Belk Style…and Shopping Tips from Cortneybre…

 

How to not spend all of one’s money on one’s self while Holiday shopping………

I’m a slow and steady shopper. I need time. Time to take it all in, time to walk about and often re-visit items I’ve spent time inspecting before. I also need space.

You will find none of these are available between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And so, one would think I would abstain from any frivolous shopping this mad, frenzied season….the only problem is…I also need sales.

Sales really get my blood pumping. The thought of buying with an added discount of X% off…tantalizing.

Buy one & get one free?! I must!

But, here is one of the biggest questions of the season…at least for me, “How do you immerse yourself in the shopping experience and not shop for yourself”?

Obviously, I know that it is better to give than to receive and I do derive a wealth of happiness in finding just the perfect gift for a friend or loved one as well as donating to charities and the needy.

However, when my distracted eye catches glimpses of colorful ladies wear…its just too much to bear. And so, here is my survival guide:

Give in – but just a little
Don’t deprive yourself of any and all shopping, especially if there are items you are currently craving and you can find them on sale. You’d be buying them anyway in the future, right? So go ahead…feed that monster…but just a snack!

Avoidance
I’m embarrassed to admit this – but I avoid the women’s clothing, jewelry, makeup and shoe aisles AT ALL COSTS! Why tempt yourself (this is after you’ve given in just a little)? You’re serious now, you got presents to buy and they ain’t for you!

Shop on an empty stomach

If you’re hungry you won’t linger and you won’t try things on! You’ll be too focused on getting in, grabbing the present for your loved one or friend and getting out!

Shop ugly

You know what I mean. This is for those of us who don’t venture out without full makeup and garb. Don’t wash your hair, don’t dare style it and leave the makeup sitting on the vanity. Throw on some sweats and sneakers and get to work shopping for those presents! You won’t dare be caught in the ladies boutique section or (egads!) the makeup aisle! Trust me…it works every time.

Go shopping in the morning and SKIP caffeine

Similar to shopping hungry but taking it to another level. No item is as appealing though a caffeine-free veil. Get that mandatory present shopping done and then head on over to Starbucks. Job well done. Mission accomplished.

I hope these tips will prove useful when shopping this Holiday season. Of course, I did not heed my own advice while shopping at Belk earlier this week and this FABULOUS outfit is the result!  But really….it was on sale and I woulda bought it anyway so I’m just following tip #1!

Against my advice and your better judgment…if you’d like to shop my outfit…the links are below!

Shirt:  JCREW Factory – find it here!

Sweater:  Grace Elements at Belk – find it here! Also, Belk is offering a 25% off sale now too!!

Skirt:  Grace Elements at Belk – shop it here!

Also love this one and this one!

Pearl Necklace: Old but similar here at Belk!

Shoes:  Nine West (old) but very similar here!

Hope you’re having a great December…happy shopping!