Shopping in Seoul is some of the most fun a girl can have in Korea. I haven't yet been to the Lotte World in Busan - advertised here as the the world's largest Mall (although see post on world's largest Buddha and here for some healthy skepticism on this claim), but Seoul's shopping is vast and only moderately expensive. So, on this weekend's adventure in Seoul, we visited the COEX Super Underground Mall, and some above ground shops throughout Insadong.
One of the fun (in a macabre way) things about shopping in Korea is that there is ONE size. It doesn't fit? Too bad, you cannot go up or down. So finding something for an American - even a petite one - can be tough.
Thankfully (?), due to the wonders of a change in environment, I have developed a health issue that causes me to lose weight. That's right, folks, I am one lucky girl (as long as I can prevent it from bugging out my eyeballs or causing a huge, unsightly lump to grow in my throat). And I have lost enough to actually fit into some of these one-sizes.
Apparently, I do not look the one-size, however, because retail professionals like to argue with me when I ask to try something on. Nonverbally (because neither of us can speak with the nuance required for the following: "I think this might be perfect!What do you think?" with reply of, "There's no way that's fitting over your sizable rump and huge fronts!"), the exchange looks something like this:
K: Holds dress up to self, points to fitting room
Salesperson: Looks K up and down, shakes head imperceptibly, smiles, takes garment from K, places back on rack
K: *puzzlement* *offended but still trying to be polite*."No, I want to try it on," with big smile.
Alternately, the exchange may go something like this:
K: I would like to try these (hands salesperson 3 dresses)
Salesperson: Ok, follow me (shows K to dressing room, hands K back 2 dresses, with a not-so-imperceptable nod of "No, this one not for you" and keeps the third.)
Of course, this kind of exchange for someone who is a weight conscious (read: formerly eating disordered) can be devastatingly comical in a dark-funny sort of way. It's better with a friend to support you. (Thank you, Cadena!)
Thankfully, this weekend, I was able to convince saleswomen to try a few things on, even when they gave me the "No Largey!" look. I even surprised many of them when their dresses were too big or fit just right. And it was so gratifying, in cases where they held onto that third dress, to give them the imperceptible "Not on your life, now!" look when they tried to offer it back after I fit into other ones.
Ultimately, it may be better for Americans to have clothes tailored. But missing out on the scope and consumeristic heaven of these malls would be missing out on a major part of the Asia boom. So, put on your tough skin and try on some clothes - at the very least, you'll have a good laugh:)
One of the fun (in a macabre way) things about shopping in Korea is that there is ONE size. It doesn't fit? Too bad, you cannot go up or down. So finding something for an American - even a petite one - can be tough.
Thankfully (?), due to the wonders of a change in environment, I have developed a health issue that causes me to lose weight. That's right, folks, I am one lucky girl (as long as I can prevent it from bugging out my eyeballs or causing a huge, unsightly lump to grow in my throat). And I have lost enough to actually fit into some of these one-sizes.
Apparently, I do not look the one-size, however, because retail professionals like to argue with me when I ask to try something on. Nonverbally (because neither of us can speak with the nuance required for the following: "I think this might be perfect!What do you think?" with reply of, "There's no way that's fitting over your sizable rump and huge fronts!"), the exchange looks something like this:
K: Holds dress up to self, points to fitting room
Salesperson: Looks K up and down, shakes head imperceptibly, smiles, takes garment from K, places back on rack
K: *puzzlement* *offended but still trying to be polite*."No, I want to try it on," with big smile.
Alternately, the exchange may go something like this:
K: I would like to try these (hands salesperson 3 dresses)
Salesperson: Ok, follow me (shows K to dressing room, hands K back 2 dresses, with a not-so-imperceptable nod of "No, this one not for you" and keeps the third.)
Of course, this kind of exchange for someone who is a weight conscious (read: formerly eating disordered) can be devastatingly comical in a dark-funny sort of way. It's better with a friend to support you. (Thank you, Cadena!)
Thankfully, this weekend, I was able to convince saleswomen to try a few things on, even when they gave me the "No Largey!" look. I even surprised many of them when their dresses were too big or fit just right. And it was so gratifying, in cases where they held onto that third dress, to give them the imperceptible "Not on your life, now!" look when they tried to offer it back after I fit into other ones.
Ultimately, it may be better for Americans to have clothes tailored. But missing out on the scope and consumeristic heaven of these malls would be missing out on a major part of the Asia boom. So, put on your tough skin and try on some clothes - at the very least, you'll have a good laugh:)
No comments:
Post a Comment