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Analyzing shopping fails

Helena

Veteran

Inspired by Nemosmom's post about seasonal standouts, I'm taking an opposite tack and just for fun (!!) I thought I'd take a look at my shopping fails so far this year, to see what's gone wrong and what I can learn. So far this year, I've purchased 28 items (including accessories and gear, not including jammies and underpinnings), and of these, 7 have not pulled their weight thus far - either I've gone through the season to wear them and didn't really, or I'm not keen on wearing them this fall even though they will be in season. There are a few others pieces that I haven't worn much, but I am keen to wear them so I think those were more weather-related and their time will likely come!

The fails:
1/2. black and light olive v-neck t's. I mean, these were just cheap tees I bought to checkmark a black and light neutral tee off my list. They are fine and will likely be relegated to sleepwear or house project clothing, but they were entirely unnecessary purchases.

3. The striped shorts. I don't know why these didn't get wear. I really like them! But they didn't. I suspect this is an orphan issue - I only really have one black top I like with them, and no shoes. I will keep them and see how I fare with them next summer - I need black slides or something to go with them, but I'm not inclined to by shoes to go with a relatively inexpensive pair of shorts unless they will serve a broader purpose. We'll see.

4. Gray v-neck tee. This tee was just crap quality. Next! (it was a JF one, not the one shown - just put that in as an easy Find placeholder).

5. The gray and white leopard tee. It's soooo soft and comfy, and sort of cool I guess but I don't know ... maybe just a bit much for my style? Relegating to loungewear for now. Not a true fail though in the sense that I was trying something different; ok it didn't work, but nothing ventured nothing gained!

6. Tie-dye tee - way too dull. Washed me out completely.

7. For the love of God why do I keep buying these cardigans? I buy them and they are neither fitted enough to be dressy and polished, nor oversized enough to fit comfortably over a long-sleeve. Will I never learn?!?!?

Lessons:

don't buy things just to tick them off the list
think through the outfit from tip to toe before purchasing
check the quality on items
be picky about the colours near my face in particular
in the name of all that is good and true, STOP buying these stupid cardigans!!!!!

Comments and additional insights welcome, as well as stories of fails and what you learned! x

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High-Waisted Dobby-Stripe Linen-Blend Shorts for Women -- 4-inch inseam

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Slim-Fit Rib-Knit Crew-Neck Tee for Women

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Patterned Plush-Knit Long-Sleeve Tee for Women

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EveryWear Printed Slub-Knit Tee for Women

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Shopping

33 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I’m sure you showed us the cardigan before deciding? I think it’s gorgeous! I don’t understand…

Helena

Veteran

Thanks Jenni! It's not a visual thing ... it's just the fit ... it's so uncomfortable to put over anything with a sleeve, and I'm not one to wear a tank under a cardi for some reason ... just a personal quirk really. I have cardigan issues! Shame you're not close or I'd happily pass it your way!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Great post--sharp analysis and humorous. I am looking for a long cardi, so am especially taking note that just grabbing the first one that checks the boxes isn't a good idea.

These are my fails so far this year:

Shoes that looked like they were going to be comfy, but weren't. The first time I wore them, I walked home from the PT and all my endorphins were gone and my spine hurt by the time I got here. Bought inserts designed to relieve spinal pain for nearly as much as I'd paid for the shoes. There was no room for my foot. Took out the foam lining in the shoe, ripping it in the process; there still isn't room for my foot. Am planning to take them home with me to give to family members who by their own admission don't plan to walk further than from their car to the door.

Bra that is too short for me. Straps can't be extended any further. When it got here, I had to pay DHL extra for import duties from the UK. Now I can't find proof that I paid that. If I send it back, I'll get the purchase price refunded, but not the customs. At this point, it might be too late for anything.

I'm not sure I'm willing to call the eccos full-on failures, but my heel does tend to slip off them sideways. I feel far more certain in my clog sandals with a 2" heel. I don't want to give up on them yet, but sure do reach for other sandals a lot more often, now that I have others.

by Stagiaire Fash

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Irina

Veteran

Helena, I used to have this issue with some of my cardigans. I solved it by wearing it over short sleeve white button down shirts and silk plain tops.

Gigi

Veteran

Fun post. I have analyzed my failures in the past, and that has helped me going forward. One of my problems was also buying things to "check them off the list," and it rarely works.

