Andrea's Brief Shopping Tips

[Guest Emily H]

1. Do not be nervous! Everybody, buys anything they need, anything they are interested in. Do not worry about being judged. Cashiers aren't meant to judge the customers. Most likely, they won't care who is buying what, they will care about ringing you up so that they can get to the next person in line. Complete strangers, also don't care. At least, they shouldn't. Ignore anybody who gives you looks. But I am going to say one thing- in my experiences, nobody was even paying attention to me. In fact, at a yard sale one time, I noticed I was going through the clothes just like the other women, and one of them even asked me if I knew what the prices were, and she didn't bat an eye at all that I was holding a provocative bra outstretched in front of me.

2.Unsure of size? 99 times out of ten, go for the larger. I've made this mistake too many times, and indeed, I have a pair of panties and some nice sweatpants I have to return. Before that, it was a top, and in between that, I have another top tucked away in my closet that is too late to return. It is true, that if you get a size too large, it will not be fun to wear at all, and it might as well be (in most cases) a size too small. However, if you are not sure whether or not you have the right size, go with the larger. If you are not certain you can fit into this size, go for the other, larger size. I have never once had to return things for being too large. I know in the store, you will look at it and say, Oh this looks like an okay size, and, when off your body, it looks perfect. Trust me. Unless you are really, really adept at this, its not. Go for the larger.

3. Try to look at things you need, rather than what you would like to add to your collection. Of course, this tip is subjective. I soon realized after a shopping spree, that I had one top, to match two skirts and pair of pants. The problem was, that the shirt didn't match both articles of clothing, and the top was skin tight, so it would not always be what I would want to wear on all days. The bottom line is, it might be a cute skirt or a cute dress, but you have to decide how often you are going to wear it, and how well it will fit into your wardrobe.

But the bottom line is truly, get what you enjoy. Just be smart as to what it is you are choosing to enjoy.

~Andrea

[Guest Wendae]

Andrea S .....I'm finding out that you are right on. No one pays much attention including the SAs. Concentrate on what you want and don't look around furtively. Look folks in the eye and pass pleasantries or just smile. Even if you bump into someone you know don't act nervous. Confidence and a clear mind should get you through it. I have tried stuff on in a changing room. I have used the men's changing room in GW without incident. If you are in fem then there is a small possibility of some sort of comment.

I've only had a problem once and that was in California at a Sears back in the 70's when exchanging a skirt that was to small. The SA was hasseling me about not knowing the size. Back then I had said it was for my wife.

I've felt more nervous when I went into a Victoria's Secret to buy my wife a garter belt to hold up surgical stockings. Couldn't find any other store that carried them.

[Carolyn Marie]

Excellent advice, Andrea. Very helpful.

Yes, salespeople only want a sale, especially these days. They couldn't care less who they're selling to, and the bigger the bill the more they will

smile at you.

Confidence is the key. You've got that exactly right. If you act fearful, people will notice and wonder why. If you're confident, they will figure you

know what you are doing and won;t give you a second look.

Good on you, girlfriend!

Carolyn Marie

[Guest NatashaJade]

I agree with all you have to say, especially about the care level of others. People are so involved in their own worlds that unless you are making a concerted effort to be noticed, no one will care and if they do, they would never think to say anything unless they were an insufferable busybody at which point there's not much you can do. Fortunately, I've never come across busybodies. Most people just don't see what we are sure they must be looking at.

As far as trying clothes o, I'm still not up to doing it in the store, but I will occasionally take a risk and buy something that might be too small just in case it's not. I'm not afraid to return clothes. I know the size levels of pretty much all the Target designers and Old Navy as well. ON tends to run a little larger, so I like shopping there.

luv

Gin