Hi everyone
Sizing! I don’t know about you but sizing is just ridiculous these days. I have dresses in my wardrobe that range from size Small to size 18 (that’s EU 46 and US 14) and they all fit me perfectly!
But first, apologies for my week’s absence. We had an unexpected and unplanned stay in my favourite place – which is?
Dungeness!
We had two glorious and windswept days over last weekend. We got back on the Monday afternoon, but our stay in Dungeness somehow put all my planned admin and blog writing back a bit.
On this visit we managed to bring our daughter and her partner. We had a great time showing them where we stayed and, as I thought, they too fell in love with Dungeness and the place we stay in – Wiwurri – see the website for more details. It was so good to get away and we are so grateful to Wiwurri as this definitely has helped our continuing path to better health. Here are a couple more pix showing you how happy I was to be back there.
I wore very casual gear.
And note that Wiwurri is like a Tardis as it is so much bigger than it looks from outside.
To the right is a large kitchen and to the left a bedroom. In all there are 2 bedrooms both with en-suites, a study, a large kitchen, then the corridor with reading material, chairs and a log-burning stove, then the large sitting room, so there is masses of space.
And talking about the size of things – sizing of clothes is just ridiculous. (Was that OK as a segue!?) Anyway I shall now show you two extremes I have in my wardrobe. There are others. First, is a dress I bought new. I don’t dare tell you the price! I normally never buy new but couldn’t resist this. This was a rare event but even so I felt a bit faint as I paid for it!
Reader, it’s a size Small! And I’m a UK size 14! It will be a keeper though.
And then there’s this.
I bought this at Emmaus, Brighton at the exorbitant price of £10 with all it’s labels on, so it was new!
The label is Collectif Vintage, which sells really excellent vintage type dresses, some with the large puffed out skirts that I like. But I find it a bit pricy so to find one at £10 – what a fantastic find! And the size of it? It’s a UK 18, or 2XL which is 46 EU and 14 US size. It’s actually tight around my middle!
Can you see the stars and the comets on the material – it’s a lovely silky velvet too!
I think this dress is a cruise dress, but shall I bring it to the cruise coming up? Not sure. In fact I shall do a blog very soon on my cruise frocks as some of them are now not fitting me anymore and others I’m not sure about – it will good to get your advice.
Back to sizing. I suppose it doesn’t really matter that dress sizes can be so different and out of kilter, but it just goes to show you don’t necessarily have to believe the label telling you it’s a certain size.
That’s all for now but what are your experiences of this sizing issue? Do let me know.
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
I love that landscape any place sort of industrial I love, being born and brought up on the Clyde.
Sizing, as I’m ‘round’ I find it depressing having to buy large sizes and to discover they are really only average. Glad to see someone slim like you finds the same problem, I wonder how many gems I have passed by for being marked small. I’m 5’4 and long dresses gather round my feet like the Lady of Shallot, grr.
Have a good week.
It’s such a strange landscape, really there’s nothing like it. However, sadly AirBnb is taking over and there are very few original fishermen and Dungeness people – the way of the world I suppose, but all the properties are single story and have to be in keeping with the way things were. I love the wildness of it all.
Sizing is a challenge even for the slim, I’m always sending stuff back because they’re either enormous or too small! It’s ridiculous!
Thanks Flora 🙂
I think the sizing issue does matter, as it makes shopping on line for clothes so hard to do successfully. Men’s sizing is far more uniform, so it could be done if the clothing industry would co-operate.
Actually you are so right as I send back some brands because they are absolutely enormous at size 14 or they’re so small I can’t get my legs into them (jeans) and as for doing up the zip – forget it!! It is ridiculous
We got home last night from a few days Rye. And we spend one day in Dungeness. And found,, your,, home! Didn’t even know that the train stopped there. Next time we will go with that cute one. Didn’t know about the birds sanctuary. Have to check it next time.
There’s actually quite a lot to do and the little train is sweet – love the sound of it as it comes into Dungeness. We’ve not checked out the bird sanctuary either as I do prefer simply walking and then relaxing and reading books in Wiwurri but Susie’s partner Dan will check it out when we come in September.
