Size what?

What is a size? You'd think it would be a common measurement that helps people determine what will fit them best, right?
Well not exactly! First of all, this weekend, I got measured for a bridesmaid dress. I am usually between a 4 and a 6...but what do they tell me? Somewhere between a 4 and a 10! Great. Thanks for the help! (after a bit more investigation, i find that i am still a size 8 in bridesmaid apparel which is still way off the "traditional sizing" I am used to).

Now on to shoes. I bought a pair of running shoes a couple weeks ago. I am normally a size 7 or 7 1/2, and I think I bought the size 7 1/2. After running in them a few times, my feet continued to GO NUMB while running. Not good. So Jay and I take them back tonight and go to a specialty running store where they take a video of my feet running on a treadmill. Turns out after the video and trying on several pairs, I pronate big time (especially on my left) and that I am a size 9!!!! What? I have never even been an 8 nevermind a 9!!

Don't even get me started on bras!!!