While reading Amy Tara Koch’s column [Jan. 30], headlined “Winterwear shoppers left in cold,” I found myself nodding my head, silently agreeing with the annoying hassle of trying to buy season-appropriate clothes in the middle of winter. I, too, have been plagued by a need for a certain January-in-Chicago article of clothing, only to find the stores filled with bright peaches and lightweight fabrics. As usual, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the first tidbit of Friday’s RedEye.
And then I reached the second-to-last paragraph from the end. Koch discusses the retorts of retailers like Neiman Marcus, who extended invitations to the “end of season” sales. In doing so, while trying to explain the inevitable slim pickings one will find, Koch says, “Unfortunately, pickings are slim. Unless you are a size 12 or colorblind, don’t even bother.”
I was immediately insulted, being a woman who fluctuates often between a size 8 and a size 12. In fact, as recent studies show, the average woman in this country is a size 14. Haven’t we reached a point where it is OK for a women to be a little bit larger than a size 0?
I found Ms. Koch’s comment rude and honestly very offensive. It is, at times, hard enough being a women who is thought of or seen as slightly larger without having to hear it negatively compared to being colorblind.
