In case you missed it (or if you’re not on Instagram), last week I sent out a question in my Stories asking for everyone’s biggest Style Challenge.

So I’ve taken the first seven responses, and for the next seven days I’ll be tackling one challenge daily (in chronological order) (cuz it only seems fair).

Challenge 1: Shortening a Shopping Trip

Ok I get it. Not everyone likes to shop as much as I do. And even if they do, not everyone wants to spend unnecessary time doing it. So if you can, why not get in, buy your stuff, and get out. Leaving more time to do the things you love.

If you’re looking to shorten your shopping trips, here’s what I recommend…

1. Have a Plan

Know exactly what you need to purchase and where you want to search for it (or them). This will save you time wandering endlessly from store to store.

Also, if you can, plan to shop first thing in the morning or during the week. Stores are typically less busy, there are less bodies to manoeuvre around, it’s easier to get help from the sales staff and you don’t have to wait as long to get into the fitting rooms.

2. Pre-Shop

If you have a specific item you’re looking for, or if you have a general idea of what you need, and you know which shops you’re going to visit, pre-shop on their websites ahead of time.

In the comfort of your home (or office – on your break of course), scan the sites of the stores you’re planning on hitting. See what they have in stock to see if it resembles what you’re looking for or require.

The benefit of this is that if they don’t have what you need, you’ve saved yourself a trip. The downside is that they might not have all of their stock on their website, so you might be missing out on some fabulous pieces.

Now, if you do see something you like, you can either order it online (if that’s an option and you have the time for shipping, etc.), or you can see if they have the item in-store. In this case I would definitely…

3. Call Ahead

If you’ve found an item pre-shopping your fave stores, or if a store you’d like to visit doesn’t have an online shopping option, call ahead.

In the first scenario, you’re calling to see if they have the item in stock and in your size.

In the second scenario, call the store ahead of time to explain to them what you’re looking for. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s something they carry or if they have any other viable options.

The downside to this is that if they say they have something that might work, you might go in and it doesn’t in fact work for you. Or if they say they don’t have anything that fits your description, they might actually have something that would have worked and once again you’re missing out.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Sometimes when we’re looking for something or have a certain piece or look in mind, it’s very difficult to find. Or if you do find it, it doesn’t’ fit right, or the colour’s wrong, etc.

It’s always good to have a backup in mind. That way you’re expanding your options and have a better chance at finding something sooner. Thus shortening your trip.

5. Accept Your Fate

This last tip has absolutely nothing to do with shortening a shopping trip but I had to include it.

Sometimes, no matter how much you plan, prepare or try, you just can’t find what you’re looking for. In this case, you need to accept your fate. You may have to lengthen your shopping trip and try other stores, or try again another day.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked for a piece for a specific event or for the season and have had zero luck finding it. Even after multiple shopping trips. Some things, my friend, just aren’t meant to be. (Insert shoulder shrugging emoji girl.)