https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:11:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317525 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 19:43:32 +0000 Irina 2317525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Helena</b>, LOL<br />Will be leaving those stones alone in the future.&nbsp;<div>I find too many things I would love to wear from my favorite stores as it is, no need to wonder around!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317440 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:24:29 +0000 Helena 2317440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina, I would say you DID turn over the retail stone and you didn't like what was under it!! :D</p> <p>Totally valid ... And smart shopping. If a place lets you down multiple times, it only makes sense to scratch it from the list. I'm sure if you saw something really fantastic there you could make an exception but that doesn't mean you have to keep it on the regular list. Anyways your instincts are superb with fashion so I say follow your gut is prob the best rule for you to use! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317316 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 23:18:31 +0000 Irina 2317316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jonesy,&nbsp;</b>Nice! Those shirts are great! I didn’t even tried the linen blazer because of the fabric.&nbsp;<br /><div>Maybe Uniqlo will have a summer Marni collab. Last year I got 2 t-shirts and bunch of socks!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317300 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 21:01:03 +0000 Jonesy 2317300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Irina</b>, my JWA X Uniqlo order came today! I ordered one of the striped button downs (keep: sleeves are quite long on me too, but I still love it), the striped dropped waist dress (return: I love a dropped waist and they are hard to come by, but it was just too short in the back), and the cream linen blazer (return: fabric seemed too flimsy to me and the sleeves were a little short). I also ordered several pairs of the striped socks, and am keeping those. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317291 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 20:12:40 +0000 Style Fan 2317291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina, this is my strategy now that I do more online shopping.&nbsp; I stick with brands that I can rely on.&nbsp; Shopping in B &amp; M used to be fun.&nbsp; Not as much now.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317284 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 19:19:22 +0000 Kate 2317284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With one notable exception, I don't shop from a list. My wardrobe is pretty large, and there is nothing I truly need. I think if I shopped from a list I would be truly frustrated. I know, because I have been searching for olive jeans for four years. I have lost track of how many I have ordered and returned in that time. The last two pairs went out in the mail two days ago.</p> <p>That aside, I generally shop for types of items: slim pants or wide-legged/barrel legged jeans; boxy cropped button-up shirts in summer; etc., and when something truly delights me, I buy it. Outerwear is a huge source of pleasure and I'm always happy to look at it, and then try to restrain myself. My colors are predominantly neutrals, and I keep to cotton and wool, so those parameters tend to limit what I shop for as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love to look at the retailers that I prefer, but buy with restraint and lots of joy. Except for those @#$%! olive jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317282 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 19:11:02 +0000 judy 2317282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina, this thread reminds me of The Paradox of Choice that I read about on Twitter today.&nbsp; Apparently it's a book that basically says the more options there are the harder it is to make good decisions and be satisfied in them.&nbsp; Ah, it's a ted talk too, haven't watched or read, but it kind of rings true. Here's a link to a summary&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://brandgenetics.com/human-thinking/the-paradox-of-choice-speed-summary/">https://brandgenetics.com/huma.....d-summary/</a></p> <p>I have some online boutiques I visit (all my clothes shopping has been online the last few years) that tend to have clothes that get me, that's a good phrase, like you mentioned, Janet.&nbsp; It's like they've already gone shopping and gathered some clothes I would like.&nbsp; I've been disappointed in fast fashion and big retailers in recent years in terms of cut and fabrics so I've mostly eliminated them.&nbsp; &nbsp;I would say having a narrower field makes choices easier for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317281 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 18:39:33 +0000 Irina 2317281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy, I went to a store for JWA collab but nothing worked. I tried button down shirts. Like them a lot but the sleeves are too long on me, down to my elbows. Jeans didn’t look great. I’m still thinking about the cream blazer, wasn’t in love with fabric but might go back and try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317279 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 18:19:23 +0000 Jonesy 2317279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get it, Irina! Sometimes I do the same thing where I find myself searching endlessly for something very specific, just because I got it in my head that that's what I needed. It's a weird fixation, in my case. Sometimes I eventually find something, sometimes I give up. For example, I have tried to find a very specific sort of trench coat for years, and have finally given up, I think. To reduce this wild goose chase approach, I do try to shop with a looser mandate (e.g., a boxy, short sleeved white button down, vs. something really specific). And since I buy a lot of stuff via online consignment, it's just more practical for me to be pretty open with what I want. But I also understand sticking with certain brands that just get you, work seamlessly with what you already have, and are super-reliable. Especially with ordering online all the time, it makes life a lot less frustrating.