...of course I forgot one of my shopping rules...
10. IS IT MEANT TO BE?: This one I love...if it's in my size it was meant to be, if not, I probably wouldn't have made it look good. :) haha... It's another firm shopping rule I live by. It's REALLY meant to be if the last one is in your size...in fact, you probably don't even need to try it on- that is a sign from God right there. :)
Funny thing is, sometimes I really do feel designers are designing specifically for me. :) Like today for instance, the stars aligned and I was united with a little shorts jumpsuit that looks like an old swimsuit from the era where curves were embraced and full thighs were sexy. I picked the trendy number out, and it was available in my size (a sign!). When I slipped it on, the angels sang from the heavens. Immediately I smiled, a little nervous at first since I get a little self-conscious about my thighs. I stepped out of the dressing room (for a little person-to-person validation (besides the angels)). The dressing lady took one look and was like, "that is SO cute!!" Cha-ching! Done. :) There was another girl (about 14 years old and 60 pounds) trying on this very outfit...while her friend commented how after seeing me, she knew her little friend did not have the body-type for this number. :) It's those moments that I live for...reasons I love shopping... Sometimes it's just right. :) And if an experience like that doesn't give you confidence, I don't know what will. ROCK IT! :)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
shopping with Kara...what IS she thinking??
So I was shopping at the Mall of America today and all of sudden, while picking out the latest trendy item, I realized, "holy crap, my brain is constantly going when I'm shopping." There is a lot to think about...maybe I'm the only one that thinks this much...or maybe it's the elitist of the shoppers...or maybe everyone thinks this much. It's not just about 'do I look fat in this?' Oh no, there's far more on the mind to a skilled shopper than that. Here's what I think about.
1. TRENDS: What are the latest trends? And more importantly what are the up and coming trends? I prefer not to be joining the END of a trend (which thereby makes it rather untrendy). Now some of this can't be helped and the location in which one resides must be taken into consideration...since I live in the middle of nowhere "the latest trend" is relative being that it usually starts overseas and the next year hits the coasts and major cities, and lastly the middle of nowhere about 12 years after it really was the trend. But does it matter one could ask? Not in MN, because people here live are clad in Farm-Fleet or Polaris attire no matter what's in style. In fact, if you dress trendy people automatically assume you are from anywhere but here? Haha...it IS true- I've been asked many times where I was from and the sheer look of shock appears when I say MN. It cracks me up. :) Ok, ok...back to trends. I refuse to jump on board with overly trendy things like UGGs, though I do own a couple pair of skinny jeans I will admit. Bottom line: I want to be the one setting the trend and rockin the weird.
2. HAIR COLOR: What will my hair color be when I'm trying to wear this amazing item? It seems odd to some, but my hair color changes each season, depending greatly on my mood. :) Sounds a little silly, but I can't dominate a hot pink tank while I'm sportin red hair...and I prefer not to wear much white/beige/tan when I have platinum hair...it makes sense right? :)
3. IS IT WORTHY?: Whenever I'm shopping I just pick out whatever I like, not looking at price tags. UNLESS I'm in a store I've never been in- then I pick out something cheaper-looking like a tank top and scope out the price...if it's ridonculous I smile and walk in one of 2 directions- to the clearance rack or simply out the door. :) After squeezing myself into these "chosen" articles, I look in the mirror- typically in a head cocked (or taco-head) fashion and stand on my tiptoes (or no reason...it just happens...I think I feel skinnier that way). If it's a potential buy, I ask myself, "what would I pay for this?" based on how it looks. If it looks amazing, it's more obviously, but if it's just so-so, I hope I got it off the clearance rack...haha. Then I look at the tag...if it's more than I think it's worthy of based on how it looks on me, I just put it back, but if it's less...that garment is comin home with mama. :) It works super well!
4. Of course, HOW GOOD DO I MAKE THIS PIECE OF CLOTHING LOOK?: Haha... :) Every person has this thought- it's the staple to shopping...does this piece of clothing make me look fat or does it compliment my amazing assets? I firmly believe clothes are meant to compliment what God has given you. It's a matter of finding a designer that has the knack to do that for you. Who gives a shit what the tag says- people don't walk around with their clothes inside out, leaving tags/sizes exposed. Be aware of your shape and the styles that flatter your body. Also be aware of fabrics- clingy vs baggy, etc. There are perks to both depending on your trouble spots. Wear what fits you! And buy what you feel amazing in! If you have confidence in the outfit you're rocking- everyone will think you look good.
5. IN A BIND: There's nothing worse than when you're shopping for that perfect red slinky dress for under $50 and after searching high and low, even going in to stores you would be embarrassed to see anyone you knew in, and you CAN.NOT.FIND.THE.DAMN.THING!!! It's a given, if I'm looking for it, I won't find it. Thus I try to anticipate WELL in advance events coming up and keep my eyes peeled for classic items and amazing pieces every time I shop. You never know when you're going to need that flawless bright green silk number...so better get it now, you'll thank yourself later. It's so much less stressful. Another idea to cope with this bind- try not to have super strict expectations of something you want to find.
