went jean shopping

On Friday my husband got us a babysitter and took me to Nordstrom to spend the gift card he gave me for my birthday (which wasn't 'til today).

Desperate for a new pair of jeans, I headed straight up the escalator to the Encore (the plus-size) department.

Jean shopping is right up there with bathing suit shopping.  I hate it.  But it's an evil necessity.

Sidebar:  I don't understand why Nordstrom calls their plus-size department Encore.  When I hear the word "encore," I envision rock concerts with masses of people cheering until the band comes out to play one last time.  After all, it does mean "repeat performance," or "again."  So why is the plus-size section called Encore?  Is it because plus-sized gals made repeat trips to the buffet?  Is it because I ate yet another cupcake?  Or are they just patronizing me with the rockstar insinuation?

Sadly, all they had were black jeans.  I was hoping for a dark denim wash, but hey, when you're shopping in the ENCORE section, you take what you can get.  So, I tried on the 14WP jeans and they just didn't fit...sniff sniff.

Too big...I know, I know.  Cry me a river.

My husband reminded me I didn't even want black jeans.  Oh yeah.

But when he said, "Let's go over to the Petite department and see if they fit better over there," I was terrified!!

I mean, what if the little sales girls stare at me and think, "What is this fat chick doing over here in our section?"

Oh, the horror!!

I haven't stepped foot in the petite department in at least five years.

So, we crossed over to the *Regular* section and grabbed some 14's.  They fit a little better, too LONG obviously, but that's what tailors are for, right?

I walked out to show my husband.  The tiny little sales girl saw me and said, "Oh, let me go get you some from Petites.  What size do you take?"

.....................Uh.......um.   Well......she asked.....so I felt obligated to answer.  "14."

She ran off to get some.  I held my breath.  I was scared!!!  Of what, I don't know.  Rejection I guess.  From a pair of frickin' jeans!!!

She came back and handed me two pairs.  Both were the color I was hoping for!  Super dark denim!

I thought of my red balloon at home (still flying high y'all, believe it or not!) and said a little prayer.

AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

They both fit!

Decisions, decisions!  Boot cut or skinny fit?  I just loooooved having a choice.  

Plus, they were $20 less than the exact same jeans over in Encore!  What the heck???

Turns out jean shopping for my birthday was enjoyable and put a smile on my face.  I think my husband was thankful our shopping trip didn't end in tears.....That's a first!......in a long time, that is.