&nbsp;</p> <p>Say, did you order anything from the JW Anderson X Uniqlo collaboration? (I know that you like their collabs.) I ordered a few things (I never met a blue striped button down I didn't like!); waiting for them to arrive.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317237 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 13:50:35 +0000 Kyle 2317237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I really, really need something, I know I can count on J. Crew. Their clothes consistently fit my long, non-curvy body, the styles fit my aesthetic, the quality is generally good, and the prices are in my comfort zone. </p> <p><div>There are other stores where I rarely have luck, so I don’t typically shop there.&nbsp;Sometimes I look, but I never, ever buy. Examples &nbsp;include Ann Taylor Loft and Kohl’s. And yet, this winter I found some wonderful pieces at Loft, just because there’s one near my house, including three toppers and two pairs of pants, which are so very difficult for me. These bi-stretch flares are SO GOOD, look much higher end, and I got them in black and cobalt blue. On sale now, I see!&nbsp;<div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.loft.com/clothing/pants/catl000014/grp_602506_2222.html?priceSort=DES">https://www.loft.com/clothing/.....ceSort=DES</a></p> <p>And yesterday, I was in Kohl’s to drop off an Amazon return, when a casual lavender blouse caught my eye. Tried it on and loved it — my first lavender wardrobe item and my first Kohl’s clothing purchase. I won’t be shopping there regularly, but if I’m already there I may look around. So I think I may be in the “rely on your tried and true stores, but also leave no retail stone unturned camp.”</div></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317233 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 13:23:38 +0000 ChristelJ 2317233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading all with great interest. Shopping can be such hard work. I have recently gone to my most reliable store that carrys petites, Loft, and tried on probably 20 pairs of jeans looking for that perfect pair of wide legs. Well, the SA and I figured out which one was absolutely right, but not in stock in my exact size, and I have discovered it is also out of stock completely online or in other stores I could get to. I have been checking repeatedly but no luck. So disappointing. I know I could widen the search to other stores and brands, but I have decided to just give up the wide leg search and make do with my other styles. There's a limit to my energy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317231 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 12:58:34 +0000 Anonymous 2317231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I limit my online shopping mainly cause I want to keep the companies that have my data to a minimum! Agreeing that there are definitely shops and brands that fit my shape and aesthetic much more than others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317171 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 21:53:58 +0000 Sal 2317171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s also what makes the forum fun though - I like seeing the cold weather outfits and the different lifestyles and needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317164 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 20:18:53 +0000 anchie 2317164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am almost exclusively online shopper, but I am more hesitant to experiment with new retailers then with the new brands. I need to be sure if the retailer is reliable, how fast is shipping, what are payment options, what is return policy, if returns are free etc. So I am sticking with just couple of retailers that sell different brands. With brands, I am open to experiment, if I see something with potential from unfamiliar brand, I will order it. If I like the fit and quality, I will explore the brand more, but if quality or fit is not ok, I will very rarely give the brand another chance. That is how I found some of my favorite pieces and new brands that work for me. Since most of US brands are not available here, I can’t copy forum favorites or get top picks which is probably a good thing for my budget:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317161 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 19:43:07 +0000 Jenni NZ 2317161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually I find it a blessing that I can’t easily get the US goods. It stops that thing of “Off to check it out!” that constantly happens on the forum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317113 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 14:58:32 +0000 LJP 2317113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will say that it can be frustrating on the forum as a Canadian seeing goods not easily found her or that retail for a whole lot more than they do in the US . I’m sure our AUS and NZ members feel the same way . