Shopping in Twos

Oh man. I am the world’s worst shopper.

When I say I’m the world worst shopper, I don’t mean I have a buying problem. No, in fact, I rather hate shopping. Don’t get me wrong – I love pretty new clothes. I madly love and love and love pretty new clothes. It’s just that I hate the process of finding them.

But it’s not the trying them on, as is the part that many people hate about shopping! I rather love getting prettied up in the changing room. I have no girlish sensitivity about the fact that I’m physically imperfect – we all are, it’s fine by me, and I’m happy as I am.

Nope, what I hate is the picking things out.

There are too many choices. It’s overwhelming. I don’t know what section to find the shoes to go with that sweet dress. I don’t know whether they keep the little jackets with the little wraps. I don’t want to piece every step together before I hit the dressing room. I don’t know if I might have something at home that goes just right. I don’t know any of it.

So how does shopping work for me? A little bit like this.

Me: Oh, could I try this on?
Salesgirl: Of course! Let me get a changing room started for you.
Me: Actually, I am looking for something that works for [insert function/activity]… in fact, I need to buy a bunch of things… I’m really the worst shopper… can you pick things out and I will put them on?

Yes, it costs more. Yes, I have to go to lovely shops where the salesgirls will actually have the fashion savvy to dress me delightfully. No, I am not sorry to pay for it. The time that I’m saved in pacing about from store to store results in a net positive.

So, today. Two party dresses. Two sets of coordinating accessories. Two hours. Done and done.