https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:36:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying/page/2#post-326736 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:28:21 +0000 Di 326736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the suggestion to keep it, but to skip the next party in lieu of taking your volunteer to lunch! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying/page/2#post-326691 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:14:37 +0000 Aida 326691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to the party, but I wanted to say that I actually dig the stripes at the seam; they look intentionally opposite-aligned, especially if this is the same on both sides </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying/page/2#post-326641 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:37:45 +0000 Sheila 326641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I think you did the right thing. I have swallowed my pride and/or honest reaction in many cases and just "took one for the team", as they say in sports. You did a very nice job of styling this top and, by posting this topic on the forum, you have helped all of us vent, articulate, and give serious thought about how we want to respond to the next invitation we receive for one of these home sales events. Some times it will be the right thing to attend; other times we can simply say thanks, I can't make it. But no guilt, please, it should be ours to choose what we want to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying/page/2#post-326563 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:06:20 +0000 modgrl 326563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not bad!! You resolved the issue of the stripes not matching up very nicely!!<br /> Wish I was there at the beach too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying/page/2#post-326388 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:11:36 +0000 Debora 326388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a coincidence that this post should pop back up. Thank you all for your wisdom and wonderful suggestions. To update you, I decided to keep the top and actually wore it this past weekend for the first time.</p> <p>I styled it with my black trench, military cardigan, skinny jeans and ballet flats. I didn't get a good picture but the photo below will give you an idea of how I styled it. Please excuse the windblown hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying/page/2#post-326354 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:49:12 +0000 Barbara 326354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learned to say NO to home parties a LONG time ago. No pressure or hurt feelings that way.</p> <p>The stripes not matching is what bothers me about that top. I would expect perfection for that price! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying/page/2#post-326345 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:40:33 +0000 Diana 326345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admit I've never been to one of those parties, precisely for the reasons you've described. I hate feeling like I'm being pressured or guilted into buying something. This is also why I avoid stores with pushy salespeople and why I prefer to shop alone...</p> <p>That said, I think you should just consider this particular purchase as a gift or donation to help your friend. Obviously she has done a lot for you and you can just see this as paying her back a little. The top itself looks like it fits well aside from the non-matching stripe issue, although perhaps it was a bit too pricey for what it is. I'd wear it with a cardi or jacket over it to hide the seams where the stripes don't match up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying/page/2#post-326330 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:28:09 +0000 BuffYogaBod 326330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could ask the consultant if she can help you exchange your top for one where the stripes actually match. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-318244 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:44:31 +0000 Carole 318244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are a sweety! I completely relate to your dilemma. However, the top is really nice on you and so "of the moment" according to Angie's "must have spring/summer list". At least you can check the strip top off your list! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-318240 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:40:36 +0000 Sara 318240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to think up any excuse not to go to those kind of parties, and if I do end up going, I usually buy one of the cheapest items. </p> <p>I can appreciate that the stripes bother you (and you are right, for $60 they should definitely line up), but even without a layering piece, your arms will probably cover the seam most of the time. A striped tee is a great basic to have, and it will work well with a lot of items you may already have in your closet. I'd wear it with black skinny ankle length pants, flats and a pop of red. Or try the tee with a printed scarf that has some navy in it. It would also look nice layered under a black sheath dress, and I whole-heartedly second the suggestion of wearing it under a blazer. Try to have as much fun with it as you can and associate the shirt with the memories of your friend's help and support rather than it's high price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-318009 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:32:10 +0000 elpgal 318009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read what the others have suggestion but this would irk me and my unhappiness with the top would spill over and turn into irritation for the said friend. </p> <p>I would tell the friend about the mismatched stripes and offer to get something else so you can allay your guilt. Perhaps an accessory or some basics. </p> <p>Since she has just started out as a consultant, maybe she doesn't know enough to assess clothing quality. </p> <p>All that said, it is easier to give advice than to follow it. I am currently being guilted by a friend to book a photo session with her I haven't thought of a way out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317985 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:05:29 +0000 Isabel 317985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I competely agree with Steph. I won't do home parties either, unless there is a VERY good reason - I would say that attending one and buying one thing from a dedicated friend who is starting a business falls into that category. </p> <p>The only party I will go to now is for a terrific single mom that I have known since I was in kindergarten. I buy a couple of things I don't want or need ( she doesn't know this ) and then I donate them to the Salvation Army after she has seen me use them a couple of times. I love her and it gives me great pleasure to do this for her.</p> <p>The whole business plan behind these things IS guilt. Look at it as a goodwill gesture for someone is who good to you and your son.</p> <p>And yes, that would drive me nuts too, you could even throw a vest over it ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317977 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:51:40 +0000 Debora 317977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks ladies, it's helped to vent my frustrations. I probably should return it, but will most likely end up keeping it because I do owe her and want to show appreciation for all her help. Even though it was a lot to spend on a top, and was one of the cheapest items available, I am actually feeling a little guilty about complaining. </p> <p>MaryK and Beth - yes! A 'sleeve' of Thin Mints is a serving in my house, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317916 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 23:23:47 +0000 Beth 317916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary, that's the definition in our house.:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317870 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:51:11 +0000 MsMary 317870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh, isn't the serving size for Girl Scout Cookies a "sleeve?