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. :)