Thanks Nancy 🙂
I recently read an interesting piece of advice by a fashion expert – don’t stick to what you think of as ‘your size’ as sizing varies (as you’ve described here Penny) and also because different styles need different fits. I realised I’d been guilty of doing this, ending up with several lovely sweaters that just don’t look right because I needed a slouchier fit.
I’ve also found good charity shop buys because they’ve had misleading size labels in them.
Thing is you have to have an idea what will fit you hence sizing but it’s so arbitrary even in the same store or range.
Absolutely agree with you there. It seems sizing is very serendipity and brands do not seem to care one way or another. Thanks Maureen 🙂
Yes, good advice – I too have sweaters that are too small and now look for a larger size. Charity shops are often full of items that are surprisingly good value and stylish to boot. Thanks Claire 🙂
❤️ your new haircut!
Short is DEFINITELY easier to maintain!
Thank you so much and yes, it’s now much easier to maintain! Thanks Mildred 🙂
Hello Penny! I absolutely LOVE seeing you and Mr FFS in that photo! You are such a good-looking couple and your smiles brightened the entire picture! I am thankful that your health continues to improve and that you had such a special time with your daughter and partner. Nowadays, any time we can have with our busy adult children is such a blessing! And, yes, you were in your favorite getaway, Dungeness!! What a treat! So happy for you!!!
Maybe I missed it, but I do love this shorter hairdo. It frames your face so nicely. I imagine that it is easy to manage. And the two dresses are perfect, absolutely perfect! Yes, to taking the black one on your cruise! And do not apologize for the red one. It suits you, looks comfortable, and I like the pattern/color of the fabric and the style on you. Well Done!
Now…we come to your segue. 😂. I laughed when I read you comment. Yes, sizing is a bugaboo here as well. Actually, it was Sue of High Heels in The Wilderness who first gave me the thought that I might try different sizes to get the look and fit I wanted. Not to get miffed if I had to go larger. It was the sizing…not my shape! 😉
Good to hear from you and I think I heard a bit of happiness and good health in this post.
So. Glad.
Charlene
Yes, you are so right Dungeness and the place we stay in is our happy place! It certainly helped to get some very fresh air – the wind! But it is lovely to have the cobwebs blown away. An example of the fun times we had is that on the Sunday we ate outside in the very renowned Fish Shack and it is just that – the cooking area is a tin shack and you eat outside and are served literally the catch of the day. But the wind!!!! You have to hold on to both your hat and your food but gosh is it delicious!!!
I think you’re right I won’t apologise for the red dress and will now take that black velvet dress with me on the cruise.
Thank you so much Charlene 🙂
Thanks so much for the link to the Dungeness cottage, I was wondering how I could find out where it was as you’ve featured it often and it looks like my sort of place!
Agree with everyone- shorter hair cut suits you as does the red dress. You rock the boho style 😀
I thoroughly recommend Wiwurri as it’s so unique being owned by a family. It was once the writing retreat of the current owner’s husband (now deceased) and as well as being full of books, at the same time it is both stylish and homely. I love it.
And thanks for the kind words about my hair. That red dress – I couldn’t resist it! Thanks Melanie 🙂
What a great tonic for you and Mr Frugal Fashion Shopper to have a bonus couple of days in Dungeness.
Love the silver stars of the dress.
As you say, sizing is bonkers.
Vintage clothes shopping is challenging because sizes have changed over the years, and what was a 10 in the 60s would only fit someone now who’s a 6 or 8.
But modern sizing is also very frustrating. I rarely bother with Zara because everything needs to be tried on. There’s no consistency around their small / medium/ large sizing.
I am continually sending back items that are either enormous or too tiny for words, like I can barely get my legs into the jeans let alone do the waist up. It is so very odd and near ridiculous.
Honestly I cannot abide vintage as items seem far too expensive as well as being tiny and for me far too short. I avoid like the plague and don’t get the deference to it. At least that label is for newly made albeit in vintage style but even so that size 18 is odd as it’s tight round my middle but I can see it was made for someone with a bigger bust. I can just about get away with it.
