https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 01:32:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this/page/2#post-436935 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:20:09 +0000 krishnidoux 436935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I share this with you. It's good for my wallet though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this/page/2#post-436784 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:02:53 +0000 Suz 436784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting, Sara. I, too, can manage a thrift store. Part of it is the organization, with like items placed together; that makes it easy to sift through the stuff that doesn't interest me. Whereas in a big department store, the various designers stuff is all displayed in little boutique like areas...but there are so many, and I haven't shopped in so long, that I didn't know where to start. </p> <p>Another issue I had, that became more obvious to me yesterday when I had a few minutes in the mall—much of what I saw was not going to be available in my size. I'm not truly petite but do wear petite tops and jackets better than regular sized ones, and skirts, too...and quite often there was nothing in a size that I could have tried on. Another reason to patronize a boutique, I guess! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this/page/2#post-436762 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:41:51 +0000 Heather 436762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could shop all day and night and the bigger the selection, the better. </p> <p>Now, obviously with a "needs" list this amount of selection can be tempting and annoying at having to sift and sift for the perfect item. </p> <p>Sometimes it is fun to go shopping for everything you want and nothing you need....within reason, of course. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this/page/2#post-436711 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:56:44 +0000 Sara 436711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found that the older I get, the worse it is! I love to shop, but it just seems like there is SO MUCH to look at! I rarely ever go to the mall, but when I do, I always hit up Forever 21 and I always walk out 30 minutes later without feeling like I've even seen half of the store. Or even worse, I'll find some randomly misplaced item that I love that isn't my size, and even in the inventory system says it's in stock, the sales people can never find it. Strangely enough, I do most of my shopping at thrift stores and rarely ever feel overwhelmed there, even at the big ones. I think it has something to do with the anticipation of knowing I might find something great for a dollar. So it's more of a treasure hunt whereas the mall (for me) is a crap shoot </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this/page/2#post-436505 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:30:15 +0000 ButterflyLady 436505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alicat - your little foster kitty is very cute indeed!</p> <p>To get back to shopping, I try things on only if I am in the right mood - otherwise I bring things home and make up my mind there - I can think better, and try things on with my own accessories, shoes etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this/page/2#post-436158 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:13:19 +0000 CocoLion 436158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no problem shopping retail unless my feet get tired or I am hungry. I can easily focus. But I can see I am in the minority. I should also add that I live in a rural area with zero shopping so when I do have lots of urban stimulation around me, it is a treat rather than a burden. After a few days of urban over-stimulation, such as in San Francisco, which has the benefit of being tasteful stimulation, I am usually ready to leave though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-436152 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:03:25 +0000 Anonymous 436152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought Seven Daughters red blend so I wouldn't have to choose a grape! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-436101 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:08:28 +0000 Suz 436101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SO interesting to read your replies. Thank you so much. I now feel in very good company! And Alicat, the bottle of wine was absolutely the right choice! (Although, knowing me, I'd even have a tough time picking THAT!!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-436095 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:02:48 +0000 D'Ellen 436095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Red...or white? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-436086 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:55:14 +0000 Anonymous 436086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ha ha, thanks, Kim! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-436085 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:54:37 +0000 Queen Mum 436085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alicat- you made the right choice </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-436076 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:48:33 +0000 Anonymous 436076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a "foster mom" for a little kitty right now who has a cold. I went into Target today to get him a humidifier, and I got completely and totally overwhelmed. Did I want warm mist, cold mist, warm/cold mist, adorable frog shape, plain box???</p> <p>I bought a bottle of wine and left in a panic.</p> <p>My neighbor loaned me a humidifier. Kitty is curled up next to me, all is well! Whew!</p> <p>Here is his bio if anyone is interested. He is all about love, love, love, all the time. He rocks the orange fur look and he doesn't have any fashion fears. He says all of you ladies are visual feasts! Purr!</p> <p><a href="http://www.austinpetsalive.org/adopt/available-cat-details/?ID=14125103#" rel="nofollow">http://www.austinpetsalive.org.....=14125103#</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435743 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:46:25 +0000 Patty 435743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Despite the fact that I really only have a narrow band of stuff I am interested in/or will fit (in general) and narrow again in the envy but not me stuff I will still often end up in a messy panic attack--especially if I am alone--so I don't do it.<br /> Once again I hate the Bay for this!