How to like shopping?

Thistle

So, while I need clothes to fit my new body, I have re-discovered that I really dislike shopping.

I used to shop twice a year - once for summer clothes, once for winter clothes. I bought these all via the internet from a single store so that I didn't have to guess on sizes.

I can't really do that anymore.

For those of you that enjoy shopping, what is your secret?

13 years ago

Shopping

5 replies

Latest reply was from Traci

Kristin L

Veteran

I use to not care for shopping either. I remember I was about 16 and 17 I felt like I usually ended up carrying everyone else's bags because I wasn't really digging through the racks.

I think what changed it for me was I started trying to view it as a treat to myself. I also started trying to get a girlfriend or 2 together to go. For me, that made it more enjoyable and has gotten me to where I love to go.

I still get discouraged when I'm searching for something and can't find it or I find a the something awesome and it's either out of my price range or doesn't fit. I remind myself that just because I'm out, I don't have to buy anything.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thistle, can you tell us what you dislike about the shopping experience?

I can relate - I used to hate shopping and I still find it difficult, confusing, and overwhelming at times.

13 years ago

Irene

Veteran

Do you hate the fact that you never find something you like?

Do you hate the fact that you never find something that fits you?

Do you think that shopping is just boring?

If you said 'yes' to #1, I'd suggest keeping a more open mind and just visiting shops now and then. Remember: to go shopping doesn't have to equal 'to shop'

Now, if you said 'yes' to #2, this might be for a number or reasons, like you are looking for the wrong styles for your shape, or the wrong fabrics, or the wrong cuts... even the wrong shops! I have found that some shops do not work on my body, or only their bottoms do, because they have a different bodytype in mind when they design the clothes... Also, if you happen to be plus size, it will be harder for you to find clothes that fit and that you like, but it will happen, just keep trying. There are plus size forum members here that might be able to help you!

If you said 'yes' to #3, I would like to know why does it bother you. I don't like many things women (or people my age, for that matter) are supposed to like (like clubbing, night stands or football). Why force yourself to enjoy something you don't like? It's not necessary. Right, you need to get dressed every day, and as nicely as possible, but that's why Angie's rules/outfit ideas exist. If you just like to buy twice a year, then do that. You can still find nice fitting clothes at the beginning of each season and you don't need to go shop visiting every week (which I do because I work extremely near Barcelona's mainstreet and just can't help it). Besides, you'll save money for other things you do enjoy!

13 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Thistle, I also hate shopping. HATE IT. It overwhelms me. So I like to stick to small stores. I like to get a feeling for what I like and what fits. I also browse A LOT on the web so I can head right for the item in the store. Additionally, I just can't look for more than one or two items at a time. If I want a pair of jeans AND a white shirt, that is ALL I look at.

13 years ago

Traci

Veteran

My family would never believe this, but I don't like shopping either. It's a necessary evil to get stuff.

Recently I've come to really rely heavily on websites with generous easy return policies. Nordstrom is absolutely the best. The usps return label is prepaid and right in the box. It's just a matter of some packing tape and flagging down my postman and the returns are taken care of. Zappos is the same for shoes. Both sites have free shipping on everything.

Next I like ordering online for stores that I can return to in person easily. My two favorites for this are Target and Old Navy. Both typically offer free shipping on orders over $50, so sometimes I will throw in an extra item that I may return to get the free shipping.

Lands end and Talbots also get many rave reviews for customer service.

The downside to shopping this way is you have to be very diligent on your returns and it can be messy on the budget to have all that money moving around.

I'm not sure why, but I just can't shop department stores. Too much merchandise, too overwhelming. I can't take it all in.

13 years ago

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