https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:20:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814660 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:19:02 +0000 RunningSue 814660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This makes me think of the book Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Fast Fashion. At the end of the book she talks about a few women as well as herself the started sewing their own clothes or altering their store bought ones to fit them. Shopping and fashion have become a financial force as well as a hobby and career for many. The never ending, fast fashion, always changing, let's see what's new and buy it attitude has been driving our shopping patterns. Clothing has become disposable and poorly made. Factory conditions in China and many third world countries is deplorable yet we still want everything cheaper and faster.</p> <p>If we returned to 'slow' life in general, only purchasing items that are well made and yes, more expensive, although fewer in quantity, we may change the way fashion is distributed to the masses. However with the advent of fast fashion, more fashion is now available to more people and they want it.</p> <p>There is no right answer, just more questions.<br /> Edit </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814644 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:03:51 +0000 Mo 814644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, I also remember the shopping being at the start of school. After about age 13, my parents would give me $200 and say, buy your year's stuff. Maybe that's why I've always been a more for the money type shopper? And then my birthday (in May) would be when the warm weather clothes would come. Little to nothing in between, save maybe some jammies or a coat or sweater at Christmas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814632 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:49:37 +0000 Laura 814632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lynne, I remember feeling the same. A new pair of shoes was a huge deal and I would be thrilled for months. I also remember that Mom and I would shop only twice a year, usually August and Christmas (August for school clothes). The whole family would travel to the Big City and stay at a hotel and make a weekend out of it. Somehow it was incredibly satisfying. Maybe I should write about that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814622 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:44:47 +0000 morethanbeige 814622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great article, Laura! Love the term. I'm in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814587 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:21:26 +0000 lynne 814587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great article. I've been remembering lately how when I was younger and had less money a new item was more greatly valued. I am working to regain that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814557 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:02:22 +0000 RoseandJoan 814557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for putting a name to something I could not quite articulate Laura.</p> <p>I do believe enjoying the process heightens the reward so I am in </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814448 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:41:19 +0000 Charmian 814448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely piece! I've been on SYB for a year at this point, with my budget resetting every 3 months. This is the first budget cycle when I don't find myself voraciously wanting anything, and I love the peace that it's brought me. Slowing down my rate of shopping has really helped me reset the pace at which I expect and delight in newness. There are so many things other than "newness" to delight in: a well-curated collection, an outfit that makes you feel like an 11, an old favourite coming out to play once more, reveling in item quality/versatility/whatever, discovering a new way to wear an item, ...</p> <p>I don't plan on going on a new shopping challenge or ban (since SYB works so well for me as-is), but I plan on savouring every moment of my newfound contentment. And I'm contemplating adjusting my budget down a bit, to ensure that I don't get tempted to pick up another "hit" by shopping for a new item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814447 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:40:37 +0000 Anonymous 814447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Laura, may I play, please? *clasping hands together earnestly* What a fantastic article. You have put words to the feelings and thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head. Americans in particular seem to enjoy shopping purely as a sport and we have the stuffed closets to prove it. </p> <p>Last spring/summer I was shopping *frantically* for what, I do not know. It was like news of cotton prices rising made me want to RUN to the nearest thrift store and buy ugly cotton things in bulk. Famine! Scarcity! Lack! What was I afraid of? That the small selection of clothes in my closet would wear out all at the same time and I would have to go naked? </p> <p>I really like your idea of going slowly and allowing there to be chronological space between purchases. How can I savor a new item (or learn how many ways it can be worn) if I jump to purchase another right afterwards? And another. And another! I think Europeans (in general) "slow shop" compared to us. I remember La Francaise mentioning the horror she felt when we referred to our shopping "hauls". That really got me thinking. Thanks for taking this to the next level. I can't wait to read some more of your articles! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814409 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:11:07 +0000 rachylou 814409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Re. the economic nature of today's era: That would be a yes, I feel that way. Slower and scaled back is the way forward. This is not entirely a bad thing, IMO, either. When I say "scaled back," I don't mean there's no room for opulence (my word for the week btw ;&gt;). I mean scaling back on decimating voracity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814327 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:13:50 +0000 Kristin L 814327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You wrote a great article, Laura. I think you did a great job capturing the idea of buying less and enjoying it more. I'm not sure about going 12 x 12 because I'd like to hope I can buy less than that. I'm still going to keep swapping clothes, but even that's starting to get expensive paying for shipping and what-not. </p> <p>The figure you mention about Generation Y scares me as well. I hate the idea of my most my generation living in debt and what that can mean later on down the road. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814241 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:05:55 +0000 Laura 814241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel, you are making me grin from ear to ear! It was a harrowing experience but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, or need a stronger drink, or whatever that funny saying is.</p> <p>I love YLFers and everyone's generous and energetic spirits. Thank you all for your enthusiasm and kind words, they mean the world! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in/page/2#post-814232 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:51:07 +0000 Isabel 814232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I absolutely feel the same. It is about living within one's means and not "assuming" that we will earn it in the future some time. For me, like Denise , it is a social responsibility also. And just being in the present.</p> <p>I have to say that I LOVED your blog on the house. I am going to follow it. It gave me a tremendous amount of respect for you and your husband. I just kept thinking about what great role modeling for your kids. You are not your square footage ! We have lost the "art" of being content. ( I am going all Taoist on you.....LOL....btw....I LOVED the Lutheran Yogi bit !!!! ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-814149 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:12:15 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 814149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, yes, and yes! After doing SYC for a couple of months, I got a much better handle on what I do NOT need more of and have a very small list of things to look for patiently when I have the funds for them. The next step is to get rid of the things that are taking up space in my closet but do not give me joy when I wear them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-814118 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:55:51 +0000 Transcona Shannon 814118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm working on becoming a member of Team Slow Shop. I used to be a member of Team Frenzied Shop.</p> <p>Fab article Laura! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-814108 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:51:58 +0000 Carole 814108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great article, Laura! I find topics pertaining to minimalism and simple living fascinating but "slow shopping" is something everyone can strive for. I like the reminder to savor every purchase.</p> <p>I'm in and bookmarking your article. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-814066 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:17:18 +0000 rute 814066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in! I need this for 2013! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-814005 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:27:44 +0000 Janet 814005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great piece, Laura. I need to embrace this, and it's tough for me as shopping has always been a form of entertainment, de-stressor, tool of procrastination, etc. Plus, for the first time in my life, I can afford things I only could have dreamed of years ago. </p> <p>I just find shopping so darn fun. I *like* the hunt. I also enjoy the vast majority of my clothes once they're in my closet too. But I know I need to put on the brakes. Last year I definitely went a little nuts. Maybe I need to find some other way to satisfy my craving for "the hunt." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813992 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:17:09 +0000 Laura 813992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the big-picture view, I think we have entered a difficult new economic era when, sadly, many of us might not see the financial success we expected growing up. After all, my generation (Generation X) is the first generation that will earn less than their parents. Generation Y is the most indebted generation ever. Since 2008, financial realities have become clearer than ever, and in my opinion, slow shopping is just one of many movements that will take hold. </p> <p>Do any of you feel the same? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813812 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:13:39 +0000 Deborah 813812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura I loved reading your article, thank you for sharing it. Your thinking here corresponds with some thoughts I have been having as I jarhead a book called To Die For by Lucy Siegle. I am processing this all at the moment but I see major changes around the corner to the way I shop. Sign me up for "slow shopping". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813802 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:36:18 +0000 Kirti 813802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great concept! I should consciously make an effort to 'slow shop'! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813750 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 06:29:24 +0000 Isabel 813750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This great, thank you. Coincidentally, I started following the "slow movement" a couple of months ago ( Slow your home, slow your cooking, and so on ). I really love the concept and is something that I want to do this year . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813728 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 05:02:35 +0000 catgirl 813728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm attempting a 12x12 for any purchases not made with rewards (like Gap) or consigment credit, so I am in! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813718 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:54:35 +0000 ManidipaM 813718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing, Laura! </p> <p>I think this is also a great idea for those just coming out of SYC, as I was last year --- it can be tempting to go haywire, like bingeing after a diet and not remembering what it was all FOR.</p> <p>And like Denise, I think it has an ecological as well as psychological (you'd be happier in your closet this way) too.</p> <p>I'm mulling over the 12 for 12 idea for this year too. And that means I might have a manageable list of 'holes to fill' for once. (Usually, I see so many holes, I get a little overwhelmed at the task ahead.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813704 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:39:50 +0000 Anonymous 813704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are such an extraordinary writer. I'm in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813649 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:47:24 +0000 rachylou 813649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to be in. All my money has to go towards insulin if I go off the pump, I just learned. Argh!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813644 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:42:41 +0000 Laura 813644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right Denise - some relate slow shopping to green shopping and such - good thoughts for a follow-up article! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813614 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:19:55 +0000 CocoLion 813614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to follow other rules, such as "purchase only 25% of wardrobe made in China." I think that's a slow-shopping related concept, as green shopping is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813613 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:19:11 +0000 Angie 813613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very nice, Laura! I'm impressed :). And thanks for the shout out! I bat for Team Slow Shop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813609 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:18:14 +0000 Suz 813609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - I agree with you about how freeing it can be simply to stop, to make it work with what you have, to enjoy it for what it is. Not always easy for a lot of us but it can offer lessons in patience, acceptance, creativity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-idea-the-slow-shopping-movement---whos-in#post-813607 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:16:57 +0000 Caro in Oz 813607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in for the thinking about every purchase but I do need to think how this will pan out for me as I need to restock for winter. I've only bought a couple of replacements over summer as I've been saving my money for a big spend. </p>