https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 11 May 2026 06:57:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45329 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:29:31 +0000 cyan45 45329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>very interesting thread! i consider myself a window-shopaholic while i visit my local thrift store a few times a week (it's so close to work!), i rarely buy anything. if i do, it is most always using store credit from stuff i've donated in the past. </p> <p>over the years, i've purchased 'essentials' if they fit my budget and need (ie, satiny 3/4 trench coat from a campus vendor, blouses to mix/match with skirts and pants, a pair of skinny jeans, grey converse, etc...) since my budget is quite low, i can't always wait around. who knows when my frugal price (and correct fit) will appear again! lol...</p> <p>i HAVE made a few purchases that don't get worn as much (yet):<br /> 1) a sleek kelly green pencil skirt from goodwill<br /> 2) knee high red heeled doc marten boots<br /> 3) 3 special occasion tops (vintage ruffles, sequins, and turquoise satin, respectively)</p> <p>i've stopped buying jersey dresses, but it's hard! i tend to wear dresses everyday, and am insanely attracted to bold geometric and paisley prints. now i've toned down to solid colors for more versatility.</p> <p>thanks for the reminder... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45324 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:00:27 +0000 dee2do 45324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I responded based on your as you put it "deep disturbance". I never thought you intended for anyone to come out of the closet or point fingers. I only intended to help alleviate your discomfort by sharing my experience. I'm glad you're comforted by the responses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45315 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:44:35 +0000 Basia 45315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Girls, after dee2do comment I feel I have to explain myself more: My intention was not a massive call to come out of the closet, pointing fingers or speaking about myself.<br /> I do watch documentaries a lot, mostly because I am interested in mechanisms of things or human nature. To be more aware of why things happen not just comment upon the fact.<br /> In this particular case I was rather interested in a general idea of ow much good or harm can be done?<br /> From your posts so far come just the positives- which is in some way comforting- Angie and members are encouraged to do conscious spending, get much more value.<br /> For me , the most comforting feature is an education part of the forum </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45297 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:30:04 +0000 shana 45297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is probably a range of people who might be called shopaholics. At one end, there are the ones to which you refer - who truly suffer from an addiction much like drug addicts or alcoholics. I'm pretty sure I've seen some of these types on Oprah or one of those home clean out shows - the people that shop &#38; horde compulsively, neglecting family, friends, hygiene etc and unconcerned about the debt that they rack up. I don't think these types are spending too much time on a forum like this - they are too busy shopping (and I don't mean that facetiously).</p> <p>Personally, this forum has helped me so much. I am in a total non-spending mode since my husband was laid off in November. We are trying to only spend on the essentials - groceries, utilities etc. However, I am listening in and getting so many good ideas for when things do turn around for us. In addition, I am learning how to better use the items that I already own. </p> <p>While I was not a shopaholic per se, I have to admit that I did alot of wasteful spending in the past. I am a total bargain hunter but didn't have enough knowledge (especially since my body changed so much after having children) to choose pieces carefully. If it was on sale and it sort of fit, I bought it! Many of these items would end up as closet orphans. Now, armed with all the info from Angie and the ladies on the forum, I can shop for items that fit &#38; flatter. I know what items to zero in on and which ones I should just steer clear of at the stores. I have also learned to be more adventurous and shop at a variety of retailers rather than stick with the 2 or 3 that I used to frequent.</p> <p>It's tough right now for me - with so many sales and with all the info that I now have, I am dying to get out there! I would have loved to take advantage of that huge SAKS sale in December or get a Sweet Pea top from the Bloomies sale. Getting a pair of premium jeans is on the top of my list. I guess if I wasn't reading this forum, maybe it wouldn't be on my mind as much. But I know that I will live to shop another day and in the meantime I am learning so much &#38; making some great online (and maybe in person) friends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45291 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:01:31 +0000 Antje 45291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with previous posters - YLF helps me shop smarter. Shiny and others have said it well so I won't repeat.<br /> I do have to admit, though, that YLF is a source of temptation for me, too. When someone posts a really fab outfit, or links to a great piece, I can get tempted to at least consider it, even though I don't "need" it and might not have been looking for it without the suggestion. But so far I've managed my budget just fine and yes, my credit card is paid off It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few months. I quit my job and might live off savings and temporary gigs for a while, and have to reduce my spending for non-essentail stuff like clothes, eating out and other evening activities (including all those babysitter fees...), traveling. I know it will be hard, but I'm motivated. I'm already shopping quite a bit at consignment stores, as I've found some of my most favorite pieces there anyway, so I expect that I'll do more of that while being unemployed. Shopping is fun for me, and while I wouldn't call myself addicted, I do enjoy the little thrill a fab new top and new possibilities for combinations give me.