https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:31:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312226 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 11:56:16 +0000 Anonymous 2312226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Off to check out Zenmarket! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312214 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:05:26 +0000 Bijou 2312214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favourite shopping is from small local boutiques (which includes a great consignment store) that have lovely sales assistants with a good feel for my style and are not pushy at all. I also shop online and enjoy buying items from Zenmarket - which is an online store selling new and second-hand Japanese clothing and accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312211 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 04:51:25 +0000 Jenni NZ 2312211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Suz for the access to the article- and thanks to UmmLila too for sometimes doing the same for us. That very sort of article is why I am not so keen on the “let someone else wear it” philosophy and am trying to buy sensibly enough to be closer to wearing out my stuff and then giving it for rag recycling. Some of the thrifted things I buy I don’t feel so bad about donating back into the thrifting system if not worn as much, since they already were in the system, but try to avoid churn even there.<br /> Maybe imagining clothes there before we bought them would be good Unshopping inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312209 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 04:31:32 +0000 Suz 2312209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here, all -- the Times article:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/10/us/ropa-usada-border-shops.html?unlocked_article_code=PQTHFSelzhi10yv6xqecsttiqtVnzV405WaW1meFwtwdVhwEBFi8JzrzGPJDVfMfqfh1GuWMCKwiD_pNlTr1KX0CrQbjO5AWJepwmSgcP4LV0GqBi9Znrhq3eSAaDANbygTnyxpJT2LziDRuaA1rOjnfgRfGZp0mX5cyKwzpBeTVZ5BWSLrZUwXQJ4t56P5uIQsvhgfbaPUBkNyLZac1U1C9cZWbSt8gOzCXndTbVMwnNFpNHYQFRdjRESSUP-mBitdj4UgTI8Io4pUpXeP8xhfJmfFnb9A6f-3xT7jVIxkjJJxB8AUydZNj6tcVIGJqRUSigpETNa4UH3G_&amp;smid=url-share">https://www.nytimes.com/2022/0.....QTHFSelzhi</a></p> <p>This is a fascinating thread and I have lots of feelings but no coherent thoughts at the moment.&nbsp;</p> <p>All I will say is that Ropa Usada experience sound horrible, <b>Carol!</b>&nbsp;</p> <p>And I have enjoyed shopping at all kinds of places, but tend not to feel comfortable in extreme thrift environments (the smells, the lights), OR small, very high end boutiques, because in the past, I could be talked into items that are not right for me. That would be less likely to happen now that I'm more confident in my own style.&nbsp;</p> <p>Having said that, I have had great experiences in some boutiques (and I used to work in a couple, including one that sold Marimekko designs!). And also in thrift stores. Anyone from Canada's east coast know Frenchy's?&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312128 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 21:25:06 +0000 LaPed 2312128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t remember the last time I bought something at a brick and mortar boutique! It’s been many years. I guess merchandising doesn’t really do much for me? I make several in-person purchases at thrift and consignment stores each year, and occasionally find something at discount outlet chains like Sierra/TJ Maxx. So I guess my natural inclination is “the thrill of the hunt”. But the substantial majority of my purchases are made online. Search function and filters are my preferred forms of curation, and my home is the best dressing room. A deep dive into online reviews is just as satisfying to me as pawing through racks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312124 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 21:10:28 +0000 Anonymous 2312124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I maxed my NYT articles, will try again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312080 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 17:03:38 +0000 Janet 2312080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The reactions to small boutiques are interesting to me. I generally like to be left to myself while shopping, but I want friendly, helpful advice when I ask for it. The only place I really like a more “hovering” SA presence is in the boutique I go to a few times a year where they know my name when I walk in the door, and they know my style. The kind of place where my favorite SA messages me when they get a new Zadig &amp; Voltaire piece that screams my name. They never pressure me though, and in fact are helpful with honest feedback when I’m on the fence about an item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312065 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 15:36:47 +0000 CarolS 2312065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ooh, can't get in to the article -- will have to see if I can find a back door.... I'm very interested to read it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312053 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 14:30:45 +0000 crst 2312053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Link to a very interesting NYT article on the Roma Usada shops mentioned. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/10/us/ropa-usada-border-shops.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.nytimes.com/2022/0.....shops.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312042 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:12:36 +0000 Tanya 2312042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy most shopping environments, but with some caveats:&nbsp; if it is a small curated boutique, I am perfectly happy as long as I am left alone by the SA without any pressure.&nbsp; Similar thing for very high end stores (though I rarely go into them).&nbsp; &nbsp;For the big, chaotic stores, I have to be in the right mood, but if I am, I enjoy the digging and the search.&nbsp; &nbsp;There used to be a lovely big Nordstrom Rack pretty close to me and it was fun going there from time to time.&nbsp; &nbsp;Unfortunately it closed a few years ago.&nbsp; I will occasionally go to the 2nd closest one but it is much smaller and thus less fun - I have only found some shoes there so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312035 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 12:49:45 +0000 Anonymous 2312035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have much more tolerance outside too This flea market had both, but by the time we got to outside, I was DONE.