The weather is (finally!) turning cool and every one’s (okay, maybe not everyone’s) favorite time of year is here. For some, it’s all things pumpkin flavored; for others, it’s denim – or leggings – and boots, fall sweaters and jackets (that would be me – I like pumpkin all year long, lol!)
Was that a lot of parenthetical statements or what?! Back to those 5 tips I promised:
1. Plan. Plan an entire day if you have to. Map out a few stores you think might have what you are looking for (research online first – using tip # 4!) Choose departments stores that have a wide variety of designers (and price ranges.) In Kansas City, I highly recommend Halls. They have staff who are willing to spend all day with you, bringing you every different type of denim in the store, in any size you need. Their opinions are always free, but see tip # 5 before you listen to them. I personally don’t enjoy paying designer brand prices, but hitting a department store can give you an idea of which brand fits you better. Armed with those brand names, you can hit up stores like Saks Off Fifth Avenue, where marked-down designer denim can be found from seasons past (but still work this season!)
2. Bring water and snacks. See #3. If you are thirsty and hungry from all that hard work, you will give up. Try a handful of almonds or carrot sticks; you will get the energy you need without the bloating, lol! DO NOT GIVE UP.
3. Try on every. single. pair. In short lengths and tall lengths and dark rinses and light washes. You can’t find the perfect pair until you have tried them all. Unless of course, you are one in a million and find the perfect pair on the first try – go buy a lottery ticket. Don’t give up on this tip. You will want to, about the time you are pulling off the fifth pair and cursing your thighs, or your butt, or the designer……DO NOT GIVE UP. Your fitting room should be trashed; be kind and don’t leave a mess!
4. Content is key. A denim with a touch of polyester (no more than 5%) will hold it’s shape in the most incredible way. AG (Adriano Goldschmeid) has denim like this and it is phenomenal (especially if you have man-thighs like me. man-thighs = no gap.) The same goes for spandex (or any stretch, sometimes also called lycra.) The more stretch it has, the more it will bag out as you wear it. Technically, denim never needs more than 2% stretch for us to get the benefits we love. If I love a pair, I will walk around the store in them, sit in the chair, try them on a few times. If they’ve already begun to stretch and change shape, there go in the NO pile!
5. Xanax. Just kidding. Shopping while under the influence is not a good idea. Bring a good friend instead, someone who isn’t afraid to tactfully (key word right there)tell you the truth, someone whose opinion you trust (a good salesperson will say whatever they think you want to hear, and do so convincingly.) Most importantly, take someone who makes you laugh; laughter is, after all, the best medicine.
A special thanks to Madewell, for letting me use their chic fitting rooms and amazing (newly redesigned, try them!) denim. Reasonable price (watch for coupons, like 20 – 30% off,) free hemming, and the staff is incredibly helpful!
Erin B. has an undying love for everything but loading the dishwasher. She is the editor/curator/self-loather at Pretty, Polished, Perfect, a blog about her search for all things……pretty polished and perfect! Sarcasm is her middle name, and she isn’t above using embarrassingly funny anecdotes to entertain the masses. A married mother of three boys, she is only human (though she is often mistaken for Wonder Woman.)
