https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 23:51:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907846 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 17:35:30 +0000 Helena 1907846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wise words! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907726 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:22:00 +0000 anne 1907726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds very sensible for you and most of YLF - for me - my life could probably do with a bit more of "this could be useful" purchasing! I tend to have tunnel vision and not consider other things I see in a shop if if I didn't set out to purchase them. This is the woman who hasn't managed to purchase 2 needed t shirts in 2 years, and whose clothing budget was underspent&nbsp; by about 1/3 last year.</p> <p>I do hate it though, in a different sphere, when perishable food is bought because it could "come in handy" but then no plan is made for when it is going to be eaten, or what to do with the planned food whose consumption has been substituted and then having to throw food out because it has gone off! (I'm a meal planner, so this doesn't happen that much when I shop, but I'm not immune to it)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907564 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:27:15 +0000 rachylou 1907564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. Be afraid. I went to Grocery Market Bargain Outlet today and got slowed down by a display of ankle socks... And this truth is only dawning on me now... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907559 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:01:47 +0000 jussie 1907559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My best test is this:<br /> After trying something on in the dressing room, I then put my normal clothes back on and look in the mirror. If what I tried on isn’t as good as or better than what I was already wearing then I walk away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907557 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 01:50:06 +0000 delurked 1907557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Efbgen - I am a planner, yet can be impulsive. I like to consider it being open to my options ;)</p> <p>Katerina - I do like a good deal, but am quite good about not letting price cause me to make a purchase. </p> <p>Gigi - if I have to think too hard, that should cause me to pause. </p> <p>Toban - I like navy too, but it sounds like you’re fully covered now. </p> <p>Rachylou- I don’t change out my closet or store clothing elsewhere. But it is organized. And I remember your prior comments about socks. I was awed (or was it scared?). </p> <p>Brooklyn - you have a lot of standout pieces. You are talented at finding them. </p> <p>Cindy - those lists of essentials are kind of funny to me. I don’t need a trench, a white button down, a pointy toe black heel, a cashmere sweater, a wrap dress, a denim jacket etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907547 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 00:51:14 +0000 cindysmith 1907547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found that all that useful stuff wasn't useful for me. I'm a bit weird, yes, with my dystopian sensibilities, so there is that LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907534 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 23:23:57 +0000 Brooklyn 1907534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am probably the opposite as I tend to buy too many statement (oooh, I love this!) pieces and not enough “useful” (but not very exciting) pieces to hold things together. So I am actually trying to train myself to shop more for useful. Snooze... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907505 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 20:51:29 +0000 rachylou 1907505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sadly, as I’m still in the dilemma of which season to put in storage, I am fully cognisant that I need nothing. Nothing new would be useful. Lol!</p> <p>... except socks. My mind can always convince me I need new and different socks... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907502 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 20:47:52 +0000 Toban 1907502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right now it is “no more solid navy tops”. Somehow I picked up 4 solid navy tops covering 3 silhouettes recently. Need to add more print or other colors. Yet when I go to the store I try on yet another navy top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907485 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 19:56:07 +0000 Gigi 1907485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I recognize the "This could be useful" mantra as a trap! When I start saying that to myself, it is usually the time to take a good hard look at the item and be honest with myself as to whether I really need it. Most of the time, the answer is no. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907482 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 19:34:50 +0000 Katerina 1907482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recognize this too! I do it too, especially when the price is reduced ... good reminder!</p> <p>Kkards, you crack me up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907474 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 19:19:07 +0000 Anonymous 1907474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh this is such a good one.<br /> Been there. Done that. Bought the tee shirt.<br /> WHY DID I BUY THAT SHIRT? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907473 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 19:14:57 +0000 Anonymous 1907473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>KKards</b> made me laugh. &nbsp;What she wrote is all too often true for me. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907466 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 18:23:40 +0000 delurked 1907466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Susie - yes to this. That’s what I’m doing with my returns too. Much better than wearing something and then figuring it out (ahem, I do that too) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907465 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 18:22:45 +0000 delurked 1907465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginkgo - I’m pretty good at passing on my colors If I don’t like the fit. It may be more - I’ve got a list of things I’d like to add, and when it fits the category I settle a bit too much for ok. I try to remind myself I have enough ok in my closet, but sometimes I don’t quite get it right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907464 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 18:20:28 +0000 Susie 1907464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great reminder! I've gotten better about not buying things 'just because' but I still make mistakes. Just yesterday I took a top back to anthro because while it met the need for 'a short sleeved top that isn't plain,' when I tried it on again at home I realized that I didn't love it. So at least I didn't keep it but I shouldn't have bought it in the first place.