Changing Your Life One Shopping Bag at a Time
By Susan Osborne
From the April 2006
Issue of Applaud Magazine
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After the first of the year, nearly everyone makes at least one New Year's resolution. This year, why not commit to making a positive change in your life? Lots of people focus on dieting or exercising, which can sometimes be overwhelming in the middle of the winter. Why not start with something a little simpler, like filling in those gaps in your wardrobe? Save time and money on your next shopping trip by following these five tips: 1. First, decide exactly what you need. Maybe you've looked through your closet and see you're missing a basic black turtleneck, a long, black skirt and a pair of jeans. When you head out to the store or mall of your choice, keep in mind that you need only these three things. 2. Ask for help. Sales people are there to help you find what you're looking for. If you enter the store and are unsure where the denim department is, just ask. Someone will be happy to assist you. Not only will you locate your items quickly, but you can also get some honest advice and a second opinion on how certain articles of clothing fit you. Sometimes having another pair of eyes helps you decide which items work for you and which don't. 3. Bring at least three sizes into the dressing room with you. Each manufacturer sizes its clothes differently; unfortunately, you're not always going to be the same size in everything you wear. For example, if you think you usually wear a size 10, then pick up an 8 and a 12 as well. Choosing a range of sizes will keep you from having to make multiple trips to the dressing room. 4. Now that you've chosen a bunch of sizes, don't worry about which one fits. All clothes are made differently, so don't panic if the jeans that fit you best are a size up from what you normally wear. Focus more on how they feel against your skin and whether they hug your curves. You don't want to be stuck in a pair of jeans that bunch in the front or feel too snug in the hips. Whatever size they are, they'll be more comfortable if they fit you correctly. If you need help figuring out what your best fit is, enlist the assistance of a salesperson, a good friend that will be honest with you or a personal shopper. 5. Finally, make an informed choice. You've saved plenty of time up to this point, so don't spoil it by becoming distracted by other items in the store. You set out with a plan, and if you change that plan, you could end up making impulse purchases. Ignore everything but what you've set out to buy, and your conscience (and your wallet) will thank you later. These tips can keep your next shopping excursion short, sweet and, best of all, inexpensive. Adjusting your shopping habits is one positive way to start off the New Year. Once you've done that, other things will follow; it only takes one little change to make a big difference in your life.