Need Shopping Therapy? Go Shopping With Your Girlfriends

While I tend to shop alone, there’s something particularly delightful about a retail date with a girlfriend (or several). In fact, I find that some of my best shopping is done when I’m with another person who keeps me fiscally responsible and realistic in terms of what flatters me and what looked better on the mannequin. I often rely on that second opinion and, even without the presence of shopping buddy, send snapshots to girlfriends (or the husband) to get their opinion.

In addition to giving candid fashion advice, though, shopping with girlfriends can be therapeutic. If you’re anything like me, shopping is a very personal process. As women, we’re naturally body-conscious (perhaps even more so in the presence of other females). Additionally, our individual style choices are a reflection of our innermost selves. Sharing the whole clothes-shopping experience with another person requires you to open up and get personal. For that reason, shopping can be a genuine bonding experience.

Another therapeutic benefit of shopping with your girlfriends: it’s not always about the clothes or accessories. Use the retail excursion as an opportunity to gab about whatever is on your mind. Vent office frustrations, share the week’s accomplishments, dish on your romantic life, etc. Be a good listener/empathizer/celebrator/etc. for your girlfriends who want to share, too.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shopping with Girlfriends

Do: Plan ahead. Talk about what stores you want to hit, what’s on your shopping list and how much you’re willing to spend. This makes it much easier to hold each other accountable.

Don’t: Invite the whole gang. An intimate group will make for a more meaningful (and simpler) shopping experience. One to three shopping buddies is plenty.

Do: Be sensitive to your friends’ budgets and fashion preferences. Choose a location with a diverse range of high/low end stores and be open to shopping at all of them.

Don’t: Hog the mirror. If your friend is admiring her own reflection, give her the space and then use it when she’s finished.

Do: Always lead with the positive. If the garment doesn’t look that great on your girlfriend, be sensitive about it. For example, “That collar is so flattering to your neckline. I wonder how the top would look with this skirt instead of the jeans.”

Don’t: Gossip about mutual friends. You shouldn’t do this in any situation. Doing so makes others wonder if you talk about them when they aren’t around and they’re less likely to open up.

By Wendy Rose Gould

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Posted by Wendy Rose Gould at 08:00 AM
Opinions , Saving Tips , SHOPPING |