Cha Cha Living: Brick and Mortar Shoe Shopping

Here we go...stepping into an actual brick and mortar store. I have my list:

Now, it's time to execute.

I pick two stores, Target and Macy's. Macy's first.

I have to say, I have quite vivid memories of walking up to a Macy's store. Back in the day, this was THE place to shop. I usually had my budget from my parents, and I got to scavenge the store finding the perfect wardrobe for a 4th grader. I remember one year using almost all of my budget on a "must have" LA Gear jacket.

Man, I was cool back in the day. I remember going through every rounder at Macy's trying to find that perfect must have, marked down piece of clothing or shoes. It was like the Thrill of the Hunt (see my previous blog on shoe hunting here). I mean, I loved to shop.

Today was different. Blame it on age. laziness or lack of time - but I was dreading my Macy's trip. As I walked through the doors, a feeling of anxiety came over me. Blame it on the blasting music, overpowering Jennifer Lopez perfume wafting towards the juniors section...but I was starting feel my palms sweat.

What was happening to me?? This used to be one of my favorite all time activites. I mean, I was such an active shopper, I burned at least 200 calories every shopping trip (I used myfitnesspal.com to calculate this).

As I walked around the corner to shoes, my chest began to tighten and began breathing rapidly. This was what I saw:

At one point of my life, this would have got blood pumping in a good way. Today, I felt on the verge of a panic attack. How on earth would I follow my list with such shoe stimulation? Luckily, I pulled out my list, sat in a somewhat comfortable chair and focused on my shoe needs.

I decided I would focus on:

black pumps
updated boots
paycheck shoes

I found the helpful sales person, and we were on our way. I ended up trying on a pair of grey Frye boots, red suede heels (ok, not black, but still work appropriate) and my paycheck purple shoes by Jessica Simpson.

(find them here)

Unfortunately, they didn't have the right size in one shoe, another hurt my feet, and the last I was so so about...and the 20% sale didn't even sway me. So, I left empty handed.

I did come across this sign next to some incredibly....something shoes. Impulse, how apropos.

Ok, now off to Target. Target is a dangerous place. Sure, you can find the best priced ziploc bags, trendy pillow from Nate Berkus and some piece of clothing you didn't know you need. Walking into Target gave me the opposite feeling of Macy's...I am not sure if it was because I cross things of my "to do" list in one shopping stop...or the ability to breathe non-Jennifer Lopez perfumed air. Either way, I felt much more comfortable.

I bee-lined towards the shoe department, and was pleasantly surprised. Sure, these shoes aren't 100% Italian leather - but they are cute, and will last 1 if not 2 seasons. I find the following:

(similar here)

(find them here)

I walk out of the store having checked off two items...my updated black boots, and a pair of trendy flats.

My main lessons learned from my hiatus from in store shopping:

1 - Come with a strategy. If not, you will get overwhelmed and likely end up walking out with things you don't need.

2 - "Sale" is a bad word. Sure, I like getting things for a cheaper price, doesn't everyone?? But, don't let the red "sale" sign cloud your judgement on what shoes you really need, versus saying "but it was such a good deal..."

Speaking of deals...the next post tackles outlet shopping. Done right, shopping at outlets can be a wealth of fantastic shoes.

Done wrong, you end up with shoes like this in your closet: