When you shop, do you go with a purpose in mind? Or do you wander the aisles looking for something to catch your eye. There are pros and cons to each approach.

First, the List

If you shop with a list of items in mind, this assures you an efficient shopping experience (provided, of course, that you are shopping within the season). Murphy’s Law says, however, that you can never find something when you’re looking for it! (Kidding!)

Second, the Hunt

Shopping aimlessly can be a lot of fun, but be careful not to buy something that doesn’t go with the other items in your closet. If you shop this way, you’d better have a great memory so you can recall what else is in your wardrobe.

My Advice

Mix it up. There are times when it makes sense to go shopping with a solid list in mind. Be sure to use these opportunities to ensure you get the right size, fit and style to suit your needs. Being focused means you are more likely to come home with just the right things.

Shopping aimlessly, though, provides opportunities to discover unique and interesting pieces to jazz up your wardrobe. Just be sure that you are able to pair the items with existing pieces in your wardrobe – or buy a complete outfit.

Mixing it up gives you the best of both worlds. What’s your shopping approach?