https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 06:04:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long/page/2#post-1431192 Sun, 25 Jan 2015 05:25:35 +0000 Gigi 1431192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad this thread helped you, annabelle! It has been a while since I posted it, so I benefited from a second read. :)</p> <p>You brought up a good point&nbsp;about buying clothes that haven't been shown on a fit model. I often don't think of how important it is to see the item in action, so to speak.</p> <p>I agree with you that you actually have to try the trends in person to see if they're right for you. Of my "uncertain" purchases, the ones that I bought that weren't my style were compromises rather than experiments. :(&nbsp;&nbsp;I don't mind it when I try something out and it doesn't work, as long as it was my intent to experiment. Experimenting is a lot of fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long/page/2#post-1431168 Sun, 25 Jan 2015 04:06:41 +0000 annabelle 1431168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this thread, and all the candor offered in what didn’t work about purchases. Your collective thoughts helped me analyze my returns, and now I understand the style and fit reasons. I took it a step further to ask, how did I end up with these items in my closet in the first place? Returns are not that complicated, but I could benefit by better decisions initially. I asked: under what conditions did I make the purchases that I question or regret later? </p> <p>&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Feeling hurried to make a decision to buy in an upscale brick &amp; mortar boutique, either locally or on vacation. (The love of a good fabric doesn’t make it right for my style or shape.)</p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Feeling internal pressure to buy, since a stylist I’d invested in has spent time pulling looks for me. (Do I really need a fifth grey sweatshirt?)</p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buying online from&nbsp; yoox in cases where the<br /> clothing was not shown on a fit model. (My avoidable mistakes include wrong-for-me neckline, length of garment, texture of garment)</p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buying to fill a “need” and compromising, without having taken the time and patience to figure out what better item would fill the need. (I never enjoy wearing the light red linen jeans I bought, as a denim substitute for spring.) </p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First time out with a new trend or look that doesn’t work (fuzzy jacket, fur vest, turtleneck) – Now these returns are OK with me ! and I’m not all that<br /> interested in reducing these style experiments. There would be no way to guess that these silhouettes or season’s fresh colors wouldn’t work for me, without an actual try on, I think. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. </p> <p>&nbsp;I still have a little trouble “visualizing” my style before trying something on<br /> in person, but the try on at home system is working pretty well. </p> <p>&nbsp;Another shout out to Joyce B ‘s comment “when the doubt I have is big enough for me to post a question, I will always have the doubt and it's probably best to return the garment.”&nbsp; Thank you for that; it’s excellent<br /> insight. I will add that to my checklist of K/R decision making. :)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long/page/2#post-1363684 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 21:45:16 +0000 Gigi 1363684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I forgot about Asos, Mo! Thanks for the reminder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long/page/2#post-1363524 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 18:16:42 +0000 Mo 1363524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to chime in that Asos has petite stuff that is more trendy and fashion forward. &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://us.asos.com/Women-Petite/rsrw6/?cid=4177&amp;channelref=paid+search&amp;affid=12497&amp;gclid=CKfSoZq-_8ACFVQV7AodoHoACg&amp;r=2">http://us.asos.com/Women-Petit.....KfSoZq-_8A</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1363210 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 06:37:35 +0000 Gigi 1363210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Texstyle,&nbsp;</b>it is really tough when the item speaks to your heart and makes you feel stylish but it's painful to wear. Shoes are the worst, because no one else feels the pain but the wearer—it's not like it's obvious to others, like poor fit is. So it's easy to convince ourselves that the style is worth it. If you're having doubts, I would think that returning is best, because I don't think you'll get the use out of those shoes that you want, since you said you'd change them out in a heartbeat for something similar even at full price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1363209 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 06:32:32 +0000 Gigi 1363209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cocolion,&nbsp;</b>I agree completely with your synopsis: my success rate was not very good with the uncertain purchases overall, so yes, when I get the red flags I need to listen. The items that became successful mostly capitalized on the fact that I had a wardrobe hole for the item. If similar items came along with a better style or fit, these would be gone!