Disclaimer: this is about to get emotional. I really struggle with body image. Because of this, I…read morehave about 3 pairs of pants and 3 shirts that I feel comfortable wearing in public. After losing a little bit of weight, I decided to treat myself to some new, nicer, better quality clothes from a place like Express. I, of course, walked into Express still battling myself and my selfconciousness, convinced I "wouldn't find anything anyway."
Enter Rose, probably the best damned employee Express ever had. I explained to her my situation, and without batting an eye, she lead me around the store, asking me questions about my style, what I felt comfortable wearing, etc. The most genuine and helpful retail salesperson I've ever met. She showed me the Portofino Slim Fit shirts and picked out a few different patterns and colors to try. On our way back to the dressing room, she continued to pick up other pieces she thought I'd like.
And I nearly liked everything she chose. She really had an eye for what style I'm into, but also what I would feel beautiful in! Some pieces-- like a thin-strapped halter-type soft pink and flower print-- I never ever would have dreamed to try on. But with a few well-placed accessories, all of a sudden it looked totally "me." Rose kept coming back to the fitting room with new items to try on, including an amazing pair of Columnist pants. By the time I changed back into my "old" clothes, I felt like a different person.
Checkout was a bit scary-- I knew I was in this for several hundred dollars-- $400 to be exact. *Enter jaw drop.* But, for that, I got 4 Portofino Slim Fit shirts (in different colors/patterns), the soft pink and flower halter, another soft pink lacey tank top, the pair of Columnist pants, a long-sleeved flowy formal black blouse, and a short-sleeved blouse. Rose told me about an offer they had, helped me get it on my phone, and took a whopping $75 off my order. Much (?) more reasonable... I think? But let me tell you, it was so worth it.
I immediately changed into one of the new Portofino shirts I bought and felt so much more confident and truthfully... beautiful. Jamie complimented me on the look later saying the shirt looked "just like me." Since then, I've worn several of the pieces and have always received praise for my look. This one shopping trip has truly, honestly, and maybe pathetically, changed the way I feel about the clothes I wear. So, thank you, Rose, for being one hell of an amazing retail employee, and helping one defeated woman feel alluring and self-assured with your words of confidence and your keen eye for fashion.