<br /> Ok, by the time we got halfway down the first of the rows, I was DONE.</p> <p>Department stores are overwhelming to me (online isn't as bad to me). I don't like having to walk all around a huge store comparing different options of similar things. I don't like malls either for that reason. Or grocery stores for that matter. I'd rather be able to say yes or no quickly and get on with my day!</p> <p>Oh the "cheap as chips" thread did remind me to do the post, but I had the idea while in FL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration/page/2#post-2312029 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 10:50:58 +0000 Zaeobi 2312029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mentioned car boot sales on @Jenni's thread earlier - I hated having to wake up early for them as a kid, but I loved sorting through the stuff there for gems because it was outdoors (&amp; usually with ice cream &amp;/ or a bouncy castle set up nearby). </p> <p>I imagine that I may start to feel claustrophobic if I had to do all that indoors (especially in a place like @CarolS describes)!</p> <p>--- </p> <p>Otherwise I like shopping new in the UK, where SAs aren't as pushy or don't hover as much as in HK. Oh, &amp; they usually have my size out on the floor back home, lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2312026 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 10:03:45 +0000 Olive Green 2312026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Only small curated boutique I have ever loved went down after the pandemic. The owner was from Maine and had to learn that navy did not sell in Texas, but after that, she had fab, arty pieces and a good range of sizes. It was a monthly stop, and a hilarious gossip center. No snootiness whatsoever, lol. She had an eye, and I took full advantage.<br />I did happily thrift out of necessity and practicality for many years before it became popular. And before nylon fabrics became ubiquitous.&nbsp;<br />Department stores, in general, have been less fun as I move into older age territory. I can afford more nice things, but they are not geared to my age and taste.&nbsp;<br />You know what gets me excited? Gear stores. Still a utilitarian nomad!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2312020 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 08:18:49 +0000 Sal 2312020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can do any quite happily. My favourite is a boutique with a range of brands and good mirrors. Second equal probably a mid range chain store or a thrift or consignment store. I have enjoyed Myer in Melbourne or Ballantyne in ChCh - but locally the dept store here I mostly avoid. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2312019 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 08:18:48 +0000 jussie 2312019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably like department stores best I guess, lots of variety, not too much need to talk to SAs. However I still sometimes enjoy thrift and boutiques, as long as the boutiques are friendly and not too over the top, and as long as the thrift isn’t too smelly and stuffy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2312017 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 07:15:44 +0000 anchie 2312017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am somewhere in the middle. I don’t like SA pressure or snootiness in small curated boutiques, but I also get overwhelmed in too crowded and poorly organized stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2312016 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 06:51:33 +0000 Sloper 2312016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love a big, beautiful department store (and mall). &nbsp;Lived in NYC a couple of decades ago and was thoroughly spoiled by the “motherships” like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks. &nbsp;I know their suburban versions don’t quite match up, but some are quite swell. &nbsp;Unfortunately off-limits to me now (Covid x health reasons).</p> <p>Small boutiques intimidate me. &nbsp;Flea markets and thrift stores were fun in college penny-pinching days - when looking for funky clothes for the disco, or when furnishing one’s first apartment. &nbsp;Now just not my thing. I don’t mind a jumbled display, I just feel like my house is already jumbled enough, and I don’t need to bring anymore “interesting” stuff into it. </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2312008 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 05:39:27 +0000 Jenni NZ 2312008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also like what CristelJ and CarolS and Roberta and slimcat said. I can feel like I don’t belong in those boutiques- like I felt yesterday a bit with that snooty-seeming SA.<br /> And like CarolS I am quite in my head when I shop, because I am the one who knows what I have at home and what might work with those items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311991 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 03:33:51 +0000 Jaime 2311991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I don't have infinite patience for heaps of junk, but I do have quite a lot! Looking for a needle in a haystack is kind of my thing, as long as I have some sign of hope. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311990 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 03:33:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 2311990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread Suntiger. Fits quite nicely with my “Cheap as Chips?” thread actually.<br /> I’m with Irina, some of those very curated boutiques do have that warning light ringing “Expensive, expensive, expensive” and mostly I’m correct if I get that feeling. I might try your trick though Suntiger! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311945 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 22:50:26 +0000 Angie 2311945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can find pleasure in any shopping environment :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311909 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 19:51:44 +0000 Echo 2311909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is likely this is because of my location, but our Marshall's and TJ Maxx stores are all small and laid out well. It is likely because they have less merchandise than in larger, more metropilitan areas. But overall I like Marshall's and TJ Maxx as well as nicer malls. Boutiques here tend to carry such limited merchandise (often that isn't my style) and have such "attentive" staff that they are stifling to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I cannot do thrift stores because my allergies go crazy in them. I am also not fond of used items and things that are organized by color instead of size. Flea markets are a nightmare for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I guess I enjoy the sweet spot in the middle. Well-maintained and organized department stores are generally just right for me, and I am less comfortable in either very small boutiques or very large, disorganized stores.