Oh my word, that Dungeness stay was a treat! Thanks Gail 🙂
Oh sizing!!!! Particularly trousers!!!!! I am tallish (5ft 8in) and reasonably slim but like you have size 10 to 16 in my wardrobe. However, I have now learnt (at age 70) to better judge from looking at a garment whether is it likely to fit, and to trust my instincts. What I would really love though, is to be able to find a brand where the trousers would always fit (I am willing to pay fairly steeply for this!). Like you, I often find good buys in charity shops by eyeing up garments rather than checking the sizes. You and husband are looking well!
Oh wow, yes, I was 5’8″ (but have shrunk slightly) and slim(ish) yet sizing is so ridiculous. I agree we must trust our judgement and go for exactly what fits rather than looking at the label. Charity shops are great, aren’t they!
Thanks Margaret 🙂
I so agree about sizing.
I think it matters, as it can really upset younger women with eating disorders. These days I have clothes ranging from a size 8 (M & S) to a size 14 (Primark) and I also buy men’s T-shirts for the loose fit.
BUT when I was a teenager I was mildly anorexic and if I had had to buy anything larger than a 10 I would have been deeply concerned and probably starved myself even more. Primark didn’t exist then but their teeny jeans would have left me very upset.
I don’t mean that varying sizes cause eating disorders, of course it they don’t, but I do think they can make things worse.
Moving swiftly on – I love both of your dresses! And Dungeness looks wonderful – is that anywhere near Derek Jarman’s old house?
A few weeks ago we were on our way to Spean Bridge (near Fort William) when my husband realised he had forgotten his sun hat. I offered him mine (as I have hair and he doesn’t….) – it’s a plain white one with a Keith Haring logo, recently purchased from Primark for £5 – but of course it didn’t suit his sensibilities, so we had to stop in Aviemore, where he spent AGES trying every single hat in Mountain Warehouse.
While he did this, I found a sale rail of dresses and skirts (I hadn’t even realised they sold dresses) and tried on lots. Got two dresses and a long skirt and am really pleased with all of them. The dresses are so comfortable, ditto the skirt, and they’ve already had compliments. So his hat cost him over £70. He’ll be quicker next time!
Later this month we are going to the Latitude Festival in Southwold. Husband has been many times but this is my first visit. I am hoping that my Mountain Warehouse finds will be suitable for that, as they are easy to wear, and the fabrics don’t really crease. And I’ll certainly be taking that hat. I’m most concerned about my feet, which are not always great when standing still or dancing on the spot for a long time. I might have to wear my walking boots. Daughters say this is quite normal. Husband looked horrified. But comfort is going to be essential for me!
Your posts are such an inspiration Penny, I don’t always comment but I do always enjoy them, thanks for writing.
Primark is so hit and miss these days. I used to like their jeans but rather similar to you recently I’ve found I can’t even get my legs (which are really slim) into a size 14 pair of jeans! I mean what!!! Ah Southwold – we do love Suffolk and particularly that coastal area, and how wonderful to be going to the Latitude Festival. Wearing walking boots will be absolutely the thing to wear. And have seen the dresses in Mountain Warehouse and they look good – must try one one next time I go in 🙂
And yes, wise words about sizing – they should standardised. Men’s shirt necks are so why can’t women’s sizes be like that. Thanks Rosemary 🙂
I didn’t answer the question about Derek Jarman’s cottage. Yes, it’s nearby and lovely too in the typical Dungeness style that there is.
In fact, people now say that Dungeness is a little bit ‘Jarmanised’ as many of the old fisherman cottages and railway shacks have been bought up and modernised in a certain style that emulates Derek Jarman’s cottage – so there is a certain look about them which some like and other don’t. Fortunately, the place is a really wild so it doesn’t impact too much.
Afternoon Penny
It’s good to see you and Bill back in action – you both look well. Glad you managed to get an unscheduled weekend away with your daughter and partner to your favourite spot. Yes, the cottage is larger than expected looks comfortably furnished. I know the other side of the estuary – I love the flatness and the wild life.
