https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 13:02:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky/page/2#post-381918 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:41:07 +0000 Kari 381918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About half and half. I do a lot of browsing online, but sometimes items are disappointing in real life - and I always keep my eyes open for unexpected surprises. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381817 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:01:42 +0000 Ornella 381817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking about this question a bit more over the last few days and I'd like to add to my previous my answer.</p> <p>My finds are luck, but within the premeditated list.</p> <p>E.g. leather moto jacket. It was on the wish/need list, but I haven't even dreamed I'd find it when I actually did. But because I know what it is I am after generally, it's easier to "recognize" it if luck brings it on my path. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381550 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 21:51:31 +0000 Barbara 381550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, Una! </p> <p>My best finds have been 100% lucky: The italian kid leather knee-high boots, the teal suede Palladium flats, THE leopard coat.</p> <p>I rarely shop for something specific! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381547 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 21:46:03 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 381547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so impressed with all of you that have 'lucky' finds (I think it means you are tuned into what is stylish and suits you).</p> <p>I am still hopelessly premeditated. When I enter a shop, my eyes still start to glaze as I look at the racks and racks of options. I find it easy to find reasons that things won't suit me and much harder to stay openminded enough to identify things that might/will flatter me.</p> <p>I'm a serial returner, so even when I buy and get things home I always find it easier to justify returning things than keeping them. It takes me ages to decide on something I want to buy and then find a successful version. My spontaneous buys are have so far been mostly less successful and often returned.</p> <p>I aspire to joining the 'just plain lucky' brigade one day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381474 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:16:33 +0000 Astrid 381474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it's both. I have some idea what I need or what I'm looking for, but I learned that it's not good for me to limit myself too much from the first. Most of the time I just go and have a look around and if something catches my eye I try it on. But like Ornela I'm faster now in deciding if something could work for me, so I don't feel as lost in the stores anymore. Although I plan more when I search for things that I personally find hard to shop for (like jeans or shoes). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381434 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:16:45 +0000 nicoleb 381434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Luck. Anytime i set out with a goal i fail miserably. Or i end up with 5 extra things in an attempt to force the perfect piece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381430 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:04:54 +0000 MsMary 381430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm like Di in that I have a running list. And certainly, I love my navy blazer (for example) and wear it a lot. But...</p> <p>My truest loves are the unexpected, the serendipitous. The pink patent Kate Spade pumps with the rainbow heels. The teal skinny jeans from Goodwill. The multicolored goes-with-everything scarf from Target. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381422 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:22:17 +0000 Di 381422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Every time I glance at this thread, I think it says, "Are your best FRIENDS premeditated, or just plain lucky?"</p> <p>Tee hee.</p> <p>But, to answer your actual question, I have a running mental list of things I think would be awesome, and so it's kind of both. I can't go out on a given day looking for a perfect white sweater, but in the back of my mind, I'm ALWAYS looking for the perfect white sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381416 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:11:42 +0000 Girl X 381416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me they're almost always a surprise find, made while searching for something specific - that I wind up finding much later when I'm looking for something else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381396 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:30:42 +0000 lyn* 381396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>100% luck. Usually persistence too. They're the pieces people around me will think look ugly and I insist on buying anyway :p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381384 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:16:05 +0000 crazyone 381384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>for shoes, they're premeditated. For clothes, mostly luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381382 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:12:48 +0000 Scarlet 381382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like any great love, you cannot see it coming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381361 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:17:37 +0000 Jonesy 381361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine are a mix, I'd say. Sometimes I search and search and find something perfect; other times I stumble onto something fab. Just depends :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381233 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 07:18:48 +0000 rute 381233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lucky! It's difficult to plan a find! I was planning to find a leather caramel moto jacket but I just cant find my number!<br /> I'm very lucky with dresses! Sometimes I go to shop for my mother or my daughter and only find dresses in my number eh eh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381229 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 07:00:30 +0000 AJ 381229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely lucky. I'm much more discerning though and really think about whether I need the item. Also, if the item is not a basic or filling a wardrobe hole, then I have to be doing a happy dance in the dressing room in order to buy it. : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381163 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:16:42 +0000 Marley 381163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My best finds are ALWAYS impulse or lucky buys. The past 6 months I have tried to be more premeditated and all I can say is - yuck, I can't believe some of the things that I have bought that I really don't like all that much - and/or just don't look good on me. Today was a good example - I wore the Loft ruffled sleeveless polka dot top (something that I bought at the end of last summer when I "planned" to buy a polka dot top!) I reallly hate the way it looks on me - in fact it is going to the next So CAL swap. So Lucky/Impulse is the only way to go for me (I think!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381157 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:06:55 +0000 rosee 381157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both working together actually. I have an idea in my head of what I need to fill a wardrobe hole, then I start looking around to find something that fits the bill. It can take a short time (Tulle jean jacket or Etsy jewelry) or considerably longer (some things have been on my list for a long time and still are).</p> <p>Ex.1: Tulle jean jacket -- I decided I finally wanted to get one to wear with "girly" dresses but it had to be different from the typical western looking ones you see. I happened upon Fashion for Nerds blog and that day Audi posted the Tulle jean jacket I had to have. Searched on ebay and bought it that evening.