Lets Go Shopping

I was inspired to write this column by the many friends I have had over the years tell me how much they hate shopping.  To my despair!  I love shopping, but to be honest there are some top rules I think should be followed.

Top Shopping Rules

1. Dress up, not down.
Okay this may seem obvious, however, think how you will feel if you’re not looking your best and Miss Size 8 shop assistant asks if you need some help!  You’ll be blushing, pulling your trousers up to hide your G-String and saying ‘no, I’m fine, really, I don’t need another size’.  OR, the scenario which we have all been greeted with, the rude looks, snide remarks made behind hands, and then the absolute disrespect when you do ask for help only to be told ‘we don’t do anything over a size 10, try Cotton On down the road'.  So girls, think of how you would dress to go out on a night with the gals, or to meet a new friend for coffee, you wouldn’t wear your knickers with holes and you wouldn’t wear your pyjama’s either.  Dress up, put makeup on and feel hot!

2. Take a friend.
If you are not a confident shopper then take a friend with you who will be honest, but not brutally honest, nobody needs that friend who gives you the backhanded compliments on a shopping trip aka ‘the queen of the backhanded insult’.  That’s right we all have a friend like that, she says things like ‘gee that really makes your upper half of your body look great’, which leaves you to wonder what your bottom half looks like.  So ditch her and take instead that friend who really will give you good advice as in ‘if you don’t buy those shoes you will regret it for a year’, or ‘I’m not sure about that color, let’s try it in green’.  This friend will then go and get you the items you need – which saves the embarrassment of asking the size 8 shop assistant.

3. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help.
Okay, if you are not offended by the size 8 shop assistant OR you have now built up enough confidence to shop alone, then don’t be embarrassed to ask for help.  You’ll be surprised, the girls actually know what they are talking about and won’t necessarily sell you the pair of jeans that are too small just to get the sale.  If she does – she should be fired on the spot, because she is a dishonest little pipsqueak who doesn’t deserve the discount afforded working at the clothes store.  So ask for help on color, style, size and ask her if they have anything she thinks might suit you.  Tell them what you want the item for … you might just end up walking out of the shop with a smile on your face ready for a repeat visit next payslip.

4. Don’t be scared to try something different.
Never wear heels?  Never show your cleavage?  Never try the latest fashions?  Never wear jeans?  Think again, never say never should be your motto!  I’m not saying jump onto every fashion trend that comes your way, but I am saying don’t be afraid to try new things.  If you’ve always been a flat shoes girl because you feel too tall to wear heels, then take a page out of Nicole Kidmans book and think again.  If you have been sticking to one look for years because it suits you, then think again, maybe you could add an item from this seasons trend that will suit you.  Never say never, be daring, be exciting, be bold!  Shop to experience the clothes, not just to wear them.

5. Think about your current wardrobe.
For example, do you really need another white button down shirt?  Another pair of black heels? Think about how what you are buying will compliment what you already have and then consider if you really will wear it.  We all have the expensive ghost hanging in out closet that we just had to have – never to be worn again!

Finally, make it a day out whether you’ve taken a friend, or you’re by yourself.  Finish your shopping trip off with a glass of wine, coffee, lunch, dinner, pedicure, clubbing, bar hopping, manicure or go to the hairdressers, do something that will make you feel great. 

Next, when you get home, try your new purchases on with what you already have, mix and match.  You’ll be amazed at how much better the clothes will feel when you put them on when you and how pleased you will be that they match things you already have. 

To that end – happy shopping my loves, tis an experience to be ENJOYED !!

Love
Bronny
xxxx

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