YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping frustration

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping frustration https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:00:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3/page/2#post-2194075 Mon, 10 May 2021 16:52:29 +0000 Angie 2194075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Katerina, to answer your question, YES! Sometimes I am tempted to try something on my shopping breaks. But the item has to more than whack it out of the ballpark for me to do anything about it, and for it to earn a place in my wardrobe. I guess I value the shopping break more than FOMO, if that makes sense ;) Zaeobi on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3/page/2#post-2194071 Mon, 10 May 2021 16:36:14 +0000 Zaeobi 2194071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I know this feeling too @katerina don't worry! @suntiger I have to be extra careful in that sort of situation *not* to fall into the trap of buying an accessory (like you mentioned) to try & 'make up' for none of the clothing items feeling fab on me. Had a few pairs of emotionally-bought earrings gather dust in the past because they couldn't be returned Anonymous on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3/page/2#post-2193947 Mon, 10 May 2021 00:16:34 +0000 Anonymous 2193947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great bag! Yep- there's been many days I tried on half a rack of clothes and went home with earrings, a scarf, or nothing at all :/ Jenni NZ on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3/page/2#post-2193905 Sun, 09 May 2021 19:58:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 2193905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That makes a lot of sense Katerina. I am sorry your small boutiques have gone. We still have some, including in that favourite mall I mentioned and another one not much further away. And all of ours have only been open when there hasn’t been community transmission of Covid- when there has been, they have all been closed, which is the 10 weeks I mentioned. It’s a shame therefore that none of your 10 items worked and you were certainly practising being Picky and Practical! Katerina on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3/page/2#post-2193818 Sun, 09 May 2021 12:09:19 +0000 Katerina 2193818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FashIntern, for me too! LOL Stagiaire Fash on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3/page/2#post-2193798 Sun, 09 May 2021 09:55:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2193798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The “P” that’s hardest for me is “Pack it all up & send it back”. Katerina on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3/page/2#post-2193793 Sun, 09 May 2021 08:44:51 +0000 Katerina 2193793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenni NZ, we have not had closed shops here during the pandemics almost at all, only some minor restrictions. But some people still avoid going into B&M stores. I have not done any B&M shopping during the pandemics at all and I still avoid shopping malls and department stores. So I buy online. But I have been shopping mainly online for about 6 - 8 years. Before that, my favorite shopping destinations where smaller local shops and "boutiques", which had quite specific mixed merchandise, I knew the owners or SAs and always had a good time going in there. These were my "power breaks". All of these shops have been gone for several years. Very sad. Instead, there are these big malls or chains popping up. I also shopped often when I traveled, mainly in Germany and Denmark, because I found the supply broader and more interesting. Later on, I found a couple of German online stores, which sell exactly the brands I wear and I know the sizing and the style, which makes it easier. Shopping online is different than B&M, it is like you take the items to a fitting room, just like Suz says. I make fewer mistakes as to what I keep, because I have more time to think and try with clothes I already own. My purchases are better thought out. I practice Angie's PPP's better. Sometimes though, it is frustrating when you order a lot, knowing that not everything can work, but hoping that something will, and all has to go back. The "p" for patience is the hardest one. :-)             Jenni NZ on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193779 Sun, 09 May 2021 05:10:37 +0000 Jenni NZ 2193779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do appreciate that I am lucky still being able to do B&M shopping. I think in the year from late April 2020 to late April 2021 in my city we’ve had about 10 weeks of different lockdowns, which I know is way less than most of the world. I was quite concerned that I may no longer be able to do my almost-anonymous B&M shopping. ( Of course there were other far more major concerns. It just made me realise that B&M was my favourite way.) I like going into stores and looking at what they have while being pretty much left alone by the shop assistants. I often do this in my favourite mall where my supermarket is. Then if something catches my eye I will go away and think about it, check what it might go with, and possibly take some of that clothing with me back to the store. The mall is really near my home (about 2 km) so it’s easy. I regard this now as a “power pause” I guess or Angie’s PPP ( patient, picky and practical- not sure if the 3 “P”s were originally in a different order ) But for me I suppose, I still have so many clothes already that I almost feel like I shouldn’t be buying any. So it’s a different situation to someone who needs to build their wardrobe up? Jaime on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193764 