https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:14:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons/page/2#post-1061174 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 19:10:52 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1061174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great work and realizations that will keep the shopping mistakes at bay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons/page/2#post-1061169 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 19:00:03 +0000 Susie 1061169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this post! I should have started keeping notes on my mistakes years ago, but I did do it this year. Not all of the things that I have purged, but for those items that were purchased in 2013 and have been deemed mistakes, I kept a list of WHY. </p> <p>I have found a few reasons that I noted more than once in my 15 (!) failed purchases such as the color (either too bright or too pastel), a style that feels frumpy, fabric that is too thin and/or wrinkles too much and tops that are too long. I think I can honestly say that, at the time of purchase, I didn't buy it because I said "oh I love this" but more like "I guess I could use this" or "this might be good to have." And, fortunately, almost every mistake was one that wasn't expensive. So I've sworn off buying cheap stuff or buying just because I might wear it and the price is goo...</p> <p>I know that a high price tag isn't a guarantee of longevity but I am trying to emphasize quality over quantity. And I really do think it is important to "love" a piece in order to buy it, with the exception of real basics like layering tees. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons/page/2#post-1061168 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 18:59:52 +0000 catgirl 1061168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have procrastinated a list like this because I feel the results may well kill me. But i really should and am so impressed with you. I am a pathetically slow learner. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons/page/2#post-1061144 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 18:32:00 +0000 jayne 1061144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What great insight...I think the bases have been covered very well and I like the summary! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons/page/2#post-1060939 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 13:58:45 +0000 texstyle 1060939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love&nbsp;all the&nbsp;insights here everyone has been sharing. Thank you all!</p> <p>Suz- I've tried to give up on end of season sales but I still sometimes do buy something based on a great price (Spiegel for example).</p> <p>Claire - you made me smile with your comments about Off Duty Princess - so spot on. But I esp. loved the Exit Interview for your clothes - that's brilliant!</p> <p>havanagirl - yes, I KNOW white shirts are one of those "every woman needs" items but sometimes I do wonder. I did find a great cotton/linen blend one this summer from BR and have worn it a lot so I bought a backup.</p> <p>And Diane I can just envision you in those wide leg trousers rolled up with a mission to be on Team Wear. </p> <p>I do the same sometimes too as shemarie - wearing something I feel is "nice" and then finding myself in some not so clean place, rather it's cooking or going out to the garden to get some basil (my garden is large and somewhat of a distance through the grass and field). Should I put on an apron to gather herbs?</p> <p>dianthus - I guess this is&nbsp;a step toward figuring out why I buy what I buy. Sometimes I think it's just boredom and wanting to branch out, other times it's that "supposed to have" mentality. Or the fact like with button downs that I do love them so I tend to collect them&nbsp;- but I'm learning that I should only keep them as long as they are somewhat fitted, super soft fabric and low key pattern or solid in one of "my" colors. I've kept several that didn't meet that criteria just because I thought I could use more button downs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060923 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 13:23:14 +0000 Aziraphale 1060923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post!</p> <p>The one thing about skirts: are you more likely to wear them in the summer? I find that my summer skirts get way more love than the winter ones, because I don't have to mess around with tights and a slip. &nbsp;Many mornings, that just seems like too much work. &nbsp;But in the summer a skirt is easy, and more breezy than pants. &nbsp;Although shorts are good for that too.</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060806 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 11:21:24 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1060806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see that this resonates with many YLFers.&nbsp; Very good post Texstyle.&nbsp; I suspect we all have a few of those items that we are consistently drawn to but that don't work.&nbsp; For me, one of them is embellished white shirts.&nbsp; I love the look of them but dread the ironing.&nbsp; I'm talking things like a crisp white shirt with a twist front or folds.</p> <p>Have you considered taking the analysis one step further and trying to pinpoint why you purchased these items to see if you can head it off before the purchase?&nbsp; Why did you think you needed the piece and what were the influences?&nbsp; In the past I was talked into purchases by sales assistants but I no longer buy anything if I have doubts.&nbsp; I also try not to leave shopping for trips or occasions to the last minute as desperation buys are often mistakes too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060805 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 11:11:40 +0000 Vildy 1060805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, you <i>are</i> darned elegant!