Team Solo Shop or Team Group Shop

shiny

I’m on team BOTH but for different reasons. If I am shopping for me, hands down, I’m on team solo. Because I hate thinking anyone is waiting on me. And I hate seeing someone look better in an item than I do (hey I’m honest!). And in my experience there are very few people I can shop with as a team (my BFF is one of them…. I soooo totally miss that since she’s moved! My mom is the other.)

But I also adore and love shopping with someone or someones — when the focus is on what they need, not me. And they want me along for my company and opinion. (or yes, in case of my teens, my wallet too!). Maybe I try something on as well but 90% of the experience is helping them shop. It’s like YLF: giving opinions, picking out outfits they might never think to try, pulling combos, saying Yay or Nay… love that.

August 14, 2012 at 3:56 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shiny, Team BOTH does not exist, so you are joining me on the bench

August 14, 2012 at 4:03 pm

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Team Solo. I should be team group though, I spend less money with others around.

August 14, 2012 at 4:04 pm

MsMary

Veteran

Although I love recreational shopping with a group, when I’m really trying to add to my wardrobe it’s solo all the way. I like to move fast, be decisive, and not get distracted!

August 14, 2012 at 4:07 pm

DonnaF

Veteran

Actually, I like to shop with my daughter — who is leaving for college this Sunday. Do two people count as a group? She can be a bit of an enabler, since when we go shopping together it is usually to get her something, but then she encourages me to get something(s) for myself. I ended up buying way too many scarves and belts when we visited that section yesterday at Target. Some will be going back; I can’t always tell if a belt or sometimes a scarf will *work* until I try it with the intended target garments. DD is my sharpest critic, but then I am probably hers as well. We are similar in height and weight but with very body types. A dress that looked terrible on her looked great on me, but I didn’t buy it; hopefully it was a lesson on not buying what you don’t need so won’t wear.

Otherwise, I prefer shopping alone as I am so indecisive and take so long that I get self-conscious about making others wait.

August 14, 2012 at 4:16 pm

Angela

Solo too. Then I can be picky without holding up the group or be talked into something I don’t really like.

When I am group shopping, I tend to buy only acessories or shoes, then tea and cake

August 14, 2012 at 4:16 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes DonnaF, two people counts as a group.

Team Solo Shop takes the lead.

August 14, 2012 at 4:19 pm

Krista

Veteran

Team SOLO! When I’m shopping for myself, I’m in the zone and I can’t handle anybody ruining my vibe. In fact, even when I plan a shopping day with others, I rarely buy or try anything on because I have made so many bad choices when shopping with others. So, I stick to shopping by myself – it’s cheaper in the end!

August 14, 2012 at 4:26 pm

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Solo.

Shopping is still difficult for me. I struggle to find items I like that fit. I worry. I fret. I get overwhelmed. I walk away with nothing, or I buy too much. And I don’t like to subject others to my neuroses!!

I think if I were shopping with YOU, Angie, I would LOVE shopping in a group!

And I adored our YLF meetup. It’s just that I couldn’t actually buy anything because I was too busy getting to know my wonderful forum-mates.

I must say, however, that if I ever get another chance, I will shop with all of those who came to the meetup in a minute. They were SO helpful about try-ons, rejecting pieces that weren’t quite right with easy aplomb. Sveta, in particular, was our jeans maven.

August 14, 2012 at 4:29 pm

rae

(website)

Veteran

I’m benched as well. I like to shop alone for myself, as the main rule. But I also love shopping for my self with YLFers, and I also love shopping for others… I will take my shopping any way I can get it, I guess! lol

August 14, 2012 at 4:36 pm

Gaylene

Veteran

Team Solo. I don’t mind window shopping with someone else, but when it comes to actually buying I like to take my time and think through a purchase. I will ask others to take a look at something after I’ve purchased it to get another opinion. But I don’t like to feel pressured into buying something about which I have doubts.

August 14, 2012 at 4:37 pm

Queen Mum

Veteran

Add me to team solo. I can’t think straight with others around. I don’t mind browsing with friends, but if I’m wanting to do purposeful shopping, I have to go it alone. I do enjoy shopping with a friend if we are shopping for her… I like to be bossy and tell people what to buy

August 14, 2012 at 4:52 pm

Vildy

Veteran

I used to be a deadly serious solo shopper but now enjoy going with my friend. Also, in the thrift store we like best, all the longtime customers chat and look out for one another. We pull out things and hold them up for one another, at times. We’re all great enablers.
So, team group.

