Unlike most members of my gender, I hate shopping.

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Back in November, <strong><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/" target="_blank">I had the bright idea of decluttering my closet</a></strong>.  I pared down both summer and winter wardrobes nicely.  (We only have two seasons here.)

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Ahhh... A clutter-free closet = a clutter-free mind.

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The only problem is that I am now seriously lacking in the summer clothes department.  Since my last shopping trip (<strong><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom/" target="_blank">on Day 71</a></strong> -- See I told you I hated it!) was a complete bust, I needed to venture out again.  This time around, I would go on my own.  I'm a big girl now.  I can pull a wardrobe together without the help/hindrance of a personal shopper who wants to me in a night look suitable for the disco.

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I tried going out this weekend, but with no success.  I wandered around a few stores aimlessly, and then spent a great deal of time looking for a snack at AJ's.  Unless I enter the shopping trenches with a completely full stomach, I'm hopeless.

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I'm not sure what I was thinking, because I was also PMSing.  (Sorry, token male readers.)  Women, should we all agree that no woman in her right mind should be trying on clothes when she is bloated, tired, and temperamental?  Clothes shopping at this time is beyond stupid.

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Obviously beyond stupidity, I decided to give shopping the old college try the next day at lunch time.  I was on a mission to buy a few new clothes for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara.

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(Why is it that women feel as though they always need new clothes for a trip??? )

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There is a strange phenomenon that exists within Noble Publishing Superpower where women vacate the building during lunch and hightail it to the mall a half a block away.  They return with new shoes and new clothes.  I am always in awe that they can make fashion decisions in approximately an hour.

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On Day 211, I joined their club.  With a 20% off coupon and a prayer, I headed out to the mall.

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The heavens opened and the shopping angels sang.  I returned to the office with 2 cute pairs of shorts (one dressy and one casual), a belt, and the Greatest Strapless Top in the History of the Shopping World.  Put it together with the dressy pair of shorts and my black wedges, this completes the Greatest Date Outfit in the History of the World.  With my newfound luck, I am sure that a Great Date Outfit opportunity is just around the corner.

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If you are wondering what this mythical date outfit looks like, I promise to take a photo when I don it soon.  Since I am PMSing still, I don't have the energy to stage a photo for you now.  To assure you that I am not exaggerating, I am even too tired to haul myself to the pantry for a piece of chocolate.  I'm sure that you can relate.  Woe is us.

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Back to Lunchtime Shopping Superpowers...

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I think for me, the limit on time is a really, really good thing.  I basically had to zone in on what I liked, try on things quickly, and rush back to work to avoid getting fired.

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Since I work with aforementioned fashionistas, I was able to receive a complimentary post-shopping assessment back at the office.  Michelle B and Britt both gave enthusiastic approval.

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I could get used to this.

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And that could be (cha-ching!) dangerous.

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