As some of you know I work part time in an up market women’s clothing store. I am relatively inexperienced at retail, and the months I have worked at the shop have been interesting to say the least. For one thing I have never in the past given shopgirls much thought. If I am honest I didn’t really care one way or the other. Boy your perspective can change quickly.
What I have learnt is that who you are is not what you do.
Here is the Shopgirl Manifesto – what we really mean when we say..
That cut of dress/ blouse/ skirt really flatters you
… hurry up I want to go on break
It makes you look younger
… I can’t believe how many chins you’ve got
I really prefer you in gray
… My feet are killing me
No that blouse is not too low cut
…If you have to ask yes, it is too low cut. Here’s how you can tell – your breasts should not be coming out of your armpits.
Yes it’s supposed to fit/ hang like that
… Now here is mutton dressed up as lamb
Those trousers are supposed to fit below your waist
… that is why your stomach hangs over the waistband
Yes that (item of clothing) is machine washable
… What’s wrong with you – can’t you read?
Yes that (item of clothing) will not shrink/ stretch after washing
… How the hell should I know?
Yes that (item of clothing) comes out really well after washing
… I know this because I have this (item of clothing.)
Yes that style is very fashionable this season
… Another sheep follows the flock
No you are not too old for that outfit
… if you have to ask, then yes you are!
Have a nice day (said sunny and smiling like a crazed idiot)
(I haven’t eaten so the blood sugars are getting a bit low.)
… Yawn! When will this day ever end?
You are a size 6?
… In whose lifetime?
That (item of clothing) does not suite you
… That (item of clothing) does not suite you
If you really really want to know how you look in clothes you are trying on, don’t ask me. Ask your best friend. I am not your best friend. My job is to sell a product.
2 responses to “Shopgirl Manifesto”
Hahahahahah. Serves people right for asking. If you want a professional style consultant, go out and employ one – stop expecting some freebie advice from overworked shop assistants!!
I also agree with what you say: “your job is what you do, not who you are”. So many people lose sight of this. And that way lies madness!!
Yes, I guess it takes a drastic change in job to figure that out. Since you and I both started out as lawyers we know this more than most. I personally get quite fed up with the perceptions ordinary people have about lawyers/ attorneys whatever. Its a JOB… people. Get over it!