Welcome to December stylish sweets!

There are officially 23 days left til Christmas, can you believe it?!

If you still have any shopping left to do, then this guide is for you!

Last year, we went over what to buy those special people in your life with the Gift Giving at Any Budget Guide. This year, I’m doing it little differently. The following tips and ideas are perfect for getting you through that quick mall trip that turns into a three-four hour event!

The most important thing: COMFORT! You do not want to wander around the mall for hours in heels, a dress, a skirt, a heavy coat, or even tight jeans for that matter (unless of course they’re stretch!)

The following outfit is great for doing everything you need to do.

A crossbody bag that’s big enough to hold your scarf and gloves but not too big that it gets in your way. Think “hands-free”.

Leggings, yes curvy girls, leggings! Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t wear leggings! These are the best thing to happen to the fashion world since….since….well, you get the idea! Make sure you’re wearing a top long enough so that it covers your butt. That’s very important, especially if you happen to have a pair of leggings that aren’t Lululemon proof.

Next, you want to have bobby pins….no brainer, right?!

Finally, the footwear. You want to be stylish but comfortable not stylish and in pain. A flat biker boot is the way to go.

I know you’re probably thinking…what about a coat?! Here’s the thing about coats…they’re hot, bulky, and cumbersome. If you wear a coat, you’re going to take it off eventually, then you’re stuck carrying it…you don’t want that. I say, try your best to get a close parking spot and make a run for the door! Or there’s always those mall lockers if they’re available at your location, definitely use one of those if a coat is a must!

Now, if you’re going to have a purse during your shopping adventure, make sure it’s a cross body bag. For the obvious reasons like hands free shopping, it’s a great safety measure. No matter what town, city or suburb you live in, thieves are right around the corner and it’s best to protect yourself any way you can.

By wearing a crossbody bag, a would be thief will have a harder time snatching it off your body. It’s also great because carrying a heavier tote or clutch…just isn’t a comfy idea.

So, what is mandatory for your shopping event?

Nothing that’ll weigh your shoulders or the bag down. Just make sure you have the essentials. For me, that includes a travel sized brush, hair ties, lotion & body spray, a long lasting colored lip gloss, a wallet, hand sanitizer, and sunglasses. Those are pretty much everyday items for me, I never ever ever leave home without them. You want to try to look as fresh leaving the mall than when you came in.

I’ve been that chick that leaves the mall looking haggered. I get home and people are asking me if I’m ok, are you feeling alright, do you need water?! You don’t want that. You’re tired, annoyed, hot and bothered and trust me, looking how you feel at that moment is the pits! You walked into the mall to get things done so feeling accomplished is the look you’re going for. A quick moisture spray and foundation touch-up somewhere between Macy’s and the Food Court mid-adventure should do the trick.

At that point, you’re halfway done or heading towards the door.

That means….

Once you’re done…you’re done!