August 14, 2012 at 4:55 pm

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

Team solo!

I’m not a huge fan of shopping with others. It always winds up with me just waiting around in stores that I can’t buy anything in because they don’t sell my size. If a store isn’t willing to sell me clothes I’m not willing to give them money for accessories.

August 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm

Keix

Veteran

I tend to be drawn to crazy things when I shop alone, which is both good and bad. I’m on Team Group because I LOVE shopping with certain friends who have different style preferences than me–they can be honest when it comes to my crazier whims.

August 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm

Kristine

Veteran

Solo. If shopping is the goal, I prefer to go alone. But if socializing is the primary goal a group can be fun too.

August 14, 2012 at 5:04 pm

KathyL

Veteran

I am team solo by necessity. Most of my shopping is done online due to lack of time in general and lack of petite sizing in stores. When I do go to a store, it’s during a break at work so no time to get with my sisters or friends.

Once a year my girlfriends from college have a girls weekend, and we do a lot of shopping together. I really enjoy having someone to ask if an item is flattering or not and I love the socialization. Unfortunately it’s a rare treat.

August 14, 2012 at 5:17 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Team Solo is still in the lead. So interesting! And very few have joined me on the bench. Also interesting.

August 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm

Deborah

Veteran

Angie may I join you on the bench? I like both. The truth is I just like to shop:) I am confident enough to shop alone and like that I don’t get distracted when alone. And if I have any queries on a garment I can always post in real time and receive immediate feedback:) But I also like shopping with friends, particularly helping them find something they are looking for, the coffee, the chatting, the fun.

August 14, 2012 at 5:25 pm

Diana

Veteran

Solo! I like to shop at my own pace and not worry about getting bored or boring my friends. I enjoy “shopping” with friends but I see it as more of a social event.

August 14, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Team Solo here. I like to map out the stores I need to hit, and I can make much more headway alone.

I do enjoy shopping with girlfriends sometimes, but since we’re usually not the same size, we can’t often shop in the same stores or even departments. So unless we’re on he hunt for shoes or bags it becomes a big headache.

August 14, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Aziraphale

Veteran

Team Solo, by a mile. I’m always short on time, so I tend to shop in little chunks. I’ll nip into a shop I like on the way home from an appointment, that sort of thing. I can’t remember the last time I spent a whole day shopping. Once in a while — maybe once or twice a year — I might go shopping with my mother-in-law, because we have overlapping taste and we shop well together (neither of us likes to dawdle!)

August 14, 2012 at 5:38 pm

Zapotee

For myself, I’m definitely team solo but I love, love shopping with people. I just know I won’t be focusing in myself and that’s ok.

August 14, 2012 at 5:45 pm

clearlyclaire

Hey all of you who post dressing room pics with your iPhone are really shopping in a really big group because we are all with you!

I like to shop alone for myself. DD is not a bad shopping companion, but I like to lose all track of time and not worry about her standing impatiently on one foot and then the other, all while saying, “No. Really. Take your time.” My real life friends are not into shopping much at all.

Now, if I were shopping with any of you, that would change the score entirely. YLF meet-up shopping trips are the best, even if I don’t purchase much.

August 14, 2012 at 5:46 pm

patti

(website)

Active Member

Team Solo, as I tend to get very impulsive and unfocused when “serious” shopping with others. But for plain old fun, I love cruising the vintage shops with my girls.

August 14, 2012 at 5:52 pm

merwoman

Veteran

Great question! I bat for both teams. Love shopping solo without distractions and freedom to linger as long (or as little) as I want. Also love shopping with family and friends -here efficiency takes a backseat to just enjoying time together.

August 14, 2012 at 5:53 pm

Mellllls

im taking the bench. it depends on what and why i am shopping as to whether i prefer to be solo, group shopping, or shopping with mom!

August 14, 2012 at 5:58 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’d be delighted if you join me, Debs.

Team Solo still going strong.

Great point about group shopping when you use YLF, Claire.

August 14, 2012 at 6:06 pm

AJoanna

Team Solo.

I always make terrible decisions when I shop with other people. I let people persuade me that something looks so awesome that I “can’t leave without it,” and then that awesome piece of clothing promptly becomes a wardrobe orphan because I didn’t really need it.

When I shop alone, I make much better decisions.

I do enjoy shopping with other people if I’m helping them buy clothes, especially my mom.

August 14, 2012 at 6:19 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am absolutely team shop solo, although I would love to make an exception and shop with you Angie or with a YLF get together. Generally shopping is me as hunter and my prey is hidden in the depths of a messy thrift shop and I just can’t get into the zone if anyone else is with me. I do love to shop for other people though!

