Are You a Shopaholic?

One of my all-time favorite books is "Confessions of a Shopaholic," which was turned into a hilarious romantic comedy. In the book and film, Rebecca Bloomwood is hiding the fact that she is a shopaholic from her family, coworkers, love interest and most of all, herself. I  am sure many of us have referred to ourselves as a "shopaholic," at some point or other, most likely after a shopping trip that has left us feeling slightly guilty. I know I have. What makes Becky’s situation so ironic is that she acquires a journalism position at "Successful Savings," a financial savings magazine (with the hope of working her way up to a fashion magazine). Yet, she is $16,000 in debt. In addition to watching the film (a great excuse to see it again) and looking into psychology research on traits and habits of a shopaholic, I found some interesting information pointing towards the question of -- am I and are you a shopaholic?

Healthmeup.com author, Pinto states, “Being a shopaholic is a common habit these days. Most of us wish to have unlimited access to shop at a giant shopping centre, and many of us are also aware of terms like – ‘Shopaholics,’ ‘Shop till you drop,’ or ‘I exist because I shop.’” Below are a couple common signs of shopping symptoms that could mean you’re a shopaholic...

Do you have merchandise still in shopping bags in your closet or items that still have the tags on? Ellisor says that if you have forgotten about some of these possessions then that’s a problem. Becky has a closet full of new and unworn clothes but when it comes time for an upcoming event at her workplace she insists she needs a new dress until her best friend reminds her of a gorgeous dress hanging unworn in her closet. If you have items in your closet that have never seen the light of the day, then you could be a certified shopaholic, says Pinto.

Are you tempted by things you don’t necessarily need? “A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed!” proclaims Becky. In this case, you are easily tempted to buy what you see, even though you don’t need it, just to make yourself happy. You may be particularly vulnerable to this if you have a materialistic obsession to luxury or designer items, such as shoes or handbags, explains Ellisor.

Do you get a rush when you make new purchases? Getting a buzz from the act of retail acquisition is a notable shopaholic characteristic listed by Svoboda in "Psychology Today". “The dopamine rush and connection between pointless purchasing and feeling better is closely associated with shopaholic behavior,” explains Pinto. If one of your favorite hobbies is shopping, you probably have had this feeling. Becky describes the feeling of purchasing something as, “the best feeling in the world,” with a joyful sensation between yourself and shopping. However, this feeling wears off once you return home and realize you’re out a few hundred dollars. Guilt then settles in.     

Becky is in denial about her problem for most of the film, but her best friend makes her promise to attend Shopaholics Anonymous. Becky attends but it doesn’t seem to help her shopping addiction. It’s not until she loses her job and the man she loves, through being exposed by a debt collector on national television, that she realizes she has a problem. No worries though, the movie ends up with her having a massive sale on all her merchandise and she ends up with the guy. Of course, that's the Hollywood version and if you really do think you have a problem, Ellisor suggests starting with self-help books. You also may want to ask friends and family to help keep you in check or enlist professional help, like therapy or classes. Unlike Becky, I could never get myself in this big of a mess and don't think I'll need to check myself in, at least anytime soon. 

Did you say yes to any of these questions? Do you think you're a shopaholic? 

Sources: 
-Confessionals of a Shopaoholic (film). 2009. 

-Ellisor, Margie. (2014). http://fox2now.com/2014/02/26/are-you-a-shopaholic/

-Pinto, Renita T. (2012). http://healthmeup.com/photogallery-healthy-living/shopaholic-habits-are-you-a-shopaholic/17845

-Svoboda, Elizabeth. (2010).  http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201010/field-guide-the-shopaholic

Express Yourself Creatively

Are you one of those people who says, “I’m just not creative”…?  I’ve heard this statement numerous times from friends and family and every time it irritates me because although you might not be the ‘artsy type,’ I believe we all have some creativity in us! 

