Try the Children’s Department

(Shutterstock*)

I am very tiny—5 feet and weigh 88 pounds. I’ve recently discovered a new place to shop. The children’s department!

This has opened whole new fashion vistas for me. How it happened was by accident. I was in Saks going up the escalator, browsing on each floor, when I got off in the children’s department. I was just about to leave, thinking, “this is not for me,” when I spied a skirt that seemed very large. I decided to take more careful notice of the clothes.

Since that day I’ve found many terrific buys. You can find designer names at a fraction of what those same designer clothes would cost in other departments. I’ve bought a pair of Ralph Lauren summer pants that didn’t need shortening. I’ve also bought a beautiful black velvet sleeveless shell that’s a size 16 and fits me perfectly. Actually, a size 14 or 16 is perfect for me.

I’ve also bought a number of dresses in the children’s department. Admittedly, they are a little short-waisted on me but I can’t decide if they really are short-waisted on my adult figure or very much the Empire style so prevalent. Either way, they’re very flattering.

Which brings me to another point. Children don’t dress like children anymore. They dress like little adults, which is great for us “little adults.” With a careful eye, it’s amazing what you can find. Just steer clear of anything too frilly or girly. So many children’s clothes today are really so chic and simple that it’s impossible to tell whether they’re for children or adults.

So indulge your inner fashionista with a designer number you picked up in the children’s department and when you’re asked, “where did you get it?” just smile and keep mum.

Miriam Silverberg is a freelance journalist and owner of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a Manhattan publicity agency. She can be reached at [email protected].

 

*Image of children’s clothes via Shutterstock