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317768 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:30:58 +0000 Vix 317768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a friend who buys/wears CABI so I get that the more intimate nature of the buying -- especially when this is a woman who does a lot for you -- is tricky.</p> <p>That said, I'd call her and tell her that the stripe alignment is driving you wild and you'd like to swap the shirt out for another item or a credit to use next season...because let's face it, sounds like you will probably be attending these parties for a while. </p> <p>Better to have a useful piece you bought for complicated reasons than one with which you'll always find fault. [IMO CABI has some nice leather belts; any need of those?]</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317754 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:58:35 +0000 lyn* 317754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Home parties are never cheap; are they? If I spent $60 on a top, I'd expect the sides to line up. They line up even on my $15 sweater.</p> <p>YIKES. I say invite the friend out to lunch to show your thanks; and return the top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317750 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:39:58 +0000 Kristine 317750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, I hate home parties! I find an excuse not to go. It's easier to deal with the guilt on the front end. $60 is quite a bit but it's cute top and you could consider it a favor. I wouldn't buy anything more though, particularly if the quality isn't good. I think two overpriced items are enough to show your appreciation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317641 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:07:40 +0000 Queen Mum 317641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>gasp! I just read your latest reply... $60!?!? I'd be tempted to return for that price. yikes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317640 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:06:34 +0000 Queen Mum 317640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think the shirt is cute on you and you should get some use out of it as a layering piece.<br /> Home parties are a pet peeve of mine. I avoid them like the plague, but also like Alicia, i have been known to go and not purchase anything. I figure if I'm allowed to browse a store without making a purchase, I'm equally allowed to browse a "home shop" under the same rules.<br /> In the future I would bless this friend with a gift to thank her for her volunteer work rather than gift her by supporting her business. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317638 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:03:55 +0000 Debora 317638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Beth!!! You are a kindred spirit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317637 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:01:51 +0000 Beth 317637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL! How did you know most of those boxes were Thin Mints?</p> <p>I'd buy candy and fruit from you any day:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317636 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:00:05 +0000 Debora 317636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the excellent suggestions. I bought it with Angie's Chanel girl-on-the-go look in mind and will most likely layer it under a jacket or cardigan. I guess I'm feeling just a little peeved because the darned tee shirt was $60! This isn't the first time she has had a party. I bought a $50 tank from her in the fall, and I know there will be a summer line coming out, with a fall line to follow. </p> <p>What makes it all the much harder to say no is that she is a wonderful person who always steps up whenever I need her help. I guess this is a small price to pay for that kind of dedication. And to be fair, I did get a lot of use out of the previous piece.</p> <p>Tarzy, I hear you! As a band mom, I've pushed my fair share of over-priced band candy and fruit on friends and neighbors. I have to say, though, a time share in Costa Rica sounds good to me! :)</p> <p>Scarlet, these parties seem to come in spurts. For a while, Pampered Chef was all the rage. Now Silpada jewelry party invitations are popping up in my in-box.</p> <p>Beth, I can't resist those adorable little Girl Scouts when they come to my door, either. I can go through half of box of Thin Mints in a day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317634 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:54:03 +0000 Anonymous 317634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must be a complete grumpus. I never go to those parties, and I have to love the honoree dearly to consent to a baby or wedding shower. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317621 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:40:01 +0000 Beth 317621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, this is a tough one (said as I consider the twelve boxes of Girl Scout cookies in my pantry). I usually just say I have another engagement; if I do go, I buy something small. </p> <p>That said, I love the top on you (I do understand about the stripes...grr). Use it as a layer and you're good to go:)</p> <p>At least it was clothes. The ones I dislike the most are the giftwrap/peanut/pizza kit sales drives. I'd rather just give them the money. :O </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317620 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:39:00 +0000 lynne 317620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread. I don't always buy anything at these parties, but in your situation I probably would have, too. I once had to return a pizza stone I bought at a home party. It was a little uncomfortable, but hey, the thing broke! Like everyone else has said, the top looks cute on you, and will be a good layering piece. Think of how pleased your friend will be when she sees you wearing the shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317579 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 06:16:36 +0000 Alecia 317579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. Now I feel guilty. I've gone to some of these parties and not bought anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317571 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 05:53:55 +0000 Scarlet 317571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would probably eat the shirt in this case. The stripes are cute, though. I am surprised by how many people say they have been in the same situation getting invited to these parties all the time. Is this something that has really picked up in the last few years? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317558 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 05:08:57 +0000 tarzy 317558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At least the top looks great on you! I think we've all bought Girl Scout cookies or band candy from a friend or colleague at some time - and at least you got a nice shirt out of it, minus unnecessary calories. It's not like you bought a time share in Costa Rica. I think you can give yourself a break on the guilt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guilt-buying#post-317526 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 03:33:24 +0000 Lisa 317526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this as a layering top. For future, perhaps you can purchase an item and give it as a gift? Then you are not stuck with something you don't love, but still helped with giving a sale. </p>