Feeling overwhelmed when you shop?

Before you go into thinking of all the ways life is overwhelming, I’m asking strictly from a fashion perspective. 🙂 

Thanks to the many of you who answered my style survey, I discovered that in your answers to the question, “What are your biggest struggles, challenges and (ugh) disappointments about shopping,” the word that was used the most was “overwhelmed.” 

Here’s a few of your answers:

 I get overwhelmed with choices and I don’t have the vision to see something and imagine it as an outfit;

• I’m overwhelmed with options, frustrated with finding the right fit, and feeling lost and clueless;
• I get overwhelmed with all the choices – and I’m not good at coordinating pieces to work together. 

 And that was only three – there were many more variations pretty much stating the overwhelm that many of you feel when you go shopping. 

So, not to “overwhelm” you with information, I decided that today I’m going to try and keep my answer short and sweet. (That’s one of my biggest challenges when I write!) Whether you’re a fashion newbie wanting to elevate your style, a fashionista who lives for the September Vogue issue to come in the mail, or somewhere in between, we all can get “overwhelmed” when it comes to shopping.  

Follow my 4 Step Shopping Plan and go from “overwhelmed” to “overjoyed” during your shopping experience and from the results of your shopping day. 

1. Create A Shopping Plan. We plan so many things in our life. The one thing that we do everyday is get dressed, and yet rarely do we do this with a plan in mind or in hand. Think of curating your wardrobe as a creative project, and you are the Project Manager or Design Director – choose whichever title makes you smile. 
   • Step 1 Fashion Fieldwork: Every morning as you get dressed be mindful of the joys and frustrations you feel over the pieces you are choosing to wear from your current closet. Ask yourself a few questions, and take note of your answers on a piece of paper:
     • Do I love this? Does this bring me joy when I wear it? Write down the pieces that you love and wear all of the time. Be detailed. Example: Red long sleeve silk Tahari blouse. (You will refer to these items later.) 
     • What piece(s) do I need to add to my wardrobe that will make this outfit even more awesome? You might find yourself saying, “Oh, If I just had a camel colored cardigan, that would work wonderfully with so many of my outfits!” Write down any pieces that fall in this category. Do this for a week or two before you go shopping. 
   • Step 2 Create Your Shopping Strategy: Now that you’ve completed your fashion fieldwork, it’s time to create a shopping strategy. Study your notes that you took during the two weeks, and compile a list of the following items:
     • Clothes that you love on you: Why do you love them? It could be because of the style, shape, color, sleeve length, how the fabric feels or drapes on your body, etc. Be as detailed as you can (the more the better), and write all of them down. These are the details and characteristics you’re going to look for when you go shopping for new items. 
     • Styles that will enhance your wardrobe: These are the pieces that would really help you get dressed easier, if you had them in your current closet right now. It could be that camel colored cardigan or a basic black tee that’s been MIA from your basics for months. Or it could be a multi colored jacket that will go with many of your colorful or neutral pieces perfectly. 
   • Step 3 Plan Your Shopping Trip: 
     • Determine your Goals and your Budget. Example: “I want to find 1 new pair of dark wash flared jeans, 1 blouse similar to my red Tahari but in ivory, 1 black long sleeve Tee (Look for Majestic brand or something similar), 1 black wool cardigan to replace the one I have (Try Ralph Lauren or T Tahari brand) + I Fall chunky heel bootie – no more than a 3” heel (Try Steve Madden or Michael Kors brand) and I don’t want to spend more than $600.00.” Prioritize this list starting with the most important piece you would like to find to the least important. 
     • Put your plan in writing. Write out your goals and your budget as well as the notes from Step 2 Create Your Shopping Strategy: Type your notes on your computer and print out or neatly handwrite on a piece of paper. This is your plan which in essence is a detailed shopping list with your goals and budget noted. 
     • Schedule time for yourself and add it to your calendar. This is important. If you don’t schedule it, you won’t make time to do it. Shopping can be a fun and rewarding experience so consider it a welcoming treat, an investment in yourself. Make sure that you plan a day (or a few hours if that is all you can do) where you don’t have to do anything else but shop the stores. Decide where you’re going to go and plan to bring any necessary credit cards, gift cards, discount coupons or trade in point programs, etc.
   • Step 4 Go Shopping: A few things to heed to ensure you have success and a good time:
     • Make sure you’re well rested and fed. Get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a good breakfast. I know that if I shop when I’m tired or hungry I don’t make wise decisions. Shopping for a few hours is hard work. (I ought to know!) You will get hungry and thirsty so bring snacks to munch on (I suggest nuts or crackers), and water so that you stay hydrated and alert.
     • Wear something comfortable. One of the things that can make you tire when shopping is getting in and out of your clothing. Wear something that is easy to slip on and off. Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes and a bra that flatters your figure. 
     • Bring a few of your favorite items with you if you can. Besides having your shopping plan in hand, actual clothing items will be inspirations and reminders of what you love. Plus you can match them up to items on your list that you’re looking to find. It’s much more exciting finding a new piece that works perfectly with one of your faves! If you can’t or don’t want to haul your clothing around all day take a few good photos and attach those to your plan.
     • Bring your printed out shopping plan and stick to it. Keep your focus. Don’t be swayed by all the shiny objects vying for your attention. Be ruthless and follow your shopping list, starting with one thing at a time with your top priority. If you shop according to your plan you’re more likely to meet your wardrobe goals and budget. 
     • Take a breath. If you start to get overwhelmed from all of the choices or you can’t seem to find what you’re currently looking for, stop, smile and take a few deep breaths. If you need to sit down and study your plan to regroup, do that. Drink water and grab a handful of nuts. Do not be in a rush. Sometimes all you need to do is just pause for a few minutes to reinvigorate. If you have time for lunch, treat yourself! You deserve it!
     • Love what you buy. Purchase items that you look good and feel good in. Make sure that you’re buying pieces that have the characteristics and details that you discovered in Step 1 Fashion Fieldwork, and you’re more likely to go home with items that you love. It’s really that simple. Oh…and have some fun! 

Put these 4 steps into practice, and your shopping experience should go from “overwhelmed” to “overjoyed” in no time! 

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

If you have a question also post it in the comment section below.  I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.” 

That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!

Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle