Shopping Basics
With homecoming time almost here, it is time for us girls to do what we do best, shop. But it is helpful if we know what we are going to need for homecoming or prom. Here are shopping basics so you are prepared when you hit the stores.

The first basic is to start shopping early. Let's face it, the earlier you start, the better choices you are going to have. Who wants to go shopping for their prom dress or shoes to find out that stores are almost sold it. By starting early you will also reduce your stress levels, and this is important because right now you have enough to worry about. The second shopping basic is one of the most important ones. Make sure that whatever you buy fits you comfortably. A dress that is too small or too tight will not be comfortable and you will not enjoy yourself. Shoes follow the same rules. Make sure that you have enough toe room and the shoe doesn't pinch your foot anywhere. Undergarments and Lingerie should be comfortable and supportive but the should not restrict your movement in any way or “dig in”.

Another basic of shopping is to bring along a friend or family member who you trust to give an honest opinion. It is always better to have an independent judge who will tell you if the dress flatters you or makes you look frightful. Try on several different styles of dress so you can get an idea of styles that flatter you and cover any perceived body flaws. But remember, this is your night and the dress you pick should be the dress you are in love with, not the dress your friend thinks is right. Prom is your special night and the dress you chose should make you feel as beautiful as you are.

Another basic of prom shopping is to make sure that the accessories you chose complement your dress. The wrong shoes or bag can ruin an outfit. By choosing the accessories that go with the dress you choose, the overall effect is twice as stunning. A pretty dress will become gorgeous with the right jewelry, shoes, and bag, so just imagine what these accessories could do for a dress that starts out gorgeous.

A helpful hint to all of you out there who are clothes horses. An average teenage girl will try on approximately 15 to 25 dresses for prom before she decides on the right one. With that many dresses, who could remember what the first dress was like after number twenty? Bring a disposable or digital camera along on your shopping trip and have mom or a friend take pictures of you in each dress. This way you can compare how you look in each one side by side. This will help narrow the choices considerably. After all, prom shopping should be fun, not stressful.