&nbsp; "I love the color of chambray, but the utilitarian aspect of a chambray shirt really clashes with my Off Duty Princess persona."</p> <p>Exactly my situation. I keep visualizing a french blue one and reading how it will magically solve all problems :D&nbsp; Luckily, I don't tend to buy any but am then stuck without original ideas. :D&nbsp; Though I'm ultra-pragmatic, utilitarian doesn't suit me at all - makes me feel like I need to sport a lunchbox with a thermos of soup. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060766 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 07:59:20 +0000 Anonymous 1060766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post Textyle. I need to do this as I have been finding mistakes hanging in my wardrobe. Maybe not quite so many over the last year due to YLF, but still a few non-the-less. I've been a bit guilty of saving the good stuff too :(<br />I have decided that I don't do wide leg trousers except for two linen pairs for summer. The problem I have is I need a heel with them, but then when I'm around the house they drag on the floor so I end up folding up the hem and it looks weird... this is just one example. I'm sure there are more.<br /> I'm going to do a list like you did I think. Thanks for the inspiration and reminder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060763 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 07:50:56 +0000 Neel 1060763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this post! &nbsp;Thanks for posting texstyle!</p> <p>Off my head (I need to do this exercise sitting in front of my closet!)</p> <p>1) I should stop buying backless dresses/tops because though I love the dreamy allure of it ... I am just too body conscious to wear it! &nbsp;(1 or&nbsp;2 special ones&nbsp;would do woman ... you don't need a bucket load of casual backless dresses?!!!!)</p> <p>2) I should stop buying shorter than knee skirts (again body conscious). &nbsp;My knee lengths and midi lengths&nbsp;are being worn to death while my shorter skirts sit on the shelf! &nbsp;Again just 2-3 special ones are good enough.</p> <p>3) Shoes ..... anything more than 2 inches of heels kill my feet. &nbsp;But in my initial quest to look stylish I thought I couldn't look stylish without heels (I had stopped wearing heels after I broke my ankle! &nbsp;Ouch!). &nbsp;Again I bought loads of shoes for a lifestyle that never existed. &nbsp;Impossible shoes for an MOTG! &nbsp;I have changed myself in this department and I have with a very heavy heart (and guilt) donated my shoes with higher heels. &nbsp;I now only buy shoes that are comfortable and low heeled.</p> <p>4) Frills, Ruffles, dramatic hi-lows ... I am not going to wear them! &nbsp;Why am I buying them?! &nbsp;Argh! &nbsp;</p> <p>I have managed to cull most of the things from the shopping mistakes I made. &nbsp;Now my wardrobe looks so much more practical and wearable! &nbsp;Lots of more work to do in there. &nbsp;I want to be in a state where I love everything that is in my closet. &nbsp;Sadly I am still not there yet. &nbsp;:( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060737 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 06:15:37 +0000 shemarie 1060737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>&nbsp;</i>What a great analysis!&nbsp; <i>It's like I'm saving the "good stuff" still - and it really doesn't make any logical sense at all. I know better too. It will go out of style if I hold onto it too long.&nbsp; </i>Amen, Texstyle!!&nbsp; I have been so guilty of this and ashamed to admit how long it's taken me to break that cycle.&nbsp; I'm slowly joining "Team Wear," though today <i>almost</i> set me back:&nbsp; Went to stir my soup simmering for dinner and&nbsp;it splattered on my brand&nbsp;new&nbsp;Pleione mixed media&nbsp;top.&nbsp;&nbsp;And a quick attempt to clean it didn't work.&nbsp; Hoping I can save it, but if not, &nbsp;I guess at least it isn't in the donate pile having never/rarely been worn at all. It was worn once and loved!&nbsp;&nbsp;And&nbsp;somehow that actually feels better. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060734 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 06:00:18 +0000 Greyscale 1060734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, my consistent problem is buying fancy / professional clothes that are wrong for my actual profession (research scientist). I wear them, but I feel too dressed up. Though maybe I should just wear them and enjoy it.</p> <p>I also have trouble with magical thinking. Like, maybe these too-big pants are ok, or maybe I actually look just like that model who's 6" taller than me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060568 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 02:05:02 +0000 havanagirl 1060568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so helpful! &nbsp;It is interesting to read about others' mistakes and see how they correspond to my own.</p> <p>I have crossed white collared shirts off my list forever. I know, everything I read lists it as a woman's staple, a must have. &nbsp;I didn't know what to say when a salesperson and Nordstrom said to me recently&nbsp;that "a woman can never have too many white shirts, am I right or am I right?" &nbsp; At least 8 or 9 of them have hung in my closet, unworn, and then have gone to goodwill over the years. &nbsp;Even my&nbsp;white tees aren't getting worn. &nbsp;I think I just don't like the way white looks near my face, even though I'm supposed to be a deep winter and bright white (not ivory) is supposed to work. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060567 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 02:04:27 +0000 Peri 1060567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to do this. Most of my mistakes would be along the lines of too much trouble to wear...things that feel like work to manage the day with them on. Things that take effort.