Inspired by Rae- What have you bought, that you thought was perfect, that didn't work out.... - YouLookFab Forum

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Inspired by Rae- What have you bought, that you thought was perfect, that didn't work out....

gryffin

Veteran

I was so impressed tonight by Rae's post about finally finding the "right" leather jacket and having the courage to admit and purge jackets that she loved but for some reason didn't work out. I think this admisson is really hard because these items are obviously not impulse buys. We thought about them, tried them on, made sure they worked color, cut, style and they passed with flying colors. Then the moment of truth arrives....for one reason or another they either never leave the house or we don't enjoy wearing them. For me I was shopping for a dressy winter coat. It was prefect - an ABS silver label gray and black plaid men's wear inspired overcoat. Pocket placement, weight, fit I thought were perfect. It was August, it was hot, I had on layers and a blazer, I thought it was plenty roomy. It was expensive but I was so happy - this was THE coat!! Then November came around and I took the beloved out and slipped it on over my suit and it was snug over all the layers. This was not my elegant oversize fit. I had not changed size so it was obvious in the heat of August I had miscalculated. I can wear the coat but only if I modify what I want to wear under it. I was crushed. I am crushed. It has never given me pleasure to wear because if I can't wear it the way I want to I don't seem to want to wear it at all. Tonight, I need to thank Rae for inspriing me to admit it was a mistake. It's time to pass it on and try again. Would anyone else like to join my "mistake" support group?

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32 replies

Latest reply was from gryffin

JayS

Veteran

Hmmm...where to begin...today I pulled out my Vince sweater that I stalked for a good portion of last winter. Jeanne at gracefully50 (now on hiatus) wore it wonderfully...I was sure I could, too. However, I have linebacker shoulders and the dark top portion of the sweater as well as the boxy, loose fit only emphasize them. I just can't make it work. I did try a scarf with it today to break up all that real estate...I still have a glimmer of hope.
We won't discuss the Robert Rodriguez jacket...

ETA: Inspiration photo from gracefully50:

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Mistakes? Too numerous to list. I seem to need to actually wear clothes for an entire day (and that goes double for shoes) before I know if I will really ever wear them again. I make frequent runs to the consignment shop. so out of sight out of mind works for me.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I didn't realize how poorly low rise jeans actually fit my shape (high hip and short waist) until I got some mid-rise pairs. I was continually hiking the low ones up to where the mid-rise sit. I still wear the low rise pairs; they weren't cheap, and actually include my most expensive pair by True Religion. But I'm buying 8" to 8 1/2" rise now.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I'm sad to say I think its my Leopard Print Pettys.....:(
I looked for a long while for nice, low heel leopard booties. I love that these are the perfect style, height, pattern...except that they don't love my feet back!

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SuzyQ2

I can't tell you how many jackets and coats looked so right then felt so wrong. Shoulder bags that constantly slip because of weather repellent fabric. Hoods that are not worn up will pull the front of the jacket up and back. Or worse, hoods so large that when worn up to ward off the rain becomes a horse blinder. The quest for the perfect coat goes on while the failures are in the donate pile.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Most recently? My Tory Burch sleeved dress. Recommended by Angie, no less!

The colours, the fit, the fabric, the length, the style, the sleeves -- all seemed perfection. I could not have been more delighted with this dress if someone had made it especially for me.

Until I realized that it wasn't going to be warm enough for my winter temperatures -- and it is too warm for my summer. Plus, I'd have the problem of finding hose and footwear to work with it -- not so easy, when sheer hose (which would look best) do not provide the needed warmth for my climate. Oh...and then it dawned on me that I never actually have occasion to wear a ladylike dress such as this one. I do wear dresses -- and very happily, too. But they need to be casual...or dressier. I don't work in an office.

Luckily, I bought this dress at Nordstrom's and they have a very generous return policy. Never worn, it is on its way back.

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lyn*

(website)

Veteran

My Kate Spade dress.

Oh I want to cry buckets. It doesn't fit. It will barely do up if I lost about 1.5" around my bust line. Which I don't think I can do.

I can't return it, but that's not the bad part. It was supposed to fit! So frustrated!!!!

cciele

Veteran

I'm in the "Oh boy where to begin" camp.

The stunning red sheath, made by a local designer. A tight fit when I first got it, but it was so beautiful. Wore it once or twice. Then gained some weight and haven't worn it at all since.
The funky gray blazer. For the longest time I've tried to incorporate blazers into my wardrobe -- because you all look so cool in them! This one looked sharp, had an edge and funkiness I liked. Only wore once or twice but keep thinking of great outfits to wear it with. Maybe it's more of a fantasy piece for now. Maybe a blazer's not for me? I keep trying though (watch out for my post on a Theory blazer...)
The arty cardigan. Wore a handful of times, and wondering why I don't wear it more often, because it's a beautiful piece. Maybe I'll just wear it around the house!

deb

Veteran

My last one was a white Theory silk shirt. I loved it when I bought it. I made myself wear it twice but I just do not reach for it. I think it is the color. I thought it was a true white and it looked that way in the store but in my closet with the rest of my clothes, it look off white. Oh well,

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Well... maybe you can all take comfort in the fact that your mistakes are making me feel a lot better... about my mistakes. Got a few tucked away here and there...

My big one? A beautiful pair of black leather Rachel Zoe ankle cuff stiletto sandals. Pricey even on eBay, and even though I waited until the last minute, I wound up in a bidding war the last 12 seconds of the auction. I was overjoyed to win them! Two of my very favorite bloggers, Nini at ninistyle.net and Karla of karlascloset.com, were sporting black ankle-cuff stiletto sandals in a lot of their spring and summer pictures. I wanted a pair of black ankle-cuff stilettos so badly, and I must have scoped out about 25 pairs before I settled on the Zoes.

I wore them exactly twice.

There were many reasons that these shoes didn't get outside much: We had a ridiculous amount of rain the entire first half of summer. Then my belovedest and I did a bunch of travelling - and it seemed impractical to bring sky-high heels on a three-week trip, for only one or two wears. Then when I finally did wear them, my foot had a tendency to slide forward a little! So these are really only shoes I would wear for going out, when someone else picks me up in their car (as opposed to walking five blocks to my parking garage in them).

I am going to try again in the spring, by adding some of those foot petals that style bloggers keep recommending. And make a greater effort to wear them.

But until that time, my beautiful mistakes are nestled lovingly in their dustbag and shoe box until Spring 2014.

Anonymous

Mine was an AT coral sundress. The color and length were perfect to replace a similar dress that felt too short. I found it at a consignment store, so the price was pretty good. I even had a great topper for it. The problem was that it was cut too low in the neckline but taking the straps up an inch or so seemed like an easy fix. It wasn't. My seamstress refused saying it could not be done. The narrow part of the fit'n flair dress would then be where my rib cage is widest. It found a new home with a friend's daughter with a chest to fill out the dress as it is.

gryffin

Veteran

Wow Jay - this is just what I am talking about. I think that sweater looks stunning on you. So I really hope you find a way to wear it that feels good but you know I've will be mentally helping you pack it up and ship it out if it doesn't make you happy. On the jacket, well we won't discuss the Reiss tux jacket either!!
Mo - I also have a slightley short torso and I totally prefer midrise - 9" if I can get it. That's why I am a huge Lucky fan. It took me ages to figure that out. You are a trooper to keep hitchingn the TR so annoying.
Shevia - I think you hit the nail on the head. It takes time to see how an article works IRL. So now the tags are off and we've worn it. You are amazing the Queen of Consignment. I'm a good returner but if worn it's off to donate. Tax break but not good on the girl math, I'm just out of luck!!
Rebekah - who of us hasn't done that. I bought Frye harness mules (they were soooooooooooo cool!!) and fell three times and trashed my knees before I would admit they did not fit properly. You were way ahead of me. Smart girl to move on!!
SuzyQ - we will commiserate in the coat woe group!! I have slightly sloped shoulders so I understand strap slippage. Hoods are tough, when they work they are amazing and then there are the rest. Good luck...I'll be beaming good outwear luck over to you!!

