I used to love clothes shopping, but now I dread it. Window shopping is always fun, but once I go in the store I feel like nothing fits correctly. If I want clothes that don't fit right, I can just look in my closet! Also, I have trouble finding something that I feel is age-appropriate. It seems like many of the clothes are geared towards teenages or my mother, with no in-between.

I've also learned not to go shopping unless I'm in a great mood. If I am even slightly grumpy then nothing will work. LOL

Steinmart is my favorite place to shop too ...I love their boutique and the fact it is small.

I keep saying I will NOT buy clothes online anymore, but invariably I do and end up returning most of them.

I also like department stores but can easily get overwhelmed if I don't see familiar brands to gravitate towards.

Every once in a while, I make myself try on things I would never ordinarily try on, just to not get in a rut.

I dislike boutiques for the same reason- sales people are too pushy. And I feel guilty if I try on loads of stuff for an hour, all the while a sales lady helps me, and then don't buy anything.

Have to really be in the mood which doesn't happen often. I'd rather return stuff than try it on in the store.

Occasionally find casual skirts and tops at Steinmart, but they have the ugliest women's clothes in their ads. What's up with that?

amj0517: Exactly my thoughts! :)

I have the best luck at Talbots Outlet Store, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx or Nordstroms Outlet store ....

And I buy t-shirts at Target (mossimo ones that are nice and long) on the sale racks ....

I can't tell you how much I dislike shopping. Probably a good 80% of that is because I am plus-sized, so there are only so many options that aren't either retirement-home caftans/stretchy pants or fluorescent-animal-print club wear. I used to order a lot of stuff from j.jill, but I quit liking their stuff about four years ago. If you yell into my closet, there's an echo.

Hands down, would rather endure waterboarding than shop for clothing.

I shop online at places that I know the sizing, etc. Patagonia & Nordstrom, occasionally, Talbots.

Nordstrom is a favorite as their customer service is superb, returns are breeze and they sell just about everything I could want. Best shoe selection too!

Patagonia is great for active wear. I have a couple of casual dresses that were purchased from Patagonia many years ago. They go into the washer over and over and still hold their color. More importantly, they don't look like a rag when I pull them out of the dryer. (I don't iron)

Talbots online now and then for a dress or suit, or other business attire.

Levi's jeans from a small store in NY online. I know my sizes and how the sizes run at the aforementioned sites.

I found that Issac Mizrahi women's clothes sold thru QVC are a good deal, and most everything runs true to size. If an item doesn't run true, the description tells you so.

Loved the Cherokee t-shirts formerly sold by Target, but don't care for the brand they now sell in place of the Cherokee t's.

In the event I have to shop in person (last minute dinner party stuff), I prefer boutique shopping as opposed to being stuck inside the mall. I love the TJ Maxx and Marshalls' deals, but hate having to rifle through aisle of clothing that isn't separated by any type of order, size or type of clothing. Not worth my time unless I have absolutely nothing else to do but spend a couple of hours wandering around aimlessly. lol Have gotten some deals on those type of afternoons tho!

DD loves to shop and try on clothing. Ugh, pure torture for me for so many years! So glad she is now old enough to drive to wherever it she wants to shop when she's in the mood to shop for hours.

Good thread!

I really loathe clothes shopping. I'm short so the clothes never fit which means I'm destined to do hemming and alterations. I'm not good at putting outfits together either which can be discouraging as well. In our area, there really isn't a good variety of stores, just the usual Sears and JCP, both of which .... sort of suck. I also feel uncomfortable trying things on. You hear so many weird stories about everything from cameras in inappropriate places to bed bugs in the clothing. To be honest, the whole process just grosses me out. I order online sometimes but that isn't the ideal situation either. Anymore it's so rare when I do find something I like, that if/when I do, I buy several of it and stock up.

I used to love shopping for other things but lately that's been sort of a drag too. I don't know about other parts of the country, but in our area, stores that used to be filled to the brim with racks of merchandize have only half the inventory now and the racks are spread out so there's a lot more empty floor space. Even Home Goods hasn't been as fun lately. :c(

I don't love or hate shopping for clothes. It's just something that needs to be done every once in awhile. I prefer to go to a store versus online. I only go when I'm in the mood and always alone. I bring water and wear easy off and on shoes & clothes.

I don't have a favorite place that I always go, I think it depends on what I'm looking to buy on that particular outing.

I just found 3 casual but nice dresses at Kohl's (for a business trip with DH). I'll only shop there when they send me the 30% off coupons. Why would I go there for 15% off when I know other people are getting 30%?

For nicer business trips with DH, I've had luck at Talbots.

I do get a lot of plain tees (3/4 sleeve, v-neck, 100% cotton, white) for the gym and workout pants & shorts from Macy's. I like the Karen Scott brand (a house brand I think) because they are plain, no side stripes, they do have pockets, cotton with a little spandex for shape, and they wash & wear very well. If I wasn't opposed to wearing gym clothes outside of the gym I might live in these pants & tees.

I don't buy a whole lot because once I start looking I realize everything I consider looks like something I already own.

