[nabs-l] Techniques for shopping and trends

[Ashley Bramlett]

Good information. But I wonder how you pick a set of colors and 
complimenting styles. I wish I had a sighted sister or cousin that lives 
nearby! We'd have fun shopping together.
If I stick with what I was raised with and told what looks good on me, its 
solid colors. I am five feet tall, and a little overweight. My legs are a 
little muscular but not long. I was told I look good in black, red and pink 
blouses/tops. For casual or dressy slacks I have mostly black and blue; some 
cacki. I was told black and blue slacks look good on me too. I have V neck 
shirts for dressier ocasions.

Maybe I could shop with my brother's new wife. She might be able to shop 
with me, but at the same time not take over the whole experience; thanks for 
the reminder that sighted people touch and pick up merchandise. We just need 
to do it a bit more.
I wonder if there any books about colors and body image/type.
Ashley
-----Original Message----- 
From: Bridgit Pollpeter
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 8:09 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nabs-l] Techniques for shopping and trends

First of all, store employees are suppose to assist any shopper; it's a
part of their job. Good employees will stick with a customer who has
asked questions because they want the sale. Most employees working in
clothing stores receive a commission on the sales they make on top of
their regular wages so they will help customers who approach them, or in
some stores, like the Buckle, the employees race up to customers the
minute they enter the store! LOL

Because of this though, be careful because many will say anything looks
good on you because they want the sale. Beyond commissions, most stores
operate on numbers. Usually each quarter, sale statistics are reviewed.
Employees are expected to maintain a certain percentage of sales, and if
they don't meet this percentage, they are often let go. I had to do this
when I managed a clothing store. So it's wise to know what you're
looking for, and if you care about fashion and trends, know what looks
good on you, what colors compliment your skin and be specific in what
you want- a formal dress, business casual clothes, shoes that can go
with jeans as well as business casual stuff for work, etc.

There are a lot of ways to track fashion trends. Tons of online
resources are available and provide good descriptions. Certain terms you
want to be familiar with though such as paisley, roushing, A-line,
matte, etc. When you know these terms, you will know what a description
is referring to when mentioned. The E channel and website has a lot of
great fashion tips, and they keep current with trends. They often
provide really good descriptions of clothes and accessories.

Also know your body type and what clothes look best on that body type.
There are different ways to explain this, but this is what I learned:
A- bigger legs, rounder thighs, bottom and waist, smaller on top
H- large all-over, no shape, same straight up and down
I- similar to H except long and skinny, no shape straight up and down
O- round all-over
X- curvey on top, small waist, curvey on bottom
Y- curvey on top but slender elsewhere

Like when at the grocery market, clothing stores will have people who
can help you shop. They may not always be designated for this specific
duty, but like at markets, there will be a sales clerk who will help.
Again, this means they get a commission. Stores that offer personal
shoppers don't exist everywhere. Some are free of charge, while others
will charge. Often appointments are necessary regardless. It's best to
ring a store ahead of time and ask.

You also have to understand about colors and complimenting styles and
colors. You say you want gold shoes, but what style of shoes? What type
a gold? Matte, shiney, more copper, vintage or contemporary? Not just
any gold shoes will go with your outfit. Same with jewlery and
cosmetics. What is the cut of your outfit? Is it contemporary, simple? I
recently bought a formal dress with pearl and diamond-like detail on the
top. Because of this, I opted to not wear earrings since the detail on
the dress was enough. I just wore a bracelet with a similar pearl and
diamond stones. The dress was more contemporary as well. Form fitting
and black besides the pearl and diamond detail. I had to find shoes that
complimented the dress not just any shoe would do, not even black dress
shoes. I found strappy heels with diamond-like stone detail and a
three-inch heel. They fit the style of the dress and the diamond stones
complimented the stones on the dress. Again, it's a lot of specific
information, but once you become familiar with terms and fashion and
know what looks good on you, you'll get better at shopping.

I prefer to shop with my mom who loves fashion too and know what looks
good on people. If you have a friend or family member like this, I
suggest shopping with them. If not, that's okay. Just learn what to ask
for and look for.

Perhaps you can learn of a celebrity with a similar body type and sense
of fashion. Find pictures of them and take them and show sale clerks so
they know what you're looking for.

Even sighted people touch and pick up merchandise. No one will think it
odd if you "feel up" shoes or clothes because everyone is doing it.

Along with being aware of your body type and what kinds of clothes will
compliment your figure, know how different types of clothes will look on
certain body types. For example, V-necks diminish a bigger chest, and
tops with a lot of detail or ruffles or certain fabrics can accentuate a
smaller chest. Capris or pants hitting the ankle will make a short frame
appear shorter. Pants with a wide leg are great if you have skinny legs.
Fitted clothes actually make a larger figure look smaller. Belts can be
tricky. Sometimes belting will accentuate a larger waist, and other
times it can make the waist appear smaller. Again, if shorter, belting
can tend to cut you in half once again appearing shorter. Wrap tops and
dresss usually look good on any figure. Some trends unfortunately don't
look good on everyone. Loose, flowy peasant tops are cute and pretty,
but they can make a large chest look bustier, or can give the appearance
of pregnancy if not very slender. Another important thing to keep in
mind is if wearing a form fitting top, wear looser bottoms, and vice
versus. You want balance and symmetry.

Sizing does change from store to store. Misses tend to run in even
numbers, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc, while juniors tend to run in odd numbers, 1,
3, 5, 7, etc. The odd sizes tend to run smaller. At GAP or Ann Taylor I
may wear a four, but at The Buckle or Forever 21, I may need to wear a
six. Clothing stores don't actually size to fit the body; they size to
fit what we want it to be. This is why sizes vary from store to store.
Because of your body type, you may need to go up in sizes when wearing a
dress. If you're bigger on top, you will probably need to go up at least
a couple of dress sizes. If necessary, you can always research
inexpensive tailors near you, and some department stores provide tailor
service to customers, but usually there's a cost.

Shoes vary in size as well. You may wear a six in regular shoes, but
have to go up to a 7 with sandals. Sandals and strappy dress shoes tend
to run smaller. This is why it's so important to try clothes and shoes
on before purchasing. Also walk around in clothes and shoes. Try sitting
and moving around to make sure the fit is good and it feels comfortable
on you. And FYI ladies, if wearing shoes exposing the toes, get a
pedicure. Smile.

Clothes and shoes shouldn't be too tight, no popping out, no wardrobe
malfunctions! LOL And nothing should be uncomfortable. Girls, you want a
good bra too. A good bra can make a world of difference with an outfit.
I suggest shopping at a bra store with professional bra fitters. They
will measure you and help you find the right bra.

Don't be afraid to speak up. If you don't like something, no matter what
others say, don't buy it. Be attentative to style, fit, color and feel.
We obviously have to trust the opinions of others so make sure the
person you ask, you can trust. Have a budgt in mind. This helps people
weed out items. If shopping on a small budget, you can avoid expensive
items, or buying unnecessary products. Have an idea of size, style and
color in order to help those shopping with you. Ultimately you want to
feel good whatever the situation so know what you want and be confident
enough to say what you like and don't like.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/

"History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan



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