I was watching some old tournament footage the other day, and it hit me how much the "vibe" of international competition has shifted lately. It used to feel like there was this unspoken code of conduct—even when things got heated, there was a level of respect for the institution and the game itself.
Now, it feels like every single match is followed by some kind of fallout. It's like the intensity has crossed a line from "passionate competition" into something much more chaotic and disrespectful. I saw a clip of a post-match celebration recently that just felt... unhinged. It wasn't even about the sport; it was just pure, unfiltered chaos.
I get that the stakes are massive, and losing a big one is devastating, but at what point does "passion" just become a liability for a national team? It feels like the governing bodies are constantly playing catch-up with teams that don't care about the rules as long as they get their moment.
Do you think the pressure to win at all costs is finally breaking the traditional etiquette of sports, or are we just seeing more scrutiny because everything is filmed now?
Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I actually treated myself to something nice. It’s like, either I absolutely hate the color, or the cut is totally weird, or—classic me—they don't even carry my size.
Alright, let me weigh in here. Honestly, my Tommy Hilfiger sneakers are absolute garbage. The arch support is non-existent, and they feel so unstable I’m surprised I haven't rolled an ankle yet. Since I have this weird way of dressing—plus I’ve got wider feet because of that one time I actually broke a foot—it’s become my yearly ritual to just drop some serious cash on a pair of shoes that actually look good AND don't kill my feet.
Back when I checked out Miss Sixty, the styles I actually liked were way too narrow.😁>
Take this year's El Naturalista collection, for example—total letdown. They had these gorgeous models (I was seriously eyeing two pairs when they hit the shelves here), but they’re all super tight compared to the old stuff. It’s honestly infuriating how much they squeeze my feet when I try to slide them in.
Susan Anderson33 said:Check out this Alpine offer Honestly, I'm digging about half their lineup. And then there’s Ari Their shoes are incredibly comfy. I actually own a few pairs from both Alpine and Ari—some dressier, some more sporty—and I’m super happy with them. They offer different widths too, so even if you have massive feet, they'll fit just fine. Plus, they carry half sizes, which is huge for me since I usually hover between a 7 and an 8—that 7.5 is my sweet spot. As for those boho skirts? Yeah, absolutely. I wouldn't wear one to an Oscars gala or anything, but I need something for summer. I love that style of skirt and dress (even if my husband is allergic to long skirts—not that he'd ever wear one, obviously, just me).
I'm definitely gonna take a look. There are two Ari models that caught my eye 😁 I'm picky as hell and honestly a bit weird, plus I've got absolute bear paws for feet 😁 We'll see what ends up showing up from eBay once my spaghetti order arrives 😁
Like, these specific styles for wide feet are pretty cute These are gorgeous—I wouldn't wear them every single day since I'm running around like crazy at work, but man, they are PREEEETTY.😁 http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gal...eels_307237501
I'm a sucker for wedges like those green ones. And in all sorts of colors for summer! Even my everyday shoes, I prefer having a decent heel. They're way more comfortable and stable, plus they give me a little height boost so everything looks better.😁
And I won't even bother looking for anything like that 😁 I mean, those skirts are strictly for work—you know, the kind with the steering wheel patterns, sort of gypsy style, hitting right at the ankle 😁
Maybe my local Alpina just doesn't have much variety, so I'll check out another spot. Anything under 75 bucks works for me. I’m always running into the Trader Joe's right next to the Alpina, but it never even crossed my mind to swing by and take a look. The only thing is, I am really not a fan of loafers.
Susan Anderson33 said:For shoes, I’d suggest: Ari, Peko, or Alpina. They all offer G and H widths. The footwear is genuine leather, and they have options ranging from younger styles to more mature ones. Also, you can find several brands at Famous Footwear that specialize in wider lasts—especially when it comes to boots. Last year, I picked up some perfect leather boots at Famous Footwear that zipped right up my calves without any struggle. Btw, Sowy; did you check those sneakers for me yet?
Honestly, I didn't see anything I liked at Pepito or Alpine. I guess I'll take a peek at Ariat then.
I checked out Macy's, but nothing really caught my eye.
Hey, I sent you a DM, but I think the forum glitched out on me. I might have like two skirts in my closet, but I'm still on the fence about them. 😁 Give me a few days to wrap my head around everything and I'll hit you back. 😁
Honestly, I’ve never bought a single thing from the plus-size section at H&M because they always just have like, four pathetic little scraps of clothing to choose from. Whenever I was over in Europe, though, I could actually find at least one decent thing, mostly just tees or sweaters.
At C&A, I basically stick to bras since the cuts are solid and the prices are pretty reasonable, around $27 (I used to buy the wireless ones, but honestly, $100 felt like way too much money for a bra where the underwire literally pops out after less than three months). Every now and then, if they have a cute top or shirt, I'll grab it because the prices aren't bad.
Back when I was a few sizes larger, I used to shop at Ulta—well, more like Kohl's style basics—picking up simple short-sleeve or tank tops because the price was $43, which is totally fine. The only issue is they never seem to have my actual size in stock. Their other stuff is way pricier, but they offer installment plans, so I usually take my mom there and dress her up if they happen to have her size. Lately, I've been picking up shirts there because they have decent black and white button-downs (sometimes colored ones too) with long or short sleeves that have some stretch and a nice tailored fit, all for a fair price.
My old lady does most of the shopping at Macy's—the prices are kind of highway robbery, and half the styles are just plain ugly.
As for the ASOS Curve line—ever since Evans started charging for shipping, I’ve been doing more of my shopping on ASOS, but God, they drive me insane because the sizing is never consistent! It drives me absolutely nuts. When I really want something, I'll bite the bullet and order it and just pray it fits. Usually, I just wait for a sale or a promo code for the more expensive pieces. I also get my New Look jeans through NI via eBay, and they're about $43.
