Big Person in a Little World....

This is a topic I just feel compelled to write a little bit about because the following question is often asked, "How do you shop here?" This isn't a discussion about food or home decor, it is far more basic. This is about something that most every woman likes to do, shopping for clothing.
It is a very legitimate question. If you are a size 0 to maybe 8 and between 5 foot and 5 foot 7 with a shoe size no bigger than a 7 or 8 then you are okay.

Well as to be expected, most of us who come to Korea in some way, shape, or form don't fit the mold.
As with many things in Korea, there are whispers of areas where you can find more "American" sizes but it is not always the case. Plus it isn't always clothing that would be deemed school appropriate.

The next thought is often that of online shopping. Well it is fun to look and dream but when you get to the online checkout after guessing at what size you might wear, you find out that they won't deliver to South Korea. If you happen to get a sight to that will deliver to you, heaven help you if you buy too much because the taxes you pay on the Korean end can be more than the items cost originally. So what is the average foreigner to do?

Well most of us shop at home or wherever we go for holiday breaks and hauling it back at the risk of paying for the extra baggage. The other great equalizer has to accessorizing.
Accessories is are only other hope to change up the basics that you wear week in and week out. I realize scarves are just coming into fashion in the states but they are a staple here for us. Most of the time we don't focus on the overall outfits each of us wear it is "where did you buy that scarf?" "That necklace or those earrings are awesome." "Great bracelet."

It really changes how you shop and what you do for free time. I go past clothing racks and think about how I wish I could buy that because it is gorgeous but there is no chance. Shoes...forget it. Not even worth a look. Now most of us admire each others new floor lamps or table tops, etc.

Just something to think about the next time you just breeze into any clothing store and can flip through the racks and pick something to try on. Such a different bit of life. Frustrating yes but part of the choice we make. I just wish that living in Korea would in some way would give us a bit of the Korean metabolism. Man that would so help things out right now.