Just to add, when shopping IRL I don't have this problem. Like Rae, I tend to hone right in on what I love, perhaps to my detriment as it leads to multiple black blazers, camo prints, and studded items. I have a fairly strong set of filters in my head when the items are in front of me, and can sort without distraction. It's the internet shopping that does me in... clickety click click!

I'm extremely easily overwhelmed when I shop. I run out of steam soon, I get cranky, and if I'm in a really chaotic or crowded environment I can even have an anxiety reaction. I have noticed that some people have the ability to scan a lot of stuff and extract meaningful information from the activity. I don't think I do that--I look at one thing at a time and it's exhausting! I don't think this is going to change, either.

I love a small boutique environment but these are not available to me where I live. I only used a personal shopper once, at Nordies (also not available to me where I live), but it was great! She hung up five outfits in my dressing room and I was able to say things like, "Take those three away and bring me more pants cut like these."

I have just accepted that there are a lot of stores that I'm not going to be able to shop at. Not only is it not worth it to be unhappy, but I actually don't have the processing skills to make it worthwhile!

I totally understand what you are saying - there are times that I have come home with items and, once the fog and delirium has cleared, I think to myself - what did I buy that for?

I am finding lately, though, that this is not happening as much. I think I've found stores overwhelming in the past because of the cycle I go through - bright colors, loud music, overbearing SA's, pick a load of items, try them on, nothing fits, leave in frustration - repeat cycle at the next store. Since joining YLF, I've realized that part of my struggle with clothing was not knowing that I have legitimate fit challenges for my body. I've referred to it on other threads, but I've basically determined that I can't wear anything other than petite sizes in tops and regular sizes in pants but they must have a low-rise (and I mean looooooow). Thus, I am now much more focused. If I need a top, I check out the three stores in my area that sell petite-size tops (Cleo, The Bay, Laura Petites). If I need pants, I now start with the stores that sell pants that fit my low-rise needs (Gap, Old Navy, Laura Petites). If I can't find what I'm looking for in those places, I do what Lyn does - put on some comfy shoes, have a good meal, drink some water, go to the bathroom and hit the mall.... at a non-busy time, of course!

When I got interested in fashion again a few years back, shopping overwhelmed me. I started watching What Not to Wear and then started shopping with a specific list of what I thought might work for me. Almost immediately I found that I developed the 'filter' Rae describes. The filter gets refined the more I learn about fashion and fit. ( Recent example...recognizing that skirts with zipper fronts accent tums - filter out!)

Like DayVies, I make time to shop, and prepare for it by wearing good underwear, clothes that are easy to change in and out of. Like Celia, I shop my favourite stores often enough that I learn the inventory, and can pick up when there is new stuff.

You also have to be prepared to walk away and return home empty handed, without feeling down or disappointed.

I appreciate all this good advice here, ladies. I'll have to make a list: Fix my filters, go with goals, go with a plan, warm up and fuel up to hit the ground running. I don't know much about how personal shoppers work, but after this weekend, I wonder if one could help...

You know, I suppose I've always had this problem and I haven't been unaware of it... It's just rearing its head again. I am repeating myself, but I'm now down to only one non-work day a week, and I've been working my free day a lot too, and I have to cram everything else into that day. So shopping frequently is pretty out. Shopping all day is also out.

Then too I'm starting to feel the pinch. My fave boutique in town closed shop. Basically I have an H&M, Ross, Marshalls, and DB shoe warehouse I can check out some evenings. BR, J. Crew - and I have to add Express these days - these are all near that H&M, but I strike out at these stores most of the time when it comes to fit.

And because my town (and the surrounding ones) keep a pretty tight rein on what stores go in, it's a big drive to any mall or shopping district. Browsing trips followed by buying trips in the same season are officially, totally out. It's a one shot deal.

I could only do half this outlet mall as it was and I feel the sting of regret. Not going back any time soon and I wasn't doing a good job of it anyways.

Not, mind you, that it was a big failure. I did go out looking for a spring coat and came back with one I really like... but it is my signature weirdness. I mean, who knows what I missed?