gryffin

Veteran

Suz - That's exactly the part that is so disturbing. So right in so many ways but the little "wrongs" just make it impossible. You do look wonderful in that dress but it would be ashame to let it sit unloved. You are so smart to return because something perfect will turn up. Good luck with the hunt!!
Lyn - It's not you it's the dress. But that's really upsetting when you have been looking forward to it, thought it was prefect and then bam disappointment.You look so awesome in all your beautiful dresses. It really hurts when you can't return (my coat is still languishing in the closet) but we just have to accept it and move on. Leaving it just makes me feel guilty and what good is that?
cciele - sometimes I have to "get used" to an article in my wardrobe. I bought a RL jeans washed black denim cutaway, talk about out there. But I really love "morning coats" Anyway it languished for many years. this year was wear it or donate and I'm have a blast. But I had to "grow" mentally into that place. Do you think that might happen with you?
Deb - I think that's Shevia's wear test. So frustrating when that happens. Colors do look so different when paired with other colors and in "house" and "office" light. I bought I bathrobe that I thought was a deep olive and black plaid got home and it was really chocolate and black....figure that one out!!
Belle - who amongst us has not made that mistake!! On "The Coveted" I saw a pair of Aldo studded high heeled boots, she swore the heel was 2.5" had to have. Heel was 4" two days of tottering wondering how difficult it would be to find an orthopedic knee surgeon convinced me it was a no go. Clearly I am not cool!!
Joy - At least your seamstress was honest and you did not pay for alterations that would have ruined the dress (been there and done that) and I am sure your daughter's friend was thrilled to benefit. The lure of the almost perfect!! So frustrating!! Here's hopin the really perfect new dress appears soon!!

viva

Veteran

For me, it was the teal Kate Spade crossbody satchel I asked DH for for Christmas last year. I loved it, I had to have it, I insisted he get it for me...and when I got it, it sat in my closet for months. It was a reptile print patent leather and was so, so hard to the touch (who knew I was such a fan of soft leather?). Also, it was small, too small to fit anything beyond my wallet, which would get stuck in it. And it could only be worn as a crossbody, so it had no flexibility. Such a sad thing, to ditch a Christmas present from DH after only a few months. But off to consignment it went.

peacechick

Veteran

I have no luck with blazers on the whole. I bought a L.A.M.B navy blazer and it is beautifully made with an angora wool blend, striped lining and lots of pockets. But alas it just doesn't look good on me. Padded shoulders are an enemy to my short neck and I think the jacket adds bulk rather than structure. But I'm going to hang to it till I lose more baby weight and we'll see.

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gryffin

Veteran

Viva - so sad. Finding the perfect hangbag is tough enough but, you are right, it's really, really difficult when it was a gift that you wanted that didn't work out. Feeling your pain on this one. But you were really smart and brave to move on. At least we are all wiser from the mistakes. Good luck on the new bag hunt!! Hoping perfect turns up soon!!

JayS

Veteran

Gryffin...Wish it were so. The photo is of the lovely Jeanne from gracefully50.
Sorry I didn't make that clear.

gryffin

Veteran

Peacechick - that is so disappointing. I hope you like it better as the baby weight melts (gosh remembering those days. Just nothing looks good because it's not your real body and it's in flux!! Hang in there it will get better) I hope you like it the jacket better with time but if not best to move on. Good luck and enjoy your new little one!!
Jay - I can see why you fell hard for the sweater. It does look awesome on Jeanne.

Aquamarine

Veteran

So many shoe mistakes....I need to wear them out and about (not in my house) to really gauge their comfort. Oh well, I consider them donations to charity and think someone with less fussy-feet than me will enjoy them.

Snowqueen

So many:

The perfect pair of loafer pumps from Madewell. The color was this perfect rusty shade, the style.was darling and the leather was so soft and looked just like a well loved baseball glove. Unfortunately, they were a bit big for my feet after they stretched out a bit and just a tad bit too high. I stumbled multiple times before I came to my senses and moved them on via ebay.

My grey Coach Sabrina purse. Loved the soft grey color and squishy style of the bag, but the satchel style doesn't work for me and everything ended up a jumbled mess in the bottom of the bag. Also, I need an exterior pocket for my cell.

Almost any blazer. They feel great in the store, but always feel restrictive when I try to wear them and too heavy for my climate. I now stick to my coats and leather jackets for outerwear.

gryffin

Veteran

Aquamarine - shoes are very hard to gauge. I too feel virtuous when I donate. Someone is going to get a major score and my cast off will be their beloved workhorse. At least it won't go to waste!!

Von

Veteran

I constantly make shoe mistakes...I've even stopped tallying them on my official list of mistakes :).