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of creativity is: “the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods and interpretations.” For some, creativity comes easier and according to an article by Caroline Gregoire in the Huffington Post, there are certain characteristics creative people do differently. I found myself identifying with many of these, which isn’t surprising since fashion is a creative art form and I thrive off expressing myself through what I wear. However, even if you don’t consider yourself the “creative type,” there are ways you can enhance your creative thinking skills.

Be present and aware: Gregoire states, “The world is a creative person's oyster -- they see possibilities everywhere and are constantly taking in information that becomes fodder for creative expression.” Being aware of your surroundings, making observations and being curious can all enhance your creative side. Next time you’re driving, taking a walk or even watching television, really observe what your mind is taking in and be aware of your surroundings. We often “do,” because our society is so results oriented but when we simply “be” we notice a whole new dimension of the world. If you’re having trouble feeling present in the moment, try mindful meditation. 

Find what inspires you: Find your niche and run with it. Following your dreams and passions will not only make you feel more fulfilled, it will motivate you to accomplish those internal desires. When you feel passionate and motivated about something you care about or want, you will be more likely to come up with great ideas on that subject matter.

Travel and explore: Leaving your home territory for an extended period of time is an excellent way to gain a different understanding of the world, which in turn will open your mind to new possibilities and ideas. Study abroad, spend a summer in a new city or treat yourself to a needed vacation. If you can’t get away for a long period of time, try to go on weekend getaways. Just leave and go somewhere. This is the best way to clear your head and reflect. In order to come up with new ideas, you need to have a blank mind free from current worries.

Take time to be alone: Solitude can do wonders for a person. I know some people say they hate being alone and fear loneliness but I think a large aspect of that thinking stems from a fear of being labeled “anti-social” or as a “hermit.” For myself, this kind of thinking started in high school and I felt weird for not wanting to go out on weekends, but it just wasn’t my thing. I would rather be home in my room contemplating and processing, because this is how I recharge and being social can be very exhausting. Part of this comes from being an introvert, but even extroverts can find benefits in taking time to be alone. If you’re the type who feels they need to be making plans with friends every weekend, try taking a weekend off from your social life and see how it feels. Maybe the solitude will bring new insights you never knew you had. Sometimes all it takes is a few days away from any outside distractions. “We need to give ourselves the time alone to simply allow our minds to wander,” notes Gregoire.

Ask questions: If you question the world and how it works, that’s a sign you are creative. Creative’s don’t accept other's viewpoints of the world, they consider them, but they're open to seeing all the possibilities and seeking further questions. Gregoire says that creative’s opt to live the examined life because they look at the world around them and want to know why, and how, it is the way it is. Anyone can do this by analyzing situations critically and not believing everything they read, hear or see. Thinking about the underlying themes within the media that are reflected in our society is a good way to start. Think critically and never stop asking questions. 

These are a few ways you can get your creative juices flowing and I hope it’s helpful! There are numerous other ways to boost your creative thinking and several articles out there on the topic. If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation on creativity, please comment below! :) 

Sources: 

-Carolyn Gregoire. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/04/creativity-habits_n_4859769.html

-http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/creativity?s=t

Spring & Summer Interview Attire

The weather is heating up and many of us are soon to be graduates with (hopefully) a lot of interviews on the horizon. I have recently been asked about how to dress nicely for interviews with the warmer spring weather. This can be challenging since a classic black pantsuit won't feel so great in hot weather, yet there needs to be a balance between professional attire that keeps you cool and comfortable.

Classic Sheath Dress: 

Classic grey sheath dress & matching jacket
from The Limited Suiting Collection 

• My biggest tip is to swap your winter pantsuit for a tailored sleeveless sheath and coordinating jacket. It’s a very classic and professional alternative that allows for you to remove your jacket until right before the interview, so you’ll stay cooler. The Limited now carries tailored sheath dresses as part of their suiting collection in black, navy, khaki or light grey. Check out this collection at http://www.thelimited.com/womens-clothing/dresses/dresses-sheath-dress. For this time of year, I would suggest the khaki or light grey color. Glamour recommends sticking with a neutral color, unless the company you’re interviewing at is more creative, then it would be appropriate to choose a chic design. The Limited has a few colorblock pattern options in black, brown and coral that are still very professional, but a little more fun than the classic solids. If you want to play it safe and stick with black (which is totally ok), then add a neutral accessory such as a skinny belt. If the position is less corporate, you may want to mix separates, such as a solid sheath dress with a tailored jacket in a brighter color or pattern, suggests fashion writer Nina Myers. Lastly, make sure to wear nylons or nude tights to keep the look modest. 

