Guest Author - Dina Tarek
Shopping has this way of making us feel happy. We love investing in something that looks pretty, will make us look beautiful, and even more so if we've managed to save a few bucks. But we often forget that shopping, like most good things in life, has some rules.
To make your shopping experience worthwhile, follow these tips:
Get Rid of the Bulge: No, I will not ask you to go to the gym. Shopping is kind of an exercise too, sort of. The point is, never drink any soda or eat a heavy meal (especially salty ones) before you go shopping. If you can skip eating or drinking altogether, then by all means do. Another trick is to drink a lot of water at night, go to the bathroom in the morning, and then go shopping.
This will help flatten your belly and make you buy clothes that fit better, not to mention raising your spirits. Did you know you were so skinny?
It Fits! This is one of the most important tips when heading to the mall, buy only clothes that fit perfectly. It might sound like this is stating the obvious, but did you ever buy something and claim "it's for when you lose that extra pound"?
What you buy now is for the present, unless it looks insanely good, don't buy it. Otherwise, you will regret that cheeseburger indulgence even more.
Try that On: After you try on that cute pair of denim you think will change your life, try it on again and again! Get out of the fitting rooms and check it in another mirror. After you purchase it, try it at home again. Why? The mirror in the store is a bit like the one in Snow White, it tricks you into believing you look a thousand pounds slimmer with perfect curves. They are designed that way.
Then your mean mirror at home will tell you the truth. The ugly truth.
Fool me Once: Sales are evil. No seriously they are. Maybe you will find some amazing stuff, but then you will buy more than you need just because of that magical word. Only buy items on sale if you would have purchased them anyway. They look good, you need them (to a certain extent), and they go with at least three items you already have.
Never let sales and discounts hypnotize you. Throw away the credit card while you're at it, cash is the word. You need to see the money you spend to know how far you will go.
Planning is Key: What stands between you and impulse buys? A plan and a friend. Plan ahead and take a friend with you when you go shopping. Someone that is a bit sensible when it comes to spending and optimistic would be a good choice.
Happy shopping!