<br /> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&#038;item=220716790081&#038;ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAP.....K:MEWNX:IT</a></p> <p>Ex.2: cowboy boots -- have been on my "list" for years now, but they are expensive for how much I wear them. In my city, the majority has cowboy boots in their closets due to the annual Stampede Rodeo and Exhibition. I happened on a pair (dark navy ropers) that fit perfectly in a thrift store the other day -- my size, right before the Stampede -- very rare here!</p> <p>Ex.3: Etsy jewelry -- did a search on Etsy for ruby jewelry to go with a dress I am wearing to a wedding in August. I like vintage styles for dress up but I don't really wear jewelry in everyday life. I was willing to settle for something not exactly my taste just to get something. I found IMO the perfect necklace and earrings set.<br /> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74761114/ruby-red-frost-antique-brass-bead" rel="nofollow">http://www.etsy.com/listing/74.....brass-bead</a></p> <p>I have been influenced by YLF too, so I think I am more open to things that previously I wouldn't consider.<br /> I do a lot of thrift shopping so most of those buys are "lucky" but I still have a preconceived notion of what I am after, even if only a slight idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381119 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 01:55:35 +0000 Aida 381119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Luck. When I have a list that is too specific I often settle just to tick it off the list, or just resort to buying a plain basic. I'm improving on that now, but it's still a shopping concern.</p> <p>EDIT: Of course, that said I'm looking at MORE options than I would have pre-YLF not less so that's not a big help in terms of time nor lists </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381117 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 01:52:58 +0000 Beth 381117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both. I find if I premeditate too much I get overly rigid in my thinking and overlook options I should consider. So many of my finds fall under the influence of YLF, though. Things I'd have flipped right past on the rack in an earlier time:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381116 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 01:51:59 +0000 sarah 381116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely premeditated, but only since finding YLF. I've become much more deliberate about what I "need" to fill particular wardrobe holes. For example, much of last winter I spent looking at boots on various websites trying to find the perfect combination of short shaft and wide calf. Finally I found two pairs of boots that fit me perfectly, and I love them. There was NO luck involved. I got advice from the Forum, and spent literally hours on the web. Another example is my white bootcut jeans. I looked and looked for the perfect jeans, and ordered and returned numerous pairs. Finally I found 'the ones' and they've become a definite fave. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381109 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 01:45:44 +0000 Lisa 381109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lucky. And it's a 50/50 chance a spur of the moment purchase becomes a favorite item or not. Although my impulses have gotten better since YLF, I want to believe my phase of LOTS of purchasing and returning is winding down as I hone in on my style and likes and dislikes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381087 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:34:20 +0000 Mo 381087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha - I read this as best FRIENDS lol!! I was trying to think how you could premeditate a true friendship :)<br /> I have been searching actively. The LBD, the 'wedding attendee' dress, etc. I don't really have brick and mortar browsing opportunities, though. I might have a higher percentage of just lucking out if I were out randomly browsing . . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381031 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:13:46 +0000 Aziraphale 381031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My best finds are definitely stumbled-upon. Except for shoes. Shoes are usually premeditated -- well, except those neat-o thong wedge sandals my mom just bought me for my birthday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381015 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:55:03 +0000 Charmian 381015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@AG, perhaps part of the reason you're finding killer pieces serendipitously is because you're developing a more discerning eye for what will look good on you? I've certainly found that to be the case for me: clothes that I would formerly walk right by are suddenly calling me because I know they'll flatter my body the way I want it to be flattered, and clothes that might formerly make me excited are passed up ("I'm never going to make that mistake with boatnecks again!").</p> <p>As for me, I'm still trying to figure out what looks killer on me ... but the pieces I love are a mixture. I'm wearing a statement necklace right now that was stumbled upon, but I stalked my boots for almost 8 months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381003 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:26:20 +0000 Irene 381003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Predicted. Sometimes I wonder - what if I had something special (blue skirt, 60's pants, orange ballet flats, etc.), how could I wear it? I write about it in my diary, post some photo with similar item, tell everybody how I want it. And after some time (usually it takes two weeks to four months) I see it at the store. Beautiful. As I wanted it. Usually on sale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-381001 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:22:49 +0000 rae 381001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Almost always lucky. Whenever I make a plan, it seems to take years to find exactly what I want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-380999 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:16:48 +0000 Nadya 380999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it's a combination of both filling in needs and serendipity. E.g. knowing that a pair of black boots would improve a lot of outfits I found a stylish pair last year and they worked out great. But, because I can easily fall into a "uniform" rut I also try on things just because they catch my eye. I bought this great Tahari dress because it just caught my eye literally as I was two feet away from going into the dressing room with things on my need list. It's one of the most flattering things I own and I got a lot of compliments when I wore it.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tahari-woman-delancy-short-sleeve-dress/3167700?origin=category&#038;resultback=0" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ta.....sultback=0</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-380946 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:48:21 +0000 Ornella 380946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lucky, by about 60-70%. But.</p> <p>My shopping is more focused, I am eliminating quickly and deciding even quicker. I think because I don't waste time and energy on the endless options, I can actually focus and be more receptive to what's lurking from the racks and insisting on following me home </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-380942 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:46:29 +0000 Diana 380942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely lucky. Although I agree that YLF has certainly broadened my horizons and gives me a lot of inspiration to try things on. One of my favorite pieces this summer is a pair of slouchy black silk cropped pants that I found one pair of, in a perfectly fitting size, on deep discount at Anthropologie earlier this summer. But I would never have tried them on had it not been for YLF and all of Angie's fab outfits with her silky harem pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-your-best-finds-premeditated-or-just-plain-lucky#post-380927 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:35:25 +0000 yankeebelle 380927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lately I seem to stumble upon the items that have become my favorite pieces lately. Although I would say that YLF as helped me have a more open mind when I am shopping! </p>