Shopping Style
Friday, October 07, 2011I'm not much of an in-store shopper. Instead, I spend countless hours window shopping online. Through a few mouse clicks, I'm able to find things I like/dislike, look for deals, see the store inventory, etc. So when I do step foot inside stores, there are no surprises because I already know what I want. This "in-and-out" shopping mentality of mine drives bf crazy, especially when we grocery shop. He likes to take his sweet time looking through everything before making a decision. It took awhile, but we now compromise by divvying up the grocery list and meeting up later with our goods. I would come back with apple cider, veggies, and fruits only to see him still trying to decide between two brands of orange soda, lol!
I do believe my shopping style helps keep my spending in check because I've had ample time to figure out if I really love or need an item. There are certainly downsides though. Sometimes I forget things on my list because I don't walk through the entire store, or if the inventory differs online vs in-store. For example, I've never seen this H&M skirt (below) online, but I picked it up after passing through a random aisle. After trying it on, I decided to bring it home, mainly because it was the last small size left (horrible reason on my part). After a good night's sleep, I tried it on again, decided it's too tight and I don't really need it, so back to the store it goes. This example has a happy ending, but it could easily have gone the other way. Well, I don't have a skirt this shape, the fit is decent, and since I already bought it, I might as well keep it instead of making another trip out. I've figured out what works for me -- in-and-out keeps surprises to a minimum. If I didn't know an item exists, then I wouldn't know what I'm missing.
How would you describe your shopping style?
Forever 21 rhinestone snake chain (sold here; similar)
18 comments
I am not much of an in-store shopper either. Unless I have time to kill, I never spent more than 15 mins at one store. I tried on that H&M skirt and it was also short on me. There is no need to keep things that you don't love.
ReplyDeletehaha, we have completely different shopping styles!! i'm probably more like your bf -- i like to go through every aisle in the store and look carefully at all the labels and everything. the hubby is definitely more like you -- in and out and nothing extra. he doesn't do any research beforehand though but doesn't mind paying full price if it saves time. and the H&M skirt is lovely on you but good for you for returning it if you don't need it!
ReplyDeletecute & little
Since I moved to the US, I'd much rather spend my time browsing online. However, when I do go to the mall, I'm generally an in-and-out shopper as well. If I don't see what I want right off the bat, I'm out of there. It used to drive me crazy to go shopping with people who are the complete opposite (my mom!). I've learned to be a little more patient, though. When you start shopping at places like H&M and thrift stores, you have start using your imagination and really take your time. I definitely have to be in the "mood" to do that sort of thing, but it can really pay off. I just started checking out second-hand stores after seeing all the great things other bloggers find and even though I know I have to slow down, I'm still sort of that in-and-out shopper when it come to thrifting. I kind of just run my hand through the clothes and scan through the racks until I see a print of color (or material) that catches my eye.
ReplyDeleteI am def and in and out shopper as well UNLESS it's my birthday or anniv where I can milk the entire day...LOL
ReplyDeleteIt's rare I try things on - I buy and return later...which drives my hubs mad...:)
LOVE this outfit!!!!
For me, it depends on my mood. Sometimes I will spend weeks coming the online inventory, then go to the store to purchase. Other times I feel like going on a treasure hunt to see what I can find. I don't go to the mall very often, so I do a lot of shopping online and then just drive to the store to return it if I don't like it. I do find that on the days I decide to make it "mall shopping excursion day" I typically get burnt out after maybe 3 stores and just want to get the hell outta there, which is why shopping online appeals more to me.
ReplyDeleteYay for another gingham shirt remix! J. Crew Factory has a bunch of different colors on their site but I'm trying to rein in the shopping while I'm on maternity leave. Happy Columbus Day weekend! Will you be doing any shopping?
ReplyDeleteLOL, hubby and I are exactly like you and your BF but flip-flopped. I am the perpetual browser (when shopping the laundry aisle or shampoo/soap aisles, I smell EVERY single one) and ponder just about everything to get the best quality I can for a decent price. I think I would drive you nuts!
I'm the same way, I think it definitely fits my personality better to really contemplate something. Its why I like ebay auctions so much: I have a whole week to figure out if I want it or not, and how much I'd be willing to spend on it. I actually bought the same H&M skirt but lost the receipt :( I also think its too tight and I definitely dont feel very comfortable in it (your legs look way better, lol!!)