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435621 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:54:43 +0000 Queen Mum 435621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>definitely! I feel exactly like Elly... " I can't handle being over stimulated and having to think at the same time." This is why I end up doing so much returning. I don't make myself weed down too much in the store. I bring it home and do the thinking here. (which would also explain some of my "what was she thinking!?", keep or return posts :-)</p> <p>And my poor husband is even worse. I took him to Kohl's the other day to find some shirts. Mind you , *I* did most of the looking and sent him into the dressing room with about a dozen items. He finally emerged after trying only about half of it on, clearly rattled. "I am done dear... I can't think... this is too much!" LOL.. I calmed him down, we weeded out a few things, and told him we need to buy the rest and bring it home and decide. </p> <p>I can understand how hard it must be for you ladies who don't have shopping nearby. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435602 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:29:22 +0000 Janet 435602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a city girl and have a lot of shopping stamina, but sometimes I feel this way too! </p> <p>In the last year, I have narrowed my shopping from what I used to do when I was younger. Way back, I used to feel like I had to walk into every store, just to see what options were there. I think I was afraid I'd miss something. Well, now I've narrowed down so much that last week I thought, "I should get out of Nordstrom for a change and walk through the rest of the mall." Part of my motivation was the search for the elusive perfect faux fur vest, and the decision ended up being a good one, since I found it in Macys, where I don't shop much anymore.</p> <p>Along the way, walking through the mall, I decided to stop in some places I rarely if ever shop. Banana Republic, for example, ended up being a good choice, despite my fear that it would all be too boring or conservative for me, since I found a couple of good basic replacement items.</p> <p>But then I stopped in a new store, just for grins, and immediately felt that overwhelming feeling that turned me off. The store was Charming Charlie, and I know it's popular with some of the fashion bloggers for it's huge variety of color-organized accessories, but to me it was a jumble of garish goods. I had a vague idea I might find a cute animal print scarf there, so I took a quick tour through, but left quickly, empty handed, feeling almost assaulted by all the visual stimuli. </p> <p>And then I walked past Abercrombie &amp; Fitch and nearly gagged from the fumes from there, which is a whole other rant. How does anyone stand to walk in there? Clothespin on nose? </p> <p>I think sometimes I'm better at putting on blinders than others. Sometimes when I'm out to shop, I'll be very focused and can easily ignore the extraneous distractions. Other times I feel much more sensitive to all the excess, whether it's music, jammed full racks of merchandise (another peeve of mine), etc. I'm not sure why, but when I feel like that, I take it as a cue it's time to leave. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435596 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:17:55 +0000 ironkurtin 435596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's odd, now that I think about it, that I have this reaction in some stores and not others. I never had this response at Century 21, which is also huge, maybe because I started shopping there when It was smaller and sortof grew with it. I think that's true of many of my favorites, actually.</p> <p>I might have a diffent response after 3 years in Austin, though. By LA/NYC standards, the "big" stores here are tiny! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435584 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:07:44 +0000 missvee 435584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once I went to Paris and thought I might get a new bathing suit at Printemps, one of their lovely department stores. I asked the sales assistant where they were and she told me the floor number. When I got off the escalator I looked around and the entire floor was bathing suits - thousands and thousands of them!!!! You can guess how many I bought - none. I could have spent my whole holiday right there!<br /> Now when I shop I try to focus on one or two items and it's easier then to scan the racks and shelves for suitable options. And I really like the small boutiques too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435570 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:41:32 +0000 Kafe 435570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely feel this way. Even with a list, I get to the mall (which is rarely) and then can't seem to focus as I maneuver through the maze of clothes and every other item, sight, and sound that is supposed to stimulate our senses but basically overwhelms me.</p> <p>This weekend I went to a big mall about an hour from me and it was like the days before Christmas! It was unbelievably packed and people were bustling about with bags in hand. It took 20 minutes to find a spot to park and then the crowds herding through the mall.... (shudder). I did get the one bra I went to get, although in a different store than I had intended. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435555 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:28:09 +0000 ButterflyLady 435555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also get overwhelmed - it's so disappointing when you get the chance to shop, and then just can't :-(</p> <p>And I have discovered that, despite being a serious list maker, lists don't work for me for clothes. I feel more inspired if I see clothes, and can touch them.l I've found some of the best shopping I've done has been when I've just been walking through a store not looking for anything, and spotted something out of the corner of my eye! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435552 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:20:16 +0000 Astrid 435552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Suz, thanks for the shout out! How long is your list? I'm glad I could inspire you to do something like this! Any chance we could see it? (Or have I missed a post on this?)<br /> I just wanted to say, I'm often feeling overwhelmed too. It's the sheer masses of clothing that dicourages me when I go shopping. But like you said, my list really helps! I'm much quicker to decide if I want to try something on when I see it AND I try some things that fit my list but I wouldn't have thought of trying before. Although I sometimes get sidetracked all the same when I see something gorgeous that doesn't fit my list or the life I lead. But I'm always quick to remind myself since creating the list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435550 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:03:51 +0000 RoseandJoan 435550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I feel overwelmed but after shopping online for a prolonged period I do feel I have lost the ability to spot those drapey gems which have no hanger appeal. For instance I bypassed this dress until I saw its potential when modelled. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435544 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:29:06 +0000 krishnidoux 435544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I relate entirely too.</p> <p>Especially when coming back from postings in less affluent countries. Then I must take it in little by little. I get dizzy and nauseous. </p> <p>But now that I am somewhat desensitized, what strikes me is the repetition of products, all the same everywhere, and how cheap too. There seems to be very little range difference in quality and diversity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435512 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:15:41 +0000 Elly 435512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this problem, but for me it isn't something I have dealt with forever and is part of my medical problems--- I can't handle being over stimulated and having to think at the same time. LOL.</p> <p>Suz--- I think part of it is a mindset. You have a few really beautiful pieces (your red coat, your sheath, ect.) and you also work from home (right?) so although you are practically running around naked, you do have some leeway in how quickly you have to fill up the closet. I think the less desperate your mindset is about filling holes the more you will enjoy it and the more you will enjoy the pieces you fill the holes with . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435511 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:15:18 +0000 Maggie 435511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely understand. I recently went to HongKong, and my parents urged me to shop. And that city is made for shoppers! There are just way too much stuff I couldn't find a thing. Plus the exchange rate was confusing me, I didn't know if things are cheap or expensive. I think I need a personal shopper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435485 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:27:29 +0000 goldenpig 435485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, me!!! This is part of the reason I didn't go clothes shopping for 5 years (before that I got most of my maternity clothes from one store--Japanese Weekend). I would walk into stores and just be overwhelmed with all the stuff and not know where to start looking. It took a while for me to overcome my shopping phobia. Angie's list of NAS picks really helped me out to get started, and then I browsed the website (less threatening than walking into the store) and made a list of things I wanted to try. I asked one of the SA's to help me find the things on my list, tried them on, and after that...well, I just took off! I agree, it's helpful to have a list of things you need in your wardrobe to keep you from feeling lost. And I really like browsing websites of the stores before I go in to narrow things down. So you're not alone!!! Just do a little at a time...you've got some great stuff already! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435484 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:27:29 +0000 Anonymous 435484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, everytime I step into a large department store or the mall!<br /> The pressure you felt must have been incredible. I think you have to be in the mood/right frame of mind to shop and when it's not fun, it's best to quit while you're ahead.<br /> That said, I'm glad you're back, Suz; we missed you on the forum! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435467 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:40:53 +0000 D'Ellen 435467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I know exactly what you mean! I live in a small town with limited shopping possibilities. Whenever I go to the nearby (not so) big city to shop I get completely overwhelmed. I've tried limiting myself to a few stores, or a few departments in the larger stores, but I still end up hyperventilating...just too much stimulus. For many years I shopped mainly online for this very reason. But post-menopause my shape has changed, and it seems sizing has changed, my ratio of returns has greatly increased, and I'm tired of paying shipping and return shipping only to end up with nothing. </p> <p>Lately I've been doing most of my shopping at two local boutiques. The slightly higher price point is, for me, an acceptable trade-off for a less stressful shopping experience. Another bonus is that I've become well acquainted with the owners and SAs, they now know my style and I can trust their opinion on whether something suits me. And I love shopping "where everybody knows my name"! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435452 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:18:42 +0000 Suz 435452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, thank you! I don't feel so alone! </p> <p>Anne, you've hit on one big reason. The difficulty is feeling as if I have to do ALL the shopping at once. Especially now, when my wardrobe is basically one big hole, LOL. </p> <p>I really was grateful for my list, though, and I have to give a shout out to Astrid for that. Remember her "minimalist wardrobe essentials" thread? She made a list of the things she figured that she'd absolutely need. I got busy and reinterpreted her list for myself and it is with that list that i went out into the world, and it's the reason I came away with a print skirt that I hope to show you tomorrow. Without that list it would probably never have occurred to me how useful an item this might be to me; WITH the list it was in my mind and when I saw one, I pounced! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435449 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:05:00 +0000 anne 435449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely!! I live in a small town with relatively limited shopping options too. When I last went to a Mall in the city I didn't buy anything at all the first day and had all your feelings of being overwhelmed (and I had a clear shopping list, so I wasn't unfocused). I had to get everything I wanted in only 2 hours the next day.</p> <p>I used to work in the city and like others of you, windowshopped and browsed in some of my lunchbreaks. While I still had trouble committing to actually buying something even then (an even stricter budget than now part of at the reason) at least I could spread out the experience into small parcels </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/overload-do-you-ever-feel-like-this#post-435448 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:03:34 +0000 Patty 435448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Bay does it to me every time Suz! </p>