I’ve always been one to claim that I’m not a shopper. I don’t spend time on my weekends browsing at the mall. My husband owns WAY more clothes and shoes than I do (though admittedly, he’s always been very fashionable.) Most of my clothes come from Target or Sam’s Club–and I’m not lying. My daily wardrobe is usually athletic capris and a t-shirt in the off chance I might actually make it over to Curves for my 30-minute workout.
But I have to admit…once I make the decision to shop, I’m insane.
Now, I shop fast. It used to be my claim to fame that I could buy Christmas presents for both sides of my family in one day–six to eight hours of power shopping. That’s how I like to do it–get in, get what you need, get out. Commando consumerism. And I haven’t changed.
This past Saturday, I decided that I had two choices about my wardrobe for the upcoming conference in Atlanta. I could either try and squeeze into clothes that really didn’t fit and feel miserable and fat the entire week, or I could suck it up and use my budgeted wardrobe money (yes, I budget for this every year) to buy stuff that will look good on my body as it is now with no regrets that hopefully, in six months, nothing will fit any longer. It was a hard choice, but well, Carpe Diem and all that.
So I shopped. I chose wisely. I drove 45 minutes to a Macy’s that puts the Macy’s next to my house to shame. In less than three hours, I had every garment I needed. I had my calendar with my conference schedule. I’ve assigned clothes to each event. I’m smokin’.
Yesterday, I decided I didn’t need shoes…I had all the right colors for what I’d bought. Today, I realized that the pants I thought were black were actually dark brown. I have no decent brown shoes. So I hit DSW.
Do you have a DSW? Oh. My. God. It’s shoe heaven. I never walk out of there with less than three pairs of shoes…and I do not have a shoe fetish. But shoes that are fashionable AND comfortable cannot be passed up.
I bought brown shoes. Two pairs, actually. And these…
A pair of red shoes that match my red dress for the Harlequin party so perfectly, you would think they were made for each other. (In the pic, they’re actually on top of the dress so you can see how well they go together…right down to the bugle beads!)
DSW is set up in really long rows. I bought three pairs only going down two rows. Had I done all six, I’d have to redesign my closet.
Today, the undergarments I ordered online arrived.
Tomorrow, I go through all accessories (earrings and purses). I think I’ll hit Dillard’s for that. (Commando consumerism…one store only. I do not browse. I look, I find, I buy.) Though I do have a $75 credit at Macy’s I just found out about. But I’m not driving 45 minutes for earrings.
But you know what?
I feel great. I’m giddy with fashion! It’s a sickness. I’m wondering if shopping is simply more fun than writing the last paragraph of the synopsis I promised my agent two weeks ago…think there is something to that? 
Because next to shopping, procrastination is my best Olympic event. In a sprint, of course. No cross-country shopping for me.
So…how do you shop?
————
BTW, before I went shoe shopping today, I went to Borders. And I found this:
Guest blogger Diana Peterfreund’s book is out in stores right now! Of course, it wasn’t sitting next to Johnny Depp and right under the New Hardcover sign until I did a little creative redecorating, but hey, it’s definitely going to draw attention!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
Subscribe to Posts 
Comment
Julie, you shop like I do. And it is for this reason I find it hard to shop with anyone. Most of my family love to shop and they take their time, browing all the isles looking for bargains. Not me, I go in get what I need and leave. Unless of course I am in Target. I have no idea why I can’t do that in Target. LOL!
I love your creative redecorating you did with Diana’s book. I hope to find it today when I head out of town. They NEVER have any new books in town. It is too small I think for them to keep up with all the current titles.
Comment
I’m right there with you on the shopping. I make my list, get what I want and get the crap out of the mall. My best friend is the same way so we have a good time shopping together. We put on our running shoes when we go Christmas shopping, our one day marathon at least 3 to 4 weeks before Christmas because we both hate crowds, and hate traffic worse than anything.
Diana’s book is terrific. I have an ARC I won from her blog. Now I just have to find time to slide over to the mall and get another copy.
Happy Hump Day.
Comment
I go in and get what I need and then I’m outa there. If I stay and look around I’ll get all depressed at all the things I can’t afford. Even grocery shopping I will take a list and get only what is on the list.
Basically that’s how I do my Christmas shopping. I know exactly what I want to get each person and just get it. (Gift cerificates make shopping so much easier)
Comment
Julie-
I love to browse. I love to shop. Retail therapy is my favorite kind of therapy, much to my husbands dismay and the credit card companies delight
I was in our DSW yesterday too and walked out with 3 pairs of shoes!! Must have been a cosmic day for us!! You can never have too many shoes, although my daughter says that about jeans and sneakers.
