https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:32:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1146297 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 06:25:45 +0000 AJ 1146297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is there a splurge item that you've been dreaming of? Maybe remind yourself of how much closer you are to saving up for it when you don't buy that immediate temptation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1145137 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 04:12:50 +0000 Carla 1145137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mend clothes. Treat leathers. Polish shoes. Possibly do a little tailoring or alterations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1145121 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 04:00:08 +0000 Anonymous 1145121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I can afford it, I shop for charities rather than myself. Finding a onesie for a baby on sale at Target scratches the itch. So does collecting warm used coats at garage sales in June that will be welcomed in December. I take them home and do any needed mending, wash them and sort by size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1145046 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 03:12:15 +0000 Suja 1145046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No specific advice but I am enjoying this thread and learning SE good techniques. I'm like Viva, in that I am much pickier in store than online, which is why I am trying to shop stores more and online less. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1144940 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 01:49:06 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1144940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's a contrarian option that I thought of today: what about a moratorium? Last year when I was losing weight it was actually a lot easier, or at least more straight forward, once I decided that I wasn't eating x or y for the time being. There was no "well, just this once" or "only on weekends" or "if I eat healthy for the rest of the day", it was a simple no to some foods for a certain amount of time. It takes self-discipline but it's really simple, you know? You don't have to constantly reinterpret the rules. So maybe an "absolutely no shopping until x time" would work for some people. Don't read the sales emails - unsubscribe from the lists or have them automatically filtered into a folder (the latter's what I do). Don't go to the mall. Don't tempt yourself by going into the clothing section of Target - get what you need and get out. Etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1144838 Mon, 20 Jan 2014 23:37:07 +0000 bj1111 1144838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i go online shopping. &nbsp;put a bunch of stuff in my cart then go to bed. &nbsp;by the next morning, i've forgotten what i wanted to buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1144161 Mon, 20 Jan 2014 05:32:26 +0000 Gigi 1144161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too will shop online and just put the items in my shopping cart but not check out. If I really think I might want one of the items, I check the shopping cart a few days later to review the items. Usually by then the urge is gone and I don't feel bad deleting them from the basket.</p> <p>I also play in my closet and try to think up new combinations of items to try. I also browse the Web to find inspirations and outfits to copycat. I also look online for new ideas of ways to style my hair to go with whatever my current style persona is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1144102 Mon, 20 Jan 2014 04:09:14 +0000 Grey Rainbow 1144102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it has to be wardrobe shopping, and books or art won't do, and the gym won't do, then I make lists. Packing lists for upcoming travel, capsule lists for next season, wardrobe holes lists related to those. Browse blogs and Pinterest to get ideas of what I'd like to wear in different locales related to what I like to wear here / climate and circumstances there. Then I try to figure out what is really, truly a hole , to reduce the list of what I think I need. But I usually fall asleep before I get to that point. Dig out those lists next time, and start over. I like making lists. It's soothing.</p> <p>ETA, I do all my shopping on line (no time for B&amp;M), so sometimes when I feel like shopping I fill carts and then embark on comparison shopping at site after site. Add a search for coupon codes and reading /searching reviews of potential items, and it's bedtime. I don't always get back to those carts right away. I've lost some coveted items that way, but as others have said upon return the luster is often worn off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1144084 Mon, 20 Jan 2014 03:57:46 +0000 unfrumped 1144084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There can be 2 different issues for me: the time spent, or the $$ spent.<br /> For the $$ aspect, I am getting more fun out of " retail research" without buying. I prefer real B&amp;M stores so I can try on, feel the fabrics. I really want to keep up a functional, updated wardrobe and so it's finally dawned on me that I need to try things out and compare looks and fits and it's useful to find what does NOT work.<br /> But, since too much time on that is not good for balance, then scheduling some more exercise, reading, or de-cluttering, plus going out with friends, are good antidotes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1144010 Mon, 20 Jan 2014 02:22:15 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1144010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go to Pinterest and look for inspiration. I search for either outfits by season or a specific article of color such as "red jeans" to find new ways to mix what I already own. If that doesn't fix the itch I search for a new accessory because I always have a wish list of a belt, scarf or jewelry in missing color. Even a pair of earrings soothe me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143966 Mon, 20 Jan 2014 01:44:08 +0000 doubleh 1143966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No advice; just- I feel ya. &nbsp;Especially today; I have been following this thread to resist my online urges. &nbsp;So far, doing ok, so thank you. &nbsp;Hope it all helps for you too!</p> <p>Maybe tomorrow I can offer my two cents- if the itch passes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143948 Mon, 20 Jan 2014 01:17:47 +0000 organza 1143948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a few online sites that I frequently shop. &nbsp;Often, I'll put items in my shopping bag or cart and leave them for at least 24 hours. &nbsp;More often than not, the items aren't as appealing when I come back to them. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143888 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 23:47:28 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1143888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with the others, sometimes I will pull out things in my closet and make outfits or maybe do a cull of a certain category, try everything on and make sure it still works for me. Sometimes I go to the thrift store, giving myself a budget or number of items - I can hunt to my hearts content and I don't do much damage to my pocketbook! </p> <p>Unfortunately, being on YLF tends to make me want to shop, honestly, despite the wonderful folks here. Same with browsing websites and reading fashion magazines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143810 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:33:42 +0000 Beth Ann 1143810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sing this song from the Madame Blueberry Veggie Tale movie.