Sometimes you just have to escape the office. Or, in my case, the house since my office is here. Yesterday, I was invited to join friends for a conference shopping trip. I met Marilyn, Danniele, and Kim of the Writing Playground at Ross early in the morning. The madness started at the dress rack, then continued through the store. We piled up clothes on shopping carts and then headed for the dressing rooms. I think I had to go through 3 rounds of trying stuff on (the Ross limit is 8 at one time in the dressing room).
Now tell me why it is that stores don't understand women better? They have the most unflattering light in the dressing rooms. Harsh, stark, florescent. Heidi Klum would look bad under that light. And since I'm no Heidi, I definitely looked bad. All my flaws seemed amplified. I felt like a whale. A pale whale with limp hair.
Ahem. Anyway, I ended up putting back *most* of what I tried on, though I did find a few gems in the pile. Especially my dress for my publisher's party. OMG, it's gorgeous! And it looked awesome in spite of the lights. When that happens, it's a keeper.
After Ross, we moved on to lunch. Eagle-eyed Marilyn spotted a woman reading a Harlequin Presents and, after psyching myself up, I went over and introduced myself and gave her a bookmark. She seemed pleased to get the bookmark, and I was very happy to meet someone who loves reading HP.
When we finished lunch, the mall and shoe shopping was next. I was pretty good considering how I feel about shoes. I only bought one pair of flip flops.
By the end of the day, I was tired but happy. I had a lot of fun shopping with friends (though Kimberly Lang and I have a problem — we have the same taste. We kept picking up the same dresses, shoes, and jewelry. Perhaps it's no accident we both write for Harlequin Presents!) and I didn't spend too much. I picked up four nice dresses, one super fabulous, and a pair of pants that I've already decided to return (see, Marilyn, told you it'd happen quick!).
Next week, I'll head to the mall again. And probably DSW, just to see what sort of lovely shoes they may have. It's time to start making my list of what outfit to wear to which event. If there are any holes to be filled, then one more shopping trip ought to do it. I hope.
What was the last big shopping trip you went on? Do you have any favorite stores? I love stores like Chico's and White House – Black Market, but Ross is more budget friendly. I think my hubby appreciates that…. 😉
Yesterday's winner: Aimee C! Aimee, email me your contact info and I'll get a signed book into the mail…..
I end up spending more on books than I do on my clothes. Clothes are a necessity for work and that’s about it. I don’t go out anywhere fancy so I don’t have to have a lot of really nice stuff.
If I had a money to spend you would find me in one of the local bookstores. I have a bumper sticker a friend brought me that says “Who needs drugs? I go broke buying books!!” It is so the truth.
Most women have closets filled with shoes and clothes, I have a living room filled with book shelves – overflowing with books.
Oh, Heather, this sounds divine! I love books, of course! I’ve had to curb the buying somewhat because the hubby thinks I have too many already. *sigh*
I don’t really care for shopping, I’m in and out. The only time I really enjoy shopping is at Christmas time and when I’m looking for new books.
Hi, Nicole! You know, I actually dislike shopping as well. If I hadn’t been there with my friends, I’d have probably tried on a hundred things, begrudgingly, and put them all back in disgust. Shopping with friends made it much more fun. 🙂
Conference is always a wonderful excuse to go to Ross. 😉
Absolutely!
I went shopping just today. I think I am good for conference except for some snazzy P.J.’s but I just can’t find any that are “Just Right” so the search continues.
Sounds like you gals had fun!
Are you going to the Harlequin Pajama Party, Stephanie? Or do you just need the perfect PJ for lounging around your room with your feather boa, champagne, and hunky waiter? 😉
Oh, know! I forgot I needed PJs! 🙄 I thought I was finished shopping.
I bought the jewelry I needed for my formal dress today, and I think I’m about finished. Tried everything on and looks good. Hubby gave approval.
I can’t believe you haven’t started figuring out your wardrobe yet! I started weeks ago.
It’s insane, Danniele, but I’ve only kind of thought about it! No list yet. And I got my revisions yesterday, so no list in the next week either!
😕 Uh, wardrobe? Huh? I haven’t done any of that yet.
Must focus…. 😯
I have a pile of returns to make *and* I have more shopping to do, but alas, the revisions must come first… blegh. Want to shop!
And I have a fab dress I’m wearing to the RITAs!
But yes, it’s very frustrating to pick up something and see that Lynn has the same thing in her hand. I guess we just have to coordinate outfits and not get too close to each other at conference. Oh, wait, we’re rooming together at confrence. That will give us a chance to double check we’re not the Doublemint Twins before we leave the room.
Ick, revisions. Now I have my own to do. Will I ever turn in a perfect book? I really want to! LOL on the Doublemint Twins, btw.
LOL, It sounded like you had a blast.
I must confess, I am not a shopper. I will have to rely mightily on the browbeating of friends to get everything ready even for next year. I am what you call a “wannabe” I love those pretty things, but I just don’t go find them….
Until then, I will happily watch as everyone else gets ready!
Mary, we’ll get you into shape for Nashville. We’ll drag you to a store and force you to try on clothes and parade in front of us. You’ll be ready for conference. 😈