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.

---

Diamond Earrings: Superiority and Endurance

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

Gianni Versace: A Fashion Success!

Gianni Versace was born in 1946 in Reggio, Calabria, in... Read More

History of Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry

Back to the era of the Hawaiian monarchy, the origin... Read More

Vintage Costume Jewellery Sparkles Again

Men and women have worn costume jewellery since the Romans... Read More

Gemstone Earring: One Small Way to Express Your Individuality

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

Baby Jewelry: Infant Fashion as Keepsake

Matching jewelry for mommy and baby is always a cute... Read More

10 Tips to Stretch Your Wardrobe Dollars

1. Buy what works for you! - Don't waste your... Read More

Jewelry of Semi-Precious Stones: Stylish Things of Beauty

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

Sterling Silver Jewelry -- Classic Simplicity

Sterling silver jewelry is synonymous with class and style in... Read More

Looking for a Sexy Handbag? Check Out the Balenciaga Handbag!

Balenciaga handbags are known for being one of the sexiest... Read More

The Marc Jacobs Handbag is a Reflection of Style and Sophistication

The Marc Jacobs handbag is a reflection of style and... Read More

Body Art

There are several forms of body art. Body art can... Read More

Teen Jewelry Fashion Exposed

Teenagers are a fickle bunch. At that stage of physical... Read More

Get Fashionable With Womens Flipflops

The hottest fashion trend for feet this summer is women's... Read More

Looking Fab at The Beach!

It's that time of year when we pack up our... Read More

Celebrities Like Their Pearls

Pearls never go out of style ? they are always... Read More

Dolphin Jewelry Promotes Environmental Awareness

"And when the day comes that we can communicate intelligently... Read More

Men?s Fashion - Designer Suits

"Two thousand dollars for one suit?! Are you crazy? I... Read More

Leather Jewelry - a Touch of Forbidden (and Friendship)

Most people will agree that leather jewelry is great. Whether... Read More

How to Shop for Comfortable Pilates Workout Wear

Studies show that an estimated 60% of Americans do not... Read More

Munro Sandals for Summer 2005

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

Each Watch Band is Unique and Tells Its Own Story

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

The Power of Color in Business

THERE IS POWER IN YOUR CLOSET and it is in... Read More

A Kilt is More than Just a Skirt for Men!

The Kilt has been the target of many a joke... Read More

Shoes You Need for Summer Holiday

Summer is always a good season for people doing various... Read More

Looking Good Doesnt Have To Cost A Fortune ? Buy Estate Jewelry

When it comes to estate jewelry there is always much... Read More

Have a Cause? Wear a Rubber Wristband!

They are the hottest wearable right now, despite the fashion... Read More

The Ugg Boot and More!

The Ugg Boot is one of the most popular types... Read More

The Brand of Ugg!

There are few trends that last longer than one season.... Read More

Does Your Watch Keep Time with Fashion or Function?

If you haven't lived under a rock for the past... Read More

Rabbit Jewelry: A Sign of Refinement

There is a certain delight that comes with the sight... Read More

Using Silver to Enhance Fashion on a Budget

Fashion is not about being safe, no. It is about... Read More

Beaded Earrings Cultivate an Exotic and Sultry Look

When we think beads, we normally think of bracelets, anklets,... Read More