I have a sister that shops everyday. She considers it a sport. She sometimes finds things for me or tells me about them & I go check it out. Kinda like a personal shopper. It's a great system.

Since my daily uniform consists primarily of jeans & t-shirts, I can shop anywhere. But also as a Plus size, I like Lane Bryant for my jeans. They are not vanity sized, but they fit me just right. So do their bras, now that I think of it...but I DO have to try the stuff on in the store to ensure it fits right.

I tend to buy tops at Old Navy or Macys, which is also my go-to when I need nicer slacks. Shoes from Zappos if I need something other than sneakers. Nordy's for dress up.

I don't mind shopping, when I'm in the mood, but so seldom am I in that mood. And lately, there is nothing cute out there. Or if it's somewhat cute, it's either too boxy or too short and barely hits the top of my waist band. Note to manufacturers...just because it's plus size means it needs to be wider; fuller cut in bust & arms would be good, and much LONGER in length!

hhireno - your sister sounds like my MIL. I also have a friend like that - I think shopping is her only hobby.

I am not too fond of clothes shopping. However, I do like clothes and am fairly fashionable - according to others. I don't like wearing something that I might see someone else wearing, I like unique things. So, I do like some of the smaller shops. I am also a fan of steinmart. Not so crazy over department stoers and I detest going to a mall. We have one pretty good Belk in our area and I will occasionally go there. I do not like Kohl's, other than undies - good sales. I think alot of their clothing is older looking.

I do buy online. Lately there are more sites that offer free shipping on returns.I seem to buy alot of casual items like tees, capris, etc. at Lands End.

I dress trendy/casualish for work and find a good many items at a couple of local small shops.

tina

I do not like Kohl's, other than undies - good sales. I think alot of their clothing is older looking.

Tina, I've had just the opposite experience. Have to really search to find something that's not meant for those in their 20s/30s/early 40s.

Like you I always enjoyed wearing things that were unique. It fit my personality. I never wanted to look mainstream. Now as I approach my late 50s it's not such a big deal.

I also like Anthropologie, Boden and Garnet Hill. When in Myrtle Beach I really enjoy the Anthropologie and other specialty boutiques we don't have at home.

I don't care to shop for clothes OR shoes anymore. If my funds were unlimited it might be more fun.

I find it a pain to have take the time to have clothes altered but have done it on occasion when need be. Petites, in the stores convenient for me to shop, look like something I shouldn't be wearing yet. I really have to be in the mood to shop.

I don't have a favorite go to store. None of them seem to have stuff that I consistently like.

Hats off to those of you who can order online and the clothing works for you! I have to try everything one. Speaking of that, here's a story......

I needed a new bathing suit and back in April I went on the hunt. I spent two different days (a few days apart) and many hours trying on. About 6 days later I noticed two patches of ring worm. I remember having it once as a kid and I had it a few times as an adult from the gym but it didn't bother me and went away pretty fast. This was itchy and the next thing I knew, I had "9" patches of ring worm!! Blech! I finally got smart and started using my towels and washcloths only once. - Lots of extra laundry! I treated it and it's finally gone but I'd say it came from trying those suits on. That makes me not want to try anything on in the stores anymore but I'll have to get over it. I did find a suit from Target finally.

I really find shopping takes too much time and have the tendency to shop when I really need to. I've done most of my summer shopping in April before our vacation. I usually shop for about a week in a season to get what I need and get it over with. May fill in during sale time.

Though I am approaching 60, I find that I like to dress contemporary and tend to shop J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Gap. You can get some great buys from these stores on Thursdays when they put out their sale clothes. I like Loehmans too. I shop for cotton tops and sweaters due to an allergy I have to nylon which is why these stores are great for me. Lucky for me work is very casual.

I do have the bad habit of expensive shoes so I love Nordstroms and a small store in Marlton, New Jersey called Best Foot Foward.

I noticed some of you don't like malls. I don't either. There is something about them that depresses me- not sure what it is.

Thank you all for the responses! I learned a lot.

Nordstrom's just opened a Rack nearby and I found some really nice items there. I was disappointed thought because I thought it would be larger with a great er selection. And for some bizarre reason they put the dressing room at the opposite end of the store from the women's clothes - you have to walk through the junior and mens to reach it.

I like Coldwater Creek when there's a sale and we have a LLBean and Orvis in Marlton - I like their pima cotton tops and their great return policy.

I seldom go to the Mall anymore because it's too time consuming. I'm a hit and run shopper.

Just for another perspective, I love malls. When I was little, mom would take me mall shopping and we would have lunch at the Eckards drugstore diner, a ham sandwich with pickle :-)
Since she would always buy me something, the love of malls is deeply entrenched!

But I live in the boonies, the mall is an hour away and I haven't been in 6 months. So when I go, I soak up the energy, people, excitement. The stuff is an after thought, though I love the PB and WS stores.

