The Perfect Shopping Outfit (For Me)

I love to shop. When I go shopping and have to actually plan a trip to specific stores to get things I am usually on a mission.  I go into a store, I skim the racks, I look for the pieces I want or something that will pair nicely with something I already have. Then I try it on and if it fits, looks nice and is within a reasonable price I buy it. I am in, out and on to the next in a relatively short amount of time. That is, if I can get out of the dressing room without too many more body issues. You know, because that REALLY cute inexpensive dress is only available in a medium and you try it on but it doesn't fit right in some areas (usually my hips). Almost but not quite and you know a large would be perfect. BODY ISSUES - I has them.

So writing my blog yesterday I came up with an interesting idea. What is your perfect shopping outfit? Obviously when you go to a mall you want to look cute. I refuse to buy something without trying it on and now most retailers (like Forever 21) only allow you to exchange and not return for full refund. You also have a certain number of day to return it and not all stores are in all areas. We don't all live in LA, NYC or major metropolitan areas where you can buy anything you want without leaving your town. So I try everything on and I make sure it fits. If I don't absolutely love it, I don't buy it.

(Jeanne of The Jeanne Journal via Chictopia)

So as I have been mulling this over, the perfect shopping outfit is actually very simple.

• White/Black strapless bra with clear straps
• White or Black spaghetti strap/tank top
• Cardigan (any color or design)
• A plain skirt OR plain shorts (I'd go with black)*
• Tights (again I'd go with black or white)* **
• Flats/Flip Flops (To bring in your handbag if you wear heels)
• Heels (in your handbag if you wear flats/flip flops)

* You can substitute the tights and/or shorts for leggings.
**If you do this, bring tights with you in your purse

I developed this idea because so many times I have run into the "oh well that would look cute with tights" or I run into the lumpy-boob-because-I-didn't-wear-the-right-bra problem a la yesterday with my strapless dress looking much better with a change in bra. And there have been plenty of times where I wished I had worn a tank top because shirts are becoming so sheer now. That's not a trend I approve of BTW.  But in the off chance that I do want to buy a sheer shirt, I want know what it will look like with a tank top underneath before I buy it.

Now there are so many ways to make this cute. Accessories are your first option. Pair it up with a cute belt, if you wear a black tank top with black leggings pair that with a chunky belt and do a patterned or bright colored cardigan. You can wear any pattern or style of flats, sandals, flip flops or heels and DO NOT forget the handbag. It will need to be slightly large in size but who cares? Most girls have a large handbag. Mine is called The Abyss and for good reason. It is a large crossbody handbag I got at Target for $30 and the amount of things I can shove in there are ridiculous and it's cute.

So now that you've seen mine, what is your perfect shopping outfit?