Today I realized that the cashmere shift that I bought for under $50 at Banana Republic a few years ago is just plain too short as a dress, and shifts are just not my shape. As warm and soft as it is, it's doing me no good on the rack if I never wear it. I wish I knew someone who could reliably turn it into a high-low tunic!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Gryffin, you summed it up perfectly! "...right in so many ways, but the little wrongs just make it impossible". Being entirely honest with myself, I tend to be willing to overlook those little wrongs sometimes, in my sweeping enthusiasm for a garment or a pair of shoes. "I'll make it work!", I say, boldly, and with conviction. And then... nope.

And sometimes, I just overlook those little wrongs until I have the item on and puzzling over why I can't make it work with what I already have.

Shevia is right. Sometimes you need an entire day to sort it out. And by that point, your item isn't really returnable

Thistle

Veteran

My gorgeous winter fit and flare berry colored coat. It was perfect last year when I bought it. I took up weight lifting for medical reasons and my arms have developed some defination. The coat is now too snug over my biceps. Makes me cry as I love this coat!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Shevia - YES. Needing a whole day - and the day's activities! - to assess comfort and practicality... that's a killer.

Thank you for starting this thread, Gryffin! Now I don't feel so horrible for posting all those keep/returns and agonizing still keeping stuff that was wrong. It is good to know that we all put the effort in and think XYZ is perfect... you can have the best research, but it's all just a hypothesis until the actual experiment is run, right?

gryffin

Veteran

Snowqueen - your madewell's and my frye's must have been related. Much better to give away than get hurt. As I said above, I too got suckered on a purse, now I measure carefully and have a list of must have's. Something just can't be compromised on!! I love blazers but I don't buy button downs. Love them on others but they pull out and look rumpled on me. I think we just have to know ourselves and pick what works for us but it's hard when things look and work wonderfully on others!!
Belle - I think we are so on the same page with this. I don't think there is anything to do but think carefully, buy consciously and when all else fails fess up the mistakes and move on. The good news is sometimes we get it right and when we do we hit it out of the park!!
Oh Thistle!! We will mourn our coats together!! Who said being strong and fit comes without a price! In fact, wasn't IK bemoaning this too? It's so frustrating but your buff arms just want a special coat of their own!! We'll hope we both find nw coats we love equally well. Good Luck!!
Rae - it gives new meaning to the words live and learn. There is just no way we can be right all the time and I think Shevia nailed it that sometimes only time will tell. But the more we learn about what works for us and the more we share and learn from others, the less mistakes we will make (or so I hope!!). I know it doesn't make the frustration better but at least you really know you are not alone!!

Greyscale

Veteran

This thread makes me feel better about my own mistakes (and I hope it makes you all feel better too). It's good to know it's a common problem!

Along with the occasional "doesn't fit, can't return it" mistakes, I think my biggest mistakes are the overly dressy items that I lust over, buy, and then never wear because the truth is that most days jeans are the right answer. And tops that are too warm for me to wear here.

Yesterday I bought a pair of second-hand Yohji Yamamoto pants at a consignment store for quite a lot of money - more than I'd spend on new designer jeans, even - and I really really hope I don't regret it. I can't return them. They are amazing, I loved them in the store, and I think they're relaxed enough that I can wear them but I'm quite scared / annoyed at myself for letting myself feel guilted into buying them by the helpful saleswoman.

Emily

Veteran

A satiny, halter-neck cocktail dress (#1) to wear to a wedding. It is my favourite eveningwear colour (sapphire) and fits well. I bought Dress 2.0 for a wedding the next year, not realizing until they were side by side how very similar the two are. I like Dress #2 infinitely more - it is sleeker and bra-friendly. RIP Dress #1.

#1 Dress
#2 Dress 2.0

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DonnaF

Veteran

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has discovered that wearing new footwear around the house is insufficient to tell whether they will be comfortable or not. I could probably stock a shoe store with all my mistakes!

And then there's makeup. . . .For some reason, all my lippies are turning orange on me. And the half dozen I bought over the weekend at CVS didn't work out at all. Hooray for CVS's generous return policy on makeup! I've decided that drugstore colors don't suit what I'm seeking, so off to check out Nordstrom and Sephora return policies. Just call me the Goldilocks of lipstick.

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