https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:32:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1728831 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:00:59 +0000 Chris987 1728831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, I do this too, in spurts, and I also do not know why. Lately I only do it in nearby stores where returns are easy and I am careful about cutting tags until I prove that what I brought home was worthy of keeping. Sometimes I do it online too. I bet my return rate could match yours &nbsp; I have all kinds of ideas about why I do this but none of them seem to really be "it". Lately I'm doing it a little less and not stressing so much about it, because there is also an element of fun. </p> <p>As long as you are ending up with pieces you like and wear, which it seems you are, and are not doing yourself any budget damage, maybe it's totally ok, even if you don't know why you do it. Plus you shared some great finds that others are now looking at or trying! </p> <p>Those UPS guys/gals have their jobs because of this sort of behavior, another reason not to be embarrassed. :-)&nbsp; </p> <p>Life and behavior are not always predictable or understandable...and speaking as someone who tends to over-analyze I think it's good to sometimes do things just because you want to if it's not hurting anything&nbsp;.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1728820 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 15:51:27 +0000 Anonymous 1728820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi <b>Suz</b>. &nbsp;Yes. &nbsp;I was initially worried about my burn rate. &nbsp;This UPS man was literally at my house every single day (including Saturdays) for two weeks straight. &nbsp;I returned a lot, but I found several jewels in the mix!! &nbsp;I beyond thrilled with the jewels and can hardly wait to start wearing them. &nbsp;Now if the weather has to change a bit more. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am new to shopping for my climate (although I <i>have</i> lived in the South for 20+ years). &nbsp;It is only the last two years that I came to accept my climate and then plan accordingly. &nbsp;I have been following your suggestions for building a wardrobe for <u>my</u> climate. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1728796 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 14:55:47 +0000 Suz 1728796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sterling,</b> I'm late to this thread but it sounds as if your "spree" resulted in very little spending, in the end! I do this quite often because I'm primarily an online shopper. I will buy up a storm but rarely keep all of it. I am also primarily a seasonal shopper -- I do one or two big shops near the start of the "main" season (i.e. S/S and F/W) &nbsp;though in winter, especially, I might refresh with a few added items after the Christmas holidays when everything goes on sale. This makes sense for me because of my long winters. If I lived in your climate I might do the same in reverse -- supplementing in August for the ongoing summer temperatures.&nbsp;</p> <p>Those GAP jeans are really interesting. I'm sorry they did not work for you and am curious to see them on <b>Janet</b>. I quite like the idea of them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1728771 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 13:04:51 +0000 Janet 1728771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! Yeah, I can understand how they may be trickier than one would expect. I need to try mine on today and take photos. I kind of wish they were full length -- like the crop PLUS the two-tone treatment might be one trend too many in a pair of jeans for me. But I'm going to post them for feedback here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1728737 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 09:53:23 +0000 Anonymous 1728737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh <b>Janet</b> -- I am so glad you asked. &nbsp;I wanted to touch base with you on the jeans but I wasn't sure how to reach out to you. &nbsp;</p> <p>They DID NOT work for me. &nbsp;I thought the two tone would be very slimming, but it was exactly the opposite on me. &nbsp;Furthermore, the seam between the two different fabric colors turned out to be a focal point on my body. &nbsp;The eye never strayed from the vertical lines (and I LOVE vertical lines). &nbsp;It is just that the eye seemed to settle on the hip. &nbsp;It was all wrong. &nbsp;Finally, the sales person thought I ordered the wrong size. &nbsp;She thought one size down would be more flattering. &nbsp;I was doubtful. &nbsp;</p> <p>Regardless of my experience, I am glad you decided to try them. &nbsp;Your experience might be very different then mine. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1728688 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 01:38:23 +0000 Janet 1728688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, how did those two-tone jeans work out for you? I ended up ordering them because I had a coupon code and a sale hit. I think they work on me better than I expected, but I'm uncertain. They are a departure for me, but that's kind of what I want! Just curious how they worked for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1727184 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 18:36:51 +0000 tulle 1727184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, thanks for the honest reminder that sometimes our appetites run away with us!&nbsp; I often think, though, that there is some very good reason, not always apparent at the time, that we go through these hungry phases, and that indulging, at least temporarily, may do us good.&nbsp; And I must say, the items you've shown here seem like beautiful and useful choices.&nbsp; Wear them in good health! