https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 11:33:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me/page/2#post-65578 Fri, 15 May 2009 16:03:35 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome aboard tassajara! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me/page/2#post-65572 Fri, 15 May 2009 15:28:36 +0000 Dawn 65572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm joining you! This is the perfect time for a shopping ban for me as I am starting work for the summer and have no money anyway, am moving house in a week (so I need to pay deposit and rent), and am going on a mountain biking holiday in France in a month as well so I need to save for that.</p> <p>However I will need to buy black pants for work and some cycling clothes for my holiday as well so it won't be a complete shopping ban for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me/page/2#post-65563 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:04:53 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't worry about it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me/page/2#post-65524 Fri, 15 May 2009 03:58:40 +0000 sinead 65524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On my list right now: jeans in white and a dark wash. I have completely worn out the perfect fitting David Kahns that my dear mom bought me and I can't afford to replace them with another DK pair. So... I'm looking for bargain price/premium fit which might be impossible, but I'm determined to try. </p> <p>Ok- sorry, Chewy- I feel guilty talking about shopping on a "shopping ban" thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me/page/2#post-65513 Fri, 15 May 2009 01:50:40 +0000 Angie 65513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hang in there, Sinead! We'll help you every step of the way. What's the next obstacle? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me/page/2#post-65502 Fri, 15 May 2009 01:16:41 +0000 sinead 65502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewy, I think you have a great idea here- always easier to break a habit with some support. But I can't join you because after many years as a sahm who is missing the "shopping gene" I have very, very little to wear. My daughter and mother (both fashionista types) would gang up on me, drag me shopping, and if not for them, I would probably still be walking around in plaid, flannel grunge-shirts from the 90's. For me, right now, shopping is like homework! I need encouragement to keep going! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me/page/2#post-65499 Fri, 15 May 2009 00:46:10 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that having something else to do makes it easier. I already finished my book LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65456 Thu, 14 May 2009 15:33:46 +0000 Laura 65456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So far, so good (of course it has only been a few days). We are putting money into landscaping right now so I'm focusing on buying flowers, not frocks </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65454 Thu, 14 May 2009 15:20:46 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you, Kristen! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65405 Thu, 14 May 2009 02:28:11 +0000 Kristen 65405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear that, BOP! I had to return a bunch of items all over this afternoon, and decided to stop in Nordstroms to pick up a couple of their perfect camisoles. I had to physically restrain myself from buying not one but TWO Sweet pea tops and more camis. They looked great, but seemed a little long so I was on the fence. I kept hearing my own words, "Be picky!" so I left them there. And ended up just with 3 camis all on final sale so got them each for half-price. </p> <p>I felt so virtuous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65376 Wed, 13 May 2009 21:19:28 +0000 bitsofpieces 65376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a recreational shopper, too (and on a serious budget). I actually had to almost physically restrain myself from visiting Marshalls today! lol I just tried to remind myself that I don't need another tee shirt, which is probably what I would have bought.</p> <p>I am visiting DE this month and will be minutes away from tax-free outlets. Not sure I'll make it through this ban.... But I'll give it the ol' college try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65340 Wed, 13 May 2009 15:15:57 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's fantastic Kristen- it's nice to have a plan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65305 Wed, 13 May 2009 10:51:33 +0000 Kristen 65305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since I'm doing a budget instead an outright ban, I put together a list of what I already have to help me sort out what I then need. Since my closet is in such a wild state of flux, it's been hard to figure out where the gaps are. </p> <p>This exercise turned out to be a huge eye-opener! Turns out I really only have 3 gaps.