</p> <p>I hope that you can stay firm and not compromise on fit. I have so much more love for my wardrobe (and for my body)&nbsp;now that I have eliminated bad-fitting clothing.</p> <p>I really think you should continue shopping petites' to see what you can uncover. It sounds like a lot of your fit issues would be solved by petite sizing. But I know what you mean: most of it is just so boring. Anthro is really the only place I know of that has interesting petite clothing. At least my style has a heavy dose of modern classic, so I can find most of what I need in most petites' departments, although I may have to wait quite a long time for exactly&nbsp;the right item to surface. Your style is so edgy that it would be much more difficult! About the only place I could think of that would have petite clothing that would suit your style is Nordstrom. Oh, and you might want to check out Banana Republic. The new creative director has a much edgier style. I can't believe the difference in the clothing there.</p> <p>Whenever I get weak and want to start shopping misses' for tops (bottoms are easier), I remind myself of how dumpy I felt in the tops I gave away, and then I'm not so tempted. And you know what? Good stuff *does* show up in the petites' department, although like I said, you sometimes have to wait a very long time. It's exhausting.&nbsp;But it is so worth it to me to get something that fits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1360536 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 14:20:06 +0000 texstyle 1360536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is a good idea to try and track these things. A few of my uncertains ended up getting worn a lot but I'm still having trouble getting it right about a third of the time I'll bet.</p> <p>Sometimes I know an uncertain is not for repeated daily wear -&nbsp; like the gold mesh vest I'm still debating (it was inexpensive, but it still takes a hangar). I also have a pair of unworn (returnable) pewter sandals right now that fit, look good as far as style goes, but I know they are not "walking" sandals and I do a good bit of walking every day. So when will I wear these more stylish ones? They make me feel more stylish to put them on, but is it a price I'm willing to pay (the comfort factor). They were from the Rack so on a very deep discount, but again, they take up space in the closet. But truth is, if I could find a pair of stylish *and* comfortable sandals in the same color and general style I'd switch out in heartbeat even at full price. They will likely go back and I'll wait it out because my life doesn't require that much style on a daily basis to sacrifice comfort.</p> <p>I think for me it's tough to accept that I cannot be as stylish as I want in such a casual/comfortable lifestyle. This makes me buy things sometimes that I shouldn't. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1360389 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 06:59:18 +0000 CocoLion 1360389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing your thought process about uncertain purchases Gigi.I have read through this thread twice, I am that interested in examining my wardrobe at this point. &nbsp;And my shopping habits.</p> <p>My first thought was -- if 10 uncertain purchases out of 15 were fails, then trust your feeling of uncertainty and do not keep these pieces. &nbsp;Even if 5 later become successful pieces. &nbsp;Is it worth having a 67% failure rate? &nbsp;If it were a 50-50 gamble it might be worth it, but a 33% win rate is bad odds in Vegas.</p> <p>it's interesting that you love the Anthro skirt, that says to me you need to treat yourself to special interesting statement pieces from time to time. &nbsp;Or find joy in that wildcard item.</p> <p>Where I go wrong is in believing in something but finding that it fails me after one or two times of wear. &nbsp;I have this problem with clothing more often than shoes. &nbsp;I get all excited about an item, rip off the tags, wear it, then it lets me down. &nbsp;Almost invariably, it is because of fit (as you and others&nbsp;have found to be the case). &nbsp;Your thread is helping me to resolve to be pickier about fit. &nbsp; I tend to excuse fit issues all the time, when I shouldn't. Yet I am aware of my fit problems! &nbsp;Not in any particular oder, they are:</p> <p>- Jeans that slide down over the course of the day, creating unwanted drop crotch style. &nbsp;And an unwanted lower rise.&nbsp;<br />- Armholes too big. &nbsp;Very noticeable on sleeveless tops.<br />- If the shoulder fits, the bust is too tight.<br />- If the bust fits, the shoulder is too wide.<br />- Tops that are supposed to end at the hip bone end below my crotch, right at my thighs which is not my favorite part to draw attention to.<br />- Necklines that come too low and show too much.