Hate shopping?

You’re not alone.

I know shopping is not your favorite thing, but “hate?” Really, hate?

Hate is a strong word for something that once might have been enjoyable for you.  I don’t even hate picking up dog poop in the middle of a muddy, mucky winter.

We hate something that makes us feel confused, frustrated, and not okay: for many women shopping has become just that. It doesn’t help that the current fashions seem to make no sense and the styles are unfriendly to curves. Creating a wardrobe that meets your needs has become overly complicated and exclusionary.

I get it. I want to help.

I’ve created two classes being offered at Santa Rosa Junior College this summer that will help pave the way to a better shopping experience.

The first, An Artful Approach to Personal Style: Color, Design and Silhouette (June 29), gives you the tools to discover what looks best on you. The second, An Artful Approach to Personal Style: Solving Beauty Challenges (July 13), helps unravel the mystery of why shopping is so stressful and the steps you can take to have a better experience.

The goal of these classes is empowerment. Connecting to the creative flow and appreciating my individuality has always been my path to freedom from judgement. Over thirty years of experience shopping for others has helped me meet every challenge that comes my way. I’ve learned that thoughtful preparation is the key to problem solving in the fitting room. Shopping together should be a day filled with happy surprises, not disappointments. I’ll be sharing the skills that lead to success in both classes.

 

One of the helpful activities we did in class was to create a flow chart or “mind map”  of all the possible shopping options, from custom design to shopping at Costco. We discussed the pros and cons of all the alternatives including online shopping. The type of clothing you wear and the price point are the obvious starting point, but also keep in mind what type of help you need and where are you most likely to find it. Getting support from either an image consultant, an in-house personal shopper or a talented (and kind) sales associate can make all the difference.

Sonoma County is brimming with wonderful boutiques run by owners that care about their customers. The chain stores like J. Jill and J. Crew are a manageable size and have great sales. If wandering alone into a big department store leaves you feeling alienated and depressed, don’t do it! I go into greater detail about how set yourself up for success in the shopping chapter of Growing More Beautiful, or join us for the next series of SRJC classes. Learn some effective strategies that can help you you turn the dreaded retail nightmare into something you approach with curiosity and interest.

Getting dressed is something you do every day and it’s time for it to become the artful pleasure it was meant to be. Don’t allow yourself to be diminished by artificial beauty standards. Come join the party. There’s plenty of room for everyone.

Also…if you are in Petaluma during the month of June look for my display in the big window of Copperfield’s Bookstore on Kentucky Street. All of my custom lipstick making supplies are on view, as well as a hand painted backdrop I had a great time creating.