An Aha moment, and not the good kind

Some of you may remember my beloved Derek Lam mixed-media top (pic below) which, even on sale, was a major investment piece for me about a year ago. Several months ago I asked for help styling it, because even though I ADORED it, I was having trouble making it work. It languished in my closet, and I realized several days ago that I have owned it for a year and worn it exactly twice. So when considering outfits for DD's birthday dinner, I decided that if I couldn't make this top work, I was going to have to let it go. Well, I couldn't make it work. I love that top. LOVE it. But I feel TERRIBLE in it, and it doesn't fit right with anything. So it had to go.

Today, I took pics of it to sell on a high-end consignment site online. And LO AND BEHOLD. I know why it hasn't worked for me. It is two sizes too small!!! Yes. TWO sizes. How on earth did that happen? Somehow, I ordered based on the GB sizing -- so I decided that the last one available, which was a GB 6, would work for me (but that meant it was a US 2!).

So I spent (for me) a small fortune on a top that was never going to work, and since then I have been trying to squeeze myself into it. It gets zipped but my arms feel like sausages and my midsection feels lumpy. Well, NO WONDER. I feel a mixture of relief, frustration, and just craziness that I have been living this nightmare for a year!!!!!

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11 years ago

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Veteran

Oh geez! Well, that's a relief in some ways isn't it?
I am having bra sizing issues with sports bra orders right now and questioning whether I'm changing sizes or what . . . then I put on a bra I've had that fits and realize it's just sizing craziness. Whew.

unfrumped

This is one reason I like shopping brick and mortar. I like going up or down a size and seeing how something ought to fit and might fit.

jackiec

I've totally done that with European sizing. I had a shirt that I just thought was cut weird until I finally realized I'd bought a size too small. I picked it up I London, and it wasn't big ticket at all, but I know the feeling. Bit of a relief actually.

Joyce B

Oh, that's bad to get stuck with something you love but does not work for you. At least you made the right decision now. I think that will be a relief.

Aida

At least you've recognized it and can pass it along! Onto the next fabulous top

viva

Yes, you are all right. Ultimately a huge relief. But in a way it makes me feel like I should stay away from online shopping ... Unfrumped, you really speak the truth there. There is so MUCH online that is interesting and so LITTLE in my immediate area that is interesting ... it's a dilemma I know many of you face. But online style stretches and/or budget stretches just never seem to pan out for me.

Kristin L

I'm glad you realized it was the shirt and not you.

shedev

I'm sorry this happened to you. European sizing confounds me.

kkards

Well, at least you know. And maybe you can make some of the money back.

pil

But you were on the right track with the top Too bad the size didn't work, but maybe the consignment sale will help out with something else - like that white tuxedo jacket you liked on Angie's fab finds?

rachylou

Oh no. And it's such a beautiful top too. But maybe you've encouraged me to chuck this Gucci top I have and never wear. I don't know what I was thinking. It's one of those tunic tops for the *forensically preserved,* if you know what I mean.

Mia

Reminds me, I have a Miu Miu top that needs to go to my niece. I have had it so long and it never worked. Victim of the "sale goggles". I wouldn't make the same mistake now. Thanks YLF...

Oh those "sale goggles"!!!! Mia, I wish I could be sure I was completely rid of mine.

Marmee

Oh, I'm sorry, but glad that you figured it out! Did you like it enough to consider looking for a bigger size on ebay, or do you think you'd still have styling issues, even in a bigger size?

Adelfa

I have a designer skirt (and I don't buy designer) that is a size too small... so sad! I feel your pain!

Gigi

Oh, Viva! I'm glad that at least you know why it wasn't working...and I'm sure you won't make the same mistake again! I hope you get a decent price for it; that will take away some of the sting.

Ingunn

Oh, that's too bad! I'm glad you at least figured out why. Don't think about it. Next!

CocoLion

This could be written about my Peter Som top. Except mine is a size too big.I need to let that go, I've worn it only once.

fuzzylogic

Oh no, I am so sad for you, Viva- this really didn't end the way you expected it to! I hope you find another love soon. Big hugs.

Anonymous

Oh, Viva, that is too bad. Could your DD wear it?

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