<br />- Waistline on a cropped jacket falling at my hipbone not my waist, so garment pulls at the bottom.<br />- Sleeves too long.<br />- Waist gaping.</p> <p>I am not tiny like you Gigi I am a size S or 4 and 27 in jeans, and 5'4" tall. &nbsp;Yet I should also probably shopping in the petite department, at least for tops and jackets. &nbsp;I do frequently look at the petites section but often feel "yawn" about what I'm seeing. &nbsp;Why is that??!?!?</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1360132 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:37:24 +0000 Gigi 1360132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Joyce,&nbsp;</b>you are so right—if you have a doubt about an item nagging you from the start, it will always be there. When I looked back at the purchases I was analyzing, I rarely came&nbsp;to "love" the doubtful items. It was more a situation where the doubtful items were very versatile and filled a very particular spot in my closet. For instance, the dark red AT pants were doubtful for me because they were straight legs, and I don't look the best in straight legs. Had they been skinnies, I would have been completely on board. I wore them a lot over the winter because of the heavy fabric, which was warm, but I never got over the fact that the straight legs just made me look a tad dumpy. I'm glad I bought them, because I had a very meager closet at the time and needed something to wear, but I think I will be a harder sell next time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1359922 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 13:56:06 +0000 Joyce B 1359922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your topic is very interesting. I also think I am getting more discerning with my purchases. One thing I make sure of is not to remove the tags unless I am absolutely certain the item will work for me, otherwise I would be forcing myself to keep a half-baked garment.<br /> Shoes are really hard to decide on, as others pointed out earlier. I test drive them on a carpeted surface but truly the real test is that first walk to get to your car in the driveway. That's when you really know that you made a mistake and it's too late to fix it. Shoes are always a gamble but things are improving somewhat for me in that department.<br /> I like how you analyzed you unsures and I will keep that in mind. The other thing is, when the doubt I have is big enough for me to post a question, I will always have the doubt and it's probably best to return the garment.<br /> Posting questions about styling a garment is very useful, though, because you get different perspectives from yours, but that is in a different category from an unsure item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1359802 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 03:40:21 +0000 Gigi 1359802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sparlingo,&nbsp;</b>you got a lot of really good information from your purge! It's good when we can see patterns in our failures, because then we can do something to improve our success rate. :)</p> <p>I am SO with you on the toppers. I have narrow shoulders too, and I have had to purge so many things that weren't from the petites' section. I've just decided to only shop petites' from now on. I actually made that one of my New Year's resolutions this past year and have stuck to it, with no regrets.&nbsp;The fit is so much better. Yes, it may mean that I might have to wait a couple of years until I find just the right thing&nbsp;(since petites' styles are so limited), but that's better than buying what I don't like and having it sit unworn.</p> <p>If you aren't terribly tall, you might want to try looking into petite pants as well. They normally have a shorter rise than misses' pants. I have found that some of my misses' pants do something like you describe: they don't look bad when I put them on, but over the course of the day the waistline kind of sags in the middle, creating unflattering bunching of fabric around the crotch area. For me, petite pants solve the problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1359797 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 03:27:57 +0000 sparlingo 1359797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A recent (much less thorough) analysis of a closet purge showed me a few things:</p> <ul> <li>I don't like tops that cover my bum (as a general rule), unless they are to be worn as a tunic over leggings. I make a few rare exceptions, but now I pay careful attention to where the hem of my tops lie. </li> <li>Shoulder fit is very important to me in a topper. A lot of awesome jackets never really got worn and when I finally analyzed why, every one of them was too wide in the shoulder. I think I'm pretty much committed to buying tops from petite retailers now. Especially since I have bigger upper arms, so may need to size up in the garment without wanting to gain too much room in the shoulders.</li> <li>Neon colours aren't really my friend.</li> <li>I own a few really pretty mid-calf midi skirts, but never really wore them. If I'm going to do a fuller skirt, I would like it to hit at the knee. I'll pay attention to that now as well.