When I was very young fashion meant what my Mom put me in. As I got a little older fashion was whatever hand me downs my older sister gave me. Being a middle child (for me anyways) meant finding me own style and standing out. In junior high I got really into alternative and rock music and my clothes usually reflected this. In high school, my music taste slowly changed to a more punk rock influence and so did my outfits. There was a lot of plaid, safety pins, thrift store shirts and pink and black hair. Well, as I grew up, I finally learned liking any music doesn't mean you have to dress bad. So that's what brings us here, today. I still have punk/alternative style influences, but it is unique to the look I want to portray. I try to combine rocker items with pretty pieces for a unique style. I buy what I like, what fits best on my body (and on my budget) regardless of trends. I make my own rules.
So what stores do I frequent? Well I'll basically shop anywhere. If a store has something I like, I'll buy it, regardless of where it is from, BUT, like anyone else I have some staples that I always turn to first....
Forever 21: for everything! I've purchased anything from dresses, skirts, jeans, shirts to make up, jewelery and shoes here and I love the prices.
Urban Outfitters: for really pretty and unique dresses and shirts.
H&M: for shirts, dresses, skirts and accessories.
Payless: for very comfortable flats and cute sandals (and as an added bonus they have great prices too).
Gap: for basic T's, skirts and tights.
Ruelala.com: for my designer splurges. This invitation only online boutique carries exclusive designer discounts. It is truly amazing.
And well that was just to list a few. Yet, I've learned over the years that it's not just the stores that you buy from it is the patience you have to find the best pieces in those stores that you call your favorites. I can't tell you how many times someone has said to me, "where did you get that dress....oh I can never find anything in there".
Most women love to shop, but I am better at "digging" than most people. I have the patience to go through those thrift store or sale racks for hours to find the quality pieces worth buying for the style and price and not just the price. Because unfortunately, just because something is on clearance for $5 does not mean it looks good or is actually even worth the five bucks.
Most people hate trying something on before they buy it. Tough. If you're actually going to spend money to drive to your favorite shop and then pay however much for an outfit, you should make sure it looks good on first. Otherwise, you will be disappointed and out money (by either having to drive all the way back to the shop to return or out the money completely because you swear you will return it next week and you never do...ever). So try everything on and make more than one trip. It's worth it to have pieces in your closet that you actually like.
So how do you get this patience? Shop by yourself and bring your mp3 player. I know that sounds weird, but think about it. What do you do at work to draw out unwanted noise and focus? You put on your headphones (assuming your company allows this, otherwise gee I'm sorry you have to listen to that idiot next to you). And yes I know all you girls want to shop with your friends. It's fun, I get it, but think about it. If you're like me, you have friends with all different styles. Your friend might not want to go to your favorite store (and vice versa). You will either cave and go to the stores she (or he) wants to go into and if you even get to your favorite store you probably will have someone follow you around the whole time. Now if that isn't pressure, well it sure is annoying. And ladies stop dragging your boyfriends and husbands into your stores. I'm tired of feeling bad for them. They don't want to be there! If you have to shop with your significant other, then go to a mall that has stores he likes too, so he has something to do while you try on clothes.
until next time...
Listening to: Mayday Parade
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