Too bad about the shorts, because it's hard to find cute shorts like that. I find shorts to be really difficult to style in general. I think maybe the proportions are more difficult than with pants.

RobinF

Veteran

Great exercise. I wonder with your coloring if you need more contrast than things like the tie dye? I picture you in crisp navy and white stripes but no one can wear the same thing all the time! Too bad these didn't work but at least if you learn from it than it wasn't a total loss.

Mirjana

Veteran

Don't blame yourself, we all make similar mistake. That's normal. I think that the cardigan is beautiful.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I laughed so hard when I got to the part about the cardigans. (Sorry!) But now, with this brilliant analysis, we can call you on it if it looks like you are about to make another mistake with cardigans, at least.

I haven't bought much this year (I mean, I really haven't) but what I've bought still includes what might be three fails (an unusual number for me.) The jury's still out, though, on all these items. They may get a heck of a lot of wear in September/ October.

1. balloon jeans. They are fun, a new silhouette, a new colour that I do have partners for in the closet -- and I just don't feel them. <shugs> They arrived just as hot weather did (shipping delays) so that's part of it. I've worn them five or six times. Maybe I'll wear them more in the next while. But honestly? I'm not excited to.

2. Two "essential" tops with what should be a nice modest V neck for me and great for tucking into skirts or higher waisted pants and wearing with a jacket. Except when did I do that, this summer????? I don't know. Maybe they will work out in time.

Marks and Spencer

M&S Collection High Waisted Balloon Jeans

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Banana Republic

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Banana Republic

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Sal

Veteran

In looking at these pieces together they all look a bit muted - I wonder if you are preferring a high contrast. I too like the shorts and the cardigan but can see why they have been lightly worn rather than workhorses.

For me the following pieces have been rarely worn or not worn at all. The black skirt is the only 2021 purchase.

Black skirt - lovely but just not me. In donations pile.

Brown pumps - not worn in 2021, consignment purchase 2020. Keeping though as good in spring and autumn.

Wrap dress - colour palette is too muted on me. Second hand purchase in 2019. May donate?

Hat- just haven’t worn this year but keeping. New 2020.

Tangerine dress - not worn since 2019. I still like it but don’t have many appropriate occasions. Keeping and hoping for the right occasion.

Black and brown blouse - worn once this year. I like it but am limited in times to wear it - perfect for dinners out in warm houses or restaurants but this year I have chosen other pieces. May donate?

Black jacket - I love this but rarely wear it, in donation pile. Doesn’t really fit my style direction.

Black dress- I have loved this but it is in the donation pile. Too short for me given my current preferences.

That was a lot Helena - sorry to go on!!

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Mary Cassatt

To be fair to you: That cardigan looks nice in the photo!

My biggest fail: buying the cutest navy leather sneakers in my size 8 . . . and when they arrived, I found they were a *men's* size 8. I had misread the website (eyeball at myself). Sadly, the shoes weren't even available in a smaller men's size I could wear.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

Blouses with a low cut or even with a medium V neck. I bought two from Anthro and cut the tags off one and wore it before I realized it was unflattering/shifted around on me like crazy. The print was so pretty but I really should know better by now. Returned one and donated the other.

This isn’t really a complete fail, but I bought two pairs of jeans in spring - one balloon and one wide leg, but they are too big now that I’m close to my prepandemic weight. They didn’t get as much wear as they might have because summer got hot fast, and I should have waited. I might try to have them taken in, but not sure if they are too big to bother.

nemosmom

Veteran

Nodding with the others re: contrast. You added a bit more color, too that was successful, no? I seem to recall some deeper reds and forest greens...?? In any case, you've learned some valuable lessons (that is a MAJOR accomplishment!!)

I've had some duds, too. A couple of summer dresses and skirt that I am certain I will never wear. I felt like i *NEEEEEEDED* them for summer, but never wore them -- I never even wanted to wear them! Why do I keep buying skirts and dresses?!

Smocked Fit & Flare Cami Midi Dress for Women

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Anonymous

Ha re: cardigans! I think we enabled you though on that one....oops!
Mine is the dumb magpie furry coat. Soooo soft- like wearing a teddy bear. But No Pockets
Where you gonna put your hands dumdum?? Umm gloves??? Where you gonna put your gloves dumdum?

