see many such individuals on the street. Who are these people tailoring clothes for? I see tons of women who are around 5' to 5'4". Where do these women shop? Do they all have enough money for tailoring/alterations or own sewing machines - because I never see them rolling up their cuffs or trousers like I am forced to.
I am completely baffled by sizing and fatigued with shopping. I could easily wear the clothes I currently own for the rest of my life, had it not been for the fact that work requires me to dress-up from the rather hobo-like frayed faded ill-fitting clothes I have been wearing over the past four years. I could also easily have brought my wardrobe back to Buffalo but I am not sure the wild colours, embroidery and mirrors I used to wear would be street-safe here.
I think I unconsciously stare in horror and fascination at people who say they love clothes-shopping. How could anyone possibly enjoy shopping if they are not 6' tall and have a 55" bust or have an incredibly small hip size? Or maybe I am just an alien mutant.
EDIT: I scrutinized a lot more sizing charts and I think I am a 2 Petite and unusually short. Good to know I am a pygmy even among petite people. Dockers metro trousers in a 2-Petite-Short with an "ideal fit" or a "curvy fit" almost fit me - except that the waist is a bit larger. As for tops, I am almost a 4 petite extra-small to small. Even by this measure my bust and waist are a whole inch or two smaller but my hips are almost fine but not really. :/
tinypliny - 11/19/09 19:12
Wow - I wasn't even thinking of all the other complications you just dredged up. I'd rather give up to the misery of wearing ill-fitting clothes here.
"have an active wardrobe from 1987"
LOL.
Wow - I wasn't even thinking of all the other complications you just dredged up. I'd rather give up to the misery of wearing ill-fitting clothes here.
"have an active wardrobe from 1987"
LOL.
theecarey - 11/18/09 14:11
nope, I'm definitely NOT a tailor. I can darn a sock and the occasional button, but that is the extent of my sewing prowess.
More accurate sizing through standardization with clothing would be helpful, but precise measurements would be chaotic. (leg and arm length, yes please!)
Since there is so much variation among womens bodies, from head to toe and all around, AND combine that with an endless variety of styles, a precise measurement could possibly do more of a disservice. The answer has been to offer a (non specific/uncertain) size that should be able to accommodate a minute range around that number (I believe the standard deviation is 1.0-1.5 inches, but I have seen it as more, hence the need for a standardization). Unfortunately there are wide differences from style, manufacturer, cut, department (jrs, misses, womens, plus, etc) era (those into 'vintage' or just have an active wardrobe from 1987) and comfort/cut preference.
Mens clothing appears to be more simple in comparison, however it can get complex even with their 'precise measurement labels' on their generally more "straight up and down" (with variation in gut girth) bodies. For a button down shirt, the sizes are regular/traditional cut or tailored/slim cut along with chest, neck and arm length measurements. One or the other is chosen based on comfort level and style preference. The more stylish and tailored one wishes to appear, the more complicated the shopping experience. (apologies for over simplifying that explanation/example.)
If we really wanted to streamline and simplify the clothing fit issue, as a society we could do away with style altogether and live in sweatpants and baggy t-shirts.
hmm, some people are onto something.
but for the rest of us, figure out what your staples are and if you can tailor (or hire a tailor) or find a few really good companies that state what their sizes accommodate (check online retailers, make phone calls, check catalogs) then you will more likely find clothes that really look and feel good.
nope, I'm definitely NOT a tailor. I can darn a sock and the occasional button, but that is the extent of my sewing prowess.
More accurate sizing through standardization with clothing would be helpful, but precise measurements would be chaotic. (leg and arm length, yes please!)
Since there is so much variation among womens bodies, from head to toe and all around, AND combine that with an endless variety of styles, a precise measurement could possibly do more of a disservice. The answer has been to offer a (non specific/uncertain) size that should be able to accommodate a minute range around that number (I believe the standard deviation is 1.0-1.5 inches, but I have seen it as more, hence the need for a standardization). Unfortunately there are wide differences from style, manufacturer, cut, department (jrs, misses, womens, plus, etc) era (those into 'vintage' or just have an active wardrobe from 1987) and comfort/cut preference.
Mens clothing appears to be more simple in comparison, however it can get complex even with their 'precise measurement labels' on their generally more "straight up and down" (with variation in gut girth) bodies. For a button down shirt, the sizes are regular/traditional cut or tailored/slim cut along with chest, neck and arm length measurements. One or the other is chosen based on comfort level and style preference. The more stylish and tailored one wishes to appear, the more complicated the shopping experience. (apologies for over simplifying that explanation/example.)