Sun, 09 May 2021 01:38:36 +0000 Jaime 2193764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautiful bag and scarf combination! It is so hard to assess things on-line that a win is more of a surprise than a return. Anonymous on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193719 Sat, 08 May 2021 21:04:27 +0000 Anonymous 2193719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another who relates. For various reasons even things I own can look markedly different day to day and it definitely can be a drag. And ordering stuff certainly can too! I’m sorry! I think your bag and scarf are dynamite though and I like focusing on accessories too. Katerina on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193714 Sat, 08 May 2021 20:47:50 +0000 Katerina 2193714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, you are so wise. I admire your discipline and structure and I love your positive attitude. Thank you for reminding me!   But tell me, are you not the least bit tempted when you see something really beautiful during your shopping breaks? :-) Katerina on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193712 Sat, 08 May 2021 20:36:52 +0000 Katerina 2193712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou, I know! It is a pain... DonnaF, LOL! Exactly! bj1111, good point! Bijou, "bags and scarves never disappoint" would be a great title for a song :-) Brooklyn, buying jeans online for me is mission impossible :-)   Katerina on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193709 Sat, 08 May 2021 20:22:47 +0000 Katerina 2193709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for the support and wisdom, it is so nice of all of you to take your time to read and respond! I am primarily an online shopper, also long before the pandemics. So I am quite used to try and return things, it is a part of the game. I guess this time,I was a bit more disappointed for several reasons. I have not been shopping at all for a year, for the first time in my life. I totally lost interest in fashion and dressing and new clothes. Then, first a couple of months ago I felt like I "woke up" and found a new interest and enthusiasm, so I think I have to get used to the work it is to buy clothes online.  RoseandJone, yes, it is much about the frame of mind.  Suz, exactly! Online shopping is like trying in a fitting room. One cannot expect everything to fit. Irina, Suz and JenniNZ, interesting you find buying bags, or online shopping for bags, more difficult than cloths. I find it a lot easier. It might be the way we dress. I like to have a lot of different bags, mainly in  many colors, and I switch them very often. I can imagine it would be more difficult to find a perfect one/a few perfect ones, which would have to be versatile and serve various purposes aesthetically and functionally.         cat2, I know! it is is so frustrating, when the sizes are all over the place. Good strategy to exclude. FashIntern, I know what you mean. For some reason, I make less shopping mistakes when I am shopping online. It is easier for me to evaluate my purchases properly. Carla, what great stuff you got in multiples! I like buying multiples too, mainly shoes, black or white pants and shirts.  Cardiff girl, yes, shoes are difficult to buy online. I am lucky that the retailer I most often buy from (a large German store) does not charge for returns. Actually, I think that it would be a deal breaker for me for many purchases...   Angie on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193652 Sat, 08 May 2021 14:07:38 +0000 Angie 2193652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautiful bag and scarf complement!  Katerina, YES. I can relate. That's the way it goes, sometimes.....especially with online shopping. I keep my expectations low, and count it a bonus if something works on me and with the rest of my wardrobe. And I like the colour and quality. I am VERY fussy, so that amps up the low expectation. Actually, I don't mind it one bit because I love my wardrobe so much! Much better and more rewarding to shop there I relax into it and laugh, take a shopping hiatus. Like right now, I am done until Fall shopping. I take a complete break and enjoy what I have.  Janet on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193640 Sat, 08 May 2021 13:32:38 +0000 Janet 2193640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I can relate! Bags and scarves (and even shoes) can be so much easier than clothes when it comes to online ordering! Even in b&m store shopping, there are days when nothing seems to work, and some when I like everything. That bag is beautiful and goes so well with the gorgeous scarf! The Cat on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193636 Sat, 08 May 2021 13:09:41 +0000 The Cat 2193636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Katerina, I well understand your frustration. However, your blue bag is a wonderful SS accessory and will likely look gorgeous with many other items in your wardrobe. JenniNZ, you are lucky if you are still able to be a B&M shopper. That must be nice. However, for some of us that opportunity is simply non-existing now--either because the stores in our areas have been closed for weeks or months, or because we have to be very careful in order to protect ourselves and our dear ones. Brooklyn on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193622 Sat, 08 May 2021 10:48:51 +0000 Brooklyn 2193622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Suz said. I think you feel an online shopping fail more than a B&M shopping fail. There’s so much more effort involved in ordering and returning. I hope the retailers are forgiving of all our returns during Covid. I’ve been returning so many jeans I’m sure I’m going to be banned soon Bijou on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193596 