YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 15:40:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php shoppingisfun on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-540875 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:53:55 +0000 shoppingisfun 540875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sarah--yes, free and easy returns are key!! I also really only order from stores that I'm already familiar with, and usually only order things that I've at least seen in person. Personally, I love shopping. I'm almost happy when I have to return something, because it means I have to go to the mall again, oh darn! MsKatieKat: by "throwing out," do you mean returning? Or just letting the items sit in your closet for months and eventually getting rid of them? I've been guilty of that many times, usually when I buy things on clearance. Low prices somehow make items look better, but then when I get them home they're not so great after all. I items sometimes (items bought over the internet more frequently), but also just got rid of a few items over one year old that I've never worn. It's something to work on! Aziraphale on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-540680 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:04:31 +0000 Aziraphale 540680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I seem to go in spurts. Right now there's not a lot I need, but I got a gift certificate for Christmas to a particular shop, so over the past month I've bought eight new items. The gift certificate was burning a hole in my pocket! I normally don't get that many items in one month. Often I'll go a couple of months with nothing, but buy three or four things the next month. I think my prime shopping months are at the start of a season -- i.e. February/March for the spring season, and August/September for the fall/winter season. I don't count hose, bras and underwear as "new items". Anonymous on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-540640 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:47:24 +0000 Anonymous 540640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a seasonal shopper. I am shopping frequently right now because there are good sales going on so I can fill wardrobe holes AND I am enjoying seeing the new stuff coming into the stores for the upcoming S/S season, Once I get through this transition period, I will probably not shop again for months....until the next transition season. MsLuna on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-540609 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:20:37 +0000 MsLuna 540609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Too much. It's embarrassing. And I end up throwing out half of what I purchase anyway Isabel on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-540596 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:03:01 +0000 Isabel 540596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have also been thinking about this alot lately. As you may know, I gained alot of weight and literally had to get a whole new wardrobe this January. I HATE shopping. But then I felt like I started and I couldn't stop. Now I am not sure how to continue and stay modern and updated - but not spend so much time doing it. Sarah A on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-540258 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:00:45 +0000 Sarah A 540258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ in the past i have been an internet shopper which i why i think i had many ill fitting pieces in my closet before getting on YLF about a month ago. i have committed to trying things on now before i buy unless the return is free and easy and the item isnt available to me otherwise. i really hate going shopping though, i want what i want to find on my list that day that will fit perfectly, for a smashingly low price, and be of great quality and to be done with it--all in about 15 minutes--but shopping doesnt work that way and so i try to find peace with the tedious time consuming process. i guess i am what one could consider results oriented and i need to get more into enjoying the journey. ha! there is my YLF lesson to work on from today. shoppingisfun on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-540179 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:18:13 +0000 shoppingisfun 540179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Clearlyclaire, I feel the same way about online shopping as you. I shop online fairly often, but only when I can easily return the item to the retail store in my area. Most of the blouses at Banana Republic, for instance, are only stocked down to size XSP in the stores. I'll go to a place like BR, try on the smallest size, check to see if I like the general fabric and style of the garment, and then order a size down. If the item I get in the mail is still too big (happens often) or damaged (this has happened to me as well), the I will go return the item at the mall and use it as a chance to start hunting all over again! I try to avoid online retailers that charge shipping (last time I ordered from LOFT, for instance, I ended up returning the pants I'd bought...basically, I paid $10 to try on a pair of ill-fitting pants. Grr!). I'd say I return about half of what I buy online, maybe more. Anonymous on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-540102 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:16:32 +0000 Anonymous 540102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great thread, SIF, thanks for starting it. Perfect reading for my afternoon tea. It has been interesting to kind of see where everyone is on their journey. I think I go out to a store, some store, any store at least once a week. I would probably start to get frisky if I