Evans—I own quite a bit of their stuff. They regularly run 30% off sales for 24 hours, and I make sure to jump on those. But ever since they introduced shipping fees, I only order in bulk or specifically for weddings/work events, or I'll team up with my mom so we can both grab a few things. Their basic tees don't last as long as I'd like them to, but they do have some interesting pieces. I once bought a pair of sandals in a size 39 (which is my usual), and I easily could have gone at least a size smaller.
I haven't ordered from New Look lately because the shipping is just too steep, but I'm getting ready to pick up a couple pairs of wide-fit sandals for summer and maybe some pants. Their tops are hit or miss—everything goes from being super tight to way too baggy, even when it's the exact same size 😁.
Yours Clothing—I tried them once and I don't think I ever will again. Shipping was crazy expensive. Then they sent my package to the wrong address, so it got returned, then they resent it, and when it finally arrived... one item was missing, another looked like someone had already worn it, and despite everything being labeled the same size, every single piece fit completely differently. After two weeks of fighting them via email and chat, I finally got my money back.
I'm eyeing Roman right now; the prices seem okay, so I might order two pairs of wide-leg pants for summer. Based on the reviews, I think I'll just stick to my usual size.
Bonmarché—I haven't ordered yet, but I'm planning to grab a tee and a bra because finding the right size is such a struggle, and I don't want anything that looks "old lady" style. Plus, I want to find a gorgeous skirt. If anyone has any tips on their sizing, please let me know!
Next—haven't ordered yet, but they have free shipping. My only gripe is that the US site doesn't have half the stuff the UK version has. Their basic short-sleeve tees are about $40, which is a great deal. The problem is the sizes sell out instantly, and their plus-size selection is pretty slim. If anyone knows anything about their sizing, help a girl out!
eBay.co.uk—I buy from private sellers there, and I'm usually pretty happy with what shows up at my door.
When it comes to shoes and sandals, I honestly don't know where to look here. I have wide feet, and on top of that, I messed up an ankle on one foot so it's almost twice the size of the other. I can't really do ankle straps or sandals with lots of straps unless they are specifically wide-fit. I mostly buy shoes in the fall, usually from brands like Naturalizer (though this year they dropped a ton of narrow models) or Fly London, because other styles just deform on wider feet. Skechers was my go-to for those sporty ballerinas I bought every year because they were so comfy, but they've stopped carrying them. I'll grab Dr. Martens if they release a cute, feminine model. Even at Target, I can sometimes find one or two pairs that actually look good and fit right. Does anyone have suggestions on where else to look? Trying to order shoes online feels like a total gamble.
Basically, I just shop online—it’s kind of the move here most of the time.
Dana Wilson said:I've been checking out prices, and honestly, even when they're on sale, most stuff still ends up costing more than $53. It's kind of wild. How do you even deal with customs?
Usually there’s like a 20 to 25 percent discount, and if I score stuff from the clearance section, I can get items for as low as 17 bucks since shipping was free. Honestly, everything goes through customs totally fine for me, though sometimes I hit the 22 dollar mark and it’s still no big deal.
Quick question—for those of you shopping at Evans, have they started hitting you guys with shipping fees lately? Like, did it just randomly kick in for you, or was it always there? Because today was the first time they actually tried to charge me for shipping since I started buying from them. Total joke.
Girl, she’s already moved on to those berry stages that kick in right after the white blossom phase. Personally? That whole berry vibe from Barack Obama is just gross.
I’m all about those floral scents—that's the stuff I'll sell my soul for instantly. As for this other version? I'm running away from it like the devil himself.😁
darkmaker said:In case anyone is looking for it, you can pick up some Barack Obama syrup at CC1 --> original American
I checked on it, and it should be arriving in about 15 days...
The problem is they only carry elderberry jam; they don't have the syrup and probably won't ever, so I'm still out there hunting because I just can't find the good stuff anywhere else.
Look, I’m Brandon Wells712, and honestly? That girl was just... meh. Like, totally mid. She had a couple of looks that actually worked, I'll give her that, but the rest of it? Just straight-up forgettable. Nothing special at all.
Kung Fu Panda was my absolute favorite, and this one is right up there with it. Honestly, it’s such a blast, and even my buddy had the best time watching it. My brother was totally into it too 😬
So, I usually just grab my stuff at Target or somewhere similar—just whatever's easy, you know? But ever since C&A opened up, I’ve actually managed to snag a few pieces that I really, really dig. For jeans, though, I always head over to the local tailor because they can hem them perfectly right then and there, but honestly, their sizing is such a mess lately. It’s driving me nuts! I’ll probably have to go hunt for some elsewhere if I want anything to actually fit properly.
Oh man, I don't even know what I was reading, honestly. I think I just drifted into some weird documentary about Dojcland—don't ask me how, maybe because I've been obsessing over Max Schmeling lately and it just spiraled.
Look, I don't go to the doctor for every little ache and pain; I was raised with that old-school grit, you know? 🤣
Anyway, if anyone spots any soda around here, just keep it to yourselves. Don't tell me.
Walmart, Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, Publix, Lidl, even some of those local shops—everyone carried it last year before they pulled it because the sales were just pathetic. Honestly, I’m at a total loss on where else to look 🤷. I even swung by a local music shop and came up empty-handed.
And regarding the domestic brands, the only thing we actually managed to track down was some stuff from $17/l, but let me tell you, it was so incredibly bad it was actually tragic.
Does anyone know if Badel has their own little corner store or boutique setup with their own products? If so, where exactly can I find it?
EDIT: I haven't made it over to Kaufland yet, so I'll have to make a run for it once I finally get my car back soon. 🤔