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317089 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 13:20:35 +0000 Janet 2317089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also tend to keep my shopping to stores that seem to get me — my style and my body type — so I’ve learned not to bother with a lot of retailers (J Crew rarely works for me as they cut everything too straight). Some designers and brands I can consider some items but not others — for instance, I had a sweet spot for Ted Baker prints a few years ago but their dresses are cut laughably long for my torso, so I could consider scarves or accessories instead. Or Boden — their prints are not my jam at all and they skew a bit traditional/preppy for me, but sometimes for a classic piece of knitwear, they are a great choice. </p> <p>It just means I have to put blinders on for certain things and stay open to others. And of course sometimes you just don’t know until you try it on. In a time when a lot of labels seem to have disappeared, I do find it necessary to try some new ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned/page/2#post-2317080 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 12:59:38 +0000 Irina 2317080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to thank you all for your thoughtful responses. I feel I needed an attitude adjustment. I will keep my list as a reminder but not as a priority. And will keep an open mind about things on my list. Yes, a black cashmere turtleneck in my wardrobe can only be replaced with a black cashmere turtleneck but I can wait for it to become available from my favorite brands and should not be searching high and low to cross an item from my list.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2317071 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 12:40:04 +0000 Tanya 2317071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with Suz here, and take the in-between approach.&nbsp; &nbsp;I know brands/stores that usually work for me, both in terms of fit and aesthetic, and the ones that don't.&nbsp; But I will try things even from them occasionally if I am in a store so there is no risk.&nbsp; Online I am a bit more careful, but I have bought plenty of final sale items as I was reasonably confident they would work.</p> <p>For example, I have a very long torso, and getting dresses with defined waistlines to fit can be very difficult.&nbsp; I know now which brands tend to have a similar fit model and which don't.&nbsp; Many make their dresses for relatively short-waisted to-proportionally waisted bodies, so I usually don't even bother with them unless the dress comes in tall sizes.&nbsp; However, if it is something I am completely in love with, I will give it a try and order it being fully prepared that it likely won't work and I need to send it back.&nbsp; &nbsp;Usually that is true, but sometimes I am positively surprised. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2317065 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 11:23:08 +0000 jussie 2317065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm well I think we on the forum tend to be quite picky.<br /> Which is good, but also can make it hard to actually find things up to our standard out there in the wild!<br /> I rarely find things in the exact colour, fit, fabrication and style that I want. I usually will get 3 out of the 4, and have to compromise a little bit on one aspect. I just bought two woolly winter sweaters, both are ever so slightly warmer in colouring than what I truly wanted, however I could not find the EXACT shade I wanted, without losing the other features I wanted. For example I found a sweater in the perfect pale pink colour -but the sleeves were too short and I didn’t love the neckline. I saw another in a perfect deep raspberry pink colour but it was too shapeless and too long to tuck or wear with high waisted bottoms.<br /> I ended up finding one in light sage green (not an absolutely ideal colour for me, but still fairly decent), and one in very light cream, almost ecru (again, not ideal but still fairly decent). However the great thing is that both are good shapes/style, fits, and have decent fabric quality. They will fill a big wardrobe hole for me, as previously I only had one thick/warm wooly pullover. This wasn’t really enough, and left me wearing my puffer jacket so frequently that I got absolutely sick of it. In the past I know I tend to make heavy use each winter of a heavyweight sweater, so I think they will get worn quite a bit. Also I can think of at least four bottoms they will each work with.<br /> Also in the past when I haven’t been happy with the shape of the sweater I have NOT worn it, so I know shape/fit is what I shouldn’t compromise too much on, whereas colour is more flexible as long as it’s still reasonably flattering.<br /> Also they were both in my price range so I went for it.<br /> Why? Because I need some warm sweaters and these will do nicely. I don’t want to search for ages. It’s getting colder fast!! </p> <p>I got them both from stores I shop at fairly regularly, I didn’t look far afield. I guess I have around 5-10 stores I mostly shop at. Seems to be enough to be able to find things that meet my criteria to an acceptable level.