</p> <p>1. Pants -- I am about to slide out of the 12s, which will leave me with one pair of faux-denim ATLs and maybe 1 pair of black. I need to start looking for new colors: more neutrals -- gray, navy, oyster, one light tan, stripes, etc. This may be my last size, so I will start at thrift stores, clearance racks, etc, but if I'm still there in 10 pounds I will also look for longer-lasting pants too. </p> <p>2. Tops, casual and dressy. Keep an eye out for new patterned tops for under cardis, etc, but until I get pants or skirts, I don't need them. Do need more casual ones for shorts and capris, but want interesting patterns/cuts. Be picky!</p> <p>3. Shoes: Need one new black/neutral peeptoe leather heel for all the dresses. Should be delicate not chunky, and not super-high. Something summery -- I have a black cloth wedge heel, perfect for more casual occasions. This should be dressier. </p> <p>Knowing this is going to be SO helpful when I go shopping this weekend with my sister and mother in CT, and for at least the next month or so. I also realized that while I currently have ZERO skirts that fit, I now have 8 dresses to get me through pretty much every occasion for the next 3-4 months. So skirts can wait until I am at goal, and I am all set for dresses. What a relief!</p> <p>Now doing the budget is going to be much easier, at least for the immediate future. I do need to map out what I can/should spend for the July Nordies sale, for fall, for casual summer clothes that I will need for our camping trip in August, etc. But I don't have that huge "OMG I need everything" panic pressing down on me, which makes thinking rationally and frugally about money and budgets a lot easier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65274 Wed, 13 May 2009 02:15:49 +0000 Oneirix 65274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I feel you on the fit and quality issues. Chewyspaghetti, I feel you on the funds part. Being a petite college student makes going on a "shopping ban" really easy since I have so little money to shop with in the first place! XD Oh well, the ban will give us time to be more introspective towards our style choices, no? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65270 Wed, 13 May 2009 01:19:01 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks guys- and that's a deal Shiny!<br /> (I hate hormones! LOL) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65245 Tue, 12 May 2009 19:39:14 +0000 taylor 65245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Chewy,</p> <p>When I had a young family and was a stay at home mom, I would go months and months without buying myself things. You are so right food becomes the #1., swim lessons, buying a Disney video, things like that. I have been where you are. (some of the happiest times as I recall)</p> <p>So, I must say you are quite a snappy dresser SAHmommy. You are creative with what you have...and it works. Good luck with your shopping ban...I won't be joining you...alas, I have tried....I am W E A K:) plus I work at Ann Taylor 8 hrs. a week and the temptation and deals are just toooo much for me!</p> <p>I am alot like Shiny also in that I am a "social" shopper..all the sales clerks know me And I can only imagine her frustration with finding petite size clothing that has the fit and the quality she desires. As I said on another thread knowing what we know now (and still learning from Angie) is both a blessing and a curse. Knowing how a garment should fit ...well, to settle is not an option sometimes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65232 Tue, 12 May 2009 17:50:21 +0000 shiny 65232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewy, I think you look amazing in everything you wear. </p> <p>Thanks for making me realize that I'm falling into "grass is greener" thinking, which isn't very productive. How about I get out the cheese and crackers for us and we can turn whining into something more pleasant? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65227 Tue, 12 May 2009 17:36:33 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand the idea of investment pieces and spending more for them. It's just not an option for me. (In the game of 'food for the family verses clothes', food always wins!) The sad thing is that it's never been an option for me, and I highly doubt that it *will* ever be an option. I stay home and homeschool the kids, my husband has a career that he really enjoys- those are the choices we've made, and I am fine with them. When I get to my goal weight, I will start saving up for certain things, but my pricey items will never be what others here routinely spend.