Crop khaki pants & a black jacket
is both stylish and conservative

If Your Not the Dress Type: 

•  Maybe you're not the dress type and want to stick with tailored pants or a pencil skirt. “A more classic skirt or pants suit paired with a pretty printed silk blouse is also a lovely combination,” states Myers. Go with a sleeveless or short sleeve blouse so you won’t be too hot. Some great spring colors to try are yellow, peach, light blue, mint green and violet. Any of these colors would look great with a khaki or grey suit. Crop or pencil pants are a great alternative to bootcut dress pants and have a slim, tailored silhouette, hitting right at the ankle. These look very sharp with a great pair of pumps.

Colors to Wear (and Not Wear):

• Don’t wear white. Myers says, “White is the least serious color and looks too casual. The lightest you should go is cream.” This is great advice to follow because with color it’s always better to play it safe. I mentioned some great spring colors above and all are pastels or neutrals. Stick with subdued colors for attire and then if you want to add a pop of color you can do so with an accessory piece or shoes.

How to Accessorize: 

Interview jewelry options 

•  Belt: A skinny belt would look great with any classic sheath to create some shape and add contrast. For a grey dress, I would suggest a white or black skinny belt and for khaki, I would do black. However, to stand out Glamour suggests a super skinny belt in a vibrant hue. 
• Shoes: Classic nude pumps are always great, especially if you need to keep it conservative. However, if you want to look a little more stylish, a pair of menswear inspired lace-ups or neutral pumps with interesting details like a trendy wood heel or summery white trim are great options that Glamour recommends. 
• Jewelry: You want to set yourself apart from the competition and jewelry is a good way to do this. Pearls are great for interviews because they’re classy without being too flashy. You want to be simple and not too trendy, so a nice gold, silver or pearl chain works well. For a black, grey or navy suit, wear silver jewelry and for a khaki or brown suit, wear gold. Pearls will work with any color.
• Handbag: A classic, elegant leather handbag in black or tan is the best way to go. Myers says to avoid “it” bags, especially if they’re made of exotic skin or covered in hardware. Your bag should be big enough to carry all of the necessities, such as your portfolio with a copy of your resume, cover letter and any work samples.

Consider this advice and wear what will make you feel most confident. It will all, of course, depend upon the position you are interviewing for. Research the company well to find out their dress policy or ask people who have worked there or somewhere similar. You want your attire to make you look like you’d be a good fit for the company, but it’s also appropriate to look dressier than everyone else if they have a casual dress code. Look serious; look confident and let your outfit enhance your chance of landing the job!

What advice do you have for dressing for a Spring or Summer interview? 

Sources: 
-Nina Myers,  “Summer Career Networking Style: It’s in the Details. http://www.career-line.com/job-search/interview-tips-wear-the-right-clothes-for-summer-interviews/
-http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2010/06/what-to-wear-to-a-summer-job-i.html

Tips From a Thrift Shopping Diva

Holly says 60% of her wardrobe is from thrift stores!

“I spent $80 at Goodwill!” Holly proclaims as she rushes through the door with a huge bag of clothing.” Holly has just come back from Spring break and is quick to explain that she is referring to her FIRST Goodwill trip made that week. She made 2 succeeding trips as well as a trip to Salvation Army.

