So what is in fashion?

[Crankin]

I would also reconsider the no on-line shopping. DH and I were just discussing what we used to do before we started riding. Go to the mall! I did my exercise early in the AM, so as not to interfere with our "regular" life. Now our cycling (or other outdoor activities) *are* our regular life. I do go into the Ann Taylor Loft that is 3 miles from my house, as they are the only store that has my size clothes in our suburban area. However, in the past few months, their styles have become a bit what I call "****ty." And the quality has gone down.
After buying a lot of Athleta stuff, I know what fits and what doesn't. I also read the on line reviews. It's easy to return stuff, so if I make a mistake, it's not terrible.
We have quite a few local boutiques with some interesting clothing, but none of them come in petite sizes and they are often of the "billowy" style that seems to be so popular with the academic/intellectual community around here. I find that even when these clothes fit me, they actually make you look larger than you are.
Shooting Star, I am apalled at the way my colleagues dress. I know, that in my specific job, because I go to people's homes and work mostly with people struggling with economics, I don't want to overdress. But, I feel that this attitude is taken to the extreme by others and has crimped my style. I am the only woman in my office, except for another woman my age who directs the early intervention program, who wears skirts/dresses. In the summer, the younger clinicians wear shorts . I do wear my Athleta type dresses and skirts maybe 1-2 times a week and I actually have had some of the moms comment that "You are the first therapist I've had that dresses decently." So, they notice. Perhaps in a more "clinical" setting, this comment would be something for "discussion," like, "why is this important to you?," but I have a different kind of relationship with these clients. I just feel like I want to have a difference in my work clothes and my hanging around clothes.