I'm also in the minority that loves shopping. Of all sorts. Preferably in person. I like knowing immediately whether something will work or not, and have gotten pretty good at eyeballing things on the rack that will never work for me (because of basic shape issues, etc.). On the other hand, because I can't completely see or feel a garment online, I find that I have far more frustration with online shopping than I do in-person.

I like shopping online more than in stores. Online, I can analyze all the alternatives, find the best price, and for some reason I love reading reviews. I buy shoes pretty much exclusively online, and am quite loyal to brands that work well for my feet. My success rate is *very* high -- too high, probably!

I do not love making returns, so my clothing shopping skews towards in-store. It's interesting that many find sales associates improve the experience for them: my first instinct is to say that I prefer to be left to my own devices. But I did have a four-day dressy work event I had to attend last Fall, and thanks to the sales associate that helped me that day at JCrew, I came away with a great little capsule for that trip that I never could have put together by myself. So maybe I should reconsider that!

Runs with Scissors, I am SO with you on preferring to shop alone. At the same time, I can imagine that a really good SA could make a difference. I think that happened to me once in my life.

But YLF can fulfill this function. Angie and the forum take the place of the SA, are more impartial, and more aware of my overall style goals. Plus, I can get their input when it's convenient for me. Big win for an introvert!!

I love wandering around and seeing what's new. I hate the pressure of finding an outfit for an event, or a replacement for a wardrobe workhorse.
Recently I was shopping with my mum, half an hour before closing time. Mum and the SA kept up a steady stream of clothing to the change room, and I came away with 5 items! (I did go back to exchange sizes on two) That was fun, and I'm enjoying the new items.

Shopping for an event is the worst. It seems I can rarely find what I want when I need it. Sometimes I get lucky, but it's really stressful to shop for special events.

I do 95% or more of my shopping online and do usually prefer it that way. I do sometimes enjoy shopping like recently when I was on vacation and went to an outlet mall that had only a handful of stores, but included both a BR Factory and JCrew Factory store (woo hoo!) I got some tremendous deals on a couple pair of shorts and several shirts that I'm really enjoying. I also picked up a sweater for this winter (actually a men's sweater but I fell in love with the feeling and look of it and after trying it on, just had to have it for my tomboy self). So...maybe I actually prefer shopping while on vacation :-).

I enjoyed reading all your replies! Seems like there is a split -- lots of people prefer online shopping (no surprise there), but some of you do like in-store shopping. Some love shopping in general, some don't. Average-height, slender women have an easier time in general. And no one like shopping under pressure!

Karie, my nan used to enjoy shopping for groceries, too! I thought it was so weird, but in retrospect I think I can guess why. She lived through WWII in London, without money, with two small girls and a husband away at war. With rationing. For her, the ability to go out and choose whatever food she liked was probably a very great pleasure!

Kiwigal: me too me too! I like shoe shopping! Mainly, I think, because it's so easy to switch out your shoes. No undressing required. And things usually fit. I have smallish feet, but not so small that stores don't have my size. Plus I always feel that shoes make or break an outfit.

Gaylene, you are absolutely right about small boutique shops. I do like popping in to those. A limited selection of things I mostly like, a helpful but not pushy SA, and a good chance that some stuff will be small or short enough, makes the whole process fun. I am starting to pop into the Granville Street Eileen Fisher for exactly that reason. I have yet to buy anything, because it's a bit pricey and I really, really don't need any more clothes at the moment, but the day will come. I love everything in there.