6. Just say NO to online shopping: I know it's super popular, but unless you don't mind sending boxes of stuff back, which you know never happens as much as it should, it's just too easy to a) spend loads of money, b) buy things that don't fit you well, and c) keep that stuff that doesn't fit you well because it's too much work or you forgot or you'll regift it or "muh, I alreay paid for it might as well keep it." Unless it's something you already own and you want to replace it knowing exactly how it fits you (or another exception I would let go is a MAD STEAL :))- just say no.
7. WILLING TO SHOP = SWEET FINDS: Listen people, you have to be willing to paruse through racks and racks of clothes to find that perfect item. Patience is key. Bathroom breaks BEFORE entering the store are an ABSOLUTE. Snacks and drinks packed with a definite UNDERSTANDING that this may take all day are necessary. The feeling you get when you stumble upon "THE ITEM" with a disheartened, I'm-leaving-in-one-minute-cause-I-haven't-found-shit-in-the-last-hour-I've-been-searching attitude is so absolutely worth it. You WILL be smiling and your heart will likely be racing (at least that's what it's like for me). :)
8. SHOP OFTEN: I need not say more. :)
The places I heart the most- H&M, Forever 21, Heritage, DSW shoe warehouse, Target, Old Navy, Aldo, and any outlet. ;)
Lastly...
9. DEATH OR BLISS?: Will my husband kill me when I come home with these stellar finds and is it worth it? :) (whisper)- it's almost always worth it ;)
And THAT is only shopping for clothes!! :) Shoes is a lot the same...I just mostly pick the ugliest, most odd-looking shoe that fits. :)
(sigh) I love shopping. :)
1. TRENDS: What are the latest trends? And more importantly what are the up and coming trends? I prefer not to be joining the END of a trend (which thereby makes it rather untrendy). Now some of this can't be helped and the location in which one resides must be taken into consideration...since I live in the middle of nowhere "the latest trend" is relative being that it usually starts overseas and the next year hits the coasts and major cities, and lastly the middle of nowhere about 12 years after it really was the trend. But does it matter one could ask? Not in MN, because people here live are clad in Farm-Fleet or Polaris attire no matter what's in style. In fact, if you dress trendy people automatically assume you are from anywhere but here? Haha...it IS true- I've been asked many times where I was from and the sheer look of shock appears when I say MN. It cracks me up. :) Ok, ok...back to trends. I refuse to jump on board with overly trendy things like UGGs, though I do own a couple pair of skinny jeans I will admit. Bottom line: I want to be the one setting the trend and rockin the weird.
2. HAIR COLOR: What will my hair color be when I'm trying to wear this amazing item? It seems odd to some, but my hair color changes each season, depending greatly on my mood. :) Sounds a little silly, but I can't dominate a hot pink tank while I'm sportin red hair...and I prefer not to wear much white/beige/tan when I have platinum hair...it makes sense right? :)
3. IS IT WORTHY?: Whenever I'm shopping I just pick out whatever I like, not looking at price tags. UNLESS I'm in a store I've never been in- then I pick out something cheaper-looking like a tank top and scope out the price...if it's ridonculous I smile and walk in one of 2 directions- to the clearance rack or simply out the door. :) After squeezing myself into these "chosen" articles, I look in the mirror- typically in a head cocked (or taco-head) fashion and stand on my tiptoes (or no reason...it just happens...I think I feel skinnier that way). If it's a potential buy, I ask myself, "what would I pay for this?" based on how it looks. If it looks amazing, it's more obviously, but if it's just so-so, I hope I got it off the clearance rack...haha. Then I look at the tag...if it's more than I think it's worthy of based on how it looks on me, I just put it back, but if it's less...that garment is comin home with mama. :) It works super well!
4. Of course, HOW GOOD DO I MAKE THIS PIECE OF CLOTHING LOOK?: Haha... :) Every person has this thought- it's the staple to shopping...does this piece of clothing make me look fat or does it compliment my amazing assets? I firmly believe clothes are meant to compliment what God has given you. It's a matter of finding a designer that has the knack to do that for you. Who gives a shit what the tag says- people don't walk around with their clothes inside out, leaving tags/sizes exposed. Be aware of your shape and the styles that flatter your body. Also be aware of fabrics- clingy vs baggy, etc. There are perks to both depending on your trouble spots. Wear what fits you! And buy what you feel amazing in! If you have confidence in the outfit you're rocking- everyone will think you look good.
5. IN A BIND: There's nothing worse than when you're shopping for that perfect red slinky dress for under $50 and after searching high and low, even going in to stores you would be embarrassed to see anyone you knew in, and you CAN.NOT.FIND.THE.DAMN.THING!!! It's a given, if I'm looking for it, I won't find it. Thus I try to anticipate WELL in advance events coming up and keep my eyes peeled for classic items and amazing pieces every time I shop. You never know when you're going to need that flawless bright green silk number...so better get it now, you'll thank yourself later. It's so much less stressful. Another idea to cope with this bind- try not to have super strict expectations of something you want to find.
