Dressing for Shopping

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Here's a scenario for you...You're getting ready for an afternoon of shopping. You do your hair, your makeup and put on something that makes you feel cute because you're about to parade through a sea of people doing the same thing you're doing - trying to find clothes, etc. that flatter your body and make you feel/look awesome. And if you're like me, you walk out of the house with your hair in a ponytail, bright lip stain, jeans and a top. AND then..you spend the rest of the day pulling clothes over your head messing up your hair, putting your hair back in a ponytail and fearing that you're going to get you red lip color on the clothes. And then you think...Why did I dress like this for shopping?!

Yes, this happened yesterday, and it was a GREAT reminder because maybe you guys won't have to keep repeating these mistakes over again like moi. Haha.

1. Don't wear bright lip color. Duh! Haha. We don't think of it before we hit the stores, but you will once you are putting on the first article of clothing. ;)

2. Don't wear jeans/pants/shirts that have to be rolled. I did this yesterday, and I kept having to fix it every time.

3. Wear shoes that you can slip on and off.

4. Don't wear a dress. Most likely you'll try on a top, and you'll have a hard time visualizing the top without any bottoms. Of course you can always grab bottoms in the store, but why make life more difficult, right?

5. Wear a white/black tank top. It's a great basic that goes with everything. You'll be able to picture most clothes (skirts, cardigans, etc.) better with that.

6. Wear jeans. Most of the clothes will match denim.

7. Wear a strapless bra. Sometimes there are those tanks or dresses that you try on that you can't really visualize well because you don't have the proper undergarments.

8. Avoid several layers. It's just one more thing to put back on after all is said and done.

9. Wear your hair down. It's easier to fix than a bun or ponytail.

Shopping is already frustrating sometimes, especially if it's the dreaded swimsuit or denim shopping trip. Don't dress to impress as dress to feel comfortable before and after the dressing room.

What I want in my closet...

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My closet is missing certain staples and trendy items, and as fall approaches, I am wanting them more and more.

Things as mundane as a new pair of black tights and sunglasses are my list. All of my black tights have runs in them and I don't own a single pair of sun glasses that isn't broken. I was driving home like a granny the other day because the sun was setting and I couldn't see a thing. Not good...

But, of course, there are things on my list that aren't as much needs as they are items I should just save for. Nude shoes...Guys, I've been looking for a pair that fits my size 10 tootsies for months. Still haven't found them. Mad Men reminded me of how much I love the clean, classic Jackie O cotton turtleneck and capris look. I have the skinny capris, but I'm missing the turtleneck. Black leather boots. I have a pair of black suede boots that bit the dust last year (never buying suede again). I'm a sucker for the british riding look, so I'll probably stick to something without a heel.

As for pure trendy items on my list...Lace and plaid skirts. Putting something as rough as a motorcycle jacket (want that too) or simple as a black turtleneck with the skirts would be awesome. I still don't own a bib necklace or a statement necklace, and I have yet to partake in the trend of shooties/booties. See any items on this list that catch your eye?

Menswear Monday: Whatever Happened To Banana Republic?

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When I graduated from college, I joked that I was able to make the leap from Old Navy and Gap to Banana Republic. Having a real job meant more grown up clothes, and BR seemed like the easiest route. I don't think I'm alone in this progression; after all, the reason that I started shopping at Banana was that most of my co-workers and friends did, too.

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Blog Lovin'

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Being a blogger, it goes without saying that I follow many other blogs for my daily fix of  creativity. I thought I would share some of my favorites, so you can follow them too. I follow over a 100 different blogs, so I'll give you three right now and share others as the weeks go by. =)

SeeSaw - updated with daily inspiration from the creative Scottsdale-based studio, See Saw Designs. Clothing, jewelry, letterpress, furniture...They post about all sorts of cool things.

Behind the Seams - If you love DIY fashion projects. This is a great blog! She also posts daily inspiring outfits.

Jak & Jil - If you love photography, then you should follow this fashion photographer that captures models off the runway. You'll always find great pictures of handbags and shoes. =)