I wear Ready to Wear. Clothing that is factory-made, sewn, finished and manufactured in standard sizes, by designers that produce clothing intended to be worn without significant alteration, because, the notion is that clothing made to standard sizes fits most people. They use standard patterns, standard factory equipment, and standard construction techniques to keep costs low, compared to an otherwise non-standard custom-sewn version of the same item. However there have always been problems created by inaccurate and arbitrary women’s sizing – so what exactly is a standard size? The U. S. Department of Agriculture regularly monitors and conducts surveys of women’s measurements to continuously update a standardized sizing system for the textile industry. And, I guess, for the most part they set the standard, and we try to make it fit. I have grown accustomed to having to alter just about everything. And while it is cost effective for the manufacturers to use standard practices to keep their prices lower, I spend a lot more money on the same item to get it to fit to my standards. It’s an arduous process to keep fit shopping, especially when the small fit models are not so small. I stick with the winners, the designers who actually take the time to cut pants in ankle length, trim jacket sleeves for petite arms and lessen the A-line of a dress or a skirt. I find them, and I stick with them. And then I share their standard so that other mini misfits may benefit.
BCBG by Max Azria is currently in the winners circle. I recently found a monochromatic staple outfit for the cool rolling in, that was out the door, ready to wear. A skirt, a shirt, a pair of shoes – a standard, all black fun, flirty NY trendspotter ensemble. The prices at BCBG are a bit steep, but they are in business to make money, so the good news is that their October sales have begun. The shoes, are no longer available on the website, but Nordstrom’s got them all pumped up with an extra 30 % off. The adorable fringed shirt and turtle neck are online and in stores, just not on sale yet. And for those wondering about their standards, my 5’2″ frame is wearing an xxs skirt and xxs shirt and size 7 shoes – a perfect fit from top to bottom. BCBG is now a new standards and practices – and if they stick to the game plan, I am sure to return shopping during eastern standard savings time. It’s a cute, simple chic combo and I recommend the Third Avenue location – the one with the pretty exposed white washed dressing rooms.
BCBG by Max Azria
1290 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
(212) 991-2056
