Oooohhh... Fashion

Okay so when I packed my two HUGE bags to come here back in February, I wish I really would have done a little research. Not research involving what to be prepared for, language etc... I did enough of that. The fact of the matter is I packed all the wrong clothes. 

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, for the last 3 months I have been a victim of the worlds most intensive wardrobe malfunction marathon in at least my own personal history. Function, fashion, poor packing and sizing has all collided in what could be considered the epitome of clothing catastrophes and I am continuously struggling to keep up. 

What I knew about Korean fashion amounted mostly to what I had seen on Instagram (Which was, by the way, both accurate and helpful, feel free to follow Korean Fashion on Instagram to support the cause). However, while I packed my bags hoping for a good mix of seasonal clothing that would fit me and be acceptable in the workplace, I failed to see a future of child-chasing, freezing temperatures, debilitating humidity, rapid weight loss (but not enough to really fit anything perfectly), awkward sizing, centimeters and millimeters, polyester and poorly sewn garments. Along with that, the constant stares of being a chubby white girl in a country full of women who have their own ideas of beauty... none of them really including me exactly, makes for an interesting experience.

Although I am told I make a mean Korean Cute Face...

Rawr

Anyway, upon getting here I could make an extensive list of things in a box in my in-laws garage or in the closet at my parents house (you know, the things I removed at the last minute so my suitcase was underweight) that would actually fit me and be fabulous wearing here in Pohang. Unfortunately, that list goes in the dump because what are in my closet here are mis-matchy frumpy work clothes, a shit-ton of leggings and some graphic tees that nobody cares about. What was I thinking? 

So fine, yup, mistake made... where do we go from here? Clothing is expensive no matter where you get it here in Korea. Unfortunately the cheapest place to get new clothes are subway stations and farmers market racks, those of which are few and far between. There's G-market, the amazon of Korea, but once you navigate that, the problem is more of a fitting issue. 

Im 5'4", 200 lbs and relatively full in the thigh/hip area. I have a bust, and I'm wide around. This is me: 

Hi!

I know, I'm pretty adorable. Regardless of how cute I am in this bundled-up picture, the overall effect of fashionista is not really achieved here. I want to be awesomely dressed Korean style. Why? Cause Korean fashion is devastatingly awesome. Here are the  10 main rules:

1. Layer
2. Oversized stuff is awesome. 
3. Leggings are a need, not a want. 
4. Don't show too much decolletage, its tacky and weird you silly American!
5. Sunglasses and headwear. 
6. "Bag Lady" gear is also awesome. 
7.  No shorts are too short (same with skirts... especially with skirts)
8. Sneakers of all types regardless of color match everything. 
9. Bows, ruffles, sequins, asymmetrical cuts and flower print... all feminine all the time. 

10: Make this face always when taking pictures.

So this is what you come up with if following the rules:

Shorts and tights!? Ball caps and slouch purses!? LEG WARMERS!? *drool*

Sweatshirts and baseball jackets with shorts and booties!? OH EM GEE! 

There is an obvious lack of pants in the above picture. That seems to be the main rule here for both summer and winter... legs get longer, pants get shorter, and you'd better cover up your upper body.

But the boots make up for the fact that you can't find her pants.

And a BLAZER!? who comes up with this stuff...!? It's all very exciting.

They look so happy in their hats and sweatshirts!

 Fashion dictates cute sweaters and layers on top because, um, duh, if your legs are uncovered you'll be nice and cool in the sweltering Korean heat! YAY!

Yeah, I made that face too.

So I shop. I shop and I shop and I spend more money on clothes than I ever have because there are no thrift stores and I-dong is expensive and I'm "Big Size". ... I can't stop missing all the clothes I know will work that are buried back home. I come up with adorable skirts, a few sqeezable tops and HEY! I fit men's pants and they look pretty damn cute! I layer. Its hot, but they Korean girls aren't hot... so I can deal right?

No. No I cannot. 

So back to the drawing board if only to avoid THIS: 

And also this...

Mmmm... bubble-gummy

But mostly THIS:

.....

I find that in the end, I can balance Fashion ad Functionality if I try to get soft-cottons, skirts, loose shirts etc. There's a great clothing line here called Uniqulo which sells a lot of soft clothing... in XL (which is really a large, but whatever). "Napping" clothing is good for the kindergarten teacher (leggings, t-shirts, cotton dresses and skirts). Cut-off shorts and altered dresses paired with "Big Size" tops and sweaters work for everyday. Here's are is my advice for a Fashionista in Korea:

1. Don't get discouraged size wise. You can do it. Pack basics. 

2. Don't care too much about matching. 

3. Accessorize. Bows, Shoes, Scarves, Belts.

4. Wear make-up. It helps protect you from pollution and it gives you the edge you need. 

5. Get a trendy, easy to maintain hair-cut and style it. It makes you look more polished.

6. You will most likely lose weight. Even when you are in the in-between zone, you can find clothes. 

7. Binge on your 1st paycheck. You need clothes there's plenty of time to save later.

8. If your bigger, try shopping maternity or mens. I do. ALL THE TIME. You get the desired look without the fight.

9. Be fearless. Use your "Foreigner" card to your advantage. Don't spend too much time adhering to norms. 

10. You will never be Korean. EVER. (unless you are Korean). Keep this in mind and don't forget to be you.

Also. Don't wear this:

They will try to temp you, but sweatsuits are not okay. EVER.

My motto each month is "Well, just a few more things and I can probably look my best." My results each month are satisfactory. Here are some selfies:

As you can see, I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself, relatively comfortable as the weather changes, and confident I can keep searching for clothes without having to kill myself over money or expectation. I'm following my own rules mixed with the Korean advice I get here and there. Overall, the disaster is slowly mending itself.. I just keep having to say relax, s'okay. Don't get all worked up 'cause there is a pile of fabulous clothing at home you cant ger to because you are thousands and thousands of miles away and---

yeah so anyway things are working out. So much so that  I'm making this face: 

You are totally jealous of my hat 

Happy Hunting!

-Jessie