didn't! I've only been on YLF for 6 months and the first outfit I should have put together was a good shopping outfit since I go and try things on so often, lol! I don't shop online yet because I want to touch and feel and see the color and fit in person. Once I know what I'm doing, I might branch out to find specific items online. Our Post Office is a zoo and I will do anything to avoid going there and standing in line to mail returns back. Debby on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539988 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:29:42 +0000 Debby 539988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having been out of full-time work for a long time, I've only shopped (as in, purchased something and brought it home), maybe five times a year. The clothes I had were fine for working at home, and I had a couple of things I could put together if I needed to dress up. Last May, I took a job at a Loft Outlet to supplement my freelance editing work, and with a generous discount, I was bringing things home every week! All of a sudden, all of those "make do" clothes looked old and tired. I was able to add a lot of blazers and blouses to my closet, which I had none of, and now that I started a full-time temp job last week, those pieces are all being put to great use. I have a list that I use out of a fashion workbook I bought years ago, that lists clothing categories by "what I have" and "what I need." I don't usually fill out the "have" side (unless I have an orphan), but I'll fill in the "need" categories if I want a certain color item (white T-shirts) or kind of item (dress pants). I edit the list twice a year, when I rotate my fall/winter and spring/summer wardrobes. If I see something that I need to replace, or something I need to complete an outfit, on the list it goes. When I get to a store, I try to focus in on searching for those specific items most needed on my list. Now, if I find something I fall in love with (and I know it goes with at least one or two items I already own), I'll buy it then and there because I know I won't see it again. And there is a little boutique I love to visit a couple of times a year where I treat myself to an accessory even if I don't need it. But I found that keeping this list helps me to stop buying the same things over again (tops, black shoes!), and get things I really need (pants, pants, pants). It makes me feel so good when I find things on this list; last month I found two A-line black skirts that I needed to go with most every blouse or sweater in my closet. It makes dressing so much more fun and less stressful when I have the piece I need when I need it! jenanded on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539982 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:18:30 +0000 jenanded 539982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I probably shop too much. I think I most like the colours, the textures of fabrics, the ideas and the possibility of a wonderful transformation of self... So now that I am a YLFer, I am becoming more aware of the imaginary life shopping. Also I can shop and not buy - for example always on the hunt on the off chance MY pants or shoes will/might appear. Tops are more seasonal and I will tend to get a few things at once but then nothing for a while. I admit, I am first name basis with people in some of key stores that I shop at. Despite this, I have quite a small wardrobe. Fewer clothes mean they dont last as long. My work clothes last longer but I work at home a bit and I do kind of buy and wear tshirt styles quite a bit and they are in a season's colours and don't last much more than a season... Did I mention the colours and fabrics in stores are wonderful.... OK I am a tragic... Ginny on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539971 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:53:48 +0000 Ginny 539971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I first started hitting the blogs and reading more into the fashion arena I found I was shopping alot. Sometimes i still feel that way, but like Lisa said i am pickier now than i was. I may hit stores a few times a week and not buy anything for a month. I love the hunt and i love to look around and sometimes that gives me ideas to take back to my closet and try. It will plateau once you get a basic working wardrobe for your lifestyle. Vildy on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539955 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:25:48 +0000 Vildy 539955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm afraid I'm a committed regular shopper. But I do it my own way. I buy almost nothing online. I like trends and clothes as ideas. There's one chain fashion store near me and I shop there from time to time but usually I will shop at thrift stores. I have one favorite. It's a church store, the volunteers are wonderful, they have little snacks and birthday cakes to share, they know what I like and save it for me. I often go with a friend. The store is very small and most of the customers are regulars for years back, so we chat amiably and share a dressing room. The prices are rock bottom. When the price is a little higher than I want, I am happy to pay it because I know the church is struggling and they need the money. I go once a week. They are only open one day a week in the morning. I don't like spending lots of time shopping. I don't like malls. I tell myself that I should check out Nordstrom Rack and Ross and Ann Taylor when they have clearance, but I don't. About twice a month, another church thrift store is open for a morning. I usually go about once a month. Every couple of months I might stop in a nearby Goodwill. I find that I really love the fact that items at a thrift store are usually one of a kind and not part