Since we were young, Holly has always been the thrifty one and into her college years she has continued to thrive off thrift store finds. In October, Holly acquired a summer internship with a large consulting firm where the dress code is business professional. Rather than buying a whole new expensive suiting wardrobe, she has found several suits for amazing deals at thrift stores in the area. I’m always in awe of the quality suits Holly finds for ridiculously cheap prices and thought you all would be interested in learning how to find amazing deals, as well! Thrift shopping isn’t easy and there is definitely a lot of digging involved, but Holly has it mastered and I’m excited to bring you advice from my recent interview with her. 

Suit from My Best Friend's Closet for $13

Me: How long have you been thrift shopping and what spawned your interest?

Holly: I started garage sailing with my mom when I was really young. In the summers, Saturday morning garage sailing was our thing and I would find Abercrombie tops and Silver jeans that all my friends were paying full price for! Another thing was that we lived far away from any shopping malls and garage sailing was one of the only shopping experiences I had. When I did have a chance to go to shopping malls and live near them, I realized how expensive everything was and wanted to continue my thrifty shopping. 

Me: What thrift stores do you shop at?

Holly: I shop between the local places and chain stores. Goodwill and Salvation Army are chains you can find everywhere, but local places are great for finding unique items. Here in the Fargo/Moorhead area, I like to shop at the Moorhead Antique Mall (South Moorhead) for unique vintage finds, Clothes Mentor and My Best Friend's Closet for professional clothes and also Goodwill and Salvation Army. 

Pantsuit from Salvation Army for $6

Me: Is there anything in particular you look for when stepping into a thrift store?

Holly: I go in with a completely open mind, which I think is the best thing to do. There are some things that may take you by surprise that can look weird on the hanger, but then look great on. There are many things that have potential, you just have to be willing to put in the time and be open-minded.

Me: What are some amazing items you have found?

Holly: I find full designer suits to Miss Me jeans that are practically unworn. I have also found a vintage fur coat for $8.

Me: What tips do you have for people who may have never tried thrift shopping and don’t know where to start?

Holly: Go into a thrift store and try on anything and everything that looks like it will fit you because things that don't look great on a hanger might look great on you. Don't pay attention to the size on the tag. I'm a size 2, but I've found size 12 suits that fit me. A lot of sizes are unproportional so look at it visually. It takes a lot of time to try on things but it's all about trial and error. It's definitely harder than regular shopping, which can detract people. 

Holly also finds great vintage accessories!

My last question for Holly was if she would still go thrift shopping if she suddenly had 1 million dollars to spend on clothes and she exclaimed excitedly, “Oh, yeah!” I would probably spend the whole million on thrift store clothes!”

What else do you want to know about thrift shopping? Have you found anything amazing at thrift stores?  

Sources:
Holly Sullivan, personal communication (March 25, 2014). 

The Hot Color Trends for Spring

"Colors make us feel a wide spectrum of emotions and convey to us all sorts of messages. Everyone has the desire to communicate when we are moved by a color and want to convey that color and its image to others, or when we want to express thoughts that come to us and emotional nuances," states the book Colorscape, an all around-the-world guide to color.

A couple weeks ago, I informed you on what trends are going to be in for Spring, but wouldn't you like to know what colors are going to be all the rage? After all, color sets a mood and is a huge indicator of what theme a designer is trying to convey. Pantone, a global authority on color, surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and passed on their trend analysis of this season's most prominent hues.

Executive Director of Pantone, Leatrice Eiseman, notes that this year designers took a modern twist on traditional spring colors by pairing soft pastels with vivid brights to create a color equilibrium. "Inspired by a mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad and strong, confident women, designers use color to refresh, revive and defy conventional wisdom."

