The Mindful Shopper: Learning From Your Trendy Mistakes

Are you a fashion trend-watcher?

Do you spend a lot of time flipping through magazines and analyzing the wardrobe choices of others? Do you buy trendy items only to despise them-and yourself-later?

Trend-watching-and, more precisely, observing our trend-watching-gives us tremendous opportunities to create awareness of the traits we hope we have but are not sure we do. In fact, being frustrated, embarrassed, or depressed that we have succumbed to a trend is a perfect chance to discover what we value most.

It usually comes down to these: creativity and confidence. If we find ourselves buying that trendy little bag or those must-have shoes, that little voice inside us shouts "Sell-out!" and we start to feel that perhaps we're not all we'd hoped to be. After all, a truly creative person would buy-or even make-something unique, and a confident person wouldn't hesitate to go against the current trend and head in a completely different direction.

And thus begins a soak in the self-loathing tub, followed inevitably by an abandoned item at the bottom of the closet.

To avoid this, you must pay attention to it.

What trendy items are buried in your closet at this moment? Why did you buy them? Who were you with when you made the purchase? How were you feeling about the world in general and yourself in particular?

A little mindful shopping will go far to alleviate the Trendoid syndrome. And while you're at it, check in with yourself on that monologue going through your head when you see others sporting the latest fashion fetish. You'll learn a whole lot about YOURSELF if you listen carefully and-this is the hard part-non-judgmentally.

If you do melt at that crucial cash register moment, don't berate yourself. Simply take note of the way you feel now, and pay attention to how you feel later. Can you see that downward slide? Ah. That's better. Things are getting clearer now.

Buying into a trend helps us feel connected when what we really long for is a sense of confidence. Take a look at how you can create greater confidence WITHOUT buying that blouse-of-the-moment, and find ways to tweak the latest trend in a way that makes you feel more creative.

Fashion can be fun and absolutely harmless, and you can use your mindful mall meanders to tap into your own sense of who you are-and what you REALLY need.

Now, that's what I call a perfect shopping day.

Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse in Portland, Oregon. Through her company, Real-World Mindfulness Training, she offers fun and creative eyes-wide-open alternatives to meditation. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, please visit http://www.MassageYourMind.com.

---

Staying Professionally Chic In The Heat

Whether you live in a warm climate year round or... Read More

Lion Jewelry: The Pride of Royalty

"I'll show you who's boss!" is what the sight of... Read More

All About Cameos

There is something about a cameo that it truly captivating.... Read More

Tips to Clean Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is easy to care for if you follow... Read More

Fads and Fashions

"Following the crowd" is something that we have all been... Read More

Jewelry of Semi-Precious Stones: Stylish Things of Beauty

Want to make or wear impressive costume jewelry, but running... Read More

Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery Unraveled

Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history... Read More

The Ring - Step Back in History

The popularity of rings increased during the medieval period. People... Read More

How You Can Be The New It Girl

I was reading an Instyle magazine article featuring Sharon Stone.... Read More

How to Find the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body Type

Finding the best swimsuit is something that we all struggle... Read More

Colours of Contact Lenses

Colours of Contact Lenses - Get Lost in those Purple(?)... Read More

Diamond Stud Earrings: Elegant Unisexuality

A diamond stud earring is made up of just one... Read More

Top 5 Most Often Carried Handbags

Handbags have become the most popular accessory on the market... Read More

An Introduction to Lapel Pins

Lapel pins are not just jewelry; they are a way... Read More

The Pearl Necklace -- A Timeless Beauty

It has been said that of all the pieces of... Read More

The Mindful Shopper: Learning From Fashion Trends

Are you a fashion trend watcher? Do you spend a... Read More

Munro Sandals for Summer 2005

Munro shoes offer unbeatable comfort and value. Made in America,... Read More

The History Of Jewelry

Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to... Read More

7 Keys to Powerful First Impressions

Image Development is the science and art of creating a... Read More

Five Must-Knows When Getting a Kanji Tattoo

Japanese tattoos are cool. But if a personal translator is... Read More

Diamond Earrings: Superiority and Endurance

"A diamond is forever," as the old saying goes. The... Read More

Gemstone Earring: One Small Way to Express Your Individuality

Some people have specific color preferences while some people also... Read More

Ankle Bracelets: Accessories to Pamper and Adorn Your Feet

Feet are among the most the most beautiful parts of... Read More

Discovering the Amazing Secret Benefits of Womens Shoes

I love womens shoes and in my lifetime will never... Read More

Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created... Read More

Fashion Tip: Dont Make These Fashion Mistakes

1. Wearing the Wrong ColorsTo look your best wear clothing... Read More

Finding The Fashion Youre Comfortable With

Fashion is not only what we wear, it is also... Read More

Clip Earrings: A Pierce-Less Sense of Style

Pierced jewelry is all the rage among both the young... Read More

The Truth About Platinum

Is platinum a new metal? After all, in the... Read More

Casual Dressing: What to Wear

Is your casual wardrobe working for you? Dressing casually does... Read More

Beyond Gold and Platinum: Mokume Gane

In many ways the "ultimate" noble metal that one might... Read More

Kennith Cole Shoes

The Kenneth Cole men's shoes Reaction collection offers men everything... Read More

Each Watch Band is Unique and Tells Its Own Story

Anyone who possesses a valuable and unique watch will also... Read More