But the sleeves may be wide enough for all my dumb magpie bell sleeves!

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Sal

Veteran

Suz - I think those tops will come into their own when we get back to slightly dressier work occasions.....

Nemosmom - I could see Brooklyn in that skirt.....

Good to know we can all get it wrong. I think it is impossible not to - even one of my favourite minimalist/low buy influencers Signe from Useless has made a few mistakes and owned up to them.

Minaminu

Veteran

Mistakes, when acknowledged, can only help improve things and your analysis was fun and to the point!

This year, my biggest mistake was buying pieces for the wrong lifestyle. I am still WFH and planned and bought some pieces as if the pandemic was well over! Thankfully I could return them but made me reconsider the final quarter of the year.

slim cat

Veteran

Black sleeveless top - it’s shifting under anything and drab next to my pale skin.
Black bag - don’t buy solid black tops or bags ( message for myself).
Couple things worked in a limited capacity- still working on it.
Skipping traditional cardigans for now - soft jackets with some structure as preference.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

LOL about the cardigans. Tees seem to be a particular issue! I get it, really. I need to look at my purchases and evaluate too.

I got those shorts too, you may recall. They are strictly around-the-house wear for me. Probably not really necessary as I have other shorts that are not really right for prime time, but they were inexpensive and good to lounge in or putter around the house. I just got so excited that I found shorts that fit that weren’t a 3” inseam, LOL.

Oddly enough, I think these other shorts from ON might have been a misstep. I thought they looked cute at first but then felt kind of frumpy in them. I can’t quite figure it out. But again, they were inexpensive. I’ll keep them around for next summer before I ditch them.

High-Waisted Gingham Seersucker Everyday Shorts for Women -- 7-inch inseam

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Runcarla

Veteran

I was bummed about the mistakes I made this year, but after doing some math, realized that the sum total spent on them is just under 10% of my total budget, so don’t feel too bad about a success rate/grade of 90%!

Online shopping made it hard to be discerning about fabric, and I ran into some not great cotton jean items that were coarse feeling and stretched out of shape rather quickly.

Helena

Veteran

Janet, and they looked fantastic on you ... isn't it funny though; they really are great shorts, so I don't know what the issue is! I like the loungey idea though as they are super-comfortable.

slimcat, no more solid black for you!

minaminu, quite right, and I think a lot of people did what you did ... it's totally understandable that we'd want to buy for happier times!

Sal, yes, we all do it for sure ... and I love Signe; she's so calming

suntiger lol!! And no worries about any enabling; it was an objectively good buy ... my cardigan issues defy any rational analysis lol!! they are truly hit & miss for me.

haha Nemos, your skirts are my cardigans You're so right about colour ... I think I swing too much from muted to bright ... and what I need is more something like deep and a little saturated, but not bright per se ... like those deeper reds and greens you mention. Gray too ... charcoals are good but the mid-grays are hit and miss for sure.

Preppy Pear, well I guess you couldn't anticipate all those factors! Good look sorting the jeans; I'm sure the forum can help! (not me though, I'm terrible at sizing issues lol!)

Mary, thank you and shoot about the sneakers!

Sal, yep, agreed about the colour - too muted is too muted (soft blushes being somewhat the exception) and more depth by my face is definitely where I'm happiest! And thank you for sharing your analysis - it's so helpful to hear others thought processes!

Suz, I'm glad I got you laughing!!! And I think your balloon jeans are a fail that's not really a fail - because you were trying something new, so really you could only find out by trying! Funny enough I have a similar wrap top but with a long sleeve from BR ... and I feel like it should be great but I rarely reach for it ... I think perhaps it's the lack of structure that annoys me ... but I agree with Sal that you might find they come into their own once you are dressing up more again.

Mirjana, thank you!

Robin, yep on the contrast - I did cop on this summer that I like contrast either in the outfit, or a solid colour against my skin ... so those deeper colours, navy, etc. even as a solid in my outfit, gives me the contrast I need. And thanks for the encouragement!

Gigi, totally agree!

Irina, great suggestion; thank you!

SF, uncomfortable shoes are the worst, and good luck with your long cardi hunt!

Helena

Veteran

Carla, that's a great perspective - from a budget perspective, these mistakes are no biggie, although I do feel bad about the waste, but I think I can re-purpose them for lounging and work-around-the-house wear.

