I buy locally for artist made gifts, etc., unique things, and food. I can only buy clothing from Banana Republic, Gap, and occasionally J Crew, Ann Taylor. It's a schlep to a mall (12-15 miles), which I hate, thus, I buy ALL of my clothes on line. I have been buying from these retailers for so long, I can look at the picture and know how it will fit. That, and reading comments helps. Plus, stores often don't carry petites, and when they do, often not my size, especially in tops.