The palette above shows pastels and neutrals in the first row and these are common colors we see in nature's background, such as the blue or grey sky, a sandy beach and blossoming flowers.The second row of colors are vibrant hues that will create a balanced look when paired with the pastels. However, all of these colors stand very well on their own in addition to being mixed. Find out more on Eiseman's take on each color and my perspective on how to wear them in a stylish way that could also enhance your mood:

Kendra wears violet tulip colored Ashton
Blouse paired with a paloma blazer
from The Limited

• Placid Blue - When we see placid blue we think of the sky and this color brings tranquillity and calmness. Therefore, it's a background color and could be considered a neutral. It pairs well with any other color on the spectrum. For a day when you're feeling anxious or stressed, wear this color to bring you some peace.
• Violet Tulip - This is a vintage color with a wistful feel that can also evoke romance. It can be combined with other colors or stand alone. This color makes for a beautiful blouse, as you can see Kendra modeling on the right. She is wearing an Ashton Blouse from The Limited and they come in many other colors at http://www.thelimited.com/womens-clothing/blouse-shirts. 
• Hemlock Green - This minty green color makes a beautiful background color and can be used as a neutral. Eiseman describes it as evoking a sense of foliage and that it is an ornamental green and works well as an accent to other colors. Therefore, it would look great in accessory items or choose a cardigan in this color. I have a cardigan in this color from last Spring and it can be worn over practically any of my other spring and summer outfits. 
• Paloma - Interesting name, huh? Paloma is another word for dove and is a soft, neutral color that would make a great base for any outfit. Wear this color to feel comfortable yet confident. It makes a great suiting color as you can see in the photo above.
• Sand - This color is exactly what it sounds like with Eiseman using the words, "toasty, beach and carefree" to illustrate it. This is a great color to combine with a mix of colors to create balance. Pair a sand colored belt and/or shoes with a floral or print dress. 
• Freesia - This color is floral inspired and the spot of sunshine within the palette. This color is great by itself but can also be used to enhance a neutral or pastel based outfit. 
• Cayenne - This color evokes a "high pitched, spicy energy" and is great to "bounce off neutrals and light tones," says Eiseman. Make a fiery statement with a pair of cayenne pants or to really go bold, wear a spring jacket in this color. 
• Celosia Orange - This color is lovely, spontaneous and optimistic. Its fun, yet adds a bit of sophistication. Eiseman suggests pairing this color with violet tulip for a captivating look, like that of the setting summer sun. If you don't want to go too bold, get a piece of jewelry in this color, it will brighten any outfit. 
• Radiant Orchid - This purple is a bold counterpart to its violet tulip and according to Eiseman stands great alone because there is a certain sense of drama attached to it. This would be a beautiful color for a dress, skirt or skinny jeans. You can have fun with this color without being afraid to stand out too much because it's not quite as vivid as a red or orange. 
• Dazzling Blue - This blue has a little sparkle to it and is the polar opposite of placid blue because it conveys excitement, whereas placid blue conveys quietness. This electric blue looks great on shorts and would be an appealing swimsuit color.

I hope this color trend information gives you some inspiration when deciding on Spring attire to wear. Of course, don't think you have to follow these color trends exactly. Be yourself and wear the colors that make you feel your best. I do encourage you to go out of your comfort zone and try a color you may say doesn't look good on you, because I bet you actually look fabulous.

"Color is essentially a personal matter and changes with place and over time. This makes it all the more important for us, who will carry our conceptions of color in the future, to try and become more sensitive to the voices of a wider range of colors," Kuno states in Colorscape.

Sources:

-Naomi Kuno and Forms Inc./Color Intelligence Institute. (1999). Colorscape.
-http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?pid=3&season=spring&year=2014

Get the Right Stylish Workout Clothes

Have you ever arrived at the gym to realize your workout attire is so not making you want to run 3 miles or go to that class full of people? Maybe you realized you wore a cotton shirt that's going to show a lot of sweat, your worried you're butt looks weird in the tight spandex, or worse- you have pantsgate (yeah I didn't know what it was either..read on to find out)? Whatever it is, you should go to the gym in an outfit that is going to get you pumped, excited and feeling cute! With all the exercise attire out there, it should be easy to have a whole wardrobe full of workout wear. However, if you're like me you've realized nice workout clothing can be pricey and you want to make sure you're getting the best attire for your body that will enhance your workout, not hinder it. 

