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| women's cotton twill chinos; trying to find work slacks like Docker's | |
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| Topic Started: Jun 27 2009, 06:31:18 PM (1,014 Views) | |
| TP** | Jun 27 2009, 06:31:18 PM Post #1 |
Yacker
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I like to keep my work wardrobe simple, even uniform. In the States, when I needed new slacks for work, I went to Sears, JC Penny, or the like to stock up on plain, cotton twill slacks, usually chinos. The dept. stores have the pants in a few waist styles, about five colors each, and different lengths. Usually I got a few pairs of Dockers or Lee brand trousers. I would also got some long sleeved cotton oxford shits, or a few polos for spring/summer. The racks of shirts were usually next to the trousers. Then, I was all set for work clothes. Well, I have been to every store in Wagga Wagga, and I can't find any women's plain cotton twill chinos. I even wear a pair of slacks that I bought in the U.S. and ask the sales people if they have or have seen anything like them. They tell me no, they don't have them and have never seen any slacks like I am wearing. I have found some ultra low rise cotton slacks with decorative buckles and laces, suitable for a teenager's night on the town, but nothing like my standard work uniform. There are stores that have racks of men's cotton twill slacks, but no women's. I even contacted uniform supply shops. They had cotton pants for men, but the women's pants were all polyester. Has anyone ever seen anything like the displays of women's Docker's slacks and shirts that you can find in the U.S.? I work with children and have to crouch on the floor, etc. I really would like to stock up on some comfortable, plain, heavy duty cotton slacks. Help! I can't believe there is no such thing as women's cotton twill chinos in Australia!!! |
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| minx | Jun 27 2009, 07:29:34 PM Post #2 |
True Blue Mate
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Why don't you just order Docker's from JC Penney online? They ship here, no problem. |
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| TP** | Jun 27 2009, 11:17:09 PM Post #3 |
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Yacker
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I've considered that, but from the website, it looked like they've changed the styles, so I'm not sure of the fit. Also, the shipping would be at least $50. Mostly, I was wondering if it was just the town that I'm living in, or is it really not possible to find women's basic cotton twill chinos in Australia. It is kind of strange, not to be able to find a basic item. But, I've come across that a whole lot here. I spent a whole day trying to find bratwurst; only the owner of a specialty butchery on the edge of town had even heard of it, and he didn't have any. Same with the chinos; the shop workers have never heard of them or seen anything like them. Its getting to the point that I bring a picture or an example of what I'm shopping for. I get really confused looks when I ask for help in the grocery stores. |
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| Lisa66 | Jun 27 2009, 11:37:04 PM Post #4 |
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True Blue Mate
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I've actually not seen women wear khakis / chinos here. Business dress is much more formal [in Melbourne] - with no "casual Friday" and casual is more casual - trackies / yoga pants, jeans. I am a Lands End / Eddie Bauer gal myself and honestly don't see that kind of stuff in the shops at all. Lands End in the US has reasonable shipping and since we're opposite seasons you can find good deals in the overstocks. |
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| minx | Jun 28 2009, 12:31:42 AM Post #5 |
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True Blue Mate
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oh yeah, Land's End is good. The UK site is quicker, with better shipping. |
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| TerritorianTori | Jun 28 2009, 02:12:46 AM Post #6 |
Dance to disco
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You may need to take a road trip to Sydney. Or Melbourne. You could also try ebay.com.au. I've found lots of things on there that aren't sold in the local shops. (Darwin may be a capital city, but it's pretty regional!) Sounds like you're beginning to discover the nitty-gritty of living in another country. Many of us have discovered that the things we took for granted in the States aren't as readily available here, or don't exist at all. The confused looks in the shops? Yeah, been there and done that.  Over time, you'll find substitutes for some things, do without other things, change your thinking in many ways, and join the rest of us who pay ridiculously high prices to order those 'can't-do-withouts' from overseas.By the way, I get all my slacks from jcpenney.com. That $50 shipping is totally worth it if you spend up big. 