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1727170 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 17:51:19 +0000 Anonymous 1727170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it can feel tiring with little gain for the time spent. I think it's a combination of the online plus I like to try things on with my wardrobe at home. That can lead to a lot of back and forth before figuring out what is needed and/or wanted permanently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1727129 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 16:05:25 +0000 Anonymous 1727129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are a wise woman, <b>Delurked</b>.&nbsp; Thank you for the much needed positive reinforcement.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> <p>On a side note, I am not spending at the frantic rate I was in early September.&nbsp; So something in my psyche has calmed down.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1727072 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 13:46:57 +0000 Anonymous 1727072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, these returns square with your need for some leeway to try things on and make decisions. Especially since a style shift is afoot. Being discerning about fabric and fit means you're not just indiscriminately keeping purchases, so unless tying up your money temporarily poses challenges to you, maybe you should be waiting till the dust settles on what's kept before determining how much of a shopping spree you're really on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1727045 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 13:19:23 +0000 Anonymous 1727045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have returned six of the many, many items I ordered in September.&nbsp; </p> <p>Let me start with the <b>Addidas Jacket</b>.&nbsp; It was as gorgeous as the picture hints.&nbsp; The feel of the fabric was sublime.&nbsp; The jacket fit me perfectly from the chest up.&nbsp; Sadly there was some pulling along the waistline.&nbsp; I'm not sure if that pulling would have been noticed by the casual observer, but it bothered me tremendously.&nbsp; I considered sizing up, but then the chest/shoulders might not fit.&nbsp; I DO recommend to women with a thinner torso.&nbsp; </p> <p>The <b>Nike Vest</b> was very nice.&nbsp; The stock picture looks&nbsp;much better than it does in real life.&nbsp;&nbsp;The back was mesh.&nbsp; You could see exactly what I was wearing underneath.&nbsp; Since I&nbsp;bought garment this thinking it would function as a cover-up, the mesh defeated the purpose.&nbsp; I am not sure I&nbsp;would recommend this to my friends.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> <p>The <b>Halogen Color Block</b> sweater smelled right out of the bag.&nbsp; I assume I was smelling the dye, but it was really unpleasant.&nbsp; </p> <p>The <b>Bobeau</b> pleat-back, high/low top was nice.&nbsp; I was going to keep it, but then decided against keeping it.&nbsp; It was nice, but it was voluminous.&nbsp; It looked shapeless and blah.&nbsp; The stock picture looks great.&nbsp; The reality is different.&nbsp; </p> <p>The <b>Nike Training Pants</b> that were delivered were <i>nothing</i> like those pictured.&nbsp; I can't help but wonder if the wrong item was shipped.&nbsp; </p> <p>I also returned a <b>Nike Sweat Shirt</b>.&nbsp;&nbsp;I expected the sweatshirt to be&nbsp;soft.&nbsp;&nbsp;It didn't meet those expectations, but most importantly, the Nike logo was HUGE.&nbsp; I would have felt like a walking billboard.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1726210 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 09:41:55 +0000 Summer 1726210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You may have been on a spree, but your choices will have been much more informed this time round.&nbsp; All the pieces look extremely versatile, and I'm sure they will fit beautifully into your current wardrobe.&nbsp; Enjoy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1726207 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 09:34:14 +0000 Anonymous 1726207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>FrannieB</b> -- I am a big fan of the Vivienne Files. &nbsp;I found that blog at the exact same time I found YLF. &nbsp;Her wisdom resonates with me. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1726123 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 02:14:39 +0000 Carla 1726123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everything you posted looks very practical, so unless you are duplicating items, it doesn't seem 'bad'. It would only be worriesome if the expenditure on the garments puts you at a financial disadvantage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1726113 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 02:03:34 +0000 frannieb 1726113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>okay when I feel I have bought to much and feel stressed about how much I have bought - I play around with my wardrobe creating different small capsules - ala vivianne files ( i know some don't like her but I love the structure)<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://http://www.theviviennefiles.com/2015/06/another-template-for-4-by-4-capsule.html">http://http//www.theviviennefi.....psule.html</a> <br />or<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://http://www.theviviennefiles.com/2015/06/a-whatevers-clean-13-template-for-you.html">http://http//www.theviviennefi.....r-you.html</a> <br />or<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.theviviennefiles.com/2016/01/a-whatevers-clean-13-for-all-occasions.html">http://www.theviviennefiles.co.....sions.html</a></p> <p>Usually doing exercises like this will send me into a no shopping time - like others said I don't do well with bans but when i take time to really understand all my different options in my wardrobe I don't want to shop.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month/page/2#post-1726111 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 02:01:59 +0000 Banoffi 1726111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can totally relate to your dilemma. I shop the same way far too much of the time. I need to go and read all the responses to your post and hope I can learn something from this myself.