A Practice in Successful Shopping.

As with all things in life, you have to practice to get better at something. Shopping is not a skill we are born with but a learned experience. It can be stressful, sometimes frustrating, and even sometimes wasteful, especially if it's done on a whim. Here are a few tips and thoughts to make your next clothes-shopping adventure more successful.

1. Make shopping an event, instead of a whim by setting aside a specific day to spend with yourself. Do something nice for yourself! We all have to wear clothes, so give it the time and thoughtfulness it deserves.

2. Go with a plan as to what you need in your wardrobe but also keep it open to try on new outfits and new updated styles.

3. Walk through the store once before picking anything up. (Yes, you need to try them on!) Head to the dressing room with complete outfits instead of just bottoms or just tops. This will help you keep your style up to date.

4. Get a little bit uncomfortable. Try something different from your usual style, but still flattering to your body shape. It might just surprise you to see it is a style that really suits you!

5. Bring multiple sizes into the dressing room. The sizing is so inconsistent between styles and brands, and the last thing you want to do is have to go back out into the store to get another size if the attendant is not available. (Pep talk time- Don't let that number on the tag define your worth. Your goal is to find clothes that fit your figure-not the other way around.)

6. Take a photo of all the outfits and combinations you try on. and make sure you put a smile on your face. (Your smile is the best accessory you can wear!)

7. If you are not 100% sure, don't buy it. Use pictures as reminders of what you tried on, so you can compare them with what is already in your closet. This way, you'll know which pieces will truly work with your wardrobe. It's better to make two trips, than have pieces in your closet that are taking up space by not wearing them. If you live too far to come back easily, take a photo of the tag so you can purchase on line. The pictures can also be a reminder of what styles don't work, and can help with future shopping adventures.

8. Happy shopping!