I like your two purchases, particularly the ‘little black number’ and I shall look forward to your cruise outfits in due course.
I appreicate your frustration with dress sizes, and agree: it is madness. The problem is mostly with women’s clothes. Unlike other items of clothing (gloves, shoes, hats) there is no standard dress size which means manufacturers can put on any size label they like. Usually that means items are labelled a smaller than they actually are – to make women feel better and encourage them to buy! Some firms try a different route: instead of, say, size 12,14,16, 18 etc they label items A, B, C, D or 1, 2, 3, 4. I prefer to get clothes that fit and sod the label. Another alternative is to buy the right fit – and cut the ‘offending’ label out. 😉
Having said that, there’s a lot of £$£$ made from women not feeling good about ourselves.. Look at cosmetics, cleansers, moisturisers… full of ingredients we can’t pronounce, promising the moon and when they fil to deliver … well, we head on to the next ‘saviour’ … done it myself too many times.
All the best, Mary
Apols for typos… particularly last line: should read “FAIL to deliver”
It was lovely to go away for the weekend and with our daughter, and it really is my happy place which is half to do with Dungeness and half to do with the delightful place we stay in.
I agree that the whole industry of fashion and makeup is about honing into women’s dissatisfaction with their looks. We have to take a grip and realise that. And do you know I get what you say about sod the label and size – get the clothes that fit!!!! That is so right!!! But it can be frustrating as some makes are absolutely huge at size 14 and others are too tiny for words – or one’s legs if it’s jeans!
Thanks Mary 🙂
I’m so glad you were able to get to your happy place again and with your daughter and her partner. That place really is a Tardis! Wow! So much room.
Onto sizing…I can’t even rely on my favorite retailers being consistent in size anymore. It makes for a real pain when shopping online. My granddaughter and I just made her a skirt. It didn’t seem like the patterns had made the adjustment to vanity sizing so we cut according to her measurements. Oh, my goodness! We had so much altering to do in order to make it fit. But, even knowing all this, the size still bothers me as only three years ago, I was several (and I do mean several) pounds lighter. I just had surgery so after that recovery, it’s down to brass tacks to get healthy again! Love the red dress and think it’s worth every Penny you paid!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Yes, it is quite the Tardis as the front looks rather like a white and yellow version of the many railway carriage homes that lie around the Dungeness estate. But no, it is very roomy and lovely too!!
I cannot rely now on online shopping one bit but thankfully the small town I live in has some lovely independent shops as well as some well know retail brand name shops (plus charity shops of course!) so I am well served for clothes.
Good luck with the journey to health – you will feel all the better for it I’m sure and thanks so much Marsha 🙂
So nice that you and Bill were able to get away with family to this special place. You both look really well. I am really liking the shorter hair. Not only is it a more contemporary look but quite flattering. I am at the point now that if I see something to wear that I really like and it looks well on me I will purchase it even if it is not what one would call a bargain. At this time on our lives when many pleasures have been lost dressing well and looking one’s best is still mostly available, so why not go for it. That said, I find I am not buying all that much these days. Sizing is a large part of it. And yes, even as a smaller person I have trouble. There were a few retailers her in the US who would send my tempting catalogs regularly. And I would often not resist. I am thinking J Jill, lands End, and a favorite, Eddie Bauer. this last does not even seem to be in business. I still have items from them when they carried XS petite. or even a XXS. but they all do not have these sizes anymore I suppose there is not so much call for them. . A friend who is also my size suggested children’s clothing, but she has a different style than me, very basic but with interesting jewelry. Once when I was looking for something special for a wedding I went to large department store. I told the salesperson what I was looking for and she remarked that my problem was that the styles that would fit me would not be appropriate for my age, then she walked away. But I suppose there are worse problems to have.
In just over two weeks I plan to spend a few days in my happy place, Chincoteague island in Virginia. Most of the time will probably be at the beach or walking in the mud during the pony swim, so very casual clothing will be in order.
