Okay, let’s face it. If you are a mom, you know the days of being able to spend your entire Saturday at the mall are long gone. In fact, there is literally only one day a year that I get to dedicate to shopping all day and that is Black Friday. The reality is part of the fun of spending the day shopping on Black Friday is the sales and the good company since it’s an annual tradition with all the girls in my family. Even if I did have those lazy Saturdays back, I couldn’t see them spent at the mall anymore.
Whether you hate shopping or consider it one of your hobbies, each of us has our own shopping style. These days, online shopping is key in my world! But even then I find myself not having time to scroll through sites for hours or deal with nightmare return policies. These days I have some very specific stores/brands that are my go to but I always love finding a cute, local boutique when I need something different or for a special event.
Online
I used to be very intimidated by Nordstrom. I had the impression it was too expensive (some of it still is) and I didn’t know how to navigate through their different departments. A couple years ago, I started following a few fashion bloggers on Instagram and found the brands and departments that fit both my budget and my style. The great thing about how we are tracked these days on our devices is that now most of the ads I get served are relevant to me without a ton of browsing. That can be dangerous too though! The best thing about Nordstrom is the free shipping and no hassle return policy. I can even do my online returns right here at the Nordstrom Rack by my house. No need to hassle with finding a parking spot at the mall.
Amazon is our go to for all of our household items but I have recently discovered that they have stepped up their fashion game too. In our house, anytime someone says “I need ___”, the first thing any of us do is search Amazon. Not only does it save on the extra Target run but the Prime membership is a lifesaver with same day delivery in some cases. Amazon has changed the way we shop in this house for sure! I have yet to try Amazon Fresh but I’m sure that will be in my near future when I get in a bind.
Old Navy and Gap are also two of my regular go to sites. Once you become a credit card holder, the endless 40 and 50% sales can be all too tempting. With an Old Navy nearby, returns are easy either in store or I can print the shipping label and arrange a pick-up. Both stores are great for staples like shorts and tees too.
Online and In-Store
Come on! How can I write a post about shopping and not include everyone’s favorite place, Target!! Where else can you pretty much now get all of your groceries, cleaning supplies, toiletries, clothes, designer household goods, toys, electronics and so much more. It’s why everyone says you can’t ever walk into a Target and not walk out without spending at least $100. It’s true! I’m in the process of updating my daughter’s bedroom (a whole other post) and have pretty much purchased everything from Target. Online shopping is seamless and easy and you can do returns in store as well. If you have the Target red card, you don’t even have to keep your receipts but you do need to return in 90 days.

Local Boutiques
As I mentioned, I definitely don’t spend my Saturdays leisurely browsing through cute local boutiques but there are those times where you need something for a special event and can’t seem to find anything at your usual go to stores. I recently discovered two local stores that I loved. Morning Lavender is located in Old Town Tustin, literally 5 minutes from me, and includes the cutest little tea shop. Vici is another local find down in Newport Beach where I recently found my concert outfit for Taylor Swift. Both stores offer online shopping. Again, the perfect find for me because I have the option to ship in store or online and can easily return locally to save shipping.
Like I said, whether you like to shop or not, it is a necessary part of life so why not make it as easy and painless as possible. If you love shopping and more importantly, finding a great deal, there are so many great options to choose from these days.
Now, if I could just find the ideal stores for my pre-teen that don’t break the bank or reveal too much. But that’s a whole other post to come.