</li> <li>I need to pay more attention to the rise of my jeans - some pairs look great in store but as they stretch a little and settle (for a lack of a better word) they sit unflatteringly low. My midrise skinny jeans from Express are probably my favourite item of clothing right now.</li> </ul> Next time I purge my closet, I'll try to remember to snap some photos and do a more in-depth analysis. Great idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1359267 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 03:07:43 +0000 Gigi 1359267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet,&nbsp;</b>I defined "uncertain" as applying to the moment of purchase, not what happens down the road. I do have a couple of items that aren't making me very happy and that I might purge soon, but when I bought them I was sure that I wanted them and didn't hem and haw. So those items didn't get assessed in this exercise—only the items where I wasn't sure from the beginning whether it was good to keep them.</p> <p>My idea in doing this exercise was to see if I could find out how these purchases fared so that I would have some helpful hints about what to do next time I am hemming and hawing. Clearly, if I am hemming and hawing about fit, the item needs to go back to the rack, based on my numbers. And if I am hemming and hawing about style, I also need to be very careful about how I proceed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358815 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:35:49 +0000 Janet 1358815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a useful exercise -- I could stand to do this myself! </p> <p>Like Una, I'd have to decide what "uncertain" means for me. My closet is large enough that there are items that don't get worn all the time. Yet, I still want to keep them and *do* wear them. If they're not terribly trendy, and they're of sufficient quality to last for some years, what's wrong with only wearing a piece a couple of times a season? So, does that make a garment "uncertain" or just a bit of a sleeper? </p> <p>Just pondering over my first cup of coffee... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358753 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 04:54:43 +0000 Gigi 1358753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Alaskagirl,&nbsp;</b>I thought it was fun to analyze my purchases this way! I hope you can figure out your own definition of "uncertain" and try it!</p> <p><b>Rabbit,&nbsp;</b>I know what you mean about a little too much decoration being a problem. I have a pair of black pants that have shiny zippers at the bottom and a couple of rhinestones on the front, by the pockets. So they read a little dressy. And they are so hard to style, which is funny because you would think that a pair of black pants would be one of the simpler items to style. But everything I pair with those pants seems too causal or too dressy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358746 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 04:28:31 +0000 rabbit 1358746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very interesting, most of my misses were returned&nbsp;(and I will return an unworn item 8 months later for store credit, rather than have a piece sit around) and I didn't really track all my returns although that would be useful information. &nbsp; But things that got returned or are due to be purged had:</p> <p>-a slightly wrong for me&nbsp;color. &nbsp;Even a color that looks good on me usually doesn't work so well in my closet if it's on it's own without a similar colored partner item.</p> <p>-one detail too many. &nbsp; An item with a little too much extra detail at the neckline, stitching on pants pockets, a line of studs on the shoes usually ends up not working as much as an items with a purer/simpler design expression. &nbsp;Mostly returned.</p> <p>-fit -- I lost weight and skinny jeans were now&nbsp;baggy around the waist, an A-Line skirt wanted to slide off, etc. &nbsp;Also corduroy's quickly stretched out.</p> <p>-quality -- a maxi skirt which pilled badly where my cross-body bag rubbed against it, &nbsp;some inexpensive trendy items which on further inspection looked iffy.</p> <p>-too many of that kind of thing -- too many split wears with other items</p> <p>-too basic -- if I don't find it super exciting, even if it serves a useful role and looks good on, I won't reach for it as much as other items</p> <p>-too expensive for its likely wears and happiness factor &nbsp;(sure to be returned)</p> <p>-</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358743 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 04:22:19 +0000 catgirl 1358743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not thought of this but it's a brilliant idea.&nbsp; First I have to figure out what "uncertain" means to me.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358732 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 03:59:41 +0000 Gigi 1358732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz,&nbsp;</b>I can see how you would want those booties if they had Sveta's seal of approval! She has a very good eye. I hope you at least enjoy the booties when you do wear them.&nbsp;It is interesting how your on-the-fence purchases have changed over time, going from reservations about some physical aspect of the item to reservations about how much you will actually use it. I did some analysis of my wardrobe this summer along the lines of Mo's "how much do I really need?" idea, and I realized that I was getting over the saturation point for those types of special-occasion items. So I was thankfully able to nip that in the bud!</p> <p><b>Elly,&nbsp;</b>it looks like we are similar with regard to purging for fit issues. I have been fortunate in that almost everything I have bought has been of good quality. Although as I say that, I noticed that quite a few seams on pleats are starting to unravel on my relatively new Anthro top that I have on today...argh.</p> <p><b>Caro,&nbsp;</b>I love your idea of an "outfits worth repeating" list, as well as noting which outfits took you toward your style goals. I think I will try to do&nbsp;something similar on my outfit log. I am still experimenting a lot with style, so the style goals notations would be especially valuable.</p> <p><b>E,&nbsp;</b>I&nbsp;<i>so&nbsp;</i>know what you mean about giving something the side eye regarding fit! I can't believe how picky I've become compared to in the past. But my happiness factor is much higher than before I was so picky. You have a great technique with revisiting the thrift shop three times to try on the item before agreeing to buy it. That takes a lot of discipline.</p> <p><b>Anne,&nbsp;</b>I'm sorry your legging-type items didn't work out! But at least you experimented and have gleaned information for future purchases. That can be very helpful in the long run, but in the short run it can be discouraging and annoying. :(</p> <p><b>Mo,&nbsp;</b>I have made only a couple of nonreturnable purchases. One of them was actually an "unsure" purchase logged in this post (it was a misses' top that doesn't fit 100% perfectly but is pretty close). That one turned out OK, but it was only about $7 anyway (needed for free shipping, hee hee). I have one other nonreturnable purchase from AT that is only so-so, a form-fitting maxi. I haven't worn it yet because it's for fall, but I'm not excited about it (it shows lumps and bumps, and the waist is a tad large), and that's not a good sign. I think I'm going to avoid nonreturnable items in the future.</p> <p><b>AnnieMouse,&nbsp;</b>I had a lot of fun analyzing my purchases. I was relieved to see that I really didn't do too bad, all things considered! And it encourages me to know that I am on track when I refuse to buy an item because there's something I don't like about the fit, even if it's just a small thing. Clearly, I am quick to put those ill-fitting babies on the chopping block, so I might as well not bring them home to my closet in the first place.</p> <p><b></b></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358251 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:08:14 +0000 AnnieMouse 1358251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gigi, this is an interesting exercise - I've been tracking my wears, but I often forget to track my purchases and review them. Thanks for the reminder that's just as important! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358205 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 14:24:52 +0000 Mo 1358205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This same idea was touched on over at&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://recoveringshopaholic.com/january-through-june-2014-purchase-analysis-part-two/">http://recoveringshopaholic.co.....-part-two/</a>&nbsp;this week. &nbsp;It is interesting to look back and try and see where it went wrong. &nbsp;lol&nbsp;<br />For me it is usually fit, a non returnable purchase, or an item not in keeping with my lifestyle. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358178 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:49:16 +0000 anne 1358178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think this is quite the scenario you are talking about, but I have been thinking of which purchases I regret over the last year and they almost all fall into the category of black stretchy garments for legs!<br />1. I bought fleecelined tights instead of leggings - big mistake for they pile and pick up lint like anything - can only be worn completely covered up by something else.<br />2.a pair of ponte leggings - proved too stuctured and stiff to be as comfortable as I'd like ( I do still war them though) mostly because they have little quilted knee patches whoses sides irritate me</p> <p>3. Some exercise 3/4 pants. I bought a size that avoided muffin top but they slip down my hips and I am always having to yank them up again! Very annoying!</p> <p>The only other item was a sweater that it didn't seem worth the cost of paying return postage for. YLF opinion was mixed, so I try to wear it a bit (but not with anyone who was around in the 80s&nbsp; It was my last online garment bought - lesson learnt! I cancelled the catalogues! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358158 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:26:16 +0000 E 1358158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great idea Gigi!&nbsp;And one I'll have to put into practice: keeping track of my purchases and what was good/bad (I track my budget but not individual items, although for big ticket stuff I could list them off the top of my head).&nbsp;&nbsp;I found your reflections very helpful too.&nbsp;</p> <p>I try really hard to notice if I'm talking myself *into* a purchase: that's always a bad sign with me. If I don't love it when I'm trying it on, I probably won't wear it (because let's face it, I've got lots of other choices, lol). I make myself try something on 3 times before I buy it (because at my old thrift store, it was exchange-only, no returns), and if I'm not excited to put it on all 3 times, it doesn't come home with me.&nbsp;I'm getting fussier about fit with the forum's excellent advice, and I've begun noticing that older&nbsp;items I used to love unconditionally are now getting the fit side eye &amp; I don't wear them as much. Eek! So I'm very particular in the dressing room now &amp; always look at arm holes on blouses, general hem lengths, and the rear view of trousers (I've learned that even in loose summer cuts, I can find more flattering options than I was wearing before, hehe). Which is not to say I'm perfect, but I don't let myself be blinded by pretty colours &amp; luscious fabric as much as I used to! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358016 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 05:14:06 +0000 Caro in Oz 1358016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use the notes section in Stylebook but you could do it in a spreadsheet too. I note things like:</p> <ul> <li>Was I too hot or too cold?</li> <li>Did everything fit well at the end of the day?</li> <li>Was there any&nbsp;stretching?</li> <li>Were my&nbsp;shoes tight&nbsp;after a few hours?</li> </ul> &nbsp;<br />If a particular item felt wrong I make a note to wear something else with the outfit &amp; if it felt REALLY wrong then out it goes.&nbsp;It sounds like overkill but I've really learned a lot about my preferences since I started doing this (in April).&nbsp;</p> <p>The most esoteric but the most important thing I note is whether the outfit felt like it was moving me closer to my style goals. I don't think I can really explain this one&nbsp;but sometimes there isn't anything <b>wrong </b>with an outfit but it isn't what I want to be wearing so I note this too. I also have pictures of "outfits worth repeating" -&nbsp;they have to be an 11 out of 10 to get into that group :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1358009 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 04:56:59 +0000 Elly 1358009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gosh-- 90% of my items that get purged before they are well worn is because of fit or quality issues and about 10% because it doesn't feel like me. </p> <p>I purged a taupe tee because of quality issues, am dissappointed in the fabric quality of my olive tee and navy skirt, and will likely purge a blue and white striped top that gapes awfully. </p> <p>I also purged several tops from years back because they just felt so girlie, boho, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1357997 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 04:14:44 +0000 Suz 1357997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a <b>great </b>idea, Gigi!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have never done this. But let me try.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think in previous years many of my "unsures" fell into two categories:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>I need something to fill this yawning wardrobe cavern so I can get decently dressed in the morning, so even though I have reservations (about fit/ cut/ colour, etc.) I will buy it and hope. (This was back in the days when I really had almost no clothes).&nbsp;</li> <li>That Sales Associate is really pushing me to buy it and I have "wasted" half a hour of her time by trying it on and I just want to get out of here now!!&nbsp;</li> </ul> Neither of these really come up any more, at least not often.&nbsp;</p> <p>So it is more likely to be:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>I would <b>like</b> to have occasions to wear this...and I <b>might</b> have some occasions to wear it. So...I will buy it. But...er....um....uh...something isn't right here. &lt;insert blushing face&gt;</li> </ul> One "unsure" in my own closet was the Donald Pliner bronze pointy toed booties from last year's NAS. Sveta was really urging me to buy them. Now, I don't want to lay the blame on her. Now, her usual habit is to put an item you're considering on trial, and demand that you defend it; it's very unlike her to argue in favour of something. So I was bound to listen (esp. since her own style is so swoon-worthy.)&nbsp;&nbsp;And they <b>are</b> terrific shoes, an Angie pick, and they filled an actual need.&nbsp;</p> <p>Still -- as I told Sveta even at the time, that need is very, very small. </p> <p>In the event, I think I wore those shoes about 5 times last year. Which is pretty much what I expected when I bought them, but not a great wear rate, to say the least.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, I returned yet another unsure. (The Aquatalia moto boots). Only to kick myself afterwards and wish I had kept them -- to the point where I actually re-bought them this year!!&nbsp;</p> <p>I currently have another "unsure" item that I want to post about soon. It's still in my closet and I am going to keep it for now. The tags are off so it's too late to return. But I'm seriously considering giving it up for "adoption" as it were. And the issue is the item's cut. It's not made for somebody shaped like me and I should have listened to Angie. ;(</p> <p>Meanwhile, I also have one item that I was sure I loved...and now I am less sure! OY!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1357980 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 03:53:36 +0000 Gigi 1357980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Caro,&nbsp;</b>how do you track how you feel in your clothes? Do you do it by item or by outfit? That sounds like a great idea. I do put a smiley face in my paper log of outfits whenever I wear an outfit that makes me feel great.</p> <p><b>Laura,&nbsp;</b>when I spoke of "unsure" purchases, I was referring to items that I bought but that I wasn't 100% sure I should keep right from the beginning. So it would have been an unsure purchase up front. Sometimes I buy something knowing it's not completely my style, and sometimes I buy something because I like the color or the texture but the fit isn't 100%. I realize now that those flaws are often causing me to purge the item down the road, so I need to be more wary about buying stuff like this in the first place.</p> <p><b>Ornella,&nbsp;</b>yes, I like Caro's idea too!</p> <p><b>Kiwigal,&nbsp;</b>yes, I have learned that fit is extremely important to me! There are not too many petite options in the U.S., although there are probably more than in other countries. Part of my problem is that I am also on the very small side of the petite sizes for tops (bottoms are much easier), and even places that sell petites' clothing often don't make sizes that small. You are doing well to have had only two poor purchases in the past year! That is excellent.</p> <p><b>Alassë,&nbsp;</b>how funny that you just did the same thing! I have more than once clipped tags too soon but realized within a few hours that it was a bad idea. I have almost always been able to rescue the tags and return the item, thank goodness! But there was one time I took the wrong tag in for a Loft top, and boy did I get a talking to! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1357346 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:16:03 +0000 Alassë 1357346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great minds think alike; I just did this last night! My mistakes run the gamut from poor fit/bad clothing feel/wrong colour palette (the majority), to the rare clipped tags too soon/settled for the wrong item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1357299 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:13:38 +0000 Sal 1357299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't done this Gigi but it sounds as though up this has helped you to the conclusion not to settle on fit. So that has been worthwhile. What are the petite ranges like in the US? They are very limited here.</p> <p>I have had two misses in the last 12 months. One ( a loose summer dress) I knew right from the start was not really me, but I let myself be pressured into it by the retail assistant. The second (a coral fishnet sweatshirt) has a fit issue, but I love the colour and can work around it for the meantime. </p> <p>I have had a good year for purchasing success. I hope this will continue but I am sure I will make mistakes again....some things are hard to gauge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1357268 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 05:56:55 +0000 Ornella 1357268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gigi, thanks for the&nbsp;excellent analysis.&nbsp;Caro's input about how she feels in the clothes is&nbsp;equally important for me.&nbsp;I love the phrase "good money after the bad", great eye opener. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-last-years-uncertain-purchases-long#post-1357265 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 05:42:29 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1357265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is really interesting. I've never thought of analyzing purchases this way. For me the trouble would be at which point do they become unsure - near to purchase or farther out? Like you guys are talking about, sometimes shoes seem perfectly great until you notice a flaw in comfort. Or something might be perfectly fine but not fit your new style interests. Or a slight fit issue suddenly becomes a much bigger one. </p> <p>In the past, I've learned that pants that are too short just don't get worn. Even if I can roll them, I feel conspicuous in them and I might as well save my money. Same with heels over two and a half inches. </p>