ReplyDeleteIt depends, sometimes I will run in and out and other times I like to take my sweet time. Like today I went to the supermarket to get bread and OJ and got online immediately. But then I was regretting not looking around because the woman in front of me bought hummus and chips and I had second thoughts. But I stayed on line and paid and left. If I was with my husband we would probably spend time walking around checking things out.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm shopping for clothes I try to be quick, knowing that my sister (who's usually my shopping buddy) will get impatient. But usually I rush because I feel self conscious in stores.
You always look great in these mini length skirts :) Ever since I started blogging, I'm turning more into an online shopper. Plus, I always feel so giddy to get packages in the mail, haha. I must be getting old or out of shape, because when I'm shopping at the malls, I get so exhausted with all the walking and hauling around the bags, haha. But I'm definitely a dwelling shopper, I can debate over things forever both online and onsite shopping.
ReplyDeleteI shop more in store I would say...I can spend hours in the mall! Love your layering here!
ReplyDeletelove your bag!!you look great
ReplyDeletekisses from prague and if you have some time you can visit my blog too:)
have a wonderful day
http://sienastyle.blogspot.com/
Beautiful outfit.. the layering and accessorizing looks great. :)
ReplyDeleteI personally love to browse stores...but I don't like having sales associates bug me too much...I just like to touch and see the clothes in person since sometimes its diff than how it appears online. I like to look online before I get to the store too though...ahahaa.
ReplyDelete@PetiteLittleGirl - Me too! I don't like spending a lot of time at one store, but I sure don't mind spending a whole day at the mall, lol.
ReplyDelete@kileen - Like your husband, I also don't mind spending full price if it's something I truly love. My bf? Must always find a deal :)
@Cher - It's so true what you said about bargain shopping. I typically run my eyes over racks quickly, but I'll have to give touching the fabrics for textures a try next time. I bet there are so many things I missed because it's not eye-catching. Gotta start slow somewhere and work my way up to be more patient!
@Really Petite - Speaking of trying things on... do you much rather buy online and try in the comfort of your own home? B/c I'm like that, haha. There's just something about being the first one to wear an item... or at least it feels that way b/c items look so nice when shipped.
@littlenashua - I can actually last awhile at the mall, but can't stay in one store too long. Then there are certain stores like F21 (especially the humongous ones) which completely tires me out about halfway through, so I do know how you feel!
@SewPetiteGal - I did stop by J.Crew briefly b/c there's an additional 30% off sale in stores (but not online, boo!) I contemplated a bright yellow Jackie (I'm assuming) cardigan, but passed because it was a tad too big. I did see a gingham shirt (small squares) in pink that looked so cute! If I didn't already have a pink version, I'd have seriously considered it.
@easy petite looks - Hehe, glad I'm not the only odd girl out there ;) You could do an exchange for a larger size without a receipt... or get store credit back for the skirt?
@Jenn - Oh man, I know what you mean. On one hand, I like going to malls at off-peak hours b/c lines aren't as long. But that usually means the SAs aren't busy and I can feel their eyes following me around the store, haha.
@Olyvia - I used to like getting packages too, before I lived in an apt. Because now I have to walk to the management office to pick them up. And not only that, cardboard boxes need to be thrown out in the trash can on the first floor (which I don't usually pass by), so I've accumulated a mountain of empty boxes in my hall closet that's taller than me. God I'm lazy, hahaha.
@TaraMixandMatch, @SIENA.STYLE, @Susan - Thank you :)
@Jarucha - Yay, your comment went through. Did you use a different browser?
SAs are one reason I don't like going to the more upscale mall in my area b/c usually there aren't many customers. I can feel their eyes tracking my every move, lol.
Well, you and I could definitely grocery shop together, because I am an in-and-out kind of gal. But when it comes to clothes shopping, I definitely like to take my time. I find it almost relaxing, I think :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pairing of the gingham shirt under that sweater. I can't wait until it's cold enough in Georgia to pull out all of my chunky sweaters :)
I have a list when grocery shopping so it finally dawned on me to have a wish list before I go clothes shopping. Now I go the the mall with purpose. I do still wander and lose focus but it has definitely cut down my mall hours.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about my shopping style or how many times I shop over the weekend. I dont normally shop a lot and when I do go shopping, it's usually because there's a huge sale going on. I don't really do much online shopping bc the inventory is different.
ReplyDeleteHusband and I spend countless hours at the grocery store bc he's the type that would like to go to every aisle, drives me crazy! haha
OMG my boyfriend is the exact same way in the grocery store! One trip will take forever!
ReplyDeleteBTW - totally love the layered sweater and shirt with the chunky statement necklace!
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