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 South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd | The Big Bang Theory | Doctor Who | Pet Shop Boys | Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys | |
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| TP** | Jun 28 2009, 09:22:43 AM Post #7 |
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Yacker
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Hmm, I did notice that women's clothing went from something that I would not wear to work (waist too low-rise, knits and joggers, too much decorative embellishment like laces, buckles, extra zippers or lots of metallic embroidery, faded jeans) to the dressier, lighter weight polyester or wool slacks, with nothing in-between. I'd wear the dressier slacks if I had a regular office job, but I need something more comfortable and durable for working with kids. I'm a therapist, and khakis/chinos with polo shirts were pretty much the work uniform in rehab and therapy settings in the States. Actually, I prefer khakis for casual wear, too. It is just so strange to me that women over here simply don't wear something that I thought was an essential wardrobe staple. Men wear them, but not women. What is the cultural factor that accounts for that? I think it might be more than just that the business casual look has not caught on in Australia, because men wear them to work. Perhaps there is more of a tendency to emphasise gender differences with wardrobe here. The type of clothing that I prefer is very gender neutral. Lisa66, would a trip to Melbourne yield large displays of Land's End/ Eddie Bauer kinds of clothes? Or, am I going to have to order from Land's End and jcpenny.com? Better yet, I'm heading home (and yes, the U.S. is still, and will always be, my home) with a big, empty suitcase. I've been keeping a list of what I'm going to get, and most of it is just basic stuff that is prohibitively expensive, hard to find, or just doesn't exist on the bottom side of the world. |
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| TerritorianTori | Jun 28 2009, 09:54:30 AM Post #8 |
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Dance to disco
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Yes, most of us do that, too.  You know, I spend a lot of time with therapists (for my kids) and I think most if not all actually wear jeans! Of course, this is Darwin, and Darwin attire tends to be miles more casual than the rest of the nation. Have you started your job yet? What are the other women wearing? |
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South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd | The Big Bang Theory | Doctor Who | Pet Shop Boys | Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys | |
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| MrsHippo | Jun 28 2009, 10:36:12 AM Post #9 |
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True Blue Mate
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You could try Rivers. They often have cotton, cargo type pants that might work. http://www.rivers.com.au/online_shop_women.htm I agree that cotton clothing is an issue here. I have heard that Australia has tight restrictions on importing cotton products, and it seems nearly impossible to find decent, standard cotton clothing. Most product is poly-cotton at best. And polyester is not the most comfy of fabrics in Aussie heat. My suggestion to to either buy online or bring gads of it back with you on your next trip. I know there are lots of expats who will tell you to 'deal with it' and accept that you are in a different country, but seriously, if you know there is a product elsewhere in the world that you love and can use, have it shipped! Personally, there is no shame in using what you know and love. I think it's sad that some people would expect anyone to move and never use or enjoy familiar products again. I mean... don't half the folks on here try and replicate Mexican food? Same thing, IMO. Good luck with your search. I will keep an eye out here in Sydney for you, and if I see any, I will let you know. |
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Val Dual US / Canadian citizen from Toronto, ON Sydney Dec 2007 - Aug 2011 | |
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| TP** | Jun 28 2009, 10:39:11 AM Post #10 |
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Yacker
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I started last week, and yes, some of the other therapists are wearing jeans. They are about half my age, though, and spend a lot of time tugging their waist bands up, or tugging their tops down. I have already witnessed a therapist mooning the video camera while reaching toward a child during an assessment. I would wear jeans if I could find looser fitting, higher-rise jeans that were darker, without the distressed, faded look. Perhaps I could try some shops for "mature ladies" but then, you start getting the elastic waistbands. On other topics, (and I'm not sure if I am supposed to start new threads here), I only work 2 days per week, and really need more. I've been unemployed, and now under-employed, since August 2008. Also, I hope that your family is pleased with the services that your children are getting. It seems that there is much less emphasis on therapists providing direct services in Australia as compared to the U.S. |
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| TerritorianTori | Jun 28 2009, 12:25:24 PM Post #11 |
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Dance to disco
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 Don't think anyone on here has ever said or implied such a thing, so not sure where this is coming from. BTW, one way to "deal with it" is to have things shipped! gkay, I'm really sorry you're having trouble getting a full-time job. Not sure what things are like in NSW, but up here they've got a freeze on most government positions. Which is really stupid, because one of the biggest issues is long, long wait lists due to lack of qualified therapists.  (don't 'spose you'd be willing to relocate? ) |
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South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd | The Big Bang Theory | Doctor Who | Pet Shop Boys | Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys | |
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| crapola | Jun 28 2009, 02:55:58 PM Post #12 |
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True Blue Mate
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have you tried jeanswest? they have "normal" waisted jeans there, and have the darker blue denim, as well as the faded blue. |
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| Judy | Jun 28 2009, 03:16:37 PM Post #13 |
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True Blue Mate
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I'm Australian, and I agree that women's clothing here is the pits: it's all cheap, flimsy, sweaty synthetics. My solutions: 1. Shop in the men's section. 2. For polo shirts, look in either the men's section or the teen school clothing section. Stubbies brand polos aren't too expensive and last well. 3. Stock up when I'm in the US. |
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| SanDiablo | Jun 28 2009, 06:25:47 PM Post #14 |
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True Blue Mate
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I was just about to invite you over for Mexican food on the 4th of July....... Bring salsa. Edited for drunken spelling errors Edited by SanDiablo, Jun 28 2009, 06:26:34 PM.
