I don’t feel even a quiver of hesitation breezing into Forever 21, but some of the more youth-oriented mall shops start to feel a little weird to venture inside once your car insurance rates have gone down. An added worry- you’ll find something that looks cute in-store and then get home and really see the mismatched seams, flimsy construction and exposed thigh fat that looked NOTHING like that in the dimly lit dressing room.

Some things to tell yourself as you clutch that rayon-poly-blend babydoll dress in the checkout line:

• DON’T buy that adorable sheer top that’s only $11.99 if it doesn’t complement anything you already own. It’s not a deal-it’s a money trap that will require something under it- plus shoes and oh, a skirt….
• DO listen when the bored salesgirl tells you the return policy. Some of them are airtight.
• DON’T get me started on cheap jersey fabric. It twists, it doesn’t flatter, and it’s pilly after two washes. Stick with sturdier cottons and other synthetics.
• DO try on every pair of pants you buy, even if you’ve bought that size in the same store. Your curves may not fall in the same place as the teenager those pants were made for.
• DO think about if you’ll ever really wear that wonderful plastic cocktail ring opposite your wedding set.
• DON’T get carried away with short hemlines and low necklines.
• DO bring an honest friend. If you feel a little silly buying the item with them there, you don’t need it.
• DO use low-cost shops for what they’re meant for- as a place to try out trends and keep your staple wardrobe feeling current.

Clockwise from top left:
Ribbon ruffled blouse, $21.99, Papaya, available here.
Flower peep toe chunky heel $16.99, Go Jane, available here.
Cassie top, $32.50, Delia’s, available here.
Euclid s-pat sandal, $13.99, Go Jane, available here.

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