</p> <p>Please let me know what you think of the BR quilted moto jacket when you get it! I've been eyeing it but have not ordered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060559 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 01:56:05 +0000 t 1060559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a great topic! Lately, I have really tried to stick to the idea that "if it doesn't make my heart beat fast, then I don't need it". That said, I have a mustard color scarf that would probably look good on everyone but me, a few pairs of fun heels that will never be part of my lifestyle, and the worst of all..."this will look really good if I lose a few pounds". I am choosing to move on and think positive...heart beating faster. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060549 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 01:47:17 +0000 Gigi 1060549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for posting this. What I noticed from your list is how important the *feel* of the fabric is. It seemed like you had several items that looked good and fit well but just didn't feel good enough against your body. I know that I react in a favorable way to knits with a lot of texture--I love the feel of the texture against my skin--but I hadn't thought about the feel of crisp plain-weave shirts vs. softer ones.</p> <p>It is so tough to have to admit our mistakes. But really, that is the only way we learn. How can you know for sure that the feel of a shirt is so important unless we screw up and buy some shirts that feel rough? Life is not learned from a book but is learned through experience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060400 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:56:27 +0000 DonnaF 1060400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I finally figured out that I won't wear an item if it is DCO, that somehow it's too *good* to wear.&nbsp; (So what am I supposed to do with it then?)&nbsp; So now I buy only items that can be machine or hand washed, even blazers. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>I figured out that footwear was keeping me from wearing skirts, that plus the Halogen seamed pencils are DCO.&nbsp; I got flat booties, and now the skirts are more wearable.&nbsp; It doesn't really explain why I don't wear dresses, but I think my skirts are comfier.&nbsp; </p> <p>I'll have to evaluate colors for wear/don't wear. . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060387 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:43:56 +0000 Anonymous 1060387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh man, this is good texstyle! @Runcarla, I think I was the one who stopped buying skirts with zippers on the front. And proudly, I've stuck to my guns on that one.</p> <p>I actually have a notebook and I've had exit interviews with my clothes that are being cast into the outer darkness. Why are you leaving me? What was it exactly that exasperated me about you? And what am I going to learn from this mistake--ahem, learning opportunity? What is it that I am going to really stop trying to purchase? (Never say never, of course, because maybe I just haven't found the "right" ______ for my body type/style).&nbsp;</p> <p>I now have such a long list of things that I won't wear in a top that there is precious little left to purchase out there. If elegance is refusal, than I must be&nbsp;mighty darned elegant--even if I am experiencing a dearth of tops in my wardrobe. Just this morning I was thinking I really need to make or alter my own simple top pattern, find some natural fabric and get sewing. I don't see a lot of&nbsp;other options.&nbsp;</p> <p>So many of the items on your "no more"&nbsp;list are the same as mine. I love the color of chambray, but the utilitarian aspect of a chambray shirt really clashes with my Off Duty Princess persona. I have tried no less than five of them and have yet to find one drapey and refined enough for me. I feel the same about overly mannish and authentically work-wear related items. Love them on others, though. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you! :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060373 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:23:55 +0000 Carla 1060373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing what you've learned. These types of posts are so informative. A while back someone shared how they should stop buying skirts with zippers on the front! This was SO my problem. With a slight belly pooch the extra fabric and zipper looked just horrible, yet I had these in my wardrobe, and kept on acquiring them.</p> <p>I still sometimes buy things (tops) in the men's department because the arms are long, only to realize the rest of the garment doesn't do my body any favours. </p> <p>Keep up the soul searching, but don't beat yourself up if you still make mistakes from time to time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060366 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:13:08 +0000 Caro in Oz 1060366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis of why you do not wear things you buy. It's hard to face our mistakes but vital if we are to learn IMO. We all make them https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060321 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:13:44 +0000 Sara 1060321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Winter skirts languish in my closet as well... Tights seem too fussy sometimes, and I just head for the trousers or jeans. Thank you for the reminder! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060313 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:06:34 +0000 Alassë 1060313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bring on the lessons! Good job with your analysis. It is helpful for me to read what others have learned, plus analyzing my own shopping mistakes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060312 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:05:28 +0000 texstyle 1060312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz- thanks for sharing some of your thoughts on this. The seduction of favorite colors is something I am guilty of myself. I love deep emerald green but rarely find anything warmer season appropriate in that color. I recently bought a sleeveless top from Nordies in the color but it's sitting here on my side table with a K/R question mark hanging over it because the armholes feel just ever so slightly tighter than I'd like. But I LOVE the color and style and fabric. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060304 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:01:42 +0000 rachylou 1060304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good insights. I should do this exercise, refresh my memory... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060275 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:43:40 +0000 Suz 1060275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is super important work and these are great realizations. I'm glad you wrote them down. Not only have you helped clarify things for yourself, I'm sure you have helped others.&nbsp;</p> <p>I spent a lot of time in the past year doing this kind of thing in my notebook. Instead of allowing myself simply to feel <b>obscure</b> shame when I filled another bag for consignment or offered something up to the YLF exchange or to my stepdaughter or a friend, I forced myself to get <b>particular</b> about it. :-)&nbsp;</p> <p>Yucky feeling, but so helpful. A few things I learned:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>End of season "deals" are rarely true deals for me (unless it's underwear or gear or PJs.)</li> <li>I don't wear crisp shirts for my at home days; I <b>do</b> wear crisp shirts for my city days. But I like silk even better.&nbsp;</li> <li>I wear skirts and dresses far more often in summer than in winter. I don't need a lot of winter dresses and skirts.&nbsp;</li> <li>I am on Team Wear so new things get a ton of love early on...or else they don't -- and that is usually a bad sign. Exceptions -- clothes that haven't yet come into season and special occasion wear.&nbsp;</li> <li>I need a lot of sweaters/ knits to stave off boredom in my work-at-home capsule, so it is okay to buy a few extras there. They'll get the wear.&nbsp;</li> <li>Just because the colour is great and I love it doesn't mean the item is great. Stop getting so seduced by delicious colour.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <br />Anyway. There were more lessons, but this was valuable to me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060267 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:35:45 +0000 Mrs Moo 1060267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Texstyle, it's like you got into my head and wrote this for me.</p> <p>I've had exactly the same revelations. I don't like overly manly baggy shirts, I will never wear skirts (or dresses either I don't think), I don't like baggy pants, I need to keep the bright colours to a minimum as they never get worn (I stick to a set palette to avoid this now after many, many mistakes) and I must keep my jackets casual. I have some lovely dressier (well, dressy for me) ones and they get worn a couple of times a year max.</p> <p>So frustrating isn't it? These are great revelations though and will keep you moving forward on the right track </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060177 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 19:49:18 +0000 texstyle 1060177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo - I KNOW. It's like I'm saving the "good stuff" still - and it really doesn't make any logical sense at all. I know better too. It will go out of style if I hold onto it too long. (I need to keep reminding myself of&nbsp;that fact). &nbsp;I have worn my most recent silk blouse 2 times already within 3 months so I'm getting slightly better.</p> <p>I fear if I take a really close look (not just from memory) this list might get embarrassing. I hope not -- I tried to focus on the past 2 years since that's about the time I've been trying to work on my closet and visiting YLF and similar sites to learn more. </p> <p>I've learned to be a LOT better about returning things pretty quickly if I know they won't work. I may have posted elsewhere that I ordered and sent back probably 4 military style jackets recently&nbsp;only to finally accept that for me they were just "too" work wear oriented for my style and I prefer my original deeper olive green field style jacket as it's just slightly less masculine or militant or whatever for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060157 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 19:40:44 +0000 kellygirl 1060157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this kind of evaluation is so valuable. I feel similarly about skirts (and dresses.) I have a few but I'm not adding any more because they just don't get worn enough. I'm thinking I should take a closer look at my closet now :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060153 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 19:34:59 +0000 rholmes27 1060153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post has inspired me to go to my closet for some contemplation. Thanks for posting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-mistakes---an-overview-and-lessons#post-1060146 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 19:25:34 +0000 Mo 1060146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! &nbsp;Realizing not just what you didn't wear, but&nbsp;<i>why.</i> &nbsp;That's a biggie. &nbsp;I have silk tops I don't grab for, but the chiffon or rayon I don't think twice about. &nbsp;Silly, but it's what I do. &nbsp;<br />Lol on your&nbsp;skirts. &nbsp;I do wear skirts, but not dresses so much. &nbsp;At least not as much as I buy them ha ha. &nbsp;You stop with the skirts and I'll stop with the dresses, okay? &nbsp; </p>