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| MrsHippo | Jun 28 2009, 10:56:19 PM Post #15 |
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True Blue Mate
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Not directed to anyone in particular, but it seems like everytime someone on here talks about how they miss a product or can't find it here or are wanting to stock up or ship it... they are inevitably told to accept that they are in a different country, or find a similar alternative here. I dunno, I guess I just don't think it has to be so cut and dry. You can pretty much ship anything anywhere these days... seems reasonable to still use the products you know and love, even if they aren't available locally. I think sometimes it almost comes across as accusatory... like someone who is importing something is somehow anti-Australian. pish posh... just because I prefer Crest toothpaste (and stock up when I am home) does not mean I am somehow against Macleans... it just means I like Crest and want to stick with what I know. Sure, maybe I should accept that I live in a Crest-less country and find a suitable alternative here, but I don't HAVE to. Crest is $1.99 a tube 'back home' and it easily transportable, so why shouldn't I bring back a few tubes when I visit? anyway - maybe it's just me. 
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Val Dual US / Canadian citizen from Toronto, ON Sydney Dec 2007 - Aug 2011 | |
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| Lisa66 | Jun 28 2009, 11:13:28 PM Post #16 |
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True Blue Mate
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The latter two options, I think. I have not seen chinos / khakis for women around here. But then again, I haven't been looking. (I got rid of so much stuff (a LOT of clothing) before we left Seattle ... I am really trying to not start "collecting" again! I have bought a couple things for work (a suit at David Jones and a dress (on sale! $39) at Jaqui E) and some undies ... but that it pretty much it. My mom got a cute pair of chino shorts at Target, so it isn't a lost cause ... but if you know what you like @ Penny's or Lands End, got for it (via shipping or when you go home). I stocked up on some stuff for my daughter when I was home. (BTW, Thanks Minx for the UK Lands End suggestion!!) One thing I have wondered re: fashion here and the lack of a middle ground between business wear and trackies is the influence of wearing a school uniform from prep-year 12. Just a theory ... |
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| TerritorianTori | Jun 29 2009, 12:56:21 AM Post #17 |
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Dance to disco
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Yes, I think you're reading a bit too much into some posts.  I see two parallel trains of thought here. There's nothing wrong with importing the things you like - in fact, I'll even help you find the best source at the cheapest price.  On the other hand, I think it lessens the frustration when people (eventually) internalise the fact that this is another country and things work differently here. No, it doesn't mean everyone has to LIKE the status quo, but... y'know, realistic expectations and all that.
Edited by TerritorianTori, Jun 29 2009, 12:57:25 AM.
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South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd | The Big Bang Theory | Doctor Who | Pet Shop Boys | Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys | |
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| natasha_alena | Jun 29 2009, 07:53:03 AM Post #18 |
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True Blue Mate
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I think this is the smartest thing I've read on this board in a long time! There are definitely a number of things I'll pay ridiculously crazy shipping costs to get over here, some things three years on I am still hunting for an acceptable alternative, and some things I've just learned to live without. In the end, it's not the end of the world- they're all just material things! |
| "You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather" | |
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| SanDiablo | Jun 29 2009, 08:36:36 PM Post #19 |
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True Blue Mate
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Oh, I dunno - that sounds like something I have said in the past...and very may well say again in the future. And that despite the fact that I am anti-Macleans and my favorite brand of toothpaste is one product from home that I will bend over to import (well, I won't literally bend over...not for toothpaste). Depending on the product and how I feel about that product personally (or how much I have had to drink), I might very well tell someone to get over it. On days when I am feeling homesick myself, I may be more sympathetic. As I grow older, I become more and more comfortable with my own hypocrisy. I'm serious about the 4th though. I am making Carnitas and Cuban-Style Black Beans. And not just because I can't get them here, but because they are delicious! |
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| Lisa66 | Jul 1 2009, 11:32:44 PM Post #20 |
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True Blue Mate
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gkay, I had another thought about chinos today (I know, I have a rich and fulfilling intellectual life) - there are so many alterations places (I have had great luck getting stuff hemmed and altered - pretty inexpensive, quick, good work) why not just buy mens' chinos at a uniform place (or Gazman or some menswear shop) and have them altered to fit? There are so many clothing sales on now - it might not be too $$$ and you'd get a custom fit! (Depending on your size you may get away with boys' pants from a school uniform place.) http://www.surreyonline.com.au/catalogue/c7/p53 Edited by Lisa66, Jul 1 2009, 11:37:42 PM.
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