callmemadam | I Must Be A Freak

I spend so much of the year comfortably hiding behind my winter uniform of tights, boots, polo necks etc. that I start to panic as the weather gets warmer: what shall I wear? I decided I needed linen trousers or similar and sallied forth with my M & S card and vouchers hoping to get some. Humph. Marks and Spencer might as well have had a notice outside saying, ‘Small person? Don’t bother coming in.’ They did not have *one single pair* of trousers or jeans of any sort in my size, not even in their dreary Classic range. I managed to speak to ‘someone from upstairs’ to complain and she advised me to write to head office because ‘they are listening to feedback’.

After more fruitless mooching I entered the genteel ambience of the local department store, glumly clocking the Wallis Petite and Précis clothes available. Not me. But what’s this? Ever heard of Soaked In Luxury? New to me but I really liked the clothes (I think they’re Danish?) and came away with a dress and top I hadn’t been looking for. Though still without new trousers. Heigh ho, back to the charity shops, where I might buy the cast-offs of more successful shoppers than I am.

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M&S is the one place where I can reliably get trousers to fit me! Mind you, a couple of weeks ago I tried two styles, both allegedly in my size, and one fell off and one wouldn't do up.

Oh for a Muji! I didn't see anything I liked: frump city.

I believe you. It's because the clothes are made in different factories.

Just those buttons and the lace looks really lovely. I'll have to look them up.

I did a quick search online and the only things I found looked a bit extreme. Mine are just slightly quirky.

I am 6'1 and M&S don't cater for me either. I am bereft since they discontinued their Tall tights. I always assumed it was much easier for people who can wear the Petite ranges, but maybe not.

You'll have to find out where Erin O'Connor shops! It's hopeless If you're not a standard size and petite ranges tend to be very dull.
Funny, I also had trouble finding small tights.

I share your pain. I was so annoyed when Laura Ashley stopped doing their petite range a few years ago because they did have nice linen trousers and skirts (although expensive). Still, if they don't want my money I'll take it elsewhere! Soaked in Luxury looks nice.

Expensive is worth it if the clothes fit and last. It's so frustrating to be ignored as a customer.

Well the top looks lovely, so well done! I really have given up on M&S too. It shouldn't be so hard to find an xs in linen trousers! Nothing in Mine?

M&S certainly looks dull this season. I went there first because I have vouchers to spend, dammit!
I thought at the time I might have done better at Mine and may just find myself wandering in there...There's rumours we're getting an East but I don't know where; perhaps the old Woolies?

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I *love* Toast, it's just my style but rather expensive. I've bought on eBay, but something where fit wasn't crucial. I'll have a look at their site, though, thanks.

I'm pleased with the top! It has nice sleeves!

Oh, clothes shopping is an utter nightmare. Here the petite ranges have changed from 5ft 2 and under to 5ft 4 and under, which means everything is way too long. And since everything started being mass produced in China for cheap prices, try to find linen or cotton. All polyester, boo hiss.

Shoes are also a nightmare. I'm Australian size 5 (British size 3) and everything seems to start at a 7. It used to be good here for shoes, but in the last few years it's been dire.

I believe the average height of a British woman is around 5'4 so that's ridiculous. League of the Smallest! What a pity I was so disappointed in that book.

Shoe size 3 is really tiny. The advantage is you might pick up fantastic bargains in the sales.

I Must Be A Freak

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