<br /> What I associate with shopaholics is actually spending money on things they never actually wear. So it's really less about the clothes themselves and more about the act of buying something. I think if one finds herself in that situation, there is trouble! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45287 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:49:53 +0000 dee2do 45287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, YLF encourages spending but smart spending. In the end, I do spend less and waste less. I think shopaholics are trying to fill a void that will never be satiated with material things. The motivation goes beyond 'super sales". THis is why they can destroy their lives because doing it this way doesn't work --even if it gives them a second of satisfaction after they buy something, they go back to the void and then shop again for the very temporary relief. I think all addictions work this way. I've had my own addictions and had to face them and work through them eventually -- and I'm glad that I did. Now I understand more about free will and the dual forces --create and destroy.</p> <p>It sounds like you are still sensitive and have not numbed yourself and that's why you had that reaction watching the documentary. -- Stay aware of your own motivations and get help if you ever find yourself in that cycle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45286 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:42:56 +0000 Laura 45286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, what's the Blue Lagoon? I am having images of Brooke Shields and a blonde curly-haired guy marooned on an island ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45284 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:35:01 +0000 julijuli 45284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can say that I definitely am not a shopoholic. Like Shiny, my credit cards are paid off and our main goal is saving not spending. </p> <p>However, I love this site because it helps me to figure out 1) how to use the clothing I already have to build a look that I like and 2) how to shop smarter and choose items that will really work for me. There are many items that I see posted that I would love to purchase but that won't work for my figure (ie. the wrap cardigan) - this site has helped me to figure that out! The other great thing is that finally I have an actual "List" to shop from and feel a lot more efficient and confident when I do go shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45282 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:24:29 +0000 shiny 45282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Basia, I think it's a serious concern, but not for me personally. While it's true clothes shopping has long been a form of recreation and de-stressing for me, I can tell you to the penny how much I spent on clothes last year. I had a budget set up purposefully for upgrading my wardrobe, after losing enough weight to drop four sizes. Every credit card is paid in full. </p> <p>However, this year my clothing budget (and probably our travel budget and our eating-out budget too) is going to be a fraction of what it was last year, because the economy is so uncertain. Normally I keep 6 months of emergency savings but I'm hoping to build that up, just in case. But also, I have built a wardrobe - essentially from scratch - of all the basics I need, so I have no reason to keep up the rate of spending I did last year. </p> <p>I do think YLF encourages spending - but it's *smarter* spending. We are encouraged to spend on pieces that can mix and match, that will last, and that are the basis of a "less is more" wardrobe. Emphasis is on quality over quantity. And Angie tends to show clothing that is accessibly priced - Ann Taylor, JCrew, BR etc - which I greatly appreciate. She teaches you when it makes sense to spend good money, and when it doesn't. And to shop with a purpose in mind. </p> <p>For the money I spent last year, I think I spent far more wisely than in the past, with items that are versatile, mix-and-match, flatter, and work with the realities of my lifestyle these days. </p> <p>It is true that I will be influenced by items I see on the blog or worn by other members and want to add them to my own wardrobe, but I don't do it recklessly - it has to flatter and fit me, and I have to see it working with my wardrobe and lifestyle. </p> <p>As for being enticed by sales and discounts, for me, that's a *good* thing! I long ago got in the habit of buying things full priced when they first come out, because if I waited, my size would be sold out. So for me to learn to wait for a sale is a good thing. :-)</p> <p>However, I have only gone shopping once since xmas, and I was extremely picky. Just because it's super-discounted, doesn't mean it belongs in my closet. </p> <p>That's not to say I don't MISS going shopping... I do!! ... I just don't really need anything right now. I have my list in mind but it's mostly items for spring - silver ballet flats; possibly a pair of darker wash bootcuts; and upgraded clamdiggers are top on the list. Oh, and a new bathing suit because the Blue Lagoon trashed my good one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopaholics-among-us#post-45277 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:44:13 +0000 Basia 45277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>During the weekend I saw the documentary about women shopaholics, which in some way left me deeply disturbed. Somehow I didn't realize how big can be a problem, how addictive and distractive can it be.<br /> The examples presented in the documentary were all women, different kind and type, all of them overspending, risking their own life and life of their family.<br /> Some of them still denied they had a problem, some decided to sick for help.<br /> ALL of them underlined how easily it is to fall for the habit, especially now, where from everywhere we are bombarded by super sales, super offers and super discounts.</p> <p>The question that was raised in my head was: in cases like that, the forum like ours is helping or actually pushing forward? What can we do?</p> <p>I tried to rationalize with argument that many times Angie is underlying the possibilities of adaptation, sharing, or exchanging the clothes...</p> <p>Yet, With all the novelty we discuss, with all the offers we share, with all the trends and news, reports about our latest purchases ...</p> <p>Please let me know what do you think? </p>