It's nice you have that memory Bumble. In our area, we didn't have malls (I'm rural too) as a child. We did have an "uptown" area that mom and my grandmother would take us too. I remember the drugstore too. I also remember the trip to the children's shoe store - and the bakery next door! LOL

I think those that like to shop probably enjoy malls much more than those who don't like to shop. If I'm forced to go, I'm most often into a store or two and rarely walk through the mall. When I do, I'm amazed at the new stores! LOL

I don't normally post here but had to chime in on this one. I actually enjoy shopping, because I love the thrill of the hunt for great deals. I go straight to clearance racks and find things - often out of season, and get deals and feel good about them. I often shop at Target, JC Penneys, and Kohl's. However, SWIMSUIT shopping has to be the worst. I simply CANNOT find swimwear that I like on me, on any rack - at any store - at any price. I have the weirdest body. I can find off the rack stuff for my bottom half, but for my top half, well let's just say my boobs are bigger than my back. If it fits my boobs, it is way to big on my back. I really, really, hate swimsuit shopping. I've been everywhere. I just really don't know what the answer is. Does anyone else have trouble with swimwear?

joanie, I'm no help with this one- hopefully someone who is will see it this time through! If not, I'll bet a lot more people would see it if you started a thread about it- it really is a good question!

i've seen swimsuits in catalogs that come with cup sizes(a blessing for those of us with b cups and i imagine also for those with really large boobs)... and 2 pieces (bikini or tankini) where you buy the 2 pieces separately (i usually get same size for both top and bottom, but this would really be helpful if your top doesn't 'match' your bottom size wise...

i enjoy shopping, but i definitely do need to be in the mood---and i prefer shopping in warmer weather months when you don't have to take sooo much off in the dressing room! half the time i'll just buy something and bring it home to try on...things sometimes seem to 'look different' on at home than in a dressing room anyway...

Tina, we live next to a college town, Clemson, and eat out there often. If I ever want to feel frumpy, all I have to do is stop almost anywhere there and watch the crowd.
If it's shown in a fashion mag, I'll see it live.

I didn't realize you were that close to Clemson! I don't really see the high stylin' here on our campus so much - it's pretty laid back, tho sometimes you sure want to tell them to put some more clothes on!! LOL Hubby has a friend who likes to come eat lunch on the "strip" (main drag of campus) mainly to watch the skimpy dressed college girls!

One outfit I saw this spring (on campus), shorty-shorts, a man-styled but very fitted white shirt and a pair of those print rubber boots!

Goodwill! I find *new* J Jill, Coldwater Creek, Talbots, Ann Taylor...people buy them and later decide they didn't want them, so they donate them with tags still on...so yes, they're one season out, but so are the things at the discount retailers. I've gotten really stingy about what I'm willing to pay for clothes.

For jeans/cords: Kohls. Underwear too. Shoes: either Nordstrom or a local comfortable shoe place (Shoe Mill), or zappos when all else fails.

Sheesharee, um...that story will stay with me. Ugh.

I've recently discovered Athleta for swimsuits... I have bigger 'girls' too, and don't like a halter bathing suit top because it puts so much strain on my neck. Athleta has some really cute bikini & takini tops that have different back configurations. Some of their tops are sold in bra sizing. They have an amazing selection of colors & really pretty patterns, lots of mix & matching - - I have a hard time choosing. And I also like their swim shorts for snorkeling. They have cute dresses too. Some of their suits are a bit pricey, but it seems like everything for bigger 'girls' is..... I despise paying $60+ for a bra.

OMG I just went back and read Sheeshare's story about trying on swimsuits! I don't know how I missed that! That story will be staying with me too, unfortunately! Now ANOTHER thing to have to contend with! Sorry for you, hope you're all better now. Our neighbor once got it on his neck from sharing baseball helments on his ball team. I went out the next day and got my son HIS OWN helmet.

Joanie- your best bet would be to go straight to a store that is just for swimsuits. Mostly all of their selections are separates and many lines have bra sizing. Yes they are pricey, but it's my summer splurge. If I'm going to be half naked in public, you bet my suit is going to fit and hold my parts in properly! IMHO spending extra on a couple of well made perfect fitting suits is a no-brainer (considering you take care of them, hand wash etc they can last for years). We have a store in a local mall that is called "everything but the water". Name speaks for itself!

Unfortunately, I have no advice for the ones who "fear the fitting room germs". Unfortunately, I am petite and curvy (not overweight, but not ready to wear either) so have to try on everything, and have to get most things tailored. It is a fact of life for me! Thankfully I LOVE "the art" of shopping so have accepted the fact that it takes me some effort to get the look I want. I have many favorite places to shop but most are at least a 30 min+ drive, so usually plan a "shopping day" (not very often with 3 kids!). There are a couple of local boutiques which I love, and although one may think "stuck up" or "pushy" when it comes to boutique shopping, once the salesperson gets to know you and your style, they become like a personal shopper. Plus I get advance notice and first pick on their special sales! My place calls me when they think I might like something that just came in. There is no pressure on me to buy. 9 times out of 10 I just browse and may buy on that 10th visit. I too live on a budget, but make sure I put away for my "happy fund" when that occasional splurge is needed.