Big shopping trip - how to shop?

MrsK

Hi everyone!

I'm heading to a large city near me on Friday for a big shopping trip with my friends. I live in a smaller city where the shopping is so-so, I was pregnant last summer so I didn't shop for a summer wardrobe, and I'm a size smaller than before I got pregnant (due to nursing and carrying a 20-lb baby all the time!). I am really looking forward to hitting stores we don't have here in town, especially Nordstrom!

My question is does anyone have any tips for how to shop for many items? I'm a part-time graduate student and SAHM to a 9-month old and will be looking for both semi-dressy and more casual shirts, tank tops, blouses, shorts, sandals, pumps, and other appropriate accessories. When I'm doing a major shop I have trouble looking at all the things I'm thinking of uying, remembering what I have in my closet, and imagining how I will create outfits, especially when trying to add accessories like belts and necklaces too.

15 years ago

Shopping

11 replies

Latest reply was from MrsK

Queen Mum

Veteran

the first thing I would do is create a chart listing all the clothing categories and how many items you currently have in each category, then how many items in each category you would like to add.

item.... have/add
dressy shirts... 6/2
casual shirts ..... 3/2
tank tops... 5/5
blouses.... 2/2
shorts..... 0/2
belts.... 4/1
necklaces... 3/2
and so on.

You could even list specifically what you have in each category if that isnt' too big of a task.

If while assessing your closet you see a specific need (white blouse, black belt) make a note of that.

You could also take a picture of your closet, or the groups of each category to refresh your memory while out.

Before Friday, do some online browsing at some of the stores that you know you want to hit, and make a list of the things that you want to try to look at.

I think if I walked into Norstrom with a list like I've described, they'd be more than happy to search the store for me finding items for me to try.

15 years ago

Anonymous

You might also try the Nordstrom personal shopper service. Give them your list and budget ahead of time and see what they find for you.

15 years ago

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Ohhh, how fun!

I would start with your current wardrobe and identify possible outfits and what is missing. From there I would make a list and perhaps cross reference a bit, so my list might go like this:

Red tank (outfit 2 & 4)
Blue scarf - silk or cotton (outfit 2 & 3)
etc

I would also print out or make a note of Angie's salient fit tips and seasonal must haves for easy reference.

Make sure to have a nude colour bra and well fitting knickers on.

15 years ago

Marigold

Active Member

Also, I'd definitely go online and browse nordstrom.com. for me, store shopping gets overwhelming very quickly, while online, it's easy to search for a specific item, color etc. Have fun!!

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome to the forum!

Great suggestions from the ladies. Browse through the Mom on the Go category on the blog part of YLF too.

15 years ago

Anonymous

I just want to add that when you find something on the Nordstrom site that you want to try, jot down the details and which section it is in. That will save time. You can even check on line to see if the store you are going to has the item in your size.

15 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think it is important to keep it manageable. I went recently and had a fairly specific list. It included things like red jeans either straight or skinny, black cami for under animal print top, flat metallic shoes, etc. If there was something specific the piece was to go with, I included it on the list as a reminder.

In order to get to the list, I had to go through most of the steps the others have described including assessing what I have and what the gaps were.

Have fun shopping.

15 years ago

Anonymous

I haven't read the other replies yet, so not sure if this has already been suggested....

Take pictures of items in your wardrobe, particularly orphan pieces that need other things to make a complete outfit. Take the pictures with you when you shop, for referencing colors, cut, length, etc. Your memory will fail you once you get in the store! Buy some basic pieces that you will get a lot of mileage out of and use for many different occasions by simply mixing and matching...for instance, a denim skirt in a darker wash can be dressed up or down, depending on the top, shoes, and accessories you pair with it. One of my rules is to only buy what I LOVE, that way I will always find a way to integrate it into my wardrobe, rather than buying a so-so item just to fill a gap. Also, if you truly LOVE the items you buy you WILL use them a LOT more often! A suggested list: A few casual tops, a few dressy tops, a few casual bottoms and a few dressy bottoms, a few dresses and then shoes, accessories, bags to mix and match with, you'll have a good foundation to build upon as you are able. Hope that helps!

15 years ago

Kate

Veteran

I would also spend some time determining what colors and neutrals you have in your wardrobe so that the items you buy will mix well with what you already have. Jot down the types of colors you have (bold, neon, pastel, earthy, etc) too. Figure out which neutrals you tend to gravitate toward (black, brown, tan, gray, white, beige, etc) and be sure you buy items that work well with those neutrals.

Since Nordstrom has many different departments, determine beforehand which ones are the best fit for you (http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/wo.....ordheaders) so that you can be focused once you get there!

And most importantly, HAVE FUN!

15 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I read an awesome article about building a wardrobe recently, which I cannot for the life of me seem to locate. Anyway, it had some jargony term for its main concept, which was this: Figure out the handful of events in your life that you are going to need to have a great outfit for, and GET THOSE OUTFITS. Then fill in as needed.

For example, if you're a young lawyer, you might need:

1. A navy or gray suit with fab yet conservative top, pumps, and knockout bag to wear to court.

2. Black pants, comfortable oxfords, a great solid-color twinset and a statement scarf or necklace for office days.

3. A perfect LBD for weddings, client dinners, etc., with shoes, a bag, hosiery, and at least one drop-dead knockout accessory.

4. Skinny jeans, a great top, a fab sweater or little jacket, and some fun shoes for meeting your boyfriend's parents at a casual lunch or dinner.

5. Something super-casual for knocking around on the weekend.

If you consciously shop to completely assemble at least ONE of each of these outfits, you will be prepared for anything in your life (as long as you also have the appropriate outerwear). Then you can fill in extras as time, budget, and inclination permit. Whereas if you just say "I need some skirts, and some tops, and some shoes," you may not end up with The Perfect Outfit for that important occasion when it arises.

I thought this was pure genius. So you might want to sit down and try to identify your critical events (Dang! I wish I could remember the phrase in the article I read!) and make a list, so you can have outfits to suit the various situations in your life.

15 years ago

MrsK

Active Member

Wow, thank you all so much for your help! Such great ideas - olease keep them coming!

It seems I will have some (fun) work cut out for me this week.

15 years ago

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