maven&meddler

Cruising around on the internet the other day, I found a fascinating way to get the right clothes that fit every time…or so I hope.

Myshape.com is a site that assists you, through the use of a fabulous interactive interface, to take all …. and I do mean ALL of your measurements, and then through a sophisticated set of algorithyms and a questionnaire, gives you back your shape and a complete run-down on what looks best for your figure type, personal style and the fit that you prefer.

Needless to say, perhaps, I had to give it a test drive.

Get your tape measure at the ready

You create an account which is free, and start putting in your measurements. Remember to turn the sound on and up, because it guides you step by step to getting the most accurate measurements possible. Bad measurements equal bad choices and vice versa…. sort of like garbage, in garbage out.

Then you have a ton of options from there.

Seven body types and their profiles

They define our figures into seven shape or body types, each identified by a letter. Click on that letter, and you’re given the anatomy of your shape ( mine is an ‘S’), then recommendations on what fabrics, cuts, necklines and more that work best for you. I look around ever day and wish more women got some expert advice on What Not To Wear!

Since I used to work for an upscale womens’ clothing retailer, and did their training, the myshape.com recommendations were spot on with what I understand about both fashion and a proper fit.

After you’ve done your homework and decided what shape profile you are, you can start shopping by designer or by type of clothing item - such as pants or dresses. This is like shopping was 30 years ago, when I’d walk into I. Magnum and a personal shopper would bring out only those items that should both fit and flatter.

This is the way I like to shop. I can’t stand wandering through a department store, geared to appeal to every last taste or figure type on the planet ( and the lowest common denominator) … sorting through it all and still not finding what I came in for. I don’t like to waste my time on that.

It’s the fit that counts, not the size on the tag

Here’s perhaps the most intriguing thing about myshape.com. Sizes are chosen strictly for fit, not to soothe your fragile little ego. This is what they say:

At myShape, we’ve created Sizeless Dressing™. myShape is not about size—we’re about fit. We all know that we might wear a size 10 in one item, size 12 in another and in yet another, size 8. Size charts are broad and general; myShape is specific. myShape bases fit on your measurements and the garment’s measurements. We double-check orders before they are shipped, and if it looks like we’ve made a mistake, we make a change. Our goal is a great fit for you.

I noticed that as I browsed blouses, I’d select one and the myshape.com recommendation would be a size 10 for one manufacturer and then a size 6 for another. This is the real world brought to your home computer. No more guessing and sending it back! No more consulting confusing size charts!

No shipping when you join as a personal shopper

Yes, myshape.com is just that confident that your selection will fit. So far, it looks like myshape.com provides excellent value, too. There is something for almost every price point. Plus shipping and returns are FREE… only when you’ve done the measurements and gotten a personal shopper account which is also free with no obligation to buy. Otherwise, shipping and returns are charged.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

Don’t need it today? Add it to your Wish List

As you browse and find items that you like, you can add them to your Wish List. I like this feature, since although I may not need a dress right now, I can go right back to a well chosen selection and if they have it, I know it will fit and can just order it and move on.

I have to admit, I found a lot of great dresses and blouses that are in my Wish List for the future. The selection was outstanding and I’m certain that I saw far more than I would have in a department store - that was really suited for me.

I ordered a blouse, and a pair of pants might be next - since that’s always the gold standard of fit issues. I’d really given up on ordering pants online, since they just never, ever fit right. Myshape.com might be able to change that.

One last thing, my blouse is being sent directly from the manufacturer. This has got to help myshape.com keep their prices reasonable, since they’re not warehousing anything.

Excellent customer service

Finally, I noticed AFTER I’d completed my transaction that I could have gotten an extra 15% savings by entering a WELCOME15 code before finishing the transaction. I was a little bummed, so I emailed them with the order number. The very next day, I got an email saying they’d applied the 15% to my order, no problem.

Now, that’s customer service that way it should be. This could really be a super time saver for those of us for whom clothes shopping isn’t just a recreational pursuit.

maven