Molly just about to teach a cycling class wearing
Victoria's Secret Sport workout attire

To obtain a better understanding of the importance of getting the right workout wear, I interviewed Molly Keading, a Group Fitness Instructor at the YMCA and Core Fitness in Fargo, ND. Molly is graduating in May with a degree in Exercise Science with a Coaching minor and plans on working as a Personal Trainer. She always has the cutest workout clothes and along with her advice and further research, I have addressed some important factors to help you find the right workout attire! 

Where to Shop
Molly gets her workout apparel from a variety of stores, however, she's very particular about where she gets what. "I go to all different places. For buttons, I like Lululemon because they have tight compression pants which I need." For sports bra's and tops, she suggests Victorias Secret Sport, "all of their athletic clothes are really nice," she notes. I agree with Molly that Victoria's Secret has really nice workout clothes and they are also very stylish! She also likes Under Amour tank tops and Target sports bras. "Forever 21 has some workout clothes too, but I haven't tried there's because they may not be the best quality," said Molly. However, I have a pair of workout leggings from Forever 21 and they have worked well for me so far. If you're on a budget and looking for a variety of cute options, Forever 21 and Target might be the places for you. However, if you're willing to spend a little more for quality, then Victoria's Secret and Lululemon are great options. All these places offer many styles and colors, and I suggest mixing and matching for fun, sporty looks! 

Get the Right Material 
When I asked Molly what features she looks for in workout clothes, she immediately replied, "the material, I always feel it... they need to have stretch but also be tight." If you know you're going to sweat a lot during a workout, it's important to choose breathable, synthetic fabrics that wick the sweat from your skin. Rodriguez says the best fabrics for this contain polypropylene, such as COOLMAX® and SUPPLEX® because, "they allow the sweat to be evaporated from the skin but do not soak clothing and leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable." Cotton, on the other hand, does not evaporate sweat from the skin and can soak clothing, making you feel icky after a workout. Another thing to look for in material is the thickness. When my boyfriend mentioned he could see through my Champion brand (from Target) workout pants at the gym one day, I freaked and haven't worn them since. However, I discovered other women have been unknowing victims of this occurrence, called pantsgate, too. In addition be being see-through, too thin of fabrics will not provide good support or be long lasting. To ensure the fabric is thick enough, do a check by bending over in the fitting room and making sure you're completely covered, it's definitely not worth risking the embarrassment. 

The Right Attire for Your Activity 
According to American Fitness Couture, "The first factor to consider when choosing workout clothes is the type of exercise you’ll be doing." Along with that, Rodriguez emphasizes that your clothing shouldn't get into the way of your activity. You wouldn't want to wear wide-leg pants for running or biking in case they got tangled in the pedals or your feet. For pilates or yoga, comfortable crops or pants with some spandex for easy stretching usually work best. Along with activity type, your body type should also factor in. Molly suggests long pants for cardio if you are more bottom-heavy so you won't experience rashing. However, shorts work well for weight-training. In addition, she advises tank tops for doing cardio to stay cool and tighter fit tops for weight-training. 

It all Starts with Your Feet

Molly likes to wear Nike shoes when teaching classes

"Shoes are the most important thing for a workout," states Molly. Molly likes Brooks for running and Nikes for teaching classes. Therefore, brand of shoe should also factor into your activity as running shoes offer support in different areas than basketball or cross-training shoes. Since the type of athletic shoe you choose can make a significant difference in your workout performance, do your research on what's out there for your specific needs. Molly realizes workout shoes can be expensive but notes, "No matter what you do you have to use your feet and you need good support or else you'll get injured...It's worth the cost for a good pair of shoes." 



What brand and type of workout clothes do you prefer? 


Sources: 
-Diana Rodriguez. (2009). http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/choosing-workout-clothes.aspx
-http://americanfitnesscouture.com/how-to-choose-the-best-fitness-fabric-for-workout-clothing/
-Molly Keading, personal communication (March 18, 2014).