Lightbulb moment about value - YouLookFab Forum

I was contemplating last year's eBay purchase for my BF that ended up to be too small. We first tried the item on in store and checked the fit between 2 sizes and everything. I then found said item on eBay for half the price. It ended up to be a closet orphan. Yesterday BF was going to wear it and then exclaimed that it just didn't feel good or fit right and if he hasn't worn 'em in almost 2 years, he's not likely to ever.
Fast forward to this morning. I was searching eBay for some jeans by the same brand. Then I got to thinking about his orphans. Even at half price, they are no deal if they don't get worn and can't be returned. So *DING* I got it! I went to Nordstrom's site and found a pair slightly on sale but still pretty $$$$. BUT, we could return them if they don't fit! Ding, ding, ding. I know, I'm slow at some things It was really hard to hit the checkout button and see $200 in the total, but I'm sure if I added up the 'bargains' that don't fit, can't be returned, and are therefore never worn - I would see that I'm not really saving any money.

Just had to share my little epiphany. Now I have to do the hard part and replace this thought process for my long ingrained bargain hunting nature!

15 years ago

Becky

Veteran

I too have had to overcome a "thrifty at all costs" lifelong shopping mentality. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense, fiscally or otherwise!

Louise

I totally get this. I buy things off ebay that like you say don't fit. at the time I think ' it's only a couple of quid I'll write it off' but probably if I added up the failed buys I could have a far bit towards a more expensive better fitting purchase x

tarzy

I think that's a great realization! I'm struggling to put this into practice too. I totally get it and agree - in theory - but like you, I have a hard time when I actually see the dollars in black and white.

My first step was figuring out what really looks good on me.
My second step was getting rid of everything in my closet that I don't love/doesn't look great.
My third step - where I am now - is buying only things that I love/look great - even if they're more expensive. It's the hardest step by far for me!

Michelle

(website)

I 100% get this in theory, but still struggle to put it into practice in certain, specific areas of my wardrobe. For some reason I have a harder time spending money on accessories, but am starting to realize that they're worth just as much consideration and cash outlay as bras, dresses and other key clothing items. The penny dropped for me when I got my first investment bag -- an absolutely beautiful piece that I literally can't wait to touch every single day. Compare that with the other bags I've accumulated, which are sitting so far back on my wardrobe purse shelf that I need a step-ladder to reach some of them. Same goes for the scarves I've recently become addicted to, or the chunky pearls that originally gave me heart failure with their price tag but come out to play at least three times a week.
Congratulations on your own epiphany! Hopefully your lightbulb moment will illuminate all kinds of other clothing options for both you and your boyfriend.

rae

I am one of those super annoying Ebay buyers that ask for a whole bookload of information. When I see something I want in-store, I note the size, the style name, the fabric content, and measure myself if I can. That way, I can ask for all of these things when I find an item on Ebay -- if the seller can't answer or answers with the wrong info, I have to pass. It's amazing how even the same style and size of jeans can differ according to wash and fabric content!

Anyway, this is for items that I love but *truly* can't afford full-price (I'm kind of a brat that way; I don't want to be denied because of silly things like price).

chewyspaghetti

I was trying to explain this to my husband yesterday. His side of the closet is stuffed with junk (well, he actually weeded out some things recently so not as stuffed) and I have much fewer but higher quality items. I told him that if he spent the same amount of money, but bought a quarter as much- I'd be happy (and he probably would be, too!)

ha - my BF and I are on exact opposites of that coin. He recently spent about $1000 on his wardrobe when we were in Seattle for my 40th. Mostly dress wear for work but he's particular and basic off the rack clothes don't really fit him well to be fair. But, he hasn't bought a thing since, and that was May. So he gets the quality over quantity thing. I am the slow learner of the bunch

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Music to my ears.

catgirl

Angie, you mean the sound of dropping of coinage? Only kidding! I've come to this same realization myself. I don't think I'm spending more overall - it's just in larger spurts instead of a steady trickle...

I don't like to buy if there is not a way to return it. I am BIG on returning if I'm not thrilled with the item. Today, I even returned a laundry item that was only $2.99. Don't want to waste a single cent! : )

Tara

Hmm, this is definitely what I want to move towards...

My mum always used to say to me when I insisted buying junk jewellery as a girl, why not save up and get something *real* (e.g. a gold ring instead of 20 cheapo plastic ones, a real silver bracelet instead of a cheap silver plated nickel one that tarnishes in days..). If I had only saved up those little amounts over a little while I'd have some really nice things.

I am only now learning to put that into practice

Also, I am discovering that getting lots for your money is not value if that "lots" is poor quality. This applies in clothing, accessories, and food as far as I'm concerned. Sure, you could get a huge meal for $10 but if it's lots of crap food, it's not really gonna make you happy is it? Better to spend $20 on a meal in another restaurant that you'll love and enjoy and not leave half of on the plate

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