I did have a lovely evening this past Saturday. My talented son plays guitar and sings in a band (not his day job) .I went to hear their performance along with my daughter in law, grandson and granddaughter. It was at a restaurant at a marina. We listened to the music, watched the sun set over the water and had delicious seafood. The perfect way to spend a Summer night!
So sending love from New York, Darby
Oh, I so remember those lovely fashion catalogues, Darby! My daughter would save them for me from one visit to another and they’d be the first thing I’d dive for on arrival, after hugs and helloes obviously! Where have they all gone? Online maybe and that is definitely not the same. As for Eddie Bauer, I’m sorry that’s bitten the dust.
Lovely dresses, lovely hair and glad you had a lovely time away, Penny. I love the look of your not-so-little den. I just wish Dungeness wasn’t so difficult to reach from Middle England…
As for sizing, I’m with everyone else, it’s ridiculous! I’ve spent years, literally, trying to find perfectly fitting jeans. Many pairs and many dollars down the road – I tend to buy them in the States – I am still searching for a pair that fit my nicely slim thighs (says she modestly) but hide my muffin! Trying to balance leg fit and thick waist is a nightmare! I actually gave in the other day and bought a mid length, loose dress (with pockets!) that probably makes me look like one of Joyce Grenfell’s gall-e-ons in full sail but it was a sod-it moment re the jeans mission and hey, I’m going ‘cool’ in both practical and fashionable senses for once! At 5’8″ I think I can carry it off, even at my age (83) and the jeans can take a walk for the time being. Oh, how we suffer for our vanity! 😉
Hello to Darby and Zepherine…I wanted to make sure you knew that the Eddie Bauer line of clothing is alive and well. I just purchased some summer clothing for upcoming trips.
Thank you for that, Charlene. Roll on my next trip along the blacktops! Take care, Zepherine x
Actually Dungeness is quite a fiddle to get to even though we just live on the south coast so to speak. Once you reach Rye on that single lane A27 the roads become even more wiggly and small. You always sigh with relief when you arrive and it’s only taken just under two hours. We could get there quicker but we always stop half way. But it’s so worth the effort in the end.
These days there are very few jeans that really really fit me. And it sounds as though we have a similar build. I expect you’ve tried M&S??? They’ve got quite a good selection. I do like, and really now have to have, any jeans with some of that ‘elastine’ that helps the waist fit.
Thanks Zepherine 🙂
Gosh I am outraged on your behalf that a shop assistant would say that to you – and not a good sales person either!!!
It must be a challenge to find good stylish clothes. I have a friend who is under 5′ and I know she’s always had problems and often goes to the children’s area. she compensates by having a huge collection of shoes – mostly I have to say not worn these day!
Your happy place sounds amazing and lovely too. The pony swim, for example, how good that must be!
And thank you so much for the kind words about the hair – I’m thinking of having a full fringe cut. It is less severe I think now and the shortness and layers (which were a big step to even consider) have softened the look. Thanks as ever, Darby – I do love hearing of your life across the pond 🙂
Glad to see you have enjoyed a trip away with family to your favourite spot.
I do like your shorter layer hair style Penny , it really suits you.
The problem of sizing seems to be a world wide problem and has been so for many years despite the industry making noises from time to time on standardizing. This is why I rarely buy online way too hard.
I mean men’s shirts sizes are pretty standard through all makes and brands so why can’t women’s dresses be. Rather think it’s about cost and skimping material for some makes and not in others.
It was a great weekend away and thanks for the kind words about my hair. Think I’m going to have a full fringe cut 🙂
It looks like such a wonderful getaway for you all in your favorite place! Your accommodations look very welcoming and relaxing. As for sizing, like you, I have a huge range of sizes in my closet. It is kind of ridiculous how vastly different sizing ranges between brands. I recently bought a sewing machine and am teaching myself how to alter things which is already coming in handy for making my clothes exactly how I want them! That black velvet dress is beautiful. I adore celestial prints! And your new red dress is so adorable on you, I can understand why you couldn’t resist it even at full price. It is a rare occasion for me to pay full price as well, but some things are definitely worth it!