If we really wanted to streamline and simplify the clothing fit issue, as a society we could do away with style altogether and live in sweatpants and baggy t-shirts.
hmm, some people are onto something.
but for the rest of us, figure out what your staples are and if you can tailor (or hire a tailor) or find a few really good companies that state what their sizes accommodate (check online retailers, make phone calls, check catalogs) then you will more likely find clothes that really look and feel good.
heidi - 11/18/09 11:42
I would love inch measurement, too, even though I only remember my height (65.5"). If I used the horizontal measurements more often, I'm sure I'd remember them.
I would love inch measurement, too, even though I only remember my height (65.5"). If I used the horizontal measurements more often, I'm sure I'd remember them.
tinypliny - 11/18/09 10:11
YES! Why don't they do inches for women? WHY WHY WHY?? Do dressmakers think we are so shallow that we prefer not knowing how many inches our busts and bottoms and heights are?
As far as I know, every woman knows these measurements and always remembers them - why not just label the damn clothes uniformly with their precise measurements??! It's not some vanity dance - its a WASTE of people's time.
YES! Why don't they do inches for women? WHY WHY WHY?? Do dressmakers think we are so shallow that we prefer not knowing how many inches our busts and bottoms and heights are?
As far as I know, every woman knows these measurements and always remembers them - why not just label the damn clothes uniformly with their precise measurements??! It's not some vanity dance - its a WASTE of people's time.
metalpeter - 11/17/09 17:37
Some Women love to shop because I think they get to try all the stuff on and look in the mirror and see how they look and then put it back, HA, well buy it if it fits right. Hey what you say about the sizes is very true, Hey at one time I was young and I needed the money that is why I know about dress sizes, HA. I don't really know anything other then what you said about the sizes being different by brand. The way I know is that my Sis is about your size and went shopping with her once, Yes I wanted to slit my writs in the Galleria mall as I waited outside to store, what could be taking so long. It turns out the size stuff you mentioned is an issue. I think you are at just that odd size where it makes things tough. Guys have it easy they don't do that stupid size 3 means this, with guys they do inches and so it is pretty stright up. I'm guessing if you where taller you would have more fun shopping.
Some Women love to shop because I think they get to try all the stuff on and look in the mirror and see how they look and then put it back, HA, well buy it if it fits right. Hey what you say about the sizes is very true, Hey at one time I was young and I needed the money that is why I know about dress sizes, HA. I don't really know anything other then what you said about the sizes being different by brand. The way I know is that my Sis is about your size and went shopping with her once, Yes I wanted to slit my writs in the Galleria mall as I waited outside to store, what could be taking so long. It turns out the size stuff you mentioned is an issue. I think you are at just that odd size where it makes things tough. Guys have it easy they don't do that stupid size 3 means this, with guys they do inches and so it is pretty stright up. I'm guessing if you where taller you would have more fun shopping.
tinypliny - 11/16/09 23:14
(e:mike) I KNEW IT! I always knew you were the doppelgänger of this woman!!! :::link:::
(e:theecarey), you sell clothes? Really? Do you tailor clothes as well??! Hehe @ the Indian-clothing love - its only beautiful from a distance, the clothes get an awful lot of "you-must-be-an-exotic-dancer?" stares here. :)
(e:mike) I KNEW IT! I always knew you were the doppelgänger of this woman!!! :::link:::
(e:theecarey), you sell clothes? Really? Do you tailor clothes as well??! Hehe @ the Indian-clothing love - its only beautiful from a distance, the clothes get an awful lot of "you-must-be-an-exotic-dancer?" stares here. :)
mike - 11/16/09 22:48
I love clothes shopping! But then again my bust is 55" so i guess that explains it!
I love clothes shopping! But then again my bust is 55" so i guess that explains it!
theecarey - 11/16/09 00:35
welcome back!!!!!!!!!:)
as for shopping.. I'm NOT a fan. Toss me in a book store or electronics store and I can have fun, but force me into a clothes store, and my head is aching in minutes. I'm 5'10 and everything tends to run short for me (arms, legs and torso- I have a lot of length to my torso) across several brands, quality, price point and style. Tailoring is the only way to make it work, but I'm not that motivated. If I find a few well fitting staples, then I wear them until they fray.
There isn't a size standard. When I sell clothing, I provide detailed measurements, not just what the size on the tag says. And I must say it is mind blowing how much difference there can be between one style being a size "small" and another being tagged as a "small".