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311900 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 18:51:13 +0000 judy 2311900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On overly curated b and m environments, I can relate to both feeling a little nervous...is it a museum or a store?...and wanting to take that "oh everything is so perfect" feeling home with me.&nbsp;I'm more at ease in a Goodwill or jumbled environment.&nbsp; I think it can depend on mood though, too.&nbsp; Sometimes I used to love the hunt, especially for things like dishes and art in junky places.&nbsp; It's fun to exercise our eyes to select beauty out of the chaos.&nbsp; </p> <p>In those small boutiques, they've done the hunting, so everything is good, even if it isn't for me.&nbsp; The place I've bought clothes from online recently is a very curated boutique and I'm glad for the selecting the owner has already done.&nbsp; I think you just have to find a place that matches your vibe...?&nbsp; &nbsp;I like browsing online boutiques because I run into brands doing very interesting clothes I wouldn't know about otherwise.&nbsp; Guess the hunt has moved much more online for me these days.&nbsp; </p> <p>Sometimes I like the chaos of an in person store.&nbsp; When I was a child I used to go with my grandmother to the old Filenes Basement store in Boston.&nbsp; It had an entrance directly from the subway.&nbsp; And no dressing rooms, so women would strip right down and try things on.&nbsp; It was like a big party, at least to me as a very little one.&nbsp; Women helping other women about what fit and what looked good.&nbsp; At a retail store I used to work at in the 80's, the dressing rooms were separated by gorgeous heavy fabric curtains (we sold clothes, fabric and home goods all by our brand).&nbsp; At our twice yearly sales, we'd pull back the curtains to make one big room so more people could try on clothes at once and we noticed how much it boosted sales.&nbsp; Also, any time of year putting items into a basket rather than hanging them would convince people to buy them more too.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311884 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 18:14:42 +0000 Anonymous 2311884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yikes re: forklift! That's appalling!</p> <p>I'm kinda ok with digging, but not if the store is crowded. The crowd and noise was a big part of my issue with the flea market. Just too much going on all round! </p> <p>Interesting many of you are uncomfortable with boutiques! Maybe the difference is it's a small town and I talk to the owners when I'm in. The prices are generally about like department stores (which intimidate me in person), maybe a bit more, but nothing crazy. Besides I figure they remember that I make a couple good size purchases a year on the days when I pop in and buy nothing or something small </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311881 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 17:59:28 +0000 cat2 2311881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh, I haven’t shopped in person in ages. We usually make one Christmas trip out to see the puppies up for adoption at Macy’s and enjoy the lights, but everything else is online. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311870 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 17:24:49 +0000 slim cat 2311870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with @Irina - i fell like a wrong person at the small beautiful stores.&nbsp;<br />Marshall's could be overwhelming but I usually try to stay focused on my fav colors and the right merchandise &nbsp;. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311851 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 16:38:59 +0000 Jenn 2311851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just the thought of the exercise you suggest stresses me out. I'm actually finding it interesting...why does the thought of picturing something in a jumble sale spark anxiety in me? It's probably rooted in the same reason why I keep a smaller wardrobe and organize my closet just-so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311850 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 16:37:35 +0000 Carla 2311850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like&nbsp;<b>Irina&nbsp;</b>and&nbsp;<b>Roberta&nbsp;</b>I get suspicious in shops that are overly curated. &nbsp;I can usually see past less organized displays and find what I’m looking for or source out treasures. &nbsp;Colour and feel are big attractants, and then it’s flipping of tags for information - where it’s made, fabric content, laundering care, etc. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311848 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 16:35:55 +0000 CarolS 2311848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just popping back to agree with the comments about boutiques making me uncomfortable -- feeling I don't quite belong. Even if I want to try something on, more often than not I won't.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am very much inside my own head when I shop, and don't really want an SA who doesn't know me offering advice or opinions. And although I enjoy looking at well-merchandised displays, I do prefer seeing my own vision for something.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unshopping-inspiration#post-2311839 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 16:17:24 +0000 Roberta 2311839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A small, highly curated boutique makes me nervous, I'll admit. I'm sure that nothing on the rack will fit me, and I can't afford the accessories. I love a small ethnic store piled with scarves and jewelry and bags and figurines and ceramics, though. </p> <p>Smell also plays a big part. I find thrift shops always smell funky, and I can't bear them, no matter how well lit they are. But Anthropologie, with its balance of candles and crisp new clothing, suits me to a tee. Lush gives me a headache, as much as I like their wares. </p>