Shopping can be miserable.
Bra shopping can be a trip into the depths of Hell. Typically, though, it is brief…because the selection is small.
Shirt shopping can be a long, masochistic trip into the depths of Hell. There can be a hundred shirts in one store, and to find one that will fit I may have to try them all.
And pants….well, let’s not go there, at least not without a few drinks.
I have learned there are few tools that make shopping faster and smarter, and the first “smarter” thing I did was put these tools in a baggie and leave them in my purse. I call this kit my Necessity Kit.
- tape measure – A tape measure is very handy for bra shopping, but I’ve been known to whip it out to measure shirt shoulder widths and pant rises.
- band extender – A necessity for my bra shopping, in case I meet a bra that’s “good enough”. If you often wish for a shorter band, you may benefit from a Rixie Clip.
- camisole/Cami Too – Slide it on to see if that v-neck or wrap can work with a bit more modesty. Particularly handy since so many “made for large busts” tops are v’d or wrapped.
- racerback clip – Summer is here, embrace the sleeveless tops while you can. No reason to pass on a great top if you don’t have the perfect racerback or convertible bra.
- pencil/small notepad (or smart phone with notes feature) – I take notes on why bras fit or not, and when I find clothing manufacturers that seem to cut for my figure.
Do any of you have shopping tips or tricks you’d like to share?
Here are my additions to this list:
– mp3 player or at least headset if sales people in your area tend to be obtrusive;
– small bottle of water and another pair of shoes if you are going for a shopping marathon (I don’t really know how it works but changing one pair of flats to another helps, it’s a trick I learnt from stylist/personal shopper blog);
– if you are going to buy perfume – small amount of coffee beans (its smell helps to clear your perception from precious fragrances);
– dozen of pins (if you see some item which you think might work with minor alteration it helps a lot to try if the alteration is going to work in the fitting room).
Oooh, excellent suggestions! I always carry water/snack (I do live in the desert). Love the pins idea, I’ll definitely add those.
Thank you!
PS there is one important thing about shopping and things you carrying around I learnt from experience: always put my sunglasses inside my purse immediately after stepping through the mall/shop/boutique doors.