August 14, 2012 at 6:21 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz and Shevia I would love to shop with you!!

August 14, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Glory

Veteran

Team Solo. I will go with a friend if they want company but always do my own shopping, alone – and even then it is overwhelming – would hate for someone to suffer along with me

August 14, 2012 at 6:39 pm

Sona

Veteran

Team Solo. Although I can shop for a while with a group I much prefer solo .

August 14, 2012 at 7:10 pm

Joy

Veteran

I’ll join you on the bench for this one, Angie. I’d love to go shopping with you!

August 14, 2012 at 7:26 pm

sarah

Veteran

This is an interesting one. I ALWAYS shop alone – I have such limited time, and I need to be hyper-efficient, so I’m usually on a mission, with a clear goal in mind and sharp focus. In addition, to be honest, my friends generally aren’t interested in shopping and fashion (although my sisters are). So, I guess I’m on Team Shop Alone. However, I do have fantasies about having vast amounts of leisure time to go shopping with some hypothetical friends who also like to shop – or maybe they would be other YLFers! But where that leisure time will come from, I have no idea ; )

August 14, 2012 at 7:54 pm

Sihaya

Veteran

Hands down team group shop. But only with a couple of specific people (Antje and Jane who also comment on this blog). We know each other very well, are comfortable using the same dressing room which saves time – if there’s space, and are very honest with each other about what works and doesn’t. This helps save me tons of time, helps me find better pieces when I’m shopping, and I have a ton of fun in the process.

August 14, 2012 at 8:16 pm

Erin

(website)

Team Solo for sure.

Although, shopping with one other person (my best friend or my mom) is pretty fun. But I do better when I’m by myself.

August 14, 2012 at 8:41 pm

Ginkgo

Veteran

Team Solo!

It’s just easier to go faster and make your own decisions by yourself. And when I’m with my sister-in-law she’s always trying to forcefully “sell” me on something I’m not interested in at all!

August 14, 2012 at 8:50 pm

fern

Veteran

Team Solo!
I like to do a serious try-on, and then I still might leave to think things over, especially now that I am pickier than ever before.

August 14, 2012 at 9:26 pm

Marley

Veteran

I like it ALL! I have great memories of shopping with my sisters, girlfriends, mom, and YLFrs – but I’ve have some pretty successful and enjoyable shopping trips by myself over the years too. One of my favorite things to do (because I am currently SYCing) is to go with girlfriends while they are shopping. I love helping them find things and giving them my feedback – and it even kind of scratches the “itch” that I have for shopping for myself!

Put me on the bench, coach. I’m sitting this one out.

August 14, 2012 at 9:45 pm

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Bench for me!! I usually do the serious shopping on my own but also love to shop with my husband & daughter.

August 14, 2012 at 10:54 pm

catgirl

Veteran

I’m sitting out. I love to shop with and for other people, but I rarely get to do it and am Team Solo by default, not by will. My sister and I have the best time shopping together when we get the chance. *sniffle*

August 14, 2012 at 10:58 pm

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

I prefer shopping Solo, because that way I can take my time. But there a few people I enjoy shopping with – my mom because she knows what suits me and pushes me to try new things and my husband because, when he is in the mood, he picks out the most beutiful clothes that really brighten up my wardrobe

August 15, 2012 at 12:04 am

Jjsloane

Veteran

Team Solo for actual shopping – one of my pleasures. I love a YLF gathering, but consider it more social and educational than actual shopping. I rarely buy much, but love the feedback.

August 15, 2012 at 5:24 am

harmonica

Veteran

Solo for efficiency. Group for fun and socializing, but that is rare.

August 15, 2012 at 5:24 am

Kristin L

Veteran

I’m on the bench as well. I love shopping with a couple of girlfriends or my family, but lately that hasn’t been possible, so I’ve been going solo. As much as I love my DB, I’m not shopping with him.

August 15, 2012 at 5:30 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Team Shop!

I’ll join you on the bench. I thoroughly enjoy my solo shopping time, but I love a good group shopping trip as well, especially when it’s with YLFers!

August 15, 2012 at 5:33 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Is there room on the bench for me too Angie? Like you, I’m most focused when I shop alone but I also have so much fun shopping with my girlfriends (although it’s really more laughing than shopping!).

August 15, 2012 at 6:08 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Team Solo is still strong!

