Thursday 11 October 2007

Knickers

I like knickers bursting with colour and pattern. I like them cheap. And I like a certain shape – I’m very particular about that. I usually get them from Peacocks and when they fall apart, or the elastic goes, which is usually when I’m sick of them anyway, I go and get another packet, at the princely cost of a couple of quid.

But last week, having decided it was time for a new packet, could I find any?

I went to Peacocks (sold out), Tesco in Helston (no adults knickers), Asda (no cotton ones), then tried I don’t know how many other stores. All I wanted was a packet of colourful, patterned, cotton knickers. In the right style, of course, and now all the styles seem to have changed so I couldn’t remember what I usually bought.

I was met with a bewildering array of thongs. (No thanks.) Full briefs (ditto). Hi legs, shorts, mini bikinis, micro mesh, black ones, white ones, lacy ones, all in a variety of styles that I didn’t want. Since when have knickers got so bloody complicated?

Himself came with me on the last leg (sorry), as it was after my session with Dr Grey last week. Bless him, he had no idea.

‘Look at these, Pop.’ Peering at white, Bridget Jones knickers.

‘No thanks.’

‘Pop – what about these?’ Size 18 black ones.

‘No thanks.’ Pause while I try to think of how to get the message across tactfully. ‘I know what I WANT,’ I said.

It worked. I dragged him out of the shop and into M&S in Truro where they have a whole floor devoted to lingerie. Confusing or what. Himself wandered round looking as if he was shellshocked. I have to say, their knickers are above my usual price range, but I found a dog eared M&S voucher worth £6 in the bottom of my rucksack and thought – Bingo!

After about half an hour of searching, I am now the proud owner of £6 worth of M&S knickers. A variety pack including black and white polka dots and pink and black swirls. The lingerie equivalent of pick ‘n mix.

Well, it does it for me.

18 comments:

Hannah Velten said...

Glad you found the right ones in the end - I know what you mean about having particular favourites when it comes to knickers! And love the way that men walk around the M&S lingerie section - trying not to lear, trying not to look embarrassed; so they end up looking at the floor or looking sheepish - poor things!

Cornish Dreamer said...

Wow, I never knew that buying underwear could be such an adventure! I know what you mean though, when you know what you want, that's all there is to it (except finding them, of course).

RT

Lane Mathias said...

knickers have to be 'just right' don't they?

Men in the lingerie department always put me in mind of that episode of Father Ted where the priests are lost amongst a sea of knickers. The scandal!:-)

laurie said...

ha! funny. i am that way with socks.

knickers have to be cotton, white or beige, and not too tall. don't want 'em peeking over the top of my trousers, you know.

wakeupandsmellthecoffee said...

My hubby likes to buy me lingerie which has not practical value whatsoever. All I want are nice white knickers that don't leave a VPL.

Just read Lane's comment. That was a classic Father Ted.

Em said...

I found some brilliantly comfy pants once and bought about 8 pairs. Then they were discontinued. Now they're on their last legs. I feel a knicker crisis coming on...

Flowerpot said...

hannah - yes, strange how we all have our particular favourites when it comes to knickers.

RT - well, I guess it can be an adventure - or a bloody trial!!

Lane - I don't know that I saw that episode of Father Ted but I can imagine it well!!

Flowerpot said...

wakeup - my husband's never actually bought me knickers. I dread to think what he'd buy...

Em - vital to have comfy knickers I find. I hope your crisis passes soon with comfortable results!!

Akelamalu said...

There's nothing worse than 'not right' knickers! It can mean the difference between being in a great mood and being the incredible hulk!

Flowerpot said...

I quite agree, Ak. Teh wrong knickers, or ones that dont fit properly, ruin my day completely.

Anonymous said...

What is it with men and lingerie departments? Me and my mum have such a good laugh at them as wives are picking up bras and knickers and the husbands/boyfriends are trying "hard" to look interested. But they always seem interested in what other people are buying. Knickers for me have to be simple. Can't be doing with thongs, too uncomfortable, make you walk funny.

Crystal xx

Flowerpot said...

Crystal I quite agree about thongs. I tried one once and NO WAY am I going to wear one again. Still, we're all different.

the rotten correspondent said...

And as bad as that was, it was just a warm up for bra shopping. I read that something like 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. And do you know why? There's too much to choose from - you get overwhelmed.

And thongs? Don't get me started.

Em said...

RC - I got myself measured up but then I've found bras that say they're my size vary wildly!! (designed by blokes??)

Irene said...

I know all about underwear and how it is supposed to look and feel and how I can find just the right kind if I can only see it in front of me. I like black underwear very much, I haven't bought much in many colors, although I may give it a try. I always worry about it matching my bras. Does that bother you?

tim relf said...

I've learnt a lot from that... not sure I'm really qualified to post a comment on this one though!

Flowerpot said...

corresopndent - I've found the secret to bra shopping. I go to Tesco and get a pack of 2 for £3. Much easier!

Flowerpot said...

em - I quite agree about bra sizes. And each style is different - yes, must hav been designed by a bloke.

sweet irene - no I dont worry if my knickers dont match my bra. I used to wear a lot of blck then decided it was a bit funeral so have cheered things up a bit!

Tim - oh go on - so what have you learned?!! Pls call back again.