Does anyone else dread shopping? Don’t get me wrong, I could bury myself in a vintage store for forever. Malls however, are another story. There are too many people, its crowded and pushy. I get as ornery as a wet cat about thirty minutes in, and at the fifty minute mark my husband and I are headed for a divorce. He’s a lucky, lucky, guy. I know. Anyway, because I’m such a moody shopping bitch, I have devised a shopping guideline for myself and I figured maybe some of you would find it useful. This is for those days when browsing just isn’t going to happen. Elbows out and eyes on the prize ladies.

Have A Specific Color In Mind

Leaf through some of your magazines before you head out. If there is a seasonal color that you’re wanting to give a try or just a color you’ve been inspired by recently then keep it in your mind. I for one have been looking for the perfect red shirt for about three years now. I refuse to waste my money and settle for something I’m just going to end up giving away. So if you ever see me in a red shirt, I expect a high five.

Know What You’re Looking For

Have you ever gone out shopping for a sweater and you came home with seventeen tank tops because they were on sale? Yeah, me too. And never again. Know what your wanting and what you’re wanting it for. Long sleeve? Short sleeve? Dressy? If you pinpoint an image of what you’re wanting as an outcome you can steer away from anything that’s unnecessary.

What Shape Do You Like?

Lets be honest with ourselves. You’re going to wear what you like. If you enjoy wearing a wide legged pant, then don’t trick yourself into thinking those super skinny jeans will be your best friend just because they are on sale. If you’re more of a dress pant gal then stick to that section or maybe some nice suits. Don’t flock over to the dress section just because you feel that’s what everyone is expecting to see you in or because they have a better price. You’ll actually just spend more because you won’t wear it.

What Does The Event Call For?

If you have a wedding to go to then keep your ass out of the white dress section. You don’t need to be in there. Don’t do that to yourself. That’s the equivalent of running out and buying some assless chaps. If you know where you are going, google appropriate outfits for that specific event if you can’t come up with an idea of what you want. Then you’re hitting the store with at least a bit of an idea of what your looking for.

Weather

A summer wedding or event calls for an outfit having a nice dress or pair of dress shorts. A fall wedding, not so much. Only you know how you are comfortable in certain temperatures. I for one sweat like a whore in church, so super thick sleeves are never good for me. I’m also not always comfortable with having my whole arm out. So shopping for me is a real treat. I know my likes though, so I tend to steer towards the things I know I will be more comfortable in.

Your Body Type

I’m sure there are certain styles that you feel less attractive in. Those devil store displays can dress it up and really make you believe that this once will be the time you throw caution to the wind and will wear it. Don’t fall for this trickery. If you are busty and want to go dancing at your cousins wedding, that’s not the time to try that tube top dress out. Stick with a style that you know you look good in. Then you will feel good. Throw caution to the wind with a colorful pair of shoes or a unique clutch instead.

Can You Mix What You Already Own With It?

This is the first thing I think of when I’m shopping. If I can’t think of at least five accessories that I already own to wear with it, then its a no go. Some people call that boring. I call it honest. I know the things that I love. And if I can’t pair those things with that new top I just bought then I will choose something I know I can mix with them instead. Aim for can I wear a jacket I already own with this? Or do I have any shoes that go with it? If the answer is no then put it back. Or else you will be back there the next day looking for a jacket and shoes.

I hope that these tips help you out on those shopping days that you just aren’t wanting to be involved in. And if you ever see me in a mall in oversized sunglasses, dressed like a private detective with my head down and walking at full tilt now you’ll get why. I mean business.

xo Stephanie