https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:50:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313535 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:13:05 +0000 Beth Ann 2313535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It was Angie who taught me to periodically check my special occasion capsule! Would I have something to wear to a wedding or funeral?&nbsp; My wedding attire is just "meh," so I'm following your story carefully! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313493 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:43:30 +0000 Anonymous 2313493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The wedding sounds like great fun- and happy for the suit success!<br /> Hopefully DHs suit still fits if he needs it again. He's 6'4" so not the easiest person to fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313310 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:39:42 +0000 Tanya 2313310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing this amazing shopping story.&nbsp; &nbsp;The chosen items look gorgeous.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313309 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:31:46 +0000 RobinF 2313309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We went on a cruise recently and DH was trying on all his old suits (he doesn't get rid of anything) and found many too big even though he is basically the same size. I think styles were different 10 or 20 years ago too and suits are a little more fitted now. He did have a more recent suit that fits well (is there anything more handsome than a man in a dapper suit?) and wore that but I think it is time for a closet cleanout. We have large families and the kids are getting married - we have 27 nieces and nephews on his side and 11 on mine - so will get plenty of use out of dress wear.</p> <p>Glad you found what you were looking for! DH isn't a bad shopper but it is hard when you are looking for something specific.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313306 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:15:35 +0000 lyn67 2313306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, been there, done that---it really can be difficult to dress&nbsp; a man to look like a billion dollars without actually spending them- esp. when he never wants to try on anything in stores---say when you don't exactly need shopping, just to see how new things looks like on him- and then, been rushed by sudden&nbsp; tight timelines.&nbsp;<br />Happy for solving your DH's wedding guest outfit-looks dapper, indeed. Now, cannot wait to see yours, but from what I can see you wanted (+the lillac trench and the yellow sling) it will turn out smashing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313242 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 01:05:27 +0000 Indigoprint 2313242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For what it is worth your shopping efforts are well worth it...buy these items when the occasion is happy.<br /> not to be a downer...<br /> It is really nice to have well fitting clothing when a funeral comes up. So many other things to be thinking about .I bought a dress shirt for my Dad for my mom's funeral as his shirt had a frayed collar..I am sure he only wore it one time.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313237 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:33:05 +0000 Carla 2313237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@&nbsp;<b>MsMaven&nbsp;</b>- I sincerely hope you and&nbsp;<b>Mr Maven&nbsp;</b>have opportunities to dress up in the future, so he can don that wonderful suit coat!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313230 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 22:35:13 +0000 MsMaven 2313230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've told the story of the Armani jacket before. We bought it for him at Nordstrom in January 2020. He'd lost 70 pounds. He was sad to give away his tux, but he'd worn it many times, including at least 6 weddings, in which 3 of them he was the officiator. It was hard to tell. him it was ok to spend the money on the new jacket. The salesman helped him pick out a gorgeous shirt and tie to wear with it.</p> <p>Then came the pandemic with few occasions to wear it.&nbsp;</p> <p>We've both gained a few pounds since then, but are working to lose the excess. I think he wore the jacket at his law school class reunion.&nbsp;</p> <p>He grew up in a family where clothes weren't important. When I first met him he told me his mother always bought his school clothes out of the Sears Catalogue. And he felt sorry for himself. In my family, being well dressed was important, even if it meant we sewed most of our own clothes.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm glad you found the right outfit for your husband and I look forward to seeing what you will wear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313213 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 20:24:28 +0000 Carla 2313213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@&nbsp;<b>Janet&nbsp;</b>- I remember when you shared that story, and how absolutely fantastic your sister looked in the photos you shared. &nbsp;A Cinderella experience for sure! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items/page/2#post-2313211 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 18:58:44 +0000 Janet 2313211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, good work under pressure! Glad you got some items he is so happy with. </p> <p>My husband and I have fun shopping together. We bought him a new post-ranch, semi-retirement wardrobe in NYC after we sold the cattle ranch last summer. That was fun!</p> <p>My crazy last-minute, high-stakes stylist shopping story is one I think I’ve told here before. My niece’s wedding was held in London five years ago, and it was my sister’s first time flying overseas, so she could attend the wedding. She had carefully chosen and packed a MOB outfit, as well as outfits for touring around London afterward for a week. And then the airline lost her luggage. </p> <p>We showed up in London a day later and there was still no sign of her luggage, with only a day to spare before the wedding. She was totally beside herself. I dropped everything else and rushed her to Marks &amp; Spencer. We walked in the door and I approached the first SA I saw, and told her our situation. She immediately said basically, “OK, we’ve got this!” and ushered us to a dressing room. She got a list of my sister’s sizes, needs, and preferences, and proceeded to bring us EVERYTHING! It was amazing. Dressesc shoes, accessories, fascinator! Even pants and tops for the rest of her trip. We found an outfit that my sister liked even better than what she had chosen to bring from home. It was absolutely the most incredible shopping experience I’ve ever had. They made a hugely stressful situation into something fun. </p> <p>We had a blast at the wedding and sightseeing around London afterward. </p> <p>And my sister’s luggage showed up at the Atlanta airport a week after she was back home in the states. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313192 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 16:44:44 +0000 Roberta 2313192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Truly, I never imagined that men's wear would be such a challenge! I thought they just walked into the Men's Wearhouse and found nice suits that fit them. I think I believe this because men sizing seems so clear and straightforward to me. Collar size, sleeve length, pants ready to be hemmed at a variety of lengths, etc. I think what you found, after an exhausting journey, is really amazing. I particularly like the tie with a bit of bright color - red, or perhaps even a strong pink? Hard to tell on a computer monitor. </p> <p>I hope you have an amazing time at the wedding and enjoy every minute of your glamorous selves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313178 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 12:13:07 +0000 ChristelJ 2313178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a shopping triumph! How satisfying to find the perfect separates for handsome hubs. Your ideas for the dress sounds wonderful so I guess your have your work cut out for you now finding it. I hope it's easy and you get just what you want. Love your shoes and coat already!</p> <p>My hubs hates to shop for clothes and will refuse. He only had an ill fitting tan plaid blazer from the '80s for weddings and funerals until we were passing through a department store one day and I desperately grabbed a few navy sportcoats and insisted he try them in front of the nearby mirror. Luckily one fit, and I grabbed a shirt to go with it. Ironically, he has only needed those a couple of times in the 4 years since! Now we are facing the same issue with pants, as he has lost weight after becoming a runner. He will only wear pants from REI, you know, the kind that zip off into shorts! If I grab pants in a store for him to try he will have to actually go into a dressing room, horrors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313177 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 12:00:41 +0000 unfrumped 2313177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your story!<br /> It was exhausting but a benefit of going to a diverse shopping destination was tgat you could try on a lot options immediately ( well, over hours!) and compare/ contrast. And easily eliminate things that didn’t pass the color or fabric test right off the bat. That’s something missing from the online experience. </p> <p>I wish I had my own such story. Even though I don’t feel like “ the one” inherently has to be super spendy— it’s more, recognize something special in a garment, that you haven’t been finding or satisfied with in other items and you go, aha. So yes, that could mean $$$ for event -wear because of luxury fabrics and tailoring, or for certain sporty items because of better nifty features &amp; comfort, or footwear, because…feet. </p> <p>I bought some spendy-for-me boots this winter because of features of adequate toebox, low sole and tight shaft. And so far have resisted duplicating in another color or browsing for any other boots. Find more ways to wear these. </p> <p>I’m honestly not finding actual clothing that is fabulous but price- limiting”. I imagine that speaks to the relative dearth of local shops but is also a changing body thing—like maybe I expect a garment to do something it can’t do, so there’s no brilliant fairy princess moments anymore. I have recently ordered a more expensive thing or 2 online to see<br /> “ what if” and they were no- go, in ways I’d have seen immediately IRL. So that’s an ongoing option but exhausting in its own way. </p> <p>Anyway I am evolving into a hybrid approach—realistically I wear far fewer things and more and more casual, so am being more practical about what emphasis on wardrobe volume &amp; budget, but if I come across something that fits and feels like a dream— not sequins, but more like an “ elevated basic”-- I hope I will get it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313175 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 11:37:45 +0000 Dee 2313175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All your hard effort has paid off, that's a great looking outfit for your husband. Harry Rosen came through. I know my husband wouldn't have lasted through that many try-ons, that's for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313170 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 07:47:06 +0000 Barbara Diane 2313170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on finding his outfit and your shoes. I had two important occasions to dress up for and one was extremely challenging. I had been in the same location a year before and almost passed out from the heat, so my outfit needed to breathe and cover my arms and I had to like it enough. At different times 5 different people were involved in trying to help me find my outfit. Years later I found something I would have loved at double my price point but I did eventually find something that worked. The only redeeming factor was that during shopping for this outfit I came across something perfect for the second, ordered it, and it fit perfectly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313166 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 07:18:20 +0000 Suz 2313166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great story, Carla, and I'm so glad it had a happy ending1 I love what you ended up getting him. Mr. Suz also did well at Harry Rosen's whenever he needed something special. Your DH is going to look amazing in that ensemble.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also love your idea for your own outfit and think it will work brilliantly. Now, we just have to help you find your dress. Ideally, the floral oattern will pick up tones in your hair and also the coat and shoes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313164 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 05:57:39 +0000 slim cat 2313164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great story - so glad it's all worked out ( with a lot of your help, patience and wisdom )! Beautiful suit for beautiful man .