of a rack full of the same thing. The only drawback is that if I really like something then it can't be duplicated. Either the product is past its season or the company is out of business or its current offering just aren't to my liking. Oh well. machanteuse (Lori) on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539950 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:23:20 +0000 machanteuse (Lori) 539950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am like you - since reading blogs and joining here, I've been doing more shopping, both online and in store. I've probably been on some clothing site hunting for things just about every day. I think I'm in the phase of rebuilding a wardrobe that actually works for me, plus coming into spring and summer after having lost weight, I'm going to need a lot of stuff. If you have goals in mind and aren't spending more than you should, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm guessing the shopping will level out once we have what we need. citygirldc on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539934 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:05:24 +0000 citygirldc 539934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also shop in spurts. Sometimes it's week or more before I buy something. Right now I'm in a shopping rut, maybe because the seasons are changing soon and don't want to buy anything for the Spring just yet. Lisa on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539929 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:59:50 +0000 Lisa 539929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I first joined YLF I was looking to reinvent my style and I shopped, purchased and returned quite often. Easily 4 days a week or more! Sales associates started to know me by first name basis. Now that I've overhauled most of my wardrobe and honed in on my style I've become a less frequent and much pickier shopper. I only plan to add a few key pieces each season to "freshen up" my look. Of course my style is not extremely trendy and I don't mind selecting one or two trends to add a season. If I wanted a very trendy wardrobe I would expect my wardrobe to be overhauled each season and to shop more often to keep up. I've been sticking to looking online once a week to see what new style ideas I can find, I've started looking at why I like certain outfits or items and how I can add those elements to my own outfits to freshen up my look without purchasing something new regularly. Mo on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539901 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:57:00 +0000 Mo 539901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm on a shopping ban right now but still browse when I see something here that catches my eye. I internet shop 90% of the time due to living in unpopulated areas with limited stores available. All last year I shopped with a $125/mo budget and found I was buying roughly 3 things a month. But I have been off work and I was taking this time to shop very carefully and specifically so it took up a whole lot of my downtime. Which was fine, but once I'm back to working I'll likely browse in-store once or twice a month and browse online about an hour or two a week. DragonflyJane on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539898 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:50:08 +0000 DragonflyJane 539898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Up until recently, I've been internet shopping - probably on a weekly basis but I haven't been buying wisely. I've now changed my strategy to go to town & actually try clothes on in a real store. I'm levelling out at about once every 5 weeks which nicely coincides with my hair appointments I'm trying to be more organised & less impulsive! Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539889 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:39:39 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 539889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to go in phases - sometimes I don't shop for weeks, sometimes I go multiple times a week. I find that I buy more at the places I go to more (uh, duh) but that means I end up buying stuff at Target or the thrift store more than stores that are only in the mall, which is a bit of a hike for me. I'm more of a "buy what I find" shopper than a "I am looking for these particular items" shopper - I have wondered if I need to be more list-focused rather than deal-focused. shoppingisfun on "How often do you shop and how often do you buy clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-often-do-you-shop-and-how-often-do-you-buy-clothes#post-539873 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:08:06 +0000 shoppingisfun 539873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been shopping a lot lately. Not quite sure why...I guess it coincided with my starting to read the fashion blogs extrapetite.com and alterationsneeded.com, and my subsequent realization that, even though I'm hard to fit, I could be dressing better! I've been going shopping about every other weekend lately, which seems like too much! The thing is, though, I don't actually buy anything every time I go, or I might buy just one item. For instance, I went on a shoe/bag hunt this weekend (both Saturday AND Sunday), and in two days only purchased one purse ($40, which is actually usually more than I spend on bags) and no shoes! Oh yeah, and one multicolored strand of freshwater pearls, but since I own almost no jewelry, I don't really count that, lol....I just started wearing jewelry at all maybe two or three months ago! Anyway, does anyone shop more than I do? Less? And, if you rarely shop, how do you keep your style fresh? Any tips for spending less while upping the style quotient?