Quite right that online shopping didn't help the situation ... and frankly the need to do something to break up some of the boredom of the first half of the year!

rachylou

Veteran

Lol, I have a cardigan just like that. Same block stripes. Also not as useful as I thought it would be. Too short and too thin - although because it’s so thin, if I put my phone in the pocket, well, one side *will* be of sufficient length. Ahem.

My big bust is a cropped sweatshirt in a very pretty orchid, which I bought without trying on, because covid. I simply hate the feel of it ending around my ribcage. I also bought a sleeveless sweatshirt… and I should not buy vests, for keeping warm, because if it’s cold enough for a topper, my arms will be cold too. Anyways, the project of switching from black sweaters to sweatshirts has been a bit rocky…

BrieN

Veteran

Helena - enjoyed your post and laughed about the cardigan! I just bought several online to see if I can incorporate them into casual outfits - I love the idea of them - and will be very careful of the issues you mentioned. Thank you

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Nodding and smiling with the cardigan commenters! Cardigans are so tempting but I am almost never happy with them either. Sounds like color and pattern are very important to whether you will wear an item. My bugaboo is fit - I am less particular in the shop than at home.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I really enjoyed this thoughtful post! I've certainly been guilty of buying things just to tick them off the list. We can do all the planning in the world, but real life wardrobes aren't Pinterest flatlays or blog capsules, and sometimes the less perfect-seeming collection is the one that works better in the long run. Actually, I'm still learning this lesson, I think, because I really want that magazine-spread capsule, still.

I've purchased 11 items so far this year, and I'm still feeling iffy about two of them. The "Kindfulness" tank was a total impulse purchase, thrown into my online cart alongside something else that got sent back. I'm not sure what I expected of it, but it's really more loungewear for me than something I would wear normally. It misses on the "elegant" part of my style descriptor.

The white dress. Sigh. This was a planned and daydreamed-about purchase, but I've only worn it a couple of times since spring. Some of that is because the "grand return to society" post-Covid hasn't really panned out the way we'd hoped, has it? And another part is...it's just a lot of white.

I'm not getting rid of either of these, and I wouldn't necessarily call them failures. I just wouldn't call them winners, either. It happens.

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CarolS

Veteran

Workwear purchases made just pre-COVID (wideleg trousers and long cardigans) -- probably would not have been fails had the pandemic not sent us all home, but in light of WFH, these items have just been collecting dust. As much as I like them, long cardigans don't seem to appeal to me for at home wear.

The pants are getting quite a bit too big on me now, so in some ways I won't be sorry not to wear them. But one pair purchased with spring 2020 in mind still has tags on. Fortunately not expensive purchases.

I've been in a flurry of fall buying - further rationalized by some weight loss. Now I have over-bought and some will have to go back.

For example I now have three pairs of inexpensive boots at home that I thought might serve as half decent placeholders while I look for better quality pieces that fit my wider foot (needle in a haystack), but after trying on again at the end of a long day on my feet, I might have overestimated their workability. Hoping to avoid messing that one up.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I buy way too many jumpers .I definitely have EKPD,excessive knitwear purchasing disorder.If you find a cure let me know.

LaPed

Veteran

My last mistake was purchasing a couple of short-sleeve cashmere sweaters in the spring, with the hope that the lack of sleeves would make them itch-less enough for me to wear (I can do short-sleeve and sleeveless merino jersey no problem, but not long sleeves). Alas, the cashmere felt like hairshirts, so prickly! Both were secondhand; I ended up re-consigning them.

I also bought a chunky cotton cardigan on sale back in early summer. I love it and reach for it quite a bit, but it's such a loose knit that I'm afraid it won't have a very long lifespan. I can envision many pulled threads in the future, but it's fine so far, so maybe I should stop worrying and just enjoy it.

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cat2

Veteran

I would not call the Ts mistakes, I would call them trials of brands that did not work, put the brand on your Do Not Buy list and move on. The only way to find out if a low end brand is a hidden gem for basics is to create some future sleepwear!

Style Fan

Veteran

I have had many shopping failures in my past. This year I have purchased eight items, and so far, they have all been winners. This is definitely unusual for me.

I struggle with long cardigans. They always look so cozy in the picture. Not on me.

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