I shop both ways. Yesterday I took her shopping for something besides jeans and t-shirs, even though she is in college. I told her she needed something that didn’t- literally- make a statement. She has a job interview today.
And all the summer clothes were on sale. :thumbsup2: So that was not a quick trip. And she got sneakers at DSW- black converse’s with PIRATE SKULLS on them. Many things she got have skulls or pirate themes now that I think about it.:roll:
.
But I can also commando shop when needed and am pretty good at it too. I started SMas shopping already and when I have my complete list, or the time, I will go out, finish it and be done, I hope before T-day. Recently I had to, in 2 hours, find a brand new outfit and shoes for a wedding when the weather changed dramatically. Hubby says I will use any excuse to buy new shoes and that I must have ordered the weather change with that in mind.:devil: Who, me??
Comment
I love red shoes. They just make a statement and your new shoes are beautiful. I love to shop, but only on a day when I have money and am in the mood. My Mom is a browser and it drives me crazy. If I don’t need it, or can’t afford it, I don’t want to look at it.
Comment
I shop like you do. Rarely and efficiently. I do about 50% online because it’s so convenient and often cheaper, if I have time to web surf and wait for delivery. If not, commando style at the local mall or selected store.
You’ll be the belle of the RWA ball in that red outfit!
Comment
ncie shoes
Comment
I’m wishing I was organized enough to have budged for conference clothing! Maybe next year …
Comment
When I’m in the mood I love to shop, but I’ve got to say that your way sounded very interesting. I have to try out the DSW near me. Sounds great – I love shoes!!
Comment
I only shop when it is absolutely necessary. i.e. socal events, and then it is a kicking and screaming experience.
My teenage daughters think that shoping is the ultimate weekend experience 
YUK! I would must rather spend my time at the bookstore instead of clothing shopping
Comment
I shop kind of the way you do. I can step one foot in the store look in and tell right away if there’s going to be anything there I want – something that amuses my mom since we have the world’s largest mall and I end up shopping in about only 3 – 5 of the stores, depending what I’m looking for.
Comment
I am get in and get out shopper. I hate shopping!:cursing:
Comment
I LOVE shopping. I’m an oddball. Give me a store, some money and let me loose!
Comment
I love shopping too, I just don’t do it the way I was meant to. Which is in the coolest boutiques with the biggest wad of cash. Ah well, c’est la visa.
Comment
I am in the I love to shop category. I love to browse but there are times when I commando shop but not often, once I’m in the store I tend to see something that I have to look at & I’m off!!:lol: We don’t have DSW around here but it sounds like a great store! A lot of my shopping is on line from some of my favorite places & that can be cool as I can order something for the grandchildren & have it sent directly to them. The shipping direct is a great option if you have waited till the last minute! I love shoes but at this point in my life they have to be very comfortable & no heels!! Doesn’t leave much option & I’m not one for dressing up, give me jeans, shorts, sweats, t-shirts, sweatshirts & comfy clothes & shoes & socks & I’m a happy lady!! :happy2:
By the way, my Blaze shipment arrived yesterday with Julie’s new Blaze in the order. Did you realize that other than Samantha Hunter that all the August authors first names start with J. I’m looking forward to reading your book Julie. For those of you that will want to go out & find the book it is a Extreme Blaze & the title is The Domino Effect.
Julie, you are going to look smashing in that red dress & matching shoes. I hope all of you take pictures to share with those of us that have to stay here at home.
Have a great day everyone.:thumbsup2:
Comment
Hi, all. Julie had a computer issue after a serious lightning strike so she may not be able to get back to reply to the blog right away. Hopefully she’ll be fixed soon! Don’t let that stop you from replying though.
SPEAKING OF REPLIES, WHERE HAS EVERYONE BEEN LATELY? We’ve gotten toooo quiet. :cry:
Comment
Hey Carly, I think everyone in the world except me must be gearing up for that RWA convention you are all attending. :cry: I will be all by my lonesome while you all have parties and tons of fun. Hmmmm, I guess I will have to try and tackle some more of my tbr pile.
