“Do your little bit of good where you are, it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ~ Desmond Tutu
Hey my Sweetie Pies! Happy Hump Day! I hope you all are having a great week so far! Well I went to the galleria the other day and thought, “Why don’t I do a post about shopping tips?” I for one LOVE shopping! My boyfriend actually picks on me because of my slightly unhealthy obsession but hey, what’s a girl to do? Now even though I love shopping, every woman isn’t like that. Some women actually cringe at the thought of shopping. For different women, there are different reasons. For some it’s simply the having to wonder through countless stores and racks. For some it is the dressing room blues. For some it is a money issue. And for some it’s the buying a million and one things and still feeling like you have absolutely nothing to wear. Well I am here to help you tackle those issues if you have any of those and to share some tips that I have learned along the way.
I managed to snap a few pics yesterday so I hope you all enjoy!
Believe it or not, I feel that shopping starts at home. It is important to have a good understanding of what you already own and how the things you have in your closet fit you. This will help you when you find that cute pencil skirt, you can have a better understanding of whether it is going to go with that blouse you have at home. Also, make a list of things you need in your wardrobe. I usually find out the things I need just by getting ready everyday. Maybe I have a look in mind one day and then I realize I don’t have a pair of nude pumps or perhaps a pair of black skinnies. When you finally go shopping, take the list with you so that you have somewhat of an agenda while you’re shopping and not wandering aimlessly.
Another thing that I enjoy doing is window shopping. You heard me right, WINDOW SHOPPING! I will go window shopping without my cards so that I don’t end up impulse shopping. I had the terrible habit of going and spending soooo much money on items (I mean like hundreds, fix it Jesus) and most of the time they were trendy pieces but wasn’t making the most of my wardrobe with my budget. So in turn, I would have the “I don’t have anything to wear syndrome” because I was just buying and not buying strategically. If I continue to think about an item well after I leave the mall, then I begin to consider to buy it. When shopping you want to make sure that you’re buying items to make the most out of your wardrobe. Which leads to my next rule, the 3-Way rule. The 3-way rule is pretty simple. I come up with 3 ways to wear that particular item with things from my existing wardrobe. (which reiterates the idea of knowing what you already own) and if I can’t come up with 3, I don’t buy it. Plain and simple right?
My next rule is invest in the basics! Basics provide the foundation for a fabulous and functional wardrobe. If you are not quite sure what I mean by basics I mean items in neutral colors such as black, tan, white and gray. I feel every woman needs a basic solid color tees, crisp button downs, tanks, pumps, skirts and dresses in any of these colors. These items will be great for any and everything from work to church to happy hour. I feel that once you invest in some of these pieces then you can add trendy pieces to amp up your outfit. You can even mix and match your basic pieces together for a chic minimalist look. If you all would like to see a separate post just about basics, make sure to comment below!
Another rule, even though it should be pretty obvious, is to try it on! If you like something enough and it goes with your 3-way rule, the deal breaker could be the fit of it. Because trust me, no one wants to buy something and then possibly being stuck with it because it doesn’t fit and you can’t return it. No one and I mean NO ONE likes to waste money. So grab a million and one items, if that’s how many you love. (And trust me I do it ALL of the time.) Have a dressing room party! Move around in the items, dance, sit if you can, wiggle, jig everything! The last thing you want is not being able to move in your clothes or be 2 breathes away from busting out of your clothes. Make sure that you are comfortable and that you LOVE the item. I emphasize the ‘love’ part because if I don’t love it, I don’t buy it. I know it may seem like I have a lot of rules for myself but in the end, my practical self thanks me. The worst thing is to have buyer’s remorse. You want to love and be comfortable in what you spend your hard earned money on.
My last few rules are make sure you wear something comfortable and functional when shopping. Me personally I like wearing a dress so I can change in and out of it while trying on clothes. I also try to wear flat shoes such as flats, sandals or sneakers. (And who said that shopping wasn’t cardio?) The last thing you want is to be walking from store to store and you’re uncomfortable. Know your body and figure so that you can have fun! Don’t beat yourself up when it comes to sizes and numbers and all that mess. The most important thing is that you look and feel good in WHATEVER it is that you’re wearing. I know I DO!
I hope this helps you all and that enjoyed reading this post as much as I did creating it. What are your favorite places to shop at and why? Thrift stores, Forever 21, TOPSHOP, Charlotte Russe, Zara? Comment below!
As always, XO and Stay FAB! ~ Stormie
So Stormie 