Dream on. Is it a coincidence that after almost a week of NOT responding to this poor woman, Chico's/Kim DID respond a mere 8 hours after I posted a criticism? Probably it IS a coincidence, though my blog-(com)plaints about my own customer service woes elicited a response from Chico's...sort of.
Here is the response from Kim. The first sentence reminds me of a lot of emails I get from students about assignments.
I did respond to you but for some reason my personal message wouldn’t go through to you on facebook.
I have similar body issues—I woke up one morning to find an Alien in my stomach. I literally did avoid seeing people for a while until I got a grip. Women in exercise class were (are) complementing for being pregnant, but it was my menopause. My solution. Keep working out, but don’t look in the mirror!
First thing to do is to start wearing body-shaping undies. Next was to find pants that fit. I have no problem with pull-on pants as long as it’s my secret—i.e. do not show the waistband, which is what I love about Chico’s jeggings.
I also drew upon all my fashion expertise to figure out how to dress in a more flattering way. Wear a dark monochromatic base to elongate and slim your silhouette—as you are doing by wearing black cargo pants and a black tee. But then draw attention to other parts of your body—colorful scarf, chunky necklace, tailored jacket for shape etc. My fav pulled together look is black pants, black tailored jacket and a white ruffled shirt. The ruffles hide my middle & the tailored jacket gives shape. Also accessories are now your best friend, because they boost can your mood and your look and always fit.
I wrote about this transition extensively in my latest book What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life. It has lots of how-to takeaway, but also inspiring women’s stories and my own about how our bodies and lives are evolving. I think you might enjoy it.
Hope all this helps. Be patient with yourself and don’t give up!
Also conversation #4 is being launched tomorrow.
The Chico's customer was so grateful for the response, though, as she noted, much wasn't really appropriate to an 83 year old Florida-living surgery-recovering woman.
Bless you for answering, Kim. I am 83, live in Florida, which keeps me in a perpetual state of hot flushes, so jackets just heat me up! And shirts actually don't go around my diaphram and 42 bust any longer! After hip replacement, my favorite pace walking was out, so being unable to walk my usual 5 miles per day was a jolt to burning calories for me! Even my daily aerobics became a painful project I eventually dropped. Now I simply attend a 50+ Fitness group and do what I can. Big lifestyle change! Caloric intake is very low, as just breathing food odors seems to add weight! C'est la vie. If Chico can design some forgiving tops for us older fans, we would appreciate feeling wanted still by the company to which I and many others in my peer group became addicted lo, these many years!
PS, the only glance I give the mirror is definitely ABOVE the neck! Weight is flattering up there!!!
When a few people suggested that Chico's was showing ageism, I (mentally) scoffed. When I (56) go to Chico's, I am usually the youngest person in the store. Yet I now think ageism might be an appropriate term. Who would tell an 83 year old to squeeze into Spanx and to keep working out? What a wonderful spirit the customer has though, don't you think?
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