A Shopping We Will Go...

So far, we've worked on the change of mindset, we've got our coupons, and we know what we need in our closet. "What's next?", you may ask. SHOPPING!

Okay, I know that most of you want to smack me now. Shopping is still that nasty word to most of the world, especially the female half. Remember, we aren't going out with a goal to actually purchase anything. This will be an expeditionary trip. We are going out to find which stores are good for what types of clothes. Really, this works. Grab a friend who is honest, kind, and has a big enough purse to hold a stash of chocolate and head for your favorite shopping center/mall.

By now, you should have a list of what you need in your closet, either on paper or in your head. You know what clothes you are always reaching for, and what clothes you tend to kill because you wear them to death. My two big ones are jeans and t-shirts. I'm lucky if I can get my t-shirts to last 2 years before they are so faded and pilled that I can only wear them when painting or under other tops. We are going to map out your mall for places to get those types of pieces, and to get a good idea of what stores have clothes that actually fit you.

Yep, you get to try on clothes. This is why I suggested you bring a friend and some chocolate. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to go into EVERY clothes store that has your size range and at least look around. Yes, even the stores that have sweaters only a kindergarten teacher or grandmother would wear (or "crones-wear" as one of my friends terms it.) You are looking for items on your list that fit your new clothing look. Your friend is there to help you find items, help drag them to the dressing room, critique the fit, and feed you chocolate as necessary. Here is a scenario to help you get the idea of what we are trying to do.

WF (wonderful friend, she would have to be to help with this mission) and I are at the mall and we see a Christopher & Banks store. I normally wouldn't go in, but we are on "THE SHOPPING MISSION", so we head on in. I go through the store and find several styles of t-shirts with interesting details (tone-on-tone embroidery, interesting neckline, etc.), and a couple pairs of jeans that look like they might be the style I am looking for. I grab a couple sizes in each one that looks interesting. After about 10 minutes in the dressing room, we determine that only one style of t-shirt fits right, and none of the jeans are close enough in fit to be workable. Now I know that when I am filling out my wardrobe, I can come here to peruse the clearance rack for that style of t-shirt in multiple colors. Most important, I know what not to bother with.

You will repeat this process for EVERY store. I know, it will be exhausting, your hair will be a mess, and you will probably go through every piece of chocolate your friend is carrying. I promise, this will be worth it in the long run. You now have a list of stores that you know carry clothes you like and what sizes and styles you need in each store. This makes an actual buying trip easier. You now know what stores you can skip completely, and what stores you can pick up items quickly.

If there is one store that really has a lot of items you like and actually fit, you may want to go back a couple times a season. This is so you can check out the new styles, try on some new things, and, most importantly, check the clearance regularly. For me, that store is Target. It is less than 5 minutes from my house, and they carry a good range of items that fit me and are a style I like. Because I'm there so often, I did a little extra recon there. I chatted up the sales staff, and found out when they go through different departments to move items to clearance. At Target, they move items to clearance in the Ladies department on Tuesday. I will try to get there around 11am on Tuesday or first thing Wednesday morning so I have the best selection at the 75% off rack. I have gotten t-shirts there anywhere from $3.25 to $1.50.

I know, I'm making you talk to people again. It is so worth it to ask the sales people at your favorite stores when they move items to clearance. Then you don't make wasted trips, and you are always there right when they have the biggest selection for the least amount of money.

This all makes your buying trips so much easier. You can time your trips to when items go to clearance, and you already know what styles and sizes you need. That way you can just grab and go instead of having to try on a whole pile of stuff. Also, if the stores you like have an e-commerce site, like http://www.express.com/, http://www.oldnavy.com/, or any other mall store, you can make life even easier. You can find your coupon codes (free shipping is my favorite), then peruse the store online. You already know what styles and sizes you need, so you can just let your fingers do the typing and it will arrive at your house in a week. No bad lighting, dressing rooms, extra impulse items, and you typically have a better color selection than you would find in the stores. Plus, if there is a problem, most of the stores will let you return your online purchases at your local store (check this out with each store before you buy if you are worried.)

See, there is a method to the madness. I would never put you through all the agony without good reason. So get your list together, grab a friend (don't forget the chocolate), and go have some fun at the mall! Hey, if you're feeling adventurous, or just plain silly, go ahead and try on a sexy prom dress. It's not like you actually need one, but it is just plain fun to do. Try on a big twirly one for me!