&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313160 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 04:33:49 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2313160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad your persistence and skill paid off, Carla. Well done! I like your plan of what you are going to wear, too. That outfit you showed with your coat looks smashing on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313155 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 02:39:06 +0000 cjh 2313155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great report on what turned out to be a wonderful success of shopping. Thanks for sharing the photos. I love the patterns and colors of the final choices.</p> <p>We went through similar struggle for one of our daughters’ weddings. She wanted her dad to wear a suit, not a tux. To find the right size and fabrics that felt right for the wedding color scheme, to go with my dress, red chiffon cocktail length, and appropriate formality, we went to every department and men’s store in town. Back then when people dressed up for office work, there were plenty of stores. It was exhausting but kind of fun. That was sixteen years ago and he still wears the suit for family funerals. Also the classic gray suit he bought for a class reunion of mine 30 years ago still fits and has been worn within last couple of years. —The only true suits he’s owned unless you count the polyester leisure suits of the 70s. Wink wink. </p> <p>I think he feels why replace if you have good quality and rarely use. Like King Charles, I hear.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313141 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 02:11:35 +0000 Jaime 2313141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great story! I have nothing to compare or at least nothing that comes to mind. Not a lot of fancy suit needs where I live! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313139 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 02:00:25 +0000 rachylou 2313139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are so many things in this world - it’s easy to find when something when it can be anything and a needle in a haystack when it’s got to be something specific. I’m so glad you met with such success! I think it took me a decade to find knee boots… I dropped a seriously pretty penny when I found a proper fitting pair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313127 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:50:57 +0000 Karie 2313127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No story to share, but well fitting clothing of good quality is always worth the investment. Inexpensive clothing comes and goes from my closet, but items that fit beautifully and I invested some serious cash into stick around for a very long time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313126 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:39:59 +0000 Irina 2313126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>RunCarla, </b>what a handsome DH you got! :)<br /><b></b>Love the suit. I’m kind of afraid even to ask my DH to try a suit we bought for our son’s wedding in 2017.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313122 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:29:38 +0000 Jenni NZ 2313122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>He’s handsome Runcarla! His blue eyes remind me of my lovely Dad’s eyes. He looks nice in that blue shirt in that photo. The outfit looks excellent.<br /> Good luck with your dress. You are going to a wedding in England when I am going to a wedding in Canada! (Our nephew’s wedding is 3 June).<br /> But I already bought my dress </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313121 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:20:11 +0000 Angie 2313121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOVE WHAT YOU GOT FOR HUBS! Dapper :)</p> <p>I will keep my eyes peeled for that floral! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313120 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:19:53 +0000 Gail 2313120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful story and I'm so glad it's all worked out .&nbsp;<br />My husband's job went to casual attire many years ago so his suits were never worn. &nbsp;We had to attend several funerals in the space of a week, the suits came out and they were &nbsp;absolutely enormous on him to the point of looking clownish ! There was no time to buy new so he had to wear them!&nbsp;<br />PS. 2 new well fitting suits have been purchased! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313119 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:17:52 +0000 Carla 2313119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@&nbsp;<b>Angie -&nbsp;</b>cross posted! &nbsp;I wish I had a better photo. &nbsp;(See below #1). The dark is not black, but rather ink blue, as are the trousers. &nbsp;There are a lot of subtle blue undertones in the weave of the jacket. &nbsp;The &nbsp;ties are two up for consideration. (#2 is DH - for colouring. &nbsp;Has blue, blue eyes.)</p> <p>I don’t have an outfit yet, but have 2 months to shop. &nbsp;Ideally I’d like a large print floral on a navy background. &nbsp;Long sleeves, and chest covered. &nbsp;Something with yellow, red, and lilac to wear with my new yellow shoes, and lilac coat if the weather is cold or rainy. (I removed the tie and belt loops from the coat, and it is quite slim lined (#3). Also looking at plain navy dresses, and a navy dress with yellow polka dots. &nbsp;Not panicked - yet!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313117 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:14:18 +0000 Bijou 2313117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great read and so glad you found what will make DH feel fabulous every time he wears it. I really hope those stores like Harry Rosen survive, as it is great to know they are there when you want to dress to impress. </p> <p>Looking back, I can remember buying a skirt and top for my 10 year school reunion that felt special. It was bought at a time when I had recently got married and had bought a house, so most of our surplus cash was being paid into our mortgage. Getting something new and a bit dressy was a thrill and I felt my confident best when catching up with my old friends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313113 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:01:32 +0000 Angie 2313113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HAH :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-emotional-ups-and-downs-of-shopping-big-ticket-items#post-2313112 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:00:25 +0000 Carla 2313112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Cardiff girl - I’ve got the shoes! :-D</p> <p>I got to be like <b>Angie</b>, and say ‘NEXT’! quite a bit!<b><br /></b> </p>