<br /> Oh wow- I guess that's my whine for the day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65216 Tue, 12 May 2009 16:56:04 +0000 shiny 65216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The $1000 was just an example, for illustrative purposes. Trust me.... I'm way too stingy to ever actually pay that much! LOL. </p> <p>The dress I tried on that the tailor nixed was a Hugo Boss classic sheath dress in a gorgeous 3-season wool. It was around $300. I would've spent that much for this dress, because the fabric was simply lucious, it wasn't the ubiquitous black (it was a charcoal pinstripe), and the dress would've gotten years - perhaps decades - of use. Instead I bought a black ponte knit sheath dress at ATL for $39. It's cute, fits well, but I would never have paid $300 for it because I do not think the quality is going to get me through years of wear. Does that make more sense? </p> <p>You are right, we all have to make concessions of some sort or another. As I said, it's my one pitiful whine for the day. And yes, I've been in the situation where I couldn't even afford to shop at a place like ATL (divorced single mother, laid off). It's just now that I'm in a better financial position, and I *could* afford more, I can't find anything that works! So it's frustrating. </p> <p>I will say that I am very happy with my $39 ATL shirt dress and the floral sheath dress. The first because the ruffles are a unique touch, the second because I love the colors in it and it has a bit of a sheen to it (again, it's got something unique about it). I consider those two great bargains! But when I look at my closet, what is missing isn't the unique pieces: it's the classic standbys that are the foundation of a wardrobe. Those are the hardest items for me to find, for some reason. Like pencil skirts... or a perfect denim skirt... or a leather jacket... or just a simple pants suit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65194 Tue, 12 May 2009 16:12:13 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well Shiny, I think that we all have to make concessions for one reason or another.You have a problem with fit/quality. I have limited selection and funds. Someone else has other issues. I can't imagine spending $500-1000 on a dress . I can't even afford $100 for a dress right now. Without driving an hour away (and bringing the kids with me), my choices are Sears, Kohl's, and JC Penney's, discount stores, or the junior shops in the mall. That's it.<br /> I do try to only keep the "perfect" items, but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. I know that my idea of perfect is probably far from Angie's, anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65180 Tue, 12 May 2009 15:41:34 +0000 shiny 65180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Regarding pickiness, that's a tough one for me. I would love to be more picky, believe it or not. </p> <p>During my recent excursions to find a perfect dress for DH's reunion, I ran into my favorite sales clerk, who is now working in the Nordie's dress department. She used to work at Ann Taylor. She told me she used to love AT but has lost her enthusiasm because she thinks the quality has gone way downhill. We talked about ATL and AT Outlet as well, and agreed that often you will buy something there only to find out that after one wash it is ruined. </p> <p>Anyway she got to showing me dresses that were no less than $500 - and on up. Major designer labels. All were impeccable quality, amazing fabrics, beautiful clothing. I was drooling over them, while on the hanger. But then get them on my body? And the fit was all wrong! Not the style (these were styles I knew would work on my figure), but the fit. Lengthwise. Because I'm too short. </p> <p>She had the store tailor come in to take a look, and after much discussion, the tailor agreed with my impression - the alterations were just too extensive - and expensive! - to be practical. It would've involved not just a hem, but shortening the top part, requiring major reconstruction of the garment. Even if I didn't mind spending the $, the tailor didn't think it was worth it. It's so easy to say "oh get it tailored" but what I learned is - it's not always that easy. </p> <p>Thus I ended up back in the petite department, with the usual petite assortment. I found several dresses that fit perfectly - but not a single one had that same impeccable designer quality and fabric. </p> <p>Sales clerk commiserated with me, as I bemoaned the lack of impeccable quality in petite sizing... I would gladly pay $500 - even $1000! - for a 1000% perfect dress, instead of $100 for 10 so-so dresses (fit great but quality not quite there).... she pointed out that since petite people are in the minority, manufacturers cut costs by making the clothing out of lower quality fabrics. That makes perfect sense to me, if I was the manufacturer. But as a petite person, while I'm glad there's a lot more choice out there than there used to be, finding that 1000% perfect garment is just not going to happen. </p> <p>So my point is this: because I'm petite, I have to settle. I will not settle on fit, which sends me into the petite department. If I can't have the perfect high quality dress, then maybe I'm just going to go ahead and own 10 of them. :-)</p> <p>(And yes, I know you can find quality at lower price points - if you are regular sized, I'm sure your options are much greater. But I can't even buy from Target - their clothes don't fit me either!!!). </p> <p>Okay, I know, this is a long, "poor pitiful me" whine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65171 Tue, 12 May 2009 15:09:31 +0000 Ele 65171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Any other month and I'd be right there with