Sat, 08 May 2021 06:05:37 +0000 Bijou 2193596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Katerina, I have a similar strategy to Carla with online shopping, either buying something that I have previously tried on or a duplicate of something I already own. Whilst that works, it can be limiting and somewhat boring. I am so sorry to hear that nothing worked. It is disheartening. Covid is making us all online shop more and like Suz says, it can be hit and miss. Good on you for staying away from the shops and staying safe. Luckily bags and scarves never disappoint! That is a gorgeous new bag, I own one Coccinelle bag and love it. Sally on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193564 Sat, 08 May 2021 02:14:37 +0000 Sally 2193564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is a lovely shade of blue and I can see it in the scarf as well.  They will work together well.  Jonesy on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193563 Sat, 08 May 2021 02:13:26 +0000 Jonesy 2193563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can relate! I do almost all of my shopping online, even pre-pandemic, and sometimes I feel like nothing is working! But then other times I'll get on a winning streak. So, I guess just acknowledging the natural ebb and flow of the process can be helpful, at least for me. And sometimes I take a break when I am feeling downtrodden from so many returns. The bag is lovely! Anonymous on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193558 Sat, 08 May 2021 01:59:20 +0000 Anonymous 2193558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I go through periods of time like this - where everything I try on makes me want to cry . But then a month later , everything is looking great ! I don’t know why this happens , but I now know to stop when this happens and take a break . Pretty bag , and I hope it fits in well with your wardrobe ! slim cat on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193492 Fri, 07 May 2021 22:30:05 +0000 slim cat 2193492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lovely bag ( fab combo with scarf ! ). I have the same bad experience with shoe’ ordering on line - 15-20% success . bj1111 on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193487 Fri, 07 May 2021 22:21:07 +0000 bj1111 2193487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ actually using accessories to change up an outfit is a great approach, so just consider it your intention!!! also why i have more shoes than pants. DonnaF on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193486 Fri, 07 May 2021 22:18:40 +0000 DonnaF 2193486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gorgeous, gorgeous bag, writes she as she stares at a ginormous pile of clothing needing to returned and wondering whether another two kerchief scarves should be kept or returned. Size and fit can vary so much, not to mention color which can be substantially different from the online photo—even black!!! I hope you are proud of yourself for not settling. Congratulations! Jenni NZ on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193476 Fri, 07 May 2021 21:56:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2193476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well Katerina I would never order that many things at once online. Is that your preferred way of shopping? I am mainly a B&M shopper, I just don’t feel I can tell enough about how a garment will look on me without trying it on and I detest doing returns so that wipes out most online ordering for me. Funnily enough my only success for online is shoes. I seem to have easy to fit feet in size Euro 36. Bags are hard for me due to a specific requirement of an outside zipped pocket and a shoulder strap. I do find your new bag very beautiful. rachylou on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193470 Fri, 07 May 2021 21:33:26 +0000 rachylou 2193470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The bag is beautiful! The frustration is real. I esp hate online ordering and having all that money tied up. That irks my nerves. I don’t know what’s worse, that or the excruciating time consuming return process... lol! Cardiff girl on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193454 Fri, 07 May 2021 20:39:46 +0000 Cardiff girl 2193454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice bag and scarf!They are so easy to fit aren’t they.I find ordering stuff on the internet a real pain as far as fit goes especially footwear.And it’s so expensive to send it back.You have my sympathy. Carla on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193449 Fri, 07 May 2021 19:56:00 +0000 Carla 2193449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel your pain.  I’ve become a ‘multiples’ person during Covid lockdown <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2021/04/22/purchasing-multiple-colours-of-the-same-item/">https://youlookfab.com/2021/04.....same-item/</a>.  At least I know that what I order will fit! Liesbeth on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193447 Fri, 07 May 2021 19:52:54 +0000 Liesbeth 2193447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes to FI. When I experience shopping frustration I do try to congratulate myself on being, as Angie says, patient and picky (was there a third p?). But that lovely bag does make up for it! cat2 on "Shopping frustration" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-frustration-3#post-2193446 Fri, 07 May 2021 19:46:35 +0000 cat2 2193446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What I find frustrating is when a single brand is all over the map. I will go back to retailers that consistently send out pieces that are actually the same size, and put the ones with variable sizing on my No Way list.