How to shop the big confusing stores

How to shop the big shops

I love browsing carefully curated boutiques with a small selection of beautiful clothes. There is a sense of calm and order. Each piece has been considered before earning its place on the rack. Shopping is a pleasure.

There is no such ambience when I walk into a large chain or department store. Instead, I often feel overwhelmed. That I am trying to find needles in haystacks. The sheer amount of clothes is confusing and it even makes me a little sad. It’s hard not to think of landfill when there is just so. much. stuff. There are times when I would prefer to run away than shop. And I like to shop.

Of course, I buy things in large chains like Uniqlo and H&M or department stores like Myer or Target. They are often the best places to buy basics. There are times when I need a broader range (and lower prices) than offered by a local boutique.

How do you navigate the large shops without feeling overwhelmed? Or walking out with everything other than the garments you actually needed?

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Instagram Confidence: How to get it

INSTAGRAM CONFIDENCE
Occasionally I post outfit of the day photos to Instagram. It’s something I have done for a little while now, inspired by the blogging community and in particular the style bloggers I admire. It’s exciting to discover outfits that I can actually adopt and new ways to wear what I already have. I like finding new places to shop. The main reason I do it is to discover clothes and ways of wearing them that suit my style, stage and age. I don’t necessarily see that in traditional marketing. I wrote about that a little while ago.

Even now I tend to post with emotional blinkers on. I presume the only people seeing those posts are those within the #ootd communities. So when a friend outside that group comments, it gives me a little jolt. And I wonder anew what on earth they must think of me.

I figure there are lots of people who would like to join in on the fashion community action on Instagram but lack the confidence to do so. Or are worried about what others might think. This post is for you.  Read more

What to buy in the sales

What to buy and avoid in the sales

I’ll be heading into the fray and checking out the sales today. I never go on Boxing Day or near thereafter. Partly because I prefer to lazily recover from Christmas. Partly because more extensive mark downs happen later in any case.

Here’s what I’ll be buying AND what I’ll be avoiding.  Read more

How to wear hats

how to wear hatsI wear many hats. Both figuratively and literally. You’ll know all about the figurative ones – mother, wife, sister, daughter, writer, professional, friend etc. I’m sure you wear those hats too. But I wear nearly as many literal hats.  Wide-brimmed hats, caps, boaters, fedoras, berets, beanies and fascinators. I am also a fan of head scarfs, headbands and hair chains. Really, I just like to wear things on my noggin.

There is a certain trick to wearing hats well. Like all fashion, a lot of it has to do with confidence. But you also need to figure out what suits you, the season and your style. It’s also helpful for a functional item to be, well, functional.  Read more

DIY Droppies for Christmas – See & Sew

DIY Dropped Crotch Pants

I have made the whole family Christmas shorts. I’m pretty sure we are going to look ridiculous Christmas Day but it’ll make some awesome Instagram and Facebook posts. Sorry in advance for the spam.

I made myself some very comfy DIY droppie PJ pants and I thought you might like to make some too. Read more