Shopping overwhelms me!

teeandcee

I stopped in Target today. I went into the clothing section with plans to replace some of my plain-Jane t-shirts with, I don't know, something a bit more interesting.

And I walked out with: a plain black t-shirt. At least it has a cowl neckline.

I was utterly overwhelmed with all the styles in all the colors in all the patterns in all the textures! How do you ladies do it??? One thing that limits me is how hot natured I am. Layers of any weight are completely out if it's above 70 degrees. But still.....

I think that's one reason why I like thrifting and buying shoes. Both offer limited choices.

14 years ago

Shopping

9 replies

Latest reply was from suburbiana

Emily

Veteran

I find it helpful to scope out what is available online before I go to a brick and mortar store, that way you have an idea of what you will be looking at and for. I have also started just leaving if I become overwhelmed or frustrated, I figure I can give it another go later.

14 years ago

sarah

Veteran

I also do what Emily does. And I'm very targeted in what I'm looking for, otherwise, I too get overwhelmed. In fact, I don't really like to shop, so I do most of it online. I sort of fall apart in the Bricks and Mortar stores.

14 years ago

teeandcee

Active Member

That's a good idea, Emily. I actually did that and had some specific tops in mind but they were nowhere to be found in the store. Grrr.

14 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

I don't like to shop that much either. I find it helps if I eat before I go and if I allow plenty of time. Sometimes I think of it as a necessary task that I just have to accomplish if I want to dress well. And then sometimes I even do start to enjoy it!

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shopping's hard work for me, too. I wrote a wailing post about it back in the fall. I sometimes feel so lost in the big department stores! One thing that is helping me is reading Angie's recommendations and reports from people here on the forum; this helps me decide what to look for and what to steer away from. If you can find one or two boutiques that stock lines you prefer, that can also be super helpful.

14 years ago

Rabbit In The Moon

Active Member

Lately? I make lists, usually on my phone, of what I am specifically looking for, and a second list of things I always need to find - perfect t-shirts, good cardigans, etc. And/or, I keep a certain color palette in mind and only let myself "see" those colors. May not be the most efficient or effective but that's what I've been doing lately.

14 years ago

jayne

Veteran

These are great tips from Suz and Rabbit. i am gonna use them myself. I always end up with the basic colors also, white or black, because I don't seem to remember my closet well enough to know what else I need so a real understanding of what the hole actually it might help. Like if you try to wear something and realize "oh I need x to be able to wear this', then that is a specific hole and usually then you can be specific about the color and shape. I cannot seem to do that just thinking about my wardrobe, I have to discover it by trying things on. Hope that helps.

14 years ago

teeandcee

Active Member

You know, I've thought many times of keeping a list of needed items in my purse on an index card. It's a great idea that I've yet to do. Next week I'm packing away my winter things and think I'll also take the time to start that list while I'm working in my closet.

I know I also need to organize my closet and take a day to fix buttons, do a bit of ironing, etc. I don't know half of what I have and a lot of what I have needs ironing or repaired, which is why I end up in jeans and a basic tee most days.

It's a lot of work being fabulous, lol.

14 years ago

suburbiana

Active Member

Shopping at brick and mortar stores is very difficult for me. I find myself too distracted by the choices and the way the clothes are laid out usually makes it difficult to really see the outfit.

I like to look online and then go "visit" the item. This makes it easier to think clearly. My hope is that one day my beloved Marshalls will turn into an online shopping destination, too. It is the one place I will put up with the mayhem since the prices are so good and I've gotten really lucky with their selection!

14 years ago

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