you, chewy. But I'm going on my yearly (shopping) trip to NYC next week so I can't just now;) </p> <p>Like Angie, I think being so immersed in the fashion industry (studying and working) has made me very picky when it comes to purchasing things for myself. I practically have to hear an item call my name from across a store for me to buy it. Strangely, I love to go shopping and return home with nothing- it makes me feel so virtuous, like I've really stuck to my guns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65168 Tue, 12 May 2009 14:50:04 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to buy myself a paperback book today, and also start a new knitting project- that should help me with things to do. I'm like you, Shiny- when I want to get out of the house, I go shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65165 Tue, 12 May 2009 14:42:43 +0000 Angie 65165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll admit that I hold out well when it comes to shopping bans, (but I’m weak when it comes to pastry, biscuit and chocolate bans). In my line of work, I see SO MUCH product all the time on everyone, that an item has to be 1000% before I actually purchase it. A trait that was instilled when I was a fashion buyer and has stuck. You’d think that I was always easily tempted but actually it’s the opposite. </p> <p>Don’t be swayed by the sales. Don’t purchase anything that you wouldn’t have purchased at full price and revert back to urgency. How urgent is an item? A comfortable and fab looking shoe is always an urgency in my life so they are never banned. But that might not be so for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65164 Tue, 12 May 2009 14:39:17 +0000 shiny 65164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My biggest obstacle is fighting boredom! If I'm bored and itching to get out of the house, I go to the mall. If I go to the mall, I spend money. :-(</p> <p>Compounding matters is that I recently accepted a new position at work, but it doesn't start until mid-June. So for the next month I can't take on any new projects and I am winding down all my current ones. This means that I have way too much time on my hands. Once mid-June hits I'll be very busy learning a whole new job, getting to know a new team, and likely working in an office once again, instead of at home. I am soooo ready for this!!!! But between now and then? ..... potential for serious boredom looms!!</p> <p>I've tried making a list of alternative activities - like spring cleaning/decluttering chores - but those bore me too. LOL. Yesterday I fought the mall urge by going to Whole Foods instead, where I did just as much damage to my wallet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65143 Tue, 12 May 2009 13:21:48 +0000 chewyspaghetti 65143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All right ladies!<br /> What's your biggest obstacle? Mine is that online shopping is my "hobby". So, I'm having to find something else to do with my time so that I'm not tempted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65134 Tue, 12 May 2009 12:49:27 +0000 bitsofpieces 65134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will join you, too! Everything I've been buying lately has been a dismal failure, and I feel like I'm just wasting $$ on ill-fitting clothes. Maybe I need to take a break from my fashion 'experiment' to get a little perspective.</p> <p>I will allow special occasion items, though, just in case a great event comes up that requires the perfect outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65126 Tue, 12 May 2009 09:54:29 +0000 Kristen 65126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just about to drop a size again so a ban seems like a very bad idea for me personally. *g* That said, I think I do need to put myself on a monthly budget, and darned soon. At this stage in my weight loss, and with the seasons shifting so significantly now, outright banning is going to be an exercise in frustration, and one I don't need to do to myself. </p> <p>But a budget -- a budget will be a very useful tool. It might even push me into the thrift stores which I keep meaning to go to but then never do. I will look at my Quicken and calculate what I've been spending monthly and see what I can realistically cut myself down to. Thanks for the idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65094 Tue, 12 May 2009 04:25:39 +0000 Oneirix 65094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll ban with you until my friend comes back from Hawaii in June for a summer clothing spree. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-day-shopping-ban-whos-with-me#post-65056 Mon, 11 May 2009 23:47:42 +0000 Angie 65056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I might be joining you too. I have bought three things for Summer - the Brulees, and you’ll see the other two items on Wed. Our Summers are beautiful but very short and I like to get the “good stuff” at the Autumn Nordies Anniversary Sale – only two months away. That type of clothing and footwear is of much more seasonal use to me. My current wardrobe feels fabulous so I’m ready for another ban! </p>