</p> <p>That said, what you bought all seem like basic pieces that should go with other items in your wardrobe (right?). The two-toned Gap jeans are fun as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1726102 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 01:50:46 +0000 Gigi 1726102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes do this--just start spending money willy-nilly. I think that it means I am dealing with some emotional thing that hasn't quite made it to the surface (my consciousness), if that makes any sense! </p> <p>Anyway, what I do afterward is take my time to cut the tags. I give myself a week or two to really check the stuff out (I will try it on every now and then, maybe play in my wardrobe to see how a piece works with other items). Only if everything is checking all of my "happy boxes" will I keep the item. Even if money weren't an issue, I hate having extra stuff; I want a wardrobe that just has stuff that makes my heart sing and does what I need it to do.</p> <p>A case in point for me was the Cole Haan OTK boots I bought at Nordstrom during NAS. They were beautiful and fit really well, but they weren't making me 100% happy--they were a little too conservative for my style. I kept them for a few weeks and tried them on several times with different items from my wardrobe, but each time, I found that I would really have preferred something a little different. They were too much money for me to allow them in as a placeholder, so I regretfully took them back. If I'd had extra money lying around, I probably would have kept them so as to have another pair of boots to wear (I'm very hard to fit), but such is life. </p> <p>I find that really staying on task with regard to whether something is really what I want *style-wise* helps me with sorting through my impulse purchases. After trying on the pieces a few times, I am more able to tell what I am truly excited to wear, and I return the rest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1726094 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 01:29:55 +0000 Beth Ann 1726094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a very positive thing that you're thinking through why you're shopping more at the moment. &nbsp;Living mindfully is always a winning strategy!</p> <p>Maybe, instead of a shopping ban, you could focus on bringing stress relievers into your life --- spiritual devotions or meditation, walking or yoga, 30 minutes extra sleep, time with friends, etc. &nbsp;I always doing better when I add, rather than take away activities that are pleasurable.</p> <p>Love the EF pants and the the long tunic! &nbsp;These all seem to quite practical purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1726008 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 22:31:46 +0000 Anonymous 1726008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kiwigal </b>-- My weakness <i>is</i> dark pants!!!! &nbsp;I can't <i>not</i> look at them on every website and in every store. &nbsp;I probably don't need all of them, but as you say, they are a weakness. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'll bet your summer tops are gorgeous and will make you very happy. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1726007 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 22:27:23 +0000 Sal 1726007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you have some great pieces here, I especially like the white Adidas jacket.</p> <p>I think it is fine to have a spree like this, and sometimes it does help to create a cohesive wardrobe. &nbsp;I guess it is looking at the pieces and thinking about the ones purchased were the ones that you needed.</p> <p>I have in the last two months purchased<br />- winter wool coat (HEWI, needed)<br />- new shorts (needed)<br />- three new tops, if I am honest, only one really needed and filling the gap. &nbsp;<br />- boots (yet to arrive, I hope either a total fail or totally gorgeous, not in the middle)</p> <p>My weakness is summer tops, I have a lot and I find them easy to buy, fit and like. &nbsp;I think yours is dark pants - so this is my only suggestion, did you want four new pairs of dark pants (I know one are jeans)...and the answer may well be yes because they are a high use item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725979 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 21:15:21 +0000 Anonymous 1725979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>La Pedestrienne </b>-- maybe I am starting a new shopping method? &nbsp;I love the idea of doing one really big seasonal shop and then stopping. &nbsp;I see how that can really result in a cohesive wardrobe. &nbsp;This is one of the first times in my life that it was possible for me financially. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Joyce</b> -- we'll be shoe twins!!!</p> <p><b>KL</b> -- I have never calculated my return rate, but it on the high side. &nbsp;I think I would terribly embarrassed if I did sit down and calculate it. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Delurked</b> -- Since I shop online, I guess I do view this as my try-on opportunity. &nbsp;Thanks for putting it into prospective for me. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725962 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 20:49:59 +0000 Keix 1725962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is your typical return rate for online purchases? I am a stress shopper through and through. I do spend more in stressful months, but it's because I tend to buy pricier items; I also return a LOT from those months' purchases, and mostly due to fit/the item not being how I imagined, not because of guilt or budget. Stress makes me more likely to buy something I like and less likely to think about its potential downsides before I click the final button. But two weeks later when the item finally arrives, I'm in a much better state to evaluate the purchase. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725958 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 20:36:19 +0000 Joyce B 1725958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to return my Vionic today but I tried them on again and wore them for a little while at home and they are comfortable, maybe my feet are a bit less swollen now that the temps are dropping a little. The shoes seem to be keepers now, thanks to your comment that made me try them again </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725957 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 20:35:51 +0000 Anonymous 1725957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, maybe this is rationalizing, but it looks like several items are ones you want to try. The kind of thing where if you could find them in a store, you'd make a decision after trying on. Since you can't always do that, the purchase is an opportunity for a try on. It's not necessarily a kept purchase until you make a later decision. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725950 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 20:06:42 +0000 LaPed 1725950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost always do big shops these days, in a quick flurry of activity. I find that doing it all in one fell swoop leads to a more cohesive wardrobe. If I try to spread things out, I get more of a magpie effect -- more variety, but potentially more challenging for everyday outfit creation.&nbsp;</p> <p>I actually love shopping fasts, too -- gives me a chance to really enjoy and play with my newest acquisitions, instead of forever moving off in search of the next big thing. </p> <p>When I was younger and on a tighter budget, I definitely spread out my shopping more, out of necessity, and for a long time I was prone to buying whatever color/cut/etc was on the deepest discount, regardless of whether I liked it or not. Moving away from that mindset has sometimes been challenging for me, so I understand your hesitation! It can feel like binging at first. To me, your purchases look like an efficient, practical use of time &amp; budget. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725915 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 17:40:53 +0000 Barbara Diane 1725915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, I wrote a lot, and maybe it's just the spending it all at once. Sorry if I went to far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725914 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 17:39:00 +0000 Barbara Diane 1725914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a few things going on, as others have mentioned. I don't know your financial or other situations, but, here I go.</p> <p>If it's the shock of purchasing so much, the question becomes, are they purchases you would have made if they were stretched out over time? Is it just that the timing is shocking you? Are they things you need/will they get wear or just leave other items unworn? Do you need to be purchasing other clothing items instead with the money?</p> <p>If it's the money, should it have been saved instead? Or used for something else? Would you rather have used the money to have one less month's mortgage?&nbsp;</p> <p>Are you worried about spending the next month's mortgage savings also?</p> <p>Are you worried that you have fallen into a shopping pattern and you will continue?</p> <p>Do you need to find another way to deal with stress that doesn't involve shopping? &nbsp;Or eating? If so, there are many choices. Or even have a fun money budget, and decide how you want to spend it. For eating, if it's a problem, I'm considering going back to tracking my food. I went unconscious for 5 -8 minutes yesterday and ate enough to hinder my goals.&nbsp;</p> <p>I went a while without shopping when I was losing weight. I stopped when I had enough to make enough outfits for that fall, as I expected the fall clothes to only fit for that year, and I was going to be really short on spring/summer clothing. At first not shopping was making me anxious, as I realized how often I used it to get out of the house and get my mind off things, but later I found it freeing.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725899 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 16:51:01 +0000 Anonymous 1725899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>BrieN</b>. &nbsp;Two things are going on. &nbsp;First, I refinanced the house so I don't have a mortgage payment this month or next (long story). &nbsp;Second, there is some stress at work. &nbsp;Nothing out of the ordinary, but I don't seem to be dealing with the stress like I normally do. &nbsp;Instead I am eating and shopping. &nbsp;</p> <p>I do like everything I bought. &nbsp;If I sound less than certain it is because I rarely spend so much money in a single month. &nbsp;In fact, I doubt I have <i>ever</i> spent this much money in a month in my life. &nbsp;I can rationalize every single purchase. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am most excited about the first three items shown below. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am least excited about the tunic sweater and the Jen7 pants. &nbsp;I am trying the Jen7 pants because some forum members were really happy with them and I was curious. &nbsp;I bought the sweater to coordinate with a pair of slacks that I love and I want more options to wear them. &nbsp;I want the sweater to be soft and cozy, but I have had a hard time finding soft and cozy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725898 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 16:37:02 +0000 Bonnie 1725898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same shopping "problem" and a few weeks ago I decided to set a $ limit on how much I can spend each month. I'm $101 over already.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ive-been-on-a-shopping-spree-this-month#post-1725894 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 16:20:42 +0000 Jenn 1725894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a moment recently, where I stepped back and looked at what I bought this spring/summer and felt pretty overwhelmed, so I can relate. It does look like a lot of what you've purchased is gear, though, and the rest are pretty practical pieces. As long as you're aware, it'll even out. </p>