I hope Julie’s computer is okay!!! I hope she has a back up if she is in the middle of working on a new book….that would totally bite. 8O
Comment
Shopping?! Bah humbug!..Nah, just kidding. Shopping for me is a mood thing. Not to mention, money play into that as well. I will say that usually the money I budget for me I wind up spending on everyone else. My main wardrobe consists of jeans and t-shirts. And sad to say, I just started a new job, so hopefully in the weeks to come, I will get to read the blog before late afternoon:D
Comment
I only love shopping for books. Clothes i like, but I really have to be in the mood for it. I hate shoe shopping (even though I love shoes) because I have big feet and they never seem to have my size at shoe stores.
(thats for every shoe store that I have walked in and they tell me they only go up to a size 
Actually that may be why I dont really like shopping for anything other than books. I never have to worry about books not having the size or color I want and need. 
:cooldance: When I do shop for clothes, accessories and things I am just like you Julie. I got to the store I want, pick up what I want, and leave. Im usually done in 2-3 hours (this is me shopping for everything shoes, clothes, accessories, underwear-everything) 
My mom is the opposite, she likes to window shop and take her time. 
… Yea, I dont get it either. She is really weird. But I love her.
Comment
I’m back!!! It’s so much fun living in the Lightning Capital of North America.:wallbash:
I have no wireless, but the computer is back up. No damage to the hardrive so far as I can tell. Just the modem. Yes, I kissed my surge protector. The strike likely came in through the cable line. I will be hooking it up to the surge protector tomorrow, I just need another cable line.
BTW, I’m laughing as everyone says they “have to be in the mood” for shopping. Trust me, nothing gets you in the mood faster than realizing you’re about to be trapped in a hotel with 2000 other women. I admit it. I’m vain. I want to look good. (Okay, I’m not that vain or I would be working out every day instead of every day the week before the conference, LOL!)
Comment
For whoever said that the icons aren’t working, our webdesigner suggested this:
“the only thing I can see is that she needs to put a space between the text and the smiley, or it won’t work. See if that helps…”
So let us know!
Comment
Carly, I am on vacay, but checking in daily (Just not posting). I am at my folks’ so I am using their computer…
shopping…I have to tell you the funniest story…I got a very cute dress at target (40 bucks)…very Carrie Bradshaw…my undergarments cost me over a hundred to suck it all in (so much for my bargain dress) at Nordy’s (I am a west coaster, after all) and shoes, fortunately, were another target special at $18.99. I needed a dress for dates with my hubby (since hubby wants to go on dates, now, gotta look cute!). Hubby didn’t complain. I am heading to Nordy’s on Saturday for their annual sale to find a cute ” I am a cute, hip, stay at home mommy of three boys ready for PTA meetings and conferences” outfit or two. Hubby told me my every day clothes need a LOT of help. I would love to go on “What Not To Wear”. Anyone want to nominate me? LOL, ROTFL!!!! I’d go…seriously!
Comment
Katie, I would LOVE to go on What Not To Wear! Or that other show…How Do I Look? with Finola Hughes, though that one doesn’t deal with body shape as much as WNTW.
Comment
I am not much for shopping either, I decide what I want and go to the store or stores that I know will have it and then I am finished. So it is basically get in and get out. I hate the malls because they are always so crowded and the parking lots are a terror.
I like your shoes, and as you say you would think that they were made for the dress.
Comment
Julie- I Love shoes :love2:. I am really bad to buy shoes and then create the outfit. Hey, whatever works, right? Hope ya’ll have a great weekend at the conference.
Comment
Julie, I haven’t seen that show with Fiona. We get limited cable. BTW, I LOVE and ADORE those shoes!!! Too cute.
Comment
I don’t like shopping for clothes but I do look for bargains. My feet are so fussy that I have a hard time finding shoes. I would love to be able to go into a store and buy whatever I like and it would fit and feel fine.
Comment
Carly, I was one person that said I was having a problem with the icons. I’ll try what your web person suggested. Thanks. :)
Comment
It worked!
By the way, now I have to ad this story! When my oldest daughter was planning her wedding I knew what color I wanted to wear–I was in my pink in any shade phase! I found a yummy pair of pink shoes on sale long before I started looking for my dress & it all worked out fine. :) She has been married now for almost 18 years–how does time fly by so quickly!
Comment
like you Julie I love Sam’s and Target. I buy lots of my clothes from Sam’s.
I used to love shopping and browsing but now I get in and get out.
I almost always have a list when I go into a store.:doggie:
Comment
For the shoe lovers out there try Zappos.com. They carry LOTS of sizes!!:cheer:
I have been known to buy shoes and wait for just the right outfit to come along to wear them with. I have a pair of heels just waiting…. :kiss: