https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:29:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails/page/2#post-2222461 Thu, 09 Sep 2021 09:55:53 +0000 Bijou 2222461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@JenniNZ</b> - at that price it is not much more than a cup of coffee, it was definitely worth giving the potential replacement pants a try. Sorry to hear that you hurt your leg in an accident - a similar thing happened to me a few years ago (can you believe I did not notice a pothole in the pavement and went crashing down - tearing my trousers in the process and a big chunk out of my knee). It was a truly awful experience.</p> <p>I am resolving that as we transition into Spring to at least get some wear from the skirt. It is a fun piece and the warmer temps mean it will be fine to wear with hosiery and long boots. I have put the coat in the downstairs cupboard to grab for dog walks so it will save my favourite coat (but really I should not have bought either of these pieces). The ethical issue of simply discarding items that no longer 'spark joy' sits uneasily with me too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails/page/2#post-2222239 Wed, 08 Sep 2021 10:34:02 +0000 Jenni NZ 2222239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting Bijou! It looks like my only thrifted piece this winter is going to be a fail too. I wanted some slim pants to look good under my long tops, with my sparkly cobalt boots, since when I fell a year ago and got the huge wound/scar down my left lower leg I tore a hole in my ink snakeskin ponte pants. I have been searching since then, and found some leggings in a thrift store for $7. Mainly black with subtle cobalt sparkly pattern. But somehow they are just too legging-like not pant-like enough and both times I tried I removed them again so still unworn.<br /> At least I feel only $7 lost and could donate them back to the same thrift store… if I can’t make them work I haven’t hurt the planet too much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails/page/2#post-2222194 Wed, 08 Sep 2021 05:01:28 +0000 Bijou 2222194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, without fail you raise some very interesting questions for us to ponder. This is most definitely a useful exercise.</p> <p>My shopping failures include two second hand items - which I really didn't need but bought because they seemed be be exceptional value (the first two items in Finds). Well they were not good value because I defer to wearing other skirts and coats in my wardrobe that I own and prefer. </p> <p>Skirt is cute and fits well, but is above the knee and quite cold to wear when working from home in winter, so it gets a pass on cold days and then seems too wintery for warmer days...</p> <p>Duffle coat - cute in a Paddington Bear way and great for walking Margot on cold non-rainy days, but I generally forget about it and grab my preferred tie waisted coat (also in Finds) that I adore and owned before buying the duffle coat.</p> <p><b>Lesson:</b> just because something is cheap and seems good value doesn't mean it should earn a place in my wardrobe - I have to consider whether it fills a legitimate need which clearly both of these items did not.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails/page/2#post-2222116 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:22:48 +0000 Sloper 2222116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had plenty of shopping failures.&nbsp; Sometimes it's an impulse buy, sometimes a duplication (how many grey sweaters does one person need, or ANY sweaters for that matter), sometimes buying for a fantasy life.</p> <p>I think I'm learning - slowly!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2222096 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 16:32:07 +0000 Style Fan 2222096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had many shopping failures in my past.&nbsp; This year I have purchased eight items, and so far, they have all been winners.&nbsp; This is definitely unusual for me.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I struggle with long cardigans.&nbsp; They always look so cozy in the picture.&nbsp; Not on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221735 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 15:18:05 +0000 cat2 2221735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would not call the Ts mistakes, I would call them trials of brands that did not work, put the brand on your Do Not Buy list and move on. The only way to find out if a low end brand is a hidden gem for basics is to create some future sleepwear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221715 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 11:33:43 +0000 LaPed 2221715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My last mistake was purchasing a couple of short-sleeve cashmere sweaters in the spring, with the hope that the lack of sleeves would make them itch-less enough for me to wear (I can do short-sleeve and sleeveless merino jersey no problem, but not long sleeves). Alas, the cashmere felt like hairshirts, so prickly! Both were secondhand; I ended up re-consigning them. :(&nbsp;</p> <p>I also bought a chunky cotton cardigan on sale back in early summer. I love it and reach for it quite a bit, but it's such a loose knit that I'm afraid it won't have a very long lifespan. I can envision many pulled threads in the future, but it's fine so far, so maybe I should stop worrying and just enjoy it. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221632 Sat, 04 Sep 2021 19:33:20 +0000 Cardiff girl 2221632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy way too many jumpers .I definitely &nbsp;have EKPD,excessive knitwear purchasing disorder.If you find a cure let me know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221614 Sat, 04 Sep 2021 16:09:37 +0000 CarolS 2221614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Workwear purchases made just pre-COVID (wideleg trousers and long cardigans) -- probably would not have been fails had the pandemic not sent us all home, but in light of WFH, these items have just been collecting dust. As much as I like them, long cardigans don't seem to appeal to me for at home wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>The pants are getting quite a bit too big on&nbsp; me now, so in some ways I won't be sorry not to wear them. But one pair purchased with spring 2020 in mind still has tags on. Fortunately not expensive purchases.</p> <p>I've been in a flurry of fall buying - further rationalized by some weight loss. Now I have over-bought and some will have to go back. </p> <p>For example I now have three pairs of inexpensive boots at home that I thought might serve as half decent placeholders while I look for better quality pieces that fit my wider foot (needle in a haystack), but after trying on again at the end of a long day on my feet, I might have overestimated their workability. Hoping to avoid messing that one up.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221471 Sat, 04 Sep 2021 01:02:20 +0000 Jenn 2221471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really enjoyed this thoughtful post! I've certainly been guilty of buying things just to tick them off the list. We can do all the planning in the world, but real life wardrobes aren't Pinterest flatlays or blog capsules, and sometimes the less perfect-seeming collection is the one that works better in the long run. Actually, I'm still learning this lesson, I think, because I <i>really</i> want that magazine-spread capsule, still.</p> <p>I've purchased 11 items so far this year, and I'm still feeling iffy about two of them. The "Kindfulness" tank was a total impulse purchase, thrown into my online cart alongside something else that got sent back. I'm not sure what I expected of it, but it's really more loungewear for me than something I would wear normally. It misses on the "elegant" part of my style descriptor.</p> <p>The white dress. Sigh. This was a planned and daydreamed-about purchase, but I've only worn it a couple of times since spring. Some of that is because the "grand return to society" post-Covid hasn't really panned out the way we'd hoped, has it? And another part is...it's just a lot of white.</p> <p>I'm not getting rid of either of these, and I wouldn't necessarily call them failures. I just wouldn't call them winners, either. It happens. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221223 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 02:48:04 +0000 Jaime 2221223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding and smiling with the cardigan commenters! Cardigans are so tempting but I am almost never happy with them either. Sounds like color and pattern are very important to whether you will wear an item. My bugaboo is fit - I am less particular in the shop than at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221221 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 02:42:43 +0000 BrieN 2221221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena - enjoyed your post and laughed about the cardigan! I just bought several online to see if I can incorporate them into casual outfits - I love the idea of them - and will be very careful of the issues you mentioned. Thank you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221199 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:35:07 +0000 rachylou 2221199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, I have a cardigan just like that. Same block stripes. Also not as useful as I thought it would be. Too short and too thin - although because it’s so thin, if I put my phone in the pocket, well, one side *will* be of sufficient length. Ahem.</p> <p>My big bust is a cropped sweatshirt in a very pretty orchid, which I bought without trying on, because covid. I simply hate the feel of it ending around my ribcage. I also bought a sleeveless sweatshirt… and I should not buy vests, for keeping warm, because if it’s cold enough for a topper, my arms will be cold too. Anyways, the project of switching from black sweaters to sweatshirts has been a bit rocky… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221187 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:12:23 +0000 Helena 2221187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, that's a great perspective - from a budget perspective, these mistakes are no biggie, although I do feel bad about the waste, but I think I can re-purpose them for lounging and work-around-the-house wear.<br />&nbsp;<br />Quite right that online shopping didn't help the situation ... and frankly the need to do something to break up some of the boredom of the first half of the year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221186 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:10:23 +0000 Helena 2221186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, and they looked fantastic on you ... isn't it funny though; they really are great shorts, so I don't know what the issue is! I like the loungey idea though as they are super-comfortable.</p> <p>slimcat, no more solid black for you!</p> <p>minaminu, quite right, and I think a lot of people did what you did ... it's totally understandable that we'd want to buy for happier times!</p> <p>Sal, yes, we all do it for sure ... and I love Signe; she's so calming :)</p> <p>suntiger lol!! And no worries about any enabling; it was an objectively good buy ... my cardigan issues defy any rational analysis lol!! they are truly hit &amp; miss for me.</p> <p>haha Nemos, your skirts are my cardigans You're so right about colour ... I think I swing too much from muted to bright ... and what I need is more something like deep and a little saturated, but not bright per se ... like those deeper reds and greens you mention. Gray too ... charcoals are good but the mid-grays are hit and miss for sure.</p> <p>Preppy Pear, well I guess you couldn't anticipate all those factors! Good look sorting the jeans; I'm sure the forum can help! (not me though, I'm terrible at sizing issues lol!)</p> <p>Mary, thank you and shoot about the sneakers!</p> <p>Sal, yep, agreed about the colour - too muted is too muted (soft blushes being somewhat the exception) and more depth by my face is definitely where I'm happiest! And thank you for sharing your analysis - it's so helpful to hear others thought processes!</p> <p>Suz, I'm glad I got you laughing!!! And I think your balloon jeans are a fail that's not really a fail - because you were trying something new, so really you could only find out by trying! Funny enough I have a similar wrap top but with a long sleeve from BR ... and I feel like it should be great but I rarely reach for it ... I think perhaps it's the lack of structure that annoys me ... but I agree with Sal that you might find they come into their own once you are dressing up more again.</p> <p>Mirjana, thank you!</p> <p>Robin, yep on the contrast - I did cop on this summer that I like contrast either in the outfit, or a solid colour against my skin ... so those deeper colours, navy, etc. even as a solid in my outfit, gives me the contrast I need. And thanks for the encouragement!</p> <p>Gigi, totally agree!</p> <p>Irina, great suggestion; thank you!</p> <p>SF, uncomfortable shoes are the worst, and good luck with your long cardi hunt!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221185 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:09:36 +0000 Carla 2221185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was bummed about the mistakes I made this year, but after doing some math, realized that the sum total spent on them is just under 10% of my total budget, so don’t feel&nbsp;<i>too&nbsp;<u></u></i>bad about a success rate/grade of 90%! :-)</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>Online shopping made it hard to be discerning about fabric, and I ran into some not great cotton jean items that were coarse feeling and stretched out of shape rather quickly. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221183 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 23:46:56 +0000 Janet 2221183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL about the cardigans. Tees seem to be a particular issue! I get it, really. I need to look at my purchases and evaluate too. </p> <p>I got those shorts too, you may recall. They are strictly around-the-house wear for me. Probably not really necessary as I have other shorts that are not really right for prime time, but they were inexpensive and good to lounge in or putter around the house. I just got so excited that I found shorts that fit that weren’t a 3” inseam, LOL. </p> <p>Oddly enough, I think these other shorts from ON might have been a misstep. I thought they looked cute at first but then felt kind of frumpy in them. I can’t quite figure it out. But again, they were inexpensive. I’ll keep them around for next summer before I ditch them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221173 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 23:22:55 +0000 slim cat 2221173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black sleeveless top - it’s shifting under anything and drab next to my pale skin.<br /> Black bag - don’t buy solid black tops or bags ( message for myself).<br /> Couple things worked in a limited capacity- still working on it.<br /> Skipping traditional cardigans for now - soft jackets with some structure as preference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221158 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 22:11:51 +0000 Minaminu 2221158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mistakes, when acknowledged, can only help improve things and your analysis was fun and to the point!</p> <p>This year, my biggest mistake was buying pieces for the wrong lifestyle. I am still WFH and planned and bought some pieces as if the pandemic was well over! Thankfully I could return them but made me reconsider the final quarter of the year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221153 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:43:34 +0000 Sal 2221153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - I think those tops will come into their own when we get back to slightly dressier work occasions.....</p> <p>Nemosmom - I could see Brooklyn in that skirt.....</p> <p>Good to know we can all get it wrong.&nbsp; I think it is impossible not to - even one of my favourite minimalist/low buy influencers Signe from Useless has made a few mistakes and owned up to them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221151 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:33:44 +0000 Anonymous 2221151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha re: cardigans! I think we enabled you though on that one....oops!<br /> Mine is the dumb magpie furry coat. Soooo soft- like wearing a teddy bear. But No Pockets :(<br /> Where you gonna put your hands dumdum?? Umm gloves??? Where you gonna put your gloves dumdum?</p> <p>But the sleeves may be wide enough for all my dumb magpie bell sleeves! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221149 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:30:32 +0000 nemosmom 2221149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Nodding with the others re: contrast.&nbsp; You added a bit more color, too that was successful, no? I seem to recall some deeper reds and forest greens...??&nbsp; In any case, you've learned some valuable lessons (that is a MAJOR accomplishment!!)</div><div><br /></div><div>I've had some duds, too.&nbsp; A couple of summer dresses and skirt that I am <u>certain</u> I will never wear.&nbsp; I felt like i *NEEEEEEDED* them for summer, but never wore them -- I never even <b><i>wanted</i></b> to wear them!&nbsp; Why do I keep buying skirts and dresses?! <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221147 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:17:49 +0000 Preppy Pear 2221147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Blouses with a low cut or even with a medium V neck. I bought two from Anthro and cut the tags off one and wore it before I realized it was unflattering/shifted around on me like crazy. The print was so pretty but I really should know better by now. Returned one and donated the other. </p> <p>This isn’t really a complete fail, but I bought two pairs of jeans in spring - one balloon and one wide leg, but they are too big now that I’m close to my prepandemic weight. They didn’t get as much wear as they might have because summer got hot fast, and I should have waited. I might try to have them taken in, but not sure if they are too big to bother. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221146 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:06:45 +0000 Mary Cassatt 2221146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be fair to you: That cardigan looks nice in the photo!</p> <p>My biggest fail: buying the cutest navy leather sneakers in my size 8 . . . and when they arrived, I found they were a *men's* size 8. I had misread the website (eyeball at myself). Sadly, the shoes weren't even available in a smaller men's size I could wear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221143 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:42:43 +0000 Sal 2221143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In looking at these pieces together they all look a bit muted - I wonder if you are preferring a high contrast. I too like the shorts and the cardigan but can see why they have been lightly worn rather than workhorses.</p> <p>For me the following pieces have been rarely worn or not worn at all. The black skirt is the only 2021 purchase.</p> <p>Black skirt - lovely but just not me. In donations pile.</p> <p>Brown pumps - not worn in 2021, consignment purchase 2020. Keeping though as good in spring and autumn.</p> <p>Wrap dress - colour palette is too muted on me. Second hand purchase in 2019. May donate?</p> <p>Hat- just haven’t worn this year but keeping. New 2020. </p> <p>Tangerine dress - not worn since 2019. I still like it but don’t have many appropriate occasions. Keeping and hoping for the right occasion.</p> <p>Black and brown blouse - worn once this year. I like it but am limited in times to wear it - perfect for dinners out in warm houses or restaurants but this year I have chosen other pieces. May donate?</p> <p>Black jacket - I love this but rarely wear it, in donation pile. Doesn’t really fit my style direction.</p> <p>Black dress- I have loved this but it is in the donation pile. Too short for me given my current preferences.</p> <p>That was a lot Helena - sorry to go on!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221136 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:26:58 +0000 Suz 2221136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I laughed so hard when I got to the part about the cardigans. (Sorry!) But now, with this brilliant analysis, we can call you on it if it looks like you are about to make another mistake with cardigans, at least. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't bought much this year (I mean, I really haven't) but what I've bought still includes what might be three fails (an unusual number for me.) The jury's still out, though, on all these items. They may get a heck of a lot of wear in September/ October.&nbsp;</p> <p>1. balloon jeans. They are fun, a new silhouette, a new colour that I do have partners for in the closet -- and I just don't feel them. &lt;shugs&gt; They arrived just as hot weather did (shipping delays) so that's part of it. I've worn them five or six times. Maybe I'll wear them more in the next while. But honestly? I'm not excited to.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. Two "essential" tops with what should be a nice modest V neck for me and great for tucking into skirts or higher waisted pants and wearing with a jacket. Except when did I do that, this summer?????&nbsp; I don't know. Maybe they will work out in time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221129 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:17:48 +0000 Mirjana 2221129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't blame yourself, we all make similar mistake. That's normal. I think that the cardigan is beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221127 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:16:32 +0000 RobinF 2221127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great exercise. I wonder with your coloring if you need more contrast than things like the tie dye? I picture you in crisp navy and white stripes but no one can wear the same thing all the time! Too bad these didn't work but at least if you learn from it than it wasn't a total loss.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221126 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:16:31 +0000 Gigi 2221126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun post. I have analyzed my failures in the past, and that has helped me going forward. One of my problems was also buying things to "check them off the list," and it rarely works.</p> <p>Too bad about the shorts, because it's hard to find cute shorts like that. I find shorts to be really difficult to style in general. I think maybe the proportions are more difficult than with pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analyzing-shopping-fails#post-2221125 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:15:46 +0000 Irina 2221125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Helena</b>, I used to have this issue with some of my cardigans. I solved it by wearing it over short sleeve white button down shirts and silk plain tops. </p>