&nbsp; I thought the lesson was for my kids --- good lessons are sneaky that way!</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdHSLFZ2Gms" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdHSLFZ2Gms</a></p> <p>Also, I do closet remixes, as some have already mentioned, and look for other creative outlets.&nbsp; I have to keep ahead of the "stuff bug!"</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143808 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:30:00 +0000 Liz 1143808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's good to have practical things to do instead of shopping, but I also think it's good to start paying attention to why the itch is there. If shopping is just a&nbsp;habit or hobby, then &nbsp;something else to do is all you need. But if&nbsp;there's a void or boredom or stress that shopping is covering up, then it's good to understand that and work on something that addresses it as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143807 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:25:15 +0000 Jacky 1143807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm like Viva - going through the motions often soothes the itch for me. I think I'm usually attracted to the actual shopping process rather than the buying though. So if I go to a bunch of stores (in person or online), and dig through everything but don't find anything I want, then I still feel like that restlessness has been settled.</p> <p>Also, another thumbs up for exercising if I'm feeling the itch. If I'm too tired, then I end up forgetting about whatever shopping I wanted to do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143805 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:16:40 +0000 Caro in Oz 1143805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These (usually) work for me :)<br />a walk on the beach or <br />a manicure &amp; pedicure <br />or a facial<br />If none of these feel satisfying then what Vildy said. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143706 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 18:09:10 +0000 Anonymous 1143706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is hard. &nbsp;I browse e-bay too much and always put stuff on watch list. &nbsp;One thing I need to do is to get rid of the watch list and not look but it is hard to resist. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143634 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 16:34:13 +0000 In My Joi 1143634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question! I appreciate @Vildy's sentiments. For me, usually it seems like the urge comes from something going wrong in my life, or plain ole boredom. I like to peruse Pinterest and local thrift shoppes. I can gather new ideas without making a new purchase. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143632 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 16:30:56 +0000 E 1143632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go to the library! I can browse all I want, grab anything that catches my eye, and bring it all home for free. I also go to a cafe as kkards said or for a walk or focus on one of my other hobbies. Basically, I find something else that's fulfilling and brings me the same satisfaction. If it's really bad, I read one of an anti-consumerism blog or book or watch a similarly themed video (The Story of Stuff is a good place to start) to remind myself that there are alternatives.</p> <p>Oh, going to the grocery store or farmer's market can be fun too: picking out a new-to-me ingredient or two&nbsp;and then coming home and making a meal around it is similar to what you've described. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143585 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 14:50:03 +0000 Sarah A 1143585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i have bern trying to exercise more during hours i would have shopped. I am not entirely sure this is working as my itch to buy is still strong. I keep thinking it is like withdrawl... Ill grt through the painful part soon... I hope! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143584 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 14:41:58 +0000 ironkurtin 1143584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go running. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143563 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 13:19:42 +0000 viva 1143563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes I shop! I don't buy, but I go through all the motions online -- look at things, put them in the cart, and then leave the site. It's funny how that can actually satisfy the itch sometimes. I think it's the hunt I occasionally want -- just to look and find something. But deep down, I don't really want to part with the money. So just dropping something into the shopping cart is enough; I don't actually have to take it home.<br />It's actually, for me, even easier to do this in person because I am much, much pickier in a store. So if I have the urge and head to the store, I am almost certain to come home with nothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143559 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 12:53:26 +0000 Karie 1143559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly what kkards said. Or if I'm home and it's on-ine shopping, I'll log on to my credit card bill, and if I can't comfortably pay it in full, I close the laptop, walk away, and shop my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143552 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 12:13:54 +0000 kkards 1143552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes, I go to the coffee shop, buy a cup, and browse YLF. Fashion blogs and/ or magazines. That way I get my fashion fix, and I've has a change is scenary. I'm trying to do this more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143550 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 11:56:42 +0000 Vildy 1143550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>None of my own answers may suit but here they are:<br />1. recognize that the more choices I add, the more confusion (no, I don't have a minimalist wardrobe)<br />2. use a rolling rack and start taking out clothing that groups by palette, say, and seeing them all like that (and not by type of garment) often leads to discovering new outfits and gives the same satisfaction as styling in new purchases <br />2a. this visual usually leads to recognition of how much I already have vs the real time opportunities to wear it, even in a long winter season, say. And also has me reevaluate the direction my wardrobe has been going, by palette or by level of contrast wanted in an outfit, and thereby changing my ideas of what I might like or want or "need" to add. <br />3. recognize that this impulse is possibly one of self-soothing and/or distraction from fretting about all the situations in life that pop up daily and that I <i><u>can't</u></i> control. <br />4. recognizing that "desire comes in at the eyes" and if I hadn't been looking at items online, I would probably not be having the thought of wanting either them or something new and "else"<br />5. I think this would work for lots of folks, though isn't one of my own strategies: contrast the impulse/urge with the idea of delaying gratification towards finding a highly desired and elusive or spendy item in future </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/scratching-the-shopping-itch#post-1143546 Sun, 19 Jan 2014 11:36:28 +0000 dlb1960 1143546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admit, ashamedly, that sometimes I just want to buy something. To fill a void perhaps? Or for the sheer pleasure of bringing a new item home and working with it. What to do then if there is nothing worth buying? How do you then scratch that gotta have something shopping itch? </p>