There are few things Mr. hates more than going shopping. Particularly clothes shopping for himself. He’s perfectly sweet and obliging whenever I have an inkling to go browsing for something lovely for myself, but when it comes to his own sartorial interests, he’s, shall we say, uncooperative. I gave up trying to force him to shop for himself probably five years ago. Which was, I must admit a wise decision. But now if I want to get him to the mall, I have to use stealth.
Like Friday, for instance.
In the morning he casually, absently and innocently makes a small offhand comment about needing some new clothes. My “get Mr. to go shopping” radar is instantly activated. The red light and sirens are going off in my head, and I feel as though I should dance around, leaping for joy. On the outside, however, I’m cool, unaffected.
All day, I consider how to finagle him into going shopping without nagging. It’s difficult to put one over on someone as intelligent as Mr.; he always knows what I’m up to.
So he gets home from work late in the afternoon and asks me what I want to do that night.
“Well, I was thinking,” I say, very casually of course, “I need to pick up a gift certificate, and then I thought since we’ll already be over there we could pop into the mall–just for a minute of course–because you mentioned that you wanted some new clothes this morning– I think Gap is having a great sale right now– and then we could take the littles to dinner afterwards at Red Robin, but if you have something else you want to do instead, I’m cool with that too.” Note how disinterested I am, how nonchalant. I must not have an ulterior motive.
He’s not buying it but he plays along.
“Okay, that sounds good.”
(Note the excitement, he’s probably dreaming of all the racks of men’s clothing.)
Success.
So we get to the mall, and enter the Gap. Mr. avoids the clearance section completely (the audacity!), spends all of two minutes looking at whatever was on the manikin, then shrugs declaring there’s nothing there he really likes, and with that, his shopping experience is complete. Sans any purchase. Not one to waste a perfectly good trip to the Gap, I mosey over to the women’s section, rummage through the clearance rack to discover 3 lovely tops marked way, way down, and we both leave the store perfectly content. Me, with my bag of two fabulous sweaters and a wine-colored top, and Mr. teasing the littles all the way to Red Robin, where we all got a milkshake.
And everyone’s happy.
The End.
I should note, that when Mr. is in a mood to shop the man is a Jedi master. He strikes with precision and gets out quick.
Seriously, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. He’ll walk into a store and exit 12 minutes later with two bags of clothes that fit like a dream and make him look (even) cuter than he already is.
Impressive.
But when it comes to the clearance rack, I’m still the ninja-bargain shopper of the family.
I discovered long ago that the secret really was to just shop *for* my Mr. Unfortunately he just doesn’t take to shopping at all. So I memorize the sizes. Thankfully he is not picky.
Cori, you are so fortunate to find size 5 shoes in Ross. I very seldom find them there…let alone anywhere. I noticed that’s where most of your shoes are from, and I’m so envious. I’ve got to get over to GAP and try these boyfriend jeans. They are very flattering on you. Hopefully they will also look good on a 40 something, 5′ lady:)
Haha, yes it was. That’s life with the littles, next week can sometimes mean the week after next. In any case, it should be up on Thursday, Friday at the latest. ;-)
I am a terrible blog follower – I have been following and loving your blog for a few months now and have never commented. For this I apologize.
Now confession aside I must say that I love the way you dress and you give me so many great ideas! I have gotten so many ideas from you, so thank you! I generally feel totally fashion challenged so your inspirations are very helpful. I come from a similar fashion background as you, finally realizing that I want to look cuter and am willing to put in a bit of effort.
On that note this outfit is adorable. Simple but totally cute. Love it!
Lastly – I am from Canada (Vancouver, BC) but I am often down in Washington shopping at Costcos and WinCo’s across the state – so if you are ever in line at Costco (as you mentioned being in one post) I will most likely act fan struck and like you are super super famous. I apologize in advance :)
I discovered long ago that the secret really was to just shop *for* my Mr. Unfortunately he just doesn’t take to shopping at all. So I memorize the sizes. Thankfully he is not picky.
haha. so true. so very true.
love your blazer! so adorable.
http://www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
Cori, you are so fortunate to find size 5 shoes in Ross. I very seldom find them there…let alone anywhere. I noticed that’s where most of your shoes are from, and I’m so envious. I’ve got to get over to GAP and try these boyfriend jeans. They are very flattering on you. Hopefully they will also look good on a 40 something, 5′ lady:)
I know, I’m so lucky. I have unusual good luck finding small shoes… and btw the boyfriend jeans are awesome. They would look fantastic on you!
gorgeous!! Love the sweater!
I love your outfit.
When are you going to finish the eyebrow series? I thought it was supposed to be last week…
Haha, yes it was. That’s life with the littles, next week can sometimes mean the week after next. In any case, it should be up on Thursday, Friday at the latest. ;-)
I am a terrible blog follower – I have been following and loving your blog for a few months now and have never commented. For this I apologize.
Now confession aside I must say that I love the way you dress and you give me so many great ideas! I have gotten so many ideas from you, so thank you! I generally feel totally fashion challenged so your inspirations are very helpful. I come from a similar fashion background as you, finally realizing that I want to look cuter and am willing to put in a bit of effort.
On that note this outfit is adorable. Simple but totally cute. Love it!
Lastly – I am from Canada (Vancouver, BC) but I am often down in Washington shopping at Costcos and WinCo’s across the state – so if you are ever in line at Costco (as you mentioned being in one post) I will most likely act fan struck and like you are super super famous. I apologize in advance :)
Thanks again!
T
I love those boyfriend jeans! Gorgeous, I want some! :)
Natalie
http://www.projectdowhatyoulove.wordpress.com
that blazer is all sorts of amazingness. i kinda want it… and its prolly a good thing you live in seattle. and i wear a different size than you do… ;)
laurafornerphotography.blogspot.com
That was a cute post.
That blazer s awesome! Great outfit!
Great outfit! My husband and kids go with me to the mall all the time now that the Lego store came!!!
Love your site. Started following. Please feel free to check out my blog and follow if you like:)
mommysguiltypleasures.blogspot.com
HaHa! I have to resort to saying, “I’ll buy you something if you go to the mall with me!” Works.
love the blazer and the pants!
♥
http://intoxicatedchameleon.blogspot.com
Stunning Outfit.. love the blazer..:)Chic
Awesome Blog..:)
That top looks great on you, good fit! Plus love the curls ;)
Loved this story! And your jacket is so freaking cute.
This Blog is going places, the people, the layout, amazing to see such dedication and focus.
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