Btw, I love the colorful and ornate look of Indian fashion. I'm really quite enchanted, actually.
welcome back!!!!!!!!!:)
as for shopping.. I'm NOT a fan. Toss me in a book store or electronics store and I can have fun, but force me into a clothes store, and my head is aching in minutes. I'm 5'10 and everything tends to run short for me (arms, legs and torso- I have a lot of length to my torso) across several brands, quality, price point and style. Tailoring is the only way to make it work, but I'm not that motivated. If I find a few well fitting staples, then I wear them until they fray.
There isn't a size standard. When I sell clothing, I provide detailed measurements, not just what the size on the tag says. And I must say it is mind blowing how much difference there can be between one style being a size "small" and another being tagged as a "small".
Btw, I love the colorful and ornate look of Indian fashion. I'm really quite enchanted, actually.
tinypliny - 11/15/09 22:06
I am back. :)
I am back. :)
10/25/2009 21:00 #50118
Yeh hai Dilli, meri jaan!Category: tourism
<3 <3 <3 I am coming home to you! <3 <3 <3
jim - 10/30/09 09:33
Have fun!
Have fun!
heidi - 10/29/09 22:43
Aren't you there yet? We're anxiously awaiting your posts!
(really, live while you're there... posting when you get home is preferable to losing any time with your family and country by blogging!)
Aren't you there yet? We're anxiously awaiting your posts!
(really, live while you're there... posting when you get home is preferable to losing any time with your family and country by blogging!)
metalpeter - 10/27/09 19:33
not sure when you are going but I hope it is a great time, oh yeah and you take pictures and share them on here.
not sure when you are going but I hope it is a great time, oh yeah and you take pictures and share them on here.
tinypliny - 10/25/09 23:41
Thanks! :-)
Thanks! :-)
heidi - 10/25/09 22:48
looking forward to frequent dispatches! safe travels!
looking forward to frequent dispatches! safe travels!
uncutsaniflush - 10/25/09 22:01
bon voyage!
bon voyage!
janelle - 10/25/09 21:16
Oh, my. I'm so jealous. Next time you go, can I come?
Oh, my. I'm so jealous. Next time you go, can I come?
10/25/2009 19:16 #50114
It's...It's Stella. She was just popped!Category: art
Man. I have smashed so many bubblewraps over the years and maniacally jumped on many! This totally changes everything. Hahahaha
jenks - 10/26/09 16:42
haha, awesome.
haha, awesome.
10/24/2009 15:02 #50094
Dan Pink on Motivation.Category: science
Something to think about.
Funny thing is, did you exclaim, "But I knew that already (but never thought so much about it)!" after the video ended? Didn't you?!
Funny thing is, did you exclaim, "But I knew that already (but never thought so much about it)!" after the video ended? Didn't you?!
LOL :) I am not sure it was so much fun that I was depressed about coming back - it was more, what the hell am I doing here if I am not really there for people who matter the most to me.
I have never gone to someplace I left, so I can only go by what I have heard and from what my brain can figure out. But when you go see family and or friends you want to try to see people but can't see them all or they are busy, or like most familes they also drive you crazy. I will admit that once years ago I had a great Vacation in Toronto and cried (well at least on the inside, maybe a little bit on the outside) when it was time to go home. Let me "Man This Up". I went to see Wrestlemania (Biggest Wrestling Event of the Year) They had Fan Axxes stuff. I broke a camera and bought a new one (before I had a digital one), went to eat some place and saw wrestlers there. Not to mention I went to Toronto Rock game I think they played the Bandits not sure can't remember and one day I had nothing to do so I went down to the ACC and saw that there was a leafs game and wound up waiting in a line and got tickets. The Point is that the time was so fun I didn't want to go back home. So with out knowing what went on I get the depression part of coming back.
Thank you all so much. You are like my virtual family here. :-)
(e:deeglam): Yes, exactly. Worst feeling ever. That really sums it up! I just got done visiting my only family - so I guess no more family till next year.
(e:jenks) - I would have had I taken any worthwhile shots. I lost the motivation to take any photos after a while because it was not a "touristy" trip at all.
I do have some airline food posts to make - but for now my camera is lying buried somewhere deep inside my unpacked suitcase. :)
How about some pictures? That will make *us* feel better, at least. ;)
Welcome home (e:tinypliny)! Your comments have been missed.
Welcome back.
awwww! I totally know the feeling... when I lived in Las Vegas and came home to buffalo it definitely wasn't relaxing as a vacation should be, but I was home and it was awesome...and leaving was the worst feeling ever. :(
Hang in there!
Are you visiting family for the holidays at all??
Welcome back.