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2317035 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 23:35:09 +0000 Suz 2317035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just backtracking and contradicting myself a bit, LOL -- because some things really are needs. I mean, underwear, obviously, and footwear...but if you cleave to a fairly tight colour palette, for example (as you do, <b>Irina</b>, and I do as well) then yes, a navy top for winter (in my case) or a black one (for you) might actually be a genuine need! </p> <p>So I guess I'd say that even here, we can aim for balance -- what Angie calls <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2021/08/18/organized-emotional-shopping-2/">"organized emotional" </a>shopping. A list is not a bad thing to have -- it's just that being too tightly wedded to the list can be detrimental.&nbsp;</p> <p>An example from my own life this season. I always look for two types of summer tops -- lightweight button front shirts&nbsp; in linen or cotton gauze or voile, with some coverage and usually long sleeves (for sun protection). And/ or sleeveless woven tops, which I really like for their coolness.&nbsp;</p> <p>In the last few years, I have found it virtually impossible to find what I am after. So apart from one linen shirt, I did not buy any tops. Most of my summer tops were really on their last legs, with five to eight years hard wear. I really did <b>need&nbsp;&nbsp;</b>new summer tops!&nbsp;</p> <p>So this year, so far, I've purchased a few knit tops (we'll see how that goes -- they were an inexpensive experiment) and a few <b>short sleeved</b>&nbsp;or cap sleeved woven tops.&nbsp;</p> <p>This isn't what I thought I wanted, but it might work instead of what I wanted. And if it doesn't, well, lesson learned.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I also tried an inexpensive linen shirt and a heavier cropped shirt and a lighter cotton shirt. We'll see how these work.&nbsp;</p> <p>In two cases, the retailer was one I'd only ever purchased from once or twice in the past (Everlane, Sandwich).&nbsp;</p> <p>Several tops come from BR, which for me has been an easy standard place to try because of free returns.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ditto for GAP.&nbsp;</p> <p>J. Crew has become much pricier but I got on sale in the US.&nbsp; </p> <p>So ultimately -- if I had stuck only to my most favoured stores, I'd only have had a couple of these items.&nbsp; Apart from the lilac shirt and a more general "a top with some green in pattern", none was on a list of any kind. I had no idea I would purchase anything like the rest. Until I did. Now, they may turn out to be duds. But they may also turn out to be surprising workhorses, helping me to evolve my style in a new direction.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2317028 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 22:10:05 +0000 LJP 2317028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too have a very specific list of items in my head and know exactly how I want them to look . Trouble is , they don’t exist in my price range . And this is where I tie myself up in knots and spend far too much time looking and fretting over clothes and shoes I somehow must have. I then buy things I don’t love in some sort of perverse compromise . If I just left shopping alone and let things come to me in a less frenetic way , I bet I’d be happier . I create my own stress and dissatisfaction . And as Jenni says , I have more than enough to dress quite well . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2317023 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 21:33:01 +0000 Jenni NZ 2317023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also really agree with La Ped. Clothes shopping, unless really major size change with weight loss or gain, is not a “need” for most of us.<br /> This has helped me too. I already know I am very privileged to have the wardrobe I have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2317022 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 21:28:45 +0000 Jenni NZ 2317022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I agree with your last point above Irina. That’s what I’m trying to do because I have so much still ( just under 150 items, not sure of your wardrobe size). And I’m following Suz’s strategy above of being quite general in what I might be low on. That’s how I got my recent Joseph Ribkoff pants, by knowing all my pants were very well used except for a thrifted $5 pair and so another pair wouldn’t go amiss, with the serendipity of a good sale and great colours for me.<br /> I have only bought 2 items this year so far.<br /> I do also follow your strategy of mostly trying either brands or stores that have worked for me in the past. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2317020 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 21:26:43 +0000 Sal 2317020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread has become very interesting. I think the specific holes - need black pants, need a navy blouse shopping can be hard. And saying what is the real hole - or pausing can be worthwhile sometimes. </p> <p>I do agree that there are retailers that rarely work for me. For online shopping I mostly only buy essentials now.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2317016 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 21:18:22 +0000 Irina 2317016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz &amp; LaPed,&nbsp;</b>exactly! It’s a completely different approach for me, though &nbsp; I’m such a “list” person. And then I get all obsessed about finding things on my list. It is a lifelong habit. I wonder if my wardrobe is full enough to let go and stop trying to fill imaginary wardrobe holes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2316996 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 19:35:10 +0000 LaPed 2316996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 100% on board with your strategy, Irina. I ignore almost all of the labels out there at this point, and have let my shortlist shrink a bit as certain brands I used to rely on no longer mesh with my style/lifestyle Boden is a prime example. I used to like a lot of what they have on offer, but these days when I look it all feels a bit off, not quite what I'm going for.