When in the dressing room...

I've decided that there are about ten things that you need to know when you are shopping and you need to try on clothes.

1.  Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off.  Nobody wants to step on that nasty floor barefoot.  Gross.

2.  Shave your legs.  It doesn't matter how hot the dress is.  It won't look good if there are man legs underneath it.  Also, it's no fun to have a flowy skirt on and have it catch on the stubble.  Again, gross.

3.  Take the lighting into account.  Some places make you look jaundiced even in your best colors, and others (like NY&Co, bigtime) have lighting that makes your skin glow and your eyes sparkle.  Don't look at how awful or shiny you look, just judge the clothing and how it looks on you.  And if you need to step out of the cubicle for a better look, do it!

4.  If you have a go-to piece of clothing that you buy more than once over time, try it on again each season.  Sometimes a company will change the fit between seasons, so those cute cuffed shorts from Old Navy just might not have enough room for all your trunk-junkage next year.  :(

5.  Pretend like it's dress-up with free clothes, and take your time.  It's okay to try something on more than once, and it's okay to hog a dressing room.  Tell them to deal with it.

6.  Try different sizes.  If one size fits strangely, don't just assume that the next size up or down will work.  I've been burned by that more than once.

7.  If you aren't going to try things on, plan ahead of time when you'll return items that don't work.  Think, If this doesn't look right, I will come back Wednesday after work to return them.  That way I can pick up dinner on the way home.  PS It also helps to combine it with other errands, but do your best not to shop again.  Returning things is a great way to get money back in the bank account.

8.  Don't be afraid to ask others' opinions.  If you didn't bring a shopping buddy, ask a stranger.  That might be scary if you aren't a Southerner, but channel your inner awesome, man up and find an employee or fellow shopper to ask what they think.

9.  Wear underwear that works with everything.  If you're looking for white pants, don't wear red underwear.  If you have seen lots of cute strapless dresses in the store's catalog, wear a strapless bra no matter whether you need one with your outfit or not.

10.  Ask a clerk to hold your "yesses" while you continue to shop.  I hate when I have buyer's biceps -- reeeeally sore arms the day after shopping -- thanks to lugging all my purchases-to-be around while I look for more.  Just make sure they put the items in a place that isn't designated for restocking or anything.

Alright, I think that does it.  Makes me want to go spend some cash.