10 Guidelines for Shopping in Summer Heat

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I watched so many struggling last week.  They were drenched in sweat, dragging feet, dealing with bundles and showing weariness all over their faces.  No, these were not contenders in a marathon, but shoppers in an outdoor mall.  They were midlife women and above, obviously not prepared for the onslaught of summer heat and humidity.  With cooler weather hanging on a bit longer this year, women had not properly prepared for summer when it finally landed.

Born and raised in Texas, I have learned a thing or two about summer shopping. The goal is to have fun and keep smiling.  So here are my top ten…(Yes, I will take over now that Dave Letterman is retired)…suggestions for shopping in the heat:

1. Plan your day to run errands as early as possible, before the higher temps set in. When this is doable with your schedule, it makes a huge difference.
2. Be purposeful about what to wear. Make sure the clothing is light and not cumbersome.  Will your outfit be an easy on easy off option in the dressing room?
3. Wear good, comfortable walking shoes. I am always amazed at how many women wear heels to shop.  Also, I would like to throw in a side note…I have met three women lately who broke feet and twisted ankles walking in wedges…walk around in them before purchasing!  Think comfort first. Because shopping is a type of marathon.  It is great exercise and should be prepared for as if it were exercise.
4. Make sure to put on a good sunscreen with a high SPF before leaving the house…face and body.
5. Be purposeful about parking, so as not to tackle a longer walk that will zap all of your energy, and, also, so your load may be lighten if necessary. If marathon shopping, it is worth it to take some bundles to the car and then go back at it.  Do not carry a huge, heavy handbag.  Save those for work.
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  An occasional rest with a bottle of water will do wonders to your stamina.
7. Know where you can sit and drink water, and which stores are kept cooler in case you need to walk around one just to cool off. I was told last weekend Hollister keeps the store very cold and is such a place to breathe cool air for a moment and refresh….though we are not really the Hollister target audience (Wink).
8. Remember the old standbys still work…fans, hats, and parasols. A parasol is a thicker umbrella meant specifically to block out sun and they work.  Some may prefer them to a hat, but there are wonderful hats on the market for shopping.  Also, I still love the chic, ladylike touch of a beautiful fan.  These are light and easy to carry in your handbag….even a clutch or cross body bag.
9. If you are going to be in extreme heat, purchase a small spritzer bottle, fill it with water and your favorite citrus slices, and use as occasional spritzer to the face for refreshment and energy.
10. Finally, the last one. If your shopping day was long and hard on your body, go home, place your bare feet on top of ice bags for about five minutes.  Then lay down with frozen cucumber slices on the eyes for five minutes.  These work wonders for cool downs!

You are now ready to shop in the summer heat, ladies!  Don’t avoid it….use good judgement and have fun.  I hope these help!  Would anyone like to add a thought to the list??

Thanks for stopping by the Joy Boutique…have a wonderful week.