Shelbee
Hi Shelbee – it’s lovely to hear from you 🙂 Dungeness is so unique but the place we stay in is great and that is mostly why we go again and again.
The sizing issue is quite ridiculous when you consider I have a Small size dress and an XL size dress and both of these fit me – unbelievable! Good for you to be able to alter your clothes – very handy!!
And yes that black velvet dress is lovely and bought with all it’s labels on! Quite the bargain.
Thanks so much Shelbee 🙂
So glad you enjoyed a weekend away! Sizing is definitely pretty silly: it makes it sometimes difficult to shop online but I am learning to read size charts and double checking my measurements. I have clothes in a variety of sizes and I have learned now to get stuck on a size label especially when I thrift. Glad you showed the close up of the 2nd dress. I wouldn’t have realized the pretty print.
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We really enjoyed our weekend away and gosh, sizing is just so very stupid and like you I measure and measure and yet still get the wrong size when buying online. Doing that less and less now as sending back happens so often.
That black dress is lovely and such a bargain too! Thanks Mireille 🙂
You and Mr are looking well now Penny;glad you are back in action! We are on the last day of a week on the Norfolk Broads the first time we have been here just the 2 of us. It’s 40 years since our initial holiday with our 3 children. It is beautiful and fairly quiet at this time of the year. Mostly good weather until today which is wet & windy. Looking forward to a nice bath & being able to do something with my hair which has gone fluffy & curly in the damp! I donated back 2 of the 3 charity shop dresses I bought a couple of weeks ago but have a nice linen one for the next hot spell. I think your cruise must be not far off now, something to look forward to. I’m hoping to get to see my 2 ‘northern’ grandchildren next month, the eldest will be 21 in November. Where did all those years go?
We are nearly back to normal and yet there are some lingering effects that Mr F is still suffering from and as for me, I am trying not to think of the winter and filling the days and weeks with treats and getaways.
Ah the Norfolk Broads – I do like East Anglia a lot. So many people go west but I think they’re missing out on East Anglia, which I think is (slightly) less crowded and touristy.
Fluffy and curly sounds quite nice to me! RE: my wardrobe. I am being very strict with myself and it is very much one in, so one out. Also considering whether I might do eBay but feel a bit scared tbh. I really must try it. Will do a post about this at some point.
I know, I know! The years!!! On Wednesday me and Mr F met 50 years ago!!! How did that happen! And I have a 17-yr-old grandson. Thanks as ever, Lynda 🙂
forgot to comment on the vexed question of sizing! It really matters for sustainability as sizing problems are one of the main causes of the huge – literally – issue of clothes being returned. I have often ordered the same thing in 2 sizes because of the uncertainty, knowing at least one will definitely be going back. I now have a Woolovers cardigan in XS when I’m a size 12 – ridiculous! You can’t even go by the body measurements because you don’t know how much ‘ease’ is being added. I now ask for actual measurements when I buy from e-bay because I’ve been caught out more than once, even with brands I thought I knew well. M&S has been one of the worst offenders in the past – I remember ordering 3 size 12 trousers and one of them fitted!
Look at all the discussion this post stirred up!! Wow. We all have definite opinions (complaints) about women’s sizing. Would it be too much to ask that the industry create uniform sizing and all countries follow that sizing? As a recovered anorexic, numbers have always mattered to me. Sadly. Numbers on the scale. My height. How many sit-ups I did. I ran a mile and a half, why not make it 2 miles. Ah oh, my size 6 jeans are tight. Oh no!! Back to tracking Weight Watchers points. Ugh.
Both of your dresses are magnificent. But I am a sucker for sparkle so that black one especially wows me. Love that it has stars and meteors. Perfect for a special night…by land or sea.
So glad you shared the link to Wi Wurri. I was going to have to Google it!! Such a quaint, colorful cottage. Love the kitchen especially. The tile. The colors. The boho-ness. I can imagine cooking up a pot of gumbo or chili or a savory stew in that kitchen. Your smile says it all!!