Yes, ladies. Plenty of room on the bench

August 15, 2012 at 6:44 am

Sara L.

Veteran

I’m going to have join everyone on the bench. I enjoy shopping with friends although it’s usually more of a social experience. I have one friend who I really enjoy shopping with because I know she will give an honest opinion. We don’t have the same styles but she’s super anal about fit which is really helpful to me. I also enjoy solo shopping and feel like I get more accomplished and I make better decisions when alone. I’m not as self-conscious about taking forever to make a decision about whether it’s something I really need or not.

August 15, 2012 at 6:47 am

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Team solo for me. I always feel rushed when with other people and my friends are just not into clothes to the extent that I am!

August 15, 2012 at 6:49 am

ramya

Veteran

Bench for me too

August 15, 2012 at 6:58 am

valleycat1

Absolutely Team Solo for me. I can’t remember the last time I went clothes shopping with someone else – too much distraction. I need all the personal space I can hang on to so I can listen to all the voices in my head!

August 15, 2012 at 7:11 am

valleycat1

Absolutely Team Solo for me. I can’t remember the last time I went clothes shopping with someone else – too much distraction. I need all the personal space I can hang on to so I can listen to all the voices in my head! And I can pretend no one’s noticing that I’m talking to myself.

August 15, 2012 at 7:12 am

Meredith

Active Member

I like to shop with Team Angie!!! When I am by myself I get completely overwhelmed. I love to have her focus, energy, perfect eye, and creativity!

August 15, 2012 at 7:51 am

cheryl

Veteran

I have to sit the bench on this one. I enjoy shopping alone but I also enjoy shopping with family or friends. Shopping is great no matter how you look at it

August 15, 2012 at 7:53 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Team Bench is growing!

I love shopping with you too sweet Meredith

August 15, 2012 at 7:55 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Team Solo for all the reasons everyone else has mentioned. Angie, you would be fun to shop with. I do shop on a VERY rare occasion with image consultant girlfriends.

I miss shopping with my mom. She is still alive but even shopping for a couple of hours wears her out. I will say that it was more for the lunch and “mom time” than for the shopping as an adult. As a child she taught me tons about style!

August 15, 2012 at 8:10 am

Jonesy

Veteran

Hmmm. I do almost all of my shopping by myself, and I really love going to the mall alone and making quick work of every store that strikes me :). I am very decisive and like minimal interaction (e.g., I would never leave my dressing room to ask the SA her opinion), and I buy a lot of stuff online. But, I also really love shopping with my SO, which we do a few times each year, and with YLFers (Chicago get-together, and once with Sveta for NAS recently)–at those gatherings I was very social, would trot my try-ons out of my dressing room and gauge opinions, and laughed a lot. I also really enjoy shopping with my daughter most of the time, when she is not too whiny :).

I think I’m Team Solo, by a hair, since I do it the most and it feels the most comfortable to me.

August 15, 2012 at 8:21 am

Lisa

Veteran

Team solo. I do enjoy group shopping but when I need to really focus on my needs and refilling wardrobe holes, I do so better on my own. With a group, I tend to purchase something that “catches my eye” rather than sticking to a list of what I really need.

August 15, 2012 at 8:45 am

Ruth

Team Solo. Shopping by myself allows me to focus and not to have to hear somebody say, “That doesn’t look like something you’d wear.” The only time I loved to shop with someone else was when my mother was alive. She and I had similar tastes in clothing, and she was an expert at either picking out quality garments that would look fab on me or going home and duplicating what we saw at the store. She was such a great seamstress and taught me so much about workmanship, proper fit, etc. I really miss her!

August 15, 2012 at 8:48 am

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Team Solo, for the same reasons as many already have stated: I hate to let people wait for me. I also focus way better when I’m alone, and make better choices. If I’m asked to accompany someone when they are shopping, then I’ll do that, gladly. But I won’t be shopping for myself. That must be Team Solo, yes? Or should I join Team Bench?

August 15, 2012 at 9:06 am

esme noir

(website)

Active Member

i love shopping with a friend but i don’t have a shopping buddy at present

August 15, 2012 at 9:10 am

christieanne

Veteran

Team Solo. I find that when I do shop with others I end up being their personal shopper. It’s ok with me usually but I can’t really be on my own hunt at that point.

Shopping with my DH is the worst – he has no patience (except at costco or grocery store – we are a good team there lol).

August 15, 2012 at 10:11 am

Sylvie

Veteran

Team Solo. I don’t have any shopping friends and I usually have shopping tasks I want to get through efficiently – returning items, sweeping through the store quickly, trying things on. If I had someone with me, I’d always feel guilty that I was making them wait for me. If I’m just browsing, then it’s fine shopping with others.

