shopping guidelines and a very large sweater

This is a post that boasts consumerism, materialism and narcism. That's a lot of "isms" in one post.

I may have already confessed on this blog that I have a little obsession with anything that has to do with fashion (blogs, shopping online, reality t.v. shows, etc.). I am fully aware of the fashion world's ridiculousness-- people obsessing over a pair of snakeskin skinny jeans or "dying" over an extremely impractical 6-inch sequined-studded-rhinestone encrusted stilettos but yet I can't help but be amused-- even participate in all of it. I do like the occasional designer hand bag or sunglasses but I am also a little more practical. When I shop I consider the following:

1.) Is it going to suit my body?
Will this dress/pant/shorts/top make me look like a tree stump or like woman. The most important thing is that the clothing will fit me right. I see a lot of women wear really nice clothes but their look is ruined because it's ill-fitting. 


2.) Will I be able to actually wear it anywhere?
This is the reason why I do not own any cocktail dresses or ball gowns. I don't attend cocktail parties or get invited to dinner with the Obamas or The Queen (shocking, I know). I also do not often go to clubs where the dress code requires that I look like slut. I like clothes that I can wear to work and on the weekends, which is probably another reason why I do not own any suits. 


3.) Is the item age appropriate?
Will people ask me how many kids I have or will I get carded at a bar. When a woman in her thirties wears clothes fit for 21 year olds they look exactly just that-- a thirty-something year old trying to pass for a twenty-one year old. Famous people are great at being "ageless" even without the botox. I'm not sure I've found the perfect balance but what I want is to have style that is appropriate for my age group.


4.) Will I be comfortable in it?
This applies more to shoes. I am a big fan of flats. I know heels make women have better posture, longer legs and I admit when I am wearing heels I feel more "womanly" but at the same time I can feel the corns and blisters growing on my toes. 


5.) Can I afford it?
If I was really practical, I would also add, do I need it? I am terrible at purchasing things I only need. 


Now that I've told you what goes through my head when I shop I'd like to talk about this oversized sweater I recently purchased.

The sweater is like a poncho but with arms. I purchased this sweater out of guilt but I have grown to really like it. I mistakenly walked into a local boutique where I was the only customer and talk about awkward. The owner, a very sweet petite Chinese woman, was more than happy to see me. She had me try on several items and she kept calling me "Shweery" which I realized was "Sweetie" after 15 minutes of talking to her. I decided I needed to buy something because she had put so much energy in trying to please me. This sweater had no tags (unbranded) and has no size which means this sweater was probably made with the blood, sweat and tears of 10 year old kids. I dig it. It's warm and perfectly hides my food baby.

Speaking of food...

What I ate and drank today. Don't you just love Bloody Mary's? It's like a meal in a glass that makes you feel good.