This could be you!

We’ve all been there: standing in the dressing room just staring at ourselves in that dreadful 3-way mirror, wondering why nothing is either fitting or is the look we are going for. In my book this usually happens when I am shopping for an event because I always have an image of what I want and a set time limit to find it. This type of shopping is stressful and tends to turn me into a mad woman, frantically searching for perfect outfit. So to avoid these dressing room breakdowns, I’ve devised some tips and tricks for shopping for events with a time limit.

1. The biggest problem when shopping for an important event is that you know that you want to look a certain way i.e. pretty, sexy, conservative, or trendy. However, simply thinking about the “look” you’re going for often gets you nowhere as nothing you try on seems to work. Instead, before you go shopping make a list of what styles of clothing you would like to wear for this event– a strapless dress, a high wasted skirt, skinny jeans, etc. By doing this you won’t aimlessly pick up everything on the rack because you will have an idea of what you want.

2. Think carefully about where you decide to go shopping and what stores you will find there. The worst thing when shopping for something important is to aimlessly wander in and out of stores and still not find anything. Instead, if you’re going to a mall look at a listing online and see what stores will fit your mission. Also, keep in mind the stores that you frequent but never buy anything from—there is a reason for that and it’s probably not going to change now.

3. Pick the right friend to go along with you. In this mad dash you need someone who doesn’t mind the shopping trip being all about you that day and really wants to help you. It’s also a good idea to bring a friend who has a similar fashion sense so they’re not suggesting that prairie skirt when you are looking for a sleek little black dress.

Bring along a great bag like this one from Urban Outfitters

4. Make sure that you stay full and hydrated. Although this may seem silly, you are only going to be feeling worse if you are starving and dehydrated. When there is a severe time limit, I always recommend bringing an energy bar andwater in your purse so you can stay on track and won’t have to stop.

5. Always come prepared with a strapless bra and high heels. There have been countless times when trying on clothing that I couldn’t tell if I liked something because I didn’t have the proper undergarment or height. Also, it’s never a good idea to think, “Oh, it will look better once I have the right bra on” because it often doesn’t. Do yourself a favor and stash these in your large bag so you will have the best chance possible to find the perfect outfit.