&nbsp;</p> <p>Everything I've tried on at Gap/ON/BR the past several years has been a fail, mostly for fit reasons. But I do find things I love at Athleta from time to time. Likewise, J Crew stopped working for me years ago (cut too straight, gold hardware on all the coats, colours generally too bright/saturated), but I have fairly good luck with Madewell, where I often find things that remind me of the J Crew items I wore in high school (early naughties). Uniqlo and Everlane have both provided me with lots of wardrobe staples over the past decade, but I've had a lot of misses from them too, but just enough successes to keep going back. This makes me think I should give COS and Massimo Dutti a closer look, as we seem to have quite a bit of brand overlap.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, none of this applies when I'm shopping secondhand! I continue to have a wide variety of labels in my closet thanks to thrift stores and clothing swaps, where the label is often the very last thing I look at.&nbsp;</p> <p>What you wrote in your last paragraph really resonates: "I struggle when I’m looking for a specific item, this is when multiple orders and returns happen. So, maybe I should be more flexible in my so called “need” for an x item." </p> <p>I have found it really helpful to get away from framing clothes shopping as a "need"; my clothing is well above subsistence level and I could make do for a long time without adding anything. So I if I do add something new, it had better be something I love! These days I think in terms of "I would like" or "I could use" and don't let myself get tied up in knots searching for highly specific items, which can result in compromising just to fill a perceived wardrobe hole and check an item off my list.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2316931 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:47:27 +0000 Suz 2316931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! The retailers that tend to work for you are the ones that rarely work for me -- and vice versa! Though it is not a question of aesthetics -- I love the COS aesthetic.&nbsp; I might have more luck if I spent a whole day in try ons there to see which items come closest to working. But that would involve a trip to Vancouver.&nbsp;</p> <p>I still have good luck (sometimes) for core items and completer items at BR and (sometimes, much more rarely GAP).&nbsp;</p> <p>I get a good fit with J. Crew though the prices are awfully high now. And colours can be a bit too warm/ bright for me at times.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think your strategy of ranking the stores that tend to work is an excellent one. But here's the most important point:&nbsp;</p> <p><i>I struggle when I’m looking for a specific item, this is when multiple orders and returns happen. So, maybe I should be more flexible in my so called “need” for an x item and just go with a flow, compromising on an item and not on a retailer.<br /></i><br />BINGO. <b>That's it</b>. And that's what I meant by it being more difficult if your wardrobe is very tight -- you have less wiggle room to go with the flow in that case.&nbsp;</p> <p>Apart from core essentials like jeans or bras or bathing suits, I almost never go in search of "X" specific item when I go shopping -- because it never, never, never works for me!&nbsp;</p> <p>Last year I wanted simple navy merino sweaters. NOPE. I did finally find one at J. Crew but it was a shopping nightmare in the meantime.&nbsp;</p> <p>For several years I've been looking for an A-Line midi skirt in linen. You would think this would be easy to find. But no. All the ones I found in my price range were in colours I did not like or were wrap style and flapped open.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do much better if I say to myself: I need summer tops. Full stop. Much more general. I might add to myself that I need one light toned neutral and one dark toned neutral top, for example (knowing those will help me make outfits with printed bottoms). But that's about the extent of it. Because until I get out there (or online) I don't know what I'll find.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2316927 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:23:15 +0000 kkards 2316927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rarely cross stores off my list, but I have a number of stores that I’ve learned are not really good for me, either in cut/sizing or in vibe. I’ve learned to be very careful and selective in those stores if I’m shopping them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leaving-some-retail-stones-unturned#post-2316921 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:12:52 +0000 Jules 2316921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally! You in particular (but also general ‘you’) know your style, brands and patience level best. Some times I want to shop around, sometimes I don’t. Limiting options helps me hone in on what I actually like and want (for example, if I’m only looking at Canadian made, my options are a lot fewer - but that is not necessarily a bad thing!). In a world of endless choices, sometimes we are better off to filter up front. </p>