BUDDY SYSTEM

This weekend I went shopping. Before I walked out the door I assessed my situation... 1.) What do I want? Answer: A bunch of sundresses for my BF’s bachelorette party next weekend, a new pair of heels, a new summer party dress, and a great outfit to wear to my friend’s bridal shower. 2.) What do I need?
Answer: One dress that can be worn to a shower, work, and a few graduations I have this summer. And... one dress that I can wear in NOLA and be my “go to party dress” for the rest of the summer. 3.) What can I afford? Answer: ONE dress and MAYBE a pair of shoes (because I had a gift certificate).
		I stayed true to my Recessionista teachings and was focused.... I parked by the one store I had a gift certificate to. I made sure to go on Saturday because they were having a sale -15% off all dresses. The only snafu in my plan, was that I was jam packed with events that day, AND my husband was going to have to go with me. Now this could go either way.... remember, my husband is the same man who wore Birkenstocks up until 2 years ago. His closet is the size of my shoe area. And he believes every time he gets a new piece of clothing, he should give away an old piece.
However, on the other hand, my husband has worked in the fashion industry for years. He deals with all of our manufacturing and business sales. So he has a keen eye for quality products, and has a totally different take on fashion than I do. So we walked into the store and both of us quickly started grabbing ideas. Sometimes I would say, “Uh, no way...” and sometimes he would say, “Put that back!”. In the end, we each had our own pile and I tottered into the dressing room with him in toe. When we stepped behind the curtain, I quickly scanned the room... GASP! There was no mirror! It was outside! First of all, I think this should be illegal. Especially during prom week.
Yes girls, the dressing room was packed with 16 and 17-year-old cheerleaders trying on dresses they may want to wear to prom. Talk about a buzz kill! After counting to ten, I looked at my husband and said, “You have to be my mirror. If I wouldn’t leave the house in the outfit, don’t let me walk outside. Our marriage depends on this!” He laughed and we agreed. I have to say, he did a great job. Some things I went to the mirror with, and let’s just say... some things I did not. As I tore through the pile, Brian and I quickly saw a trend. The dresses we both liked on the store floor worked best. We settled on two dresses. One that worked for my graduations and showers, and one that was vava-voom fun that could be my go to dress for the summer.
	We found a pair of shoes that not only matched both dresses, but most of my wardrobe as well! Then we headed to the register.
	When the numbers rung up, I was over budget. Feeling defeated, I was ready to throw in the towel when my husband found a snag in one of the dresses. He whispered, “I can fix this.” Since they did not have another one in the back, the store offered me an additional 15% off... BINGO!!! I was on budget and set for summer.
	So this whole ordeal got me thinking about the buddy system. Shopping with someone who really knows you is very smart. They can help you stay on budget. They can help you stay on schedule.
They see things objectively, so they’re not afraid to ask for a discount, or find a snag, or even tell you, “Sorry, you don’t need a 7th pair of jeans.” And most importantly, while your styles may be different, when you do find something you both agree upon, it probably means that that outfit is the one EVERYONE will be talking about :). ACTIVITY THIS WEEK: IF YOU DECIDE TO GO SHOPPING, TRY THE BUDDY SYSTEM. WHEN YOU GET HOME MAKE A NOTE, HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK YOU SAVED? KK

Comments

[amy]

How are you not posting pics of the dresses??? I'm super curious over here.