Shopping with a too specific look in mind doesn't work
The champagne has been stocked, the gift list carefully completed, and I have mentally accepted that it is perfectly okay to be another year older, and hopefully wiser. Yes, my birthday is coming up again. And I have many traditions. From completely unashamedly and uncharmingly tearing open gifts at breakfast to a lovely dinner in the evening with the best dessert on the menu as a finale. But of all the traditions, my outfit is the most important.
The outfit I wear on my birthday is new, usually hanging on the hangers for weeks, and chosen with a critical eye on the year to come. If the outfit isn't perfect, the year won't be perfect, it's that simple. So it's the same every year. A month in advance, the wheels in my head start turning overtime. What kind of outfit will it be? This year the choice was simple. A white knee-length dress. A V-neck. Flared. Marilyn Monroe inspired. But after at least four ‘shop-till-I-drop-attempts’, I still stumble home with my head down and empty hands.
The problem is clear. I have a too specific look in mind. Every time I see another white dress with the right length hanging, either the neckline isn't what I want, the fabric isn't what I had in mind, it has wrinkles when I don't want that, or there's zero flexibility. The dress must be exactly as I envisioned it. Apparently, that's impossible.
And doesn't this always happen? Shopping with a too specific look in mind is the definition of hell and failure during your shopping spree. It makes absolutely no sense to go out like this. But to help you succeed in this situation, I will give you my personal tips. Hopefully, you have better luck than I do.
- Go home. Come back another day. The frustrations after a few hours of searching are too much. You definitely won't find it like this. Let it go and come back another time with a more open mind.
- Take a long break. Have a cup of coffee (or two, or three...), a glass of dry white wine, or enjoy a healthy sandwich or a salad. Brain food can work wonders.
- Look at the opposite of what you're looking for. Are you looking for a white dress like I am? Then try looking in a different corner of the store. Maybe a colored jumpsuit. Or a long black dress. You might surprise yourself with a completely different style.
- Seek new inspiration. If you decide to go home, take a round on Pinterest. Or scroll through our Look of the Days. I'm sure you'll come up with some new ideas there.
- Go to that store where you know you always succeed. You can hardly go wrong there, right?
- Online shopping. The choices are endless. And it can be done in the comfort of your own living room. With a cup of coffee in your hand and your favorite series in the background. In this setting, success is guaranteed.
Written by: Danique van Leeuwenstijn
