A peculiar problem - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

A peculiar problem

marianna

Veteran

I'm wondering if anyone can relate...

I need/want some new clothes for spring and summer. But -- I cannot find ANYTHING I like. This has been going on for a few months now. I keep trying to buy new clothes but there is nothing to buy! Nothing appeals to me. I'm not sure if I have become too peculiar and picky or what, but I cannot find anything I want to spend my money on.

Have I gone crazy? Can anyone relate?! I desperately want pretty new spring clothes but can't find anything! What's going on here?

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from marianna

Queen Mum

Veteran

I"ve definitely done more returning than purchasing this season. I think I've added a grand total of 2 dresses and one blouse... oh and 2 shoes (well, 2 pair)
I"m actually enjoying being picky. If I find everything I need now, I won't have anything left to buy for several months.
Don't let yourself settle for less than the best!

Debbie

Veteran

I've also done a lot of returning. I have a dress and a blouse coming that I hope work.
I thought it was just me.

theresa

I can completely relate! I've purchased several new things this spring only to get them home and decide they are no different than what I already have and do nothing to increase my style quotient. I thought I was in a rut (and I probably am) but if you are having the same problem maybe it isn't just me!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I've purposely been avoiding shopping, so I can't relate in that sense, but I would like to echo what someone said earlier...DON'T SETTLE!! If you don't find things that are 100 per cent fab and worth the money, then make due with what you have. Make due is probably the wrong word -- some of us would kill for your wardrobe!
Is it worth casting your retail net a little wider than usual and swinging by some stores you'd never expect to try, let alone succeed in?

Vix

Veteran

Hi Marianna --

I'm sure you're frustrated, but your pickiness seems to pay off in the long run so I'd keep looking and congratulate yourself on not buying just for the sake of buying.

I've had *some* luck...I've been looking hard since I actually have several holes to fill for spring/summer...but between December and now I've have bought all of 13 items (+ one pair of shoes).

Two are beyond-boring layering shells, 2 are scarves, 3 are useful staples a step up in excitement from the layering shells -- but I'm pretty excited about the other half even though I'm probably in the minority about that, ha.

It seemed to take forever to get to that point, though; and like other members I have returned or walked away from lots more. Maybe we'll all have more choice soon?

Good luck to you (+ me, + other members) on the hunt!

Marley

Veteran

I have not seriously looked this spring - I'm still SYCing - but, because of that I've convinced myself (in my head) that there are ZILLIONS of things out there that I would LOVE if only I was shopping!

MsMaven

Veteran

I understand your pain. I haven't found much I like either, except for shoes and one bag. I decided that this is the year to build a good shoe collection, so that part is okay--I've bought shoes and sandals. I hope that the late spring-early summer stuff will be more to my liking. It's not that I really need more clothes--but I am in the habit of shopping and buying at the beginning of the seasons.

It is often the case that when I have some money to spend I can't find anything I like, but when I am broke, the racks are full of delicious items I can't buy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think this is great problem to have! It's a testament to your current wardrobe.

Aunty

Veteran

I know what you are going through!
I have been walking around the shop's in town and there is next to nothing that has jumped out at me. I know it is only a small town but you would think there would be something!!
I tried a couple of work type blouses on but the fit was awfull, so the quest go's on

Irene

Veteran

It's happened to me before. A year ago I used to go to the shops and liked NOTHING. Everything looked horrible to my eyes. Maybe it's simpler, maybe you just don't like the trends of the season? Wait for the next one to come and keep saving!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I wonder if it's got something to do with working at Nordstrom? You're seeing more items now, you are getting more particular about quality ... I don't know, but I can imagine it could happen.

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

I can relate, too. I have found it difficult for the past few seasons - a lot of what is 'on trend' doesn't suit my body shape (I don't think - sometime soon I'll get brave and post a photo) and so finding things to buy is much harder work - I really have to look.

I'm another who needs some spring shoes - I have Very Fussy Feet, and had a massive declutter of all the shoes that didn't fit or hurt me at the beginning of the year, leaving me with very little to wear. And today in the UK it's very warm (for us!) and I am really feeling my shoe shortage. So all my efforts are going into looking for shoes at the moment.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm not feeling a huge pull for this season, either. I guess that means I already have what I need for the hot weather, or I'm not really excited about the new trends. Or a combination of both! I think I'll concentrate on accessories

Queen Mum

Veteran

I had the same thought as Laura. Perhaps you're getting your "ooh, ahh" fix just by being in the Nordies environment all day. Hold out for nothing short of the best!

Anonymous

I get that way periodically as well. Its especially frustrating when I'm on one of my "seasonal shopping excursions" I do 3 or 4 times a year. I go with cash in hand with the plan to drop bucks everywhere and then can't find anything inspiring. Luckily, if I wait a month or two, the right stuff shows up. I never settle...I just wait for tides to turn.

SW Ann

Veteran

I have this problem often, but not this season...However, when I do have this problem, I start looking for new accessories, and SYC! New sandals/shoes, a new belt, scarf--heck even a new lipstick--might spark your imagination to "seeing" things in a new way. And, if I may be so bold, could it be you are just seeing retail too much?? I know you are working lots from your comments--maybe you need to look in a different place for ideas. I have to admit, Nordstroms has NOT been where I am finding anything, but I have found a few cute things in other places. Enough to add to my classics to give them a fresh look. Good luck!

rosee

Veteran

I've had that problem several times before; this season I'm actually finding a few things. Mind you, most of it is after particular searches online, and lots of lucky thrift and consignment finds (i.e. older seasons' stuff). Hold out for the top quality picks instead of settling for "meh". And maybe cast your net a little wider -- different retail environments that you don't frequent as often. As a commenter said above, new lipstick can help too, or a new hairstyle.

catgirl

Veteran

All I have to say it yes. I returned a ridiculous amount of things I'd ordered from Nordstrom and ASOS. The good thing is I'm not compromising. The bad thing is I'm not finding anything. I TOTALLY sympathize - and if you are a professional in retail, what hope is there for me?!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

If it wasn't for F21; I would have this same problem. The clothes this season don't really appeal to me; in particular a lot of ugly blue and green shades, or really weird patterns that do not work with my current wardrobe or my aesthetic tastes. I guess I'll stick to finding neat accessories and shoes!

marianna

Veteran

Interesting input from all of you, thanks. I do feel that working in a retail store has made shopping and buying things for myself more difficult -- and I'm not exactly sure why! I guess it's time to expand my shopping horizons because I'm not finding anything in my usual go-to spots. The search continues.