6. Just say NO to online shopping: I know it's super popular, but unless you don't mind sending boxes of stuff back, which you know never happens as much as it should, it's just too easy to a) spend loads of money, b) buy things that don't fit you well, and c) keep that stuff that doesn't fit you well because it's too much work or you forgot or you'll regift it or "muh, I alreay paid for it might as well keep it." Unless it's something you already own and you want to replace it knowing exactly how it fits you (or another exception I would let go is a MAD STEAL :))- just say no.
7. WILLING TO SHOP = SWEET FINDS: Listen people, you have to be willing to paruse through racks and racks of clothes to find that perfect item. Patience is key. Bathroom breaks BEFORE entering the store are an ABSOLUTE. Snacks and drinks packed with a definite UNDERSTANDING that this may take all day are necessary. The feeling you get when you stumble upon "THE ITEM" with a disheartened, I'm-leaving-in-one-minute-cause-I-haven't-found-shit-in-the-last-hour-I've-been-searching attitude is so absolutely worth it. You WILL be smiling and your heart will likely be racing (at least that's what it's like for me). :)
8. SHOP OFTEN: I need not say more. :)
The places I heart the most- H&M, Forever 21, Heritage, DSW shoe warehouse, Target, Old Navy, Aldo, and any outlet. ;)
Lastly...
9. DEATH OR BLISS?: Will my husband kill me when I come home with these stellar finds and is it worth it? :) (whisper)- it's almost always worth it ;)
And THAT is only shopping for clothes!! :) Shoes is a lot the same...I just mostly pick the ugliest, most odd-looking shoe that fits. :)
(sigh) I love shopping. :)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
where to go...
Ugh...it's been a while since my last entry and mostly cause I'm not sure where to go with this thing. Don't get me wrong, I've got plenty to write about... I initially wanted to start writing about growing up and the madness that leads me to today, but then I wanted to share my random thoughts too long for a facebook update...hmmm...
I think I will devote my next couple, or several, or even many entries to some of the travel experiences I have had. Now most of these experiences have been with Jamie...it's how I knew we could get married actually...I can tolerate him traveling, cause when you travel you are put in every circumstance from extremely stressful to pure bliss. See, the thing is with us is that different things stress us out, thus allowing the other (carefree) one to point out the sheer ridiculousness going on thereby leading to laughter (well, not usually right away). :) I bust Jamie's balls a lot, but it's more for the laughs...I don't mean anything by it. :)
See, Jamie and I studied abroad together in Scotland in the spring of 2004, which was THE most amazing thing I have done to date...please recommend it to all of your children or yourselves or whomever- it's a once in a lifetime experience you will never have the opportunity to do again. And don't carry on about the money bullshit cause I was supporting myself in college...it's a beautiful thing called loans, and these loans are TOTALLY worth it. :)
While overseas I did quite a bit of journaling...see I only journal when I'm going on vacation...the rest of my monotonous, mundane (haha...yeah right) life I don't feel the need to journal about cause you know someone would find it and feelings would be hurt, blah blah blah...it would just be a venting catalog anyway, that's all. Anywho...I filled 2 journals while traveling Europe...unfortunately at this very moment I cannot find the first one (stay tuned...in probably 1 years' time, I will have found it...haha), but I will share (pretty much verbatim) some of my entries. Here we go...Kapplinger (well, Otterness/Kapplinger) adventures- ALL ABOARD!!!! :)
I think I will devote my next couple, or several, or even many entries to some of the travel experiences I have had. Now most of these experiences have been with Jamie...it's how I knew we could get married actually...I can tolerate him traveling, cause when you travel you are put in every circumstance from extremely stressful to pure bliss. See, the thing is with us is that different things stress us out, thus allowing the other (carefree) one to point out the sheer ridiculousness going on thereby leading to laughter (well, not usually right away). :) I bust Jamie's balls a lot, but it's more for the laughs...I don't mean anything by it. :)
See, Jamie and I studied abroad together in Scotland in the spring of 2004, which was THE most amazing thing I have done to date...please recommend it to all of your children or yourselves or whomever- it's a once in a lifetime experience you will never have the opportunity to do again. And don't carry on about the money bullshit cause I was supporting myself in college...it's a beautiful thing called loans, and these loans are TOTALLY worth it. :)
While overseas I did quite a bit of journaling...see I only journal when I'm going on vacation...the rest of my monotonous, mundane (haha...yeah right) life I don't feel the need to journal about cause you know someone would find it and feelings would be hurt, blah blah blah...it would just be a venting catalog anyway, that's all. Anywho...I filled 2 journals while traveling Europe...unfortunately at this very moment I cannot find the first one (stay tuned...in probably 1 years' time, I will have found it...haha), but I will share (pretty much verbatim) some of my entries. Here we go...Kapplinger (well, Otterness/Kapplinger) adventures- ALL ABOARD!!!! :)
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