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907461 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 18:17:27 +0000 Ginkgo 1907461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've typically fall for this trap in Marshalls or TJ Maxx because "it's my color" (subset of useful), then I don't wear those items which is why I rarely go into those stores now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907455 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:46:31 +0000 delurked 1907455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards - I’m someone who often needs to try it on at home and assess with my shoes, different clothes I own, etc. Sometimes in a dressing room I miss something I don’t overlook at home. </p> <p>Janet - this is a recurring theme for me. I do like newness and shopping, so need to be practical while still finding what adds enjoyment when I get dressed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907451 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:33:20 +0000 kkards 1907451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i've tried the "do you love it" method....my problem is I often confuse love with lust...and then when the infatuation wears off, I get mad at myself for being fooled again </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907449 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:28:42 +0000 Janet 1907449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! This so much. I try some things on and think, oh, it looks decent on and could be useful, but is that good enough when I have plenty of “useful” clothes? My standard for new purchases needs to be higher than that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907445 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:17:38 +0000 delurked 1907445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joyce - yes, others may need that qualifier. But I really don’t, even if I try to convince myself otherwise. </p> <p>BD - you make some good points. There have been things I’ve been unsure of that have become favorites. And my loves aren’t huge either, but definitely more than your quantity. Not everything can stand out in our memory. But maybe it’s what I immediately reach for. If I bring it home and don’t want to wear it right away, it’s a big sign I shouldn’t ignore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907444 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:11:04 +0000 delurked 1907444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bijou - yes, I have a fairly large wardrobe. It’s just a few categories I’m lacking in (which means I’ve got too much in other categories). </p> <p>Cardiff girl, Texstyle - maybe it’s because we expect a payoff for our shopping effort. And agree the desire for something new. </p> <p>Sterling - it sounds like you’re being very patient. I think I get more impatient on warm weather items because earlier in the season is when the more covered summer options come. If I look in the actual summer it’s past when the majority of things fit my criteria. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907443 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:02:28 +0000 Barbara Diane 1907443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My standard is more do I feel like me? Is it flattering? Is it useful? Will it make something else work? Will I pick it or is there something else in my wardrobe that I will pick instead? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907442 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 16:55:11 +0000 Barbara Diane 1907442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like the right guideline for you. But I’d be naked! It also depends on how hard to please you are. Some of my best purchases I was unsure of. My standard for love/amazing is very high. Some jewelry, 2 watches, a few dresses, a few outfits. In my adult life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907432 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 16:09:22 +0000 Joyce B 1907432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes but it depends on where you are with your wardrobe. Sometimes you need the useful item just because it fills a purpose and you don’t have anything else for that outfit or category. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907429 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 16:04:44 +0000 texstyle 1907429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along. I think it might be the desire for something new more than something useful for me though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907421 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 15:54:32 +0000 Anonymous 1907421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT post. &nbsp;I too am in a phase where I am trying hard to practice "disciplined" and patient shopping. &nbsp;It is so hard. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907419 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 15:50:24 +0000 Cardiff girl 1907419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It s amazing isn’t it how easy it is to do this.oh for some self discipline! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907416 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 15:44:26 +0000 Bijou 1907416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I fall into this trap too. One friend once said to me, “but do you love it? Because you have lots of clothes, you should only buy for love”. This has really helped me not buy things that were close but not quite whatI was looking for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-%e2%80%9cthis-would-be-useful%e2%80%9d-purchases#post-1907400 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 15:12:22 +0000 delurked 1907400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A note to self as I’m about to return a couple things this week. Whenever I buy something saying “this would be useful” to myself, I should amend the statement to “something in this style would be useful, but I will wait until I find something I feel amazing in”. </p> <p>Of course, that takes a lot of discipline, patience, and searching. Sometimes more searching than I want to commit to. In which case, I need to live without instead of having too many “useful” items. </p>