5 WAYS TO SHOP FOR YOURSELF (AND NOT HATE IT)
Let's be honest: shopping is HARD. I do it for a living, and I know first hand how soul crushing it can be when you cannot find anything! Even though shopping for others comes easily to me, it's not always that way when I shop for myself. I don't have the easiest body to shop for, so for me especially, it is never a one stop shop. I've compiled a quick cheat sheet to help you get through your next shopping trip successfully!
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Do a quick online search of your favorite stores to see what they've got. The worst thing ever is when you go somewhere you think will definitely have what you're looking for, but then you get there and their whole style has changed. (This happened to me in the mens department at Urban Outfitters recently). Is there a mall that has more stores that appeal to you? Go to the place that has the most options for you, instead of driving all over the city and wasting time.
2. BE ARMED AND READY
Make a list. Narrow it down. Know what you're looking for and where you're going. Most of the time, it is NOT going to be a one stop shop. Know this and have your expectations set. Like I mentioned in step 1, do your research before hand. For example: You need a new jacket and a few tops but you're good on jeans and shoes. You see online that Anthropologie has some cute fall stuff that might work for your body type, so you plan your shopping trip around that.
Also: you MUST have patience. If you don't have any sort of patience, then maybe you should stick to online shopping (ha! truth). Waiting in line is never fun, but being rude about it isn't cool either. I see this a lot day to day and it's such a bummer. Be nice and know that the employee trying to help you is doing just that: trying to help you.
3. KNOW WHERE TO PARK
If you're going to a mall and are going to several stores, there is nothing more exhausting then hauling a bunch of bags to your car when it is a mile away. For example, a typical day for me at the mall: I park at Bloomingdale's and hit up that whole side of the mall, then take my shopping bags to my car and move it to the Neiman's side. Then to the Macy's side, etc. It makes things go quicker.
4. GO EASY ON YOURSELF
Try new things. Get options. If you're not confident in it, don't buy it because you'll never wear it. Do not get discouraged, friends. Easier said than done, am I right? I have a very difficult body to shop for and it is so easy to get extremely frustrated and upset in a store when nothing is working. Remember this: Every store has a different designer and is cut differently. Sizes mean nothing these days. You could be a 12 at one store and a 16 at another. When I shop online, it can take me upwards of 25 pieces before I find something that works. Buy the size that FITS and the style that looks good and quit caring about the number. In store is a little easier because you can eye it before you try it, but often it is still frustrating.
5. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, TARGET.
All #basicmom jokes aside, this is the truth y'all. Target is now carrying so many lines of cute clothing they've always got something you can wear to work, on a date, or even to a wedding. Bonus, they're open till 11. I can't tell you how many times I've had to go there for a last minute something (like the time I realized before my event I had nothing to wear, and put this adorable number together for less than $50). Also, sidenote: the kimono and shoes I'm wearing is also from the Big T. ;)
HERE ARE MY FAVORITE GO-TO SHOPS
(NOT ONLINE, AND BASED ON MY BODY TYPE - THIS LIST CAN VARY GREATLY DEPENDING ON WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOUR STYLE IS)
SHOES: Nordstrom Rack & DSW
DRESSES: Macy's FREE PEOPLE section & dress department, Anthropologie, Nordstrom
JEANS (for MY body type): Nordstrom (Good American) or Target (Mossimo high waisted)
JACKETS: Nordstrom, Old Navy, Bloomingdale's
TOPS: Macy's Free People, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Target
KIMONOS & LAYERS: Free People, TJMaxx, Bill Hallman, South Moon Under, Abercrombie & Fitch, Intermix, Target
JEWELRY: Kendra Scott, Nordstrom, South Moon Under, Planet Blue, Intermix
COZY LOUNGE WEAR: Loft
ATHLEISURE: Athleta, Old Navy, Target
This post is not in any way sponsored by any of these stores. All opinions are my own. These photos were taken on a day where I had booked a photographer for a shoot and I just so happened to have a full trunk of shopping from work (message me here for more info on personal shopping, or click here to see my professional film experience). We thought it'd be cute to show what my shopping haul is like on a daily basis.
