i have never known there to be a standard for women's sizes from manufacturer to manufacturer. the clothes that fit me can be sized anywhere from 6 (rarely) to 12, depending on the cut. i can imagine how maddening that must be for women who identify themselves in terms of size.

thrift stores are good for escaping this problem, because the hodgepodge of eras and styles demands that one ignore (sometimes absent) labels and try things on. and sewing one's own (for those who know how and have the inclination) can be a truly liberating experience.