August 15, 2012 at 11:00 am

Irene

Veteran

Ah, I like to window-shop or check new stuff in stores with small groups of female friends. It’s fun and it always brings some laughs. I also don’t mind helping others shop for themselves. BUT when it comes to me and shopping, I’d rather be on my own. I am a tough shopper and normally get people on their nerves while at it. I’m picky, most things I dislike because do not fit right, and most people can’t see a difference while I do. So I guess I’m team solo.

August 15, 2012 at 11:19 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There has been overwhelming support for Team Solo. I’m taken by surprise! I thought more people would like to shop with others, or one other person.

August 15, 2012 at 12:19 pm

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

You know I’m a lot like Anna in that I’m probably Team Solo and when I am on Team Group, I don’t spend as much money. Both are enjoyable; it’s just that Team Solo seems to happen more often.

August 15, 2012 at 12:34 pm

Wellingtongirl

Active Member

Team SOLO !! only enjoyed with my best friend, but she’s not around. But I still love to do it alone.

August 15, 2012 at 2:24 pm

Mama Susie

Active Member

Team solo unless it’s just for fun. I’m less likely to impulse shop when I’m alone. But I do like group WINDOW shopping.

August 15, 2012 at 2:30 pm

Echo

Veteran

If I actually am looking for something and plan to try things on, team solo all the way. But I do love chatting, browsing and lunching with friends and my mum. I just can’t do any productive clothes or shoes shopping with others around. I can shop for home decor or other things with other people, though.

August 15, 2012 at 3:29 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Does it count as team solo if I like to enlist the help of favorite sales associates?

August 15, 2012 at 8:41 pm

Mamavalveeta03

Veteran

Solo all the way. I like to spend a lot of time in certain favorite stores, and sometimes, other people just don’t get it. Or, I end up worrying about whether or not they’re happy. Shopping is relaxing for me, so I don’t want to spend my time entertaining someone else.

August 15, 2012 at 9:22 pm

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Team bench! I like going shopping with my boyfriend, he’s good for a few hours. Or more if we split up and meet back at specific intervals (which I guess is shopping alone). Most of my shopping is alone because my family and closest friends aren’t into shopping. I loved shopping with the YLF ladies! And found I got really great advice. I purchase the same amount alone or with others.

I fantasize about a YLF shopping trip… in Seattle … with Angie!!! And all of the fab Seattle ladies.

August 15, 2012 at 11:49 pm

rute

Veteran

solo shop all the way! I just can’t shop with another person!

August 16, 2012 at 1:39 am

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Team solo, I love to spend time away from the days stresses and strains trying to fill a wardrobe hole. However, I do enjoy looking around the shops with friends but find that I rarely buy in this instance, these trips are more about the banter, the cake and the lunch.

August 16, 2012 at 2:09 am

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I’ll join you ladies on the bench. I love both, for me shopping with friends or my sister is all about socializing, chatting, having tea and cake and helping them find fab stuff, and trying a few things on myself just for fun. When I really mean business, I like to explore the shops on my own, at a less leisurely speed.

August 16, 2012 at 1:24 pm

Kari

Veteran

Though group shopping is fun, I prefer to have group shopping only every once in a while. I’m a more efficient shopper on my own. I can shop at my pace without fear of annoying/slowing down/rushing other people, I can simply window shop and admire pretty things, I can ask for help if I need it or just trust my own opinion… and now, I also can post realtime posts for immediate feedback on the forum if I really need to hear what my style peers think.

When I solo shop, I’m more likely to stick to the list of what I need, and I’m also a little more discerning about what I actually bring home.

August 17, 2012 at 9:43 am

Maria

solo, solo, solo . . . no one else needs to get depressed with me!

August 17, 2012 at 2:00 pm

Antje

Veteran

I’ll join you on the bench. I very much enjoy going shopping with a friend who is into fashion and with whom I can exchange honest feedback (e.g. Siyaha, per her earlier post above, another good friend with whom I do a lot of consignment and shoe shopping, and also my mom.) However, if the group gets bigger I get overwhelmed and lose focus.
I like shopping solo just as much as I enjoy shopping with a friend, though. It’s precious “me time” and makes me feel efficient at the same time.
And of course, the best shopping has been as your client, Angie – I love the challenge of trying on something quite unexpected and discovering new things.

August 20, 2012 at 12:29 pm