I would really like the advice of people on this forum on this one.

Several days ago I walked past this women's clothing store in the mall and saw this really hot girl working in there. Anyway I walked into the store intending to go direct on her, but at the very last moment I completely lost my nuts and just blurted out "Uhhh, do you only sell womens clothes in here, or do you sell mens clothes as well?" She just quietly said no, without a real smile or anything, so I got a really strong vibe that she wasn't interested in me, but also that she was pretty shy as well.

Additionally, I usually see her around once or twice a month at the gym that I go to, and she will ocassionally glance at me, but I could never figure out if she was interested or not and couldn't bring myself to try hitting on her at the gym. I do know however that she instantly recognized me when I walked into her store, because as I walked into the store she glanced at me for like a second and then quickly spun around and went back to sorting clothes. I'm also certain that she has a boyfriend.

I've honestly developed a kind of infatuation with her over the past month, and accidentally finding out which store she works at has made it even worse.

So anyway, this brings me to my main question. Should I go into the store again and actually try to go direct on her this time, or will it come across as being creepy and desparate if I go in for a second time and actually say "Hey, I think you're absolutely beautiful", and then proceed to ask her out. I mean I'm pretty sure I'll get rejected, I just kind of need to know for certain with her.

Also, would it be better to go alone or have a friend with me?

I think you haven't projected any confidence at all.

Do NOT go into that store again, especially not with a friend. You are right, you will come off as desperate and/or creepy.

I think your best bet is to act as though you have never seen her before in your life, and at the gym/after the gym talk to her.

A great way to initiate conversation with someone at the gym is to critic their form. Does she go there with someone? Is it female? If so, try talking to her friend, and get introduced.. Is it her boyfriend? If so, don't unless you want an AMOG. When people go to the gym with someone, its either a long term relationship (which you don't wanna deal with) or a friend that she is going with. If you're lucky, shes going to the gym with a guy friend, which means you can easily befriend him and get introduced that way.

More likely than not though, shes at the gym by her self. If she only does cardio, then I don't know how to initiate a conversation. But, if shes doing some crunches or something, then you can critic her (a neg), or ask for advice (icebreaker).

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Take notes.

Well, you are showing extreme 'oneitis' or stalker syndrome. Whichever you'd prefer.

Do not approach her. Ever.

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" You're born alone and you die alone and this world just drops a bunch of rules on top of you to make you forget those facts. But I never forget. I'm living like there's no tomorrow, because there isn't one. "

I'll take TheMagicalHindu's advice and try and pick her up at the gym then. There, she's pretty much always by herself, and, on occasion, will come with a friend.