I Shopped, but I didn't Drop!

Today I discovered that retail therapy is a true phenomenon. It's a sense of rejuvenation I find when I find something I like that makes me look beautiful, fits perfectly and is a bargain!

Most of my purchases during my four-five hour shopping spree today satisfied these needs I require to enjoy a shopping experience. Part of the therapy was realizing that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and testing my endurance. I started at the Globo shoe store and looked for New Balance running shoes. I loved the first pair I saw! I tried the 6 and a half size and it fit perfectly! As a bonus, the pair was about 40 dollars -- that was 50 per cent off! Amazing... It's usually so hard for me to find shoes that fit because my feet are so narrow. Anticipating this difficulty, I procrastinated buying a new pair. I wore my previous ones regularly for seven years!!!!! This purchase boosted my confidence. It literally put a spring in my step thanks to the new arches and shock absorption!

Then I want to a lingerie store. Usually I feel uncomfortable in those places because I think I look like a child in size and demeanor. I mean, I shouldn't feel that way because I am a woman and I do have curves which is odd considering my light weight and small frame. I tend to liken my body to Betty Boop's whose is thin and curvy. Hahaha.

Well, for some reason I walked into that store confidently, on a mission! I was going to find at least one bra. I found a two-for-20 sale, so I scanned the wall of bras -- yes, WALL -- for ones I liked. My existing bras have a bit of padding in them and I decided that I wanted to be a bit more natural. I want people to see the girls how they naturally are! Well, not naturally. Any medium to full support bra is going to shape your bust.

There is a part of me that wants to have a bra burning ceremony. Why do we need to change the appearance of our breasts to be considered decently dressed? Is my body in its natural form offensive? Well I think the jiggling would be considered more offensive, dare I titillate someone by moving!

There is another part of me that thinks I look silly in shirts and dresses without a bra underneath. I look smaller. Maybe that's why.

Anyway, I found two bras that fit, plus another one on a separate wall: four dollars! My mom found a 10 panties for 10 sale, so she searched and found a bunch in my size. I picked the ones I liked and BAM. Another bunch of items for my items-to-purchase bag. Don't worry. I didn't try them on first. Yeesh! I wonder if people do that...

I tried on a satin housecoat that was 10 dollars, but it wasn't nice material, so I put it back. There were nicer, more expensive ones, but I didn't want to spend the money. My mom bought one for me! She's so special.

We paid for everything and then went to Le Chateau where I fell in love with this skirt! Oh man. It's white and flowy with a print of black and white flowers on it. The material is kind of sheer. It fit me beautifully too! A little bit pricey, but hey! I've been animal sitting. Why not treat myself? My mom and a sales lady hunted high and low for a shirt that would go with the skirt, but few things fit me. I also tried on a bunch of blazers because I love blazers, but have never had one. No luck there, but my mom finally found a black fitted, low cut shirt that goes perfectly with the skirt. Then I searched for a bracelet to go with it, not expecting to find any bangles that fit my teensy wrists. Of course I didn't, but I found a chunky bracelet with big greenish blue stones and a transparent bow. It fit perfectly. I bought all of it!

We took a break to rest our feet and have some food. I bought a blt from Subway, then took it to the nearby burger joint where my mom was. I ate it there. We had a nice chat. Then she bought me some fries and a chocolate milk shake! It was delicious. My good appetite continued my good eating streak. I was proud of myself for withstanding so much activity. Then we went out for more!

We went to Winners, a discount fashion store in Canada, to look for a new bag for me. I had big bags that fit books and things and small bags that only fit my wallet, keys and cell phone, but nothing in between. I wanted something that would rest on my shoulder, not be too fancy, have a zipper and fit my phone, wallet, keys, sweater, water bottle, case for glasses, etc. in. Voila! So I bought that. Then we went home. Phew!

A very productive day. I feel so relieved to have finally bought so many things I needed, but put off buying. Now all I really have left to find is pants. Ugh! Who knows, though! Maybe it won't be painful. Maybe it will be fun like today was, especially if I go with my mom. I feel a bit selfish because the day was all for me! I did encourage her to buy a necklace and ring she liked. My new rule for my mom is: if you treat me to a gift, you have to treat yourself to something. Or I'll buy it for you. I can't wait to treat her more often once I have a full-time job!