Here's an infographic that was in the NY Times last year about how a size 8 varies across the board depending on the designer.

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/20...l?ref=business

I find now I care more about how things fit on my body because if it fits well, it looks good. The size is just some place I start looking when I shop

I do feel good when I fit into a smaller size at one of the pricier boutiques knowing they are less lenient than say... Old Navy.

do NOT even get me started.

it's not just ladies' clothes: my youngest will be 5 in a week and a half.

for the most part, she fits a 6x. but the last batch we bought, the 6x jeans had to be rolled up twice, the 6x track pants ended just above her ankles, and the 6x top was too tight in the chest and too long in the sleeve!