My shopping antidote (in which I confirm I know what I don't like!)

So you know I posted yesterday about finding everything I love when I'm not actually wanting to shop?

Today I took my kids to the skatepark at the mall and I had a bit of time to kill while waiting for them. I had a crazy idea - what if I went looking for things I would never wear and tried them on. You know - expand your horizons and all...

And I confirmed the following:

I don't like pattern all over.
I don't like houndstooth.
I don't think the peplum trend is me at all!
I don't love pastels, especially of the peach variety.
I'm pretty sure I don't like animal print.
I don't do florals very well.
Woolworths classic jeans have far too high a rise for me.
I'm not sold on coloured or patterned denim.
Button down tops are as hard to wear as they ever were.

The only thing I would consider buying is the dress in #3. I chose to try it on because I don't normally pick items with a defined waistband. I actually liked the way this felt and would consider it if I were shopping.

What do you all think of the things you will likely never see me wear again?

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12 years ago

shedev

Veteran

I think #3 looks good on you.

Sanet

Active Member

I quite like #3 on you too.
#1 - Maybe...
#4 - Maybe abstract flowers will be better.

I think peach is a difficult colour to wear or maybe it is like yellow and one just needs to find the right shade. I steer clear though.

FWIW, I have the same issue with Woolworths classic jeans. They make me feel super frumpy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think you wear the peplum frock extremely well!

Hil

Admittedly, the peplum dress looked better than I thought it would - but it's definitely not something I can see fitting into my day to day life. It's far to dressy for me.

Glory

I quite like the peplum on you - super fab body! But I agree that it doesn't fit the current lifestyle! Fun idea too - trying things you normally wouldnt!

I get that, Hil. You have to wear it - and not me! I just wanted to make sure that you knew how KILLER it looked, and that it was not a question of "I can't wear this style because it does not look good".

Anonymous

That sounds like an interesting exercise. It seems like it worked, too. You learned a lot, yet it was not a "purchasing trip" so you stuck to your plan. Good job!

What a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing. I LOVE you in #1 by the way. It would be too dressy/wrong pattern for me as well, but it really opened my eyes about possibilities.

I don't mind you in #1 I prefer the shape to the pattern on it. #3 is rather nice on you
Glad we won't see you in the others!

rute

That's fun! I do that a lot and sometimes I have surprises..

TraceyLiz65

Great expirment, I love to do this!
I agree the peplum really looks good on you. I love houndstooth, but this is too much even for me... I suggest revisting that to see if you would like it in something smaller like a jacket or skirt...

Peach is not for everyone...

Like the dress on you and that is such an easy to wear casual piece that could be very versatile.

I agree with abstract flowers or perhaps smaller print that one is a bit much for someone trying to dip their toes into the trend..

unfrumped

I like the peplum dress too! Not sure what your needs are though.
The floral top is not so fab, but that doesn't mean you could not wear some other floral. However, I'm finding a need for less prints and more solids, so you may find that is more dependable, too--the material in dress 3 is neutral but still interesting.

This is a great exercise--though takes time--as sometimes you will come across something unexpectedly brilliant.

bj1111

That peplum s awesome. You may not love it, but it loves you...maybe not in an all over houndstooth.

If this dress is too dressy, how about a peplum top in a casual fabric.

Helena

Agree on #3 and also the peplum looks great - I know it's not lifestyle appropriate, but as was mentioned, perhaps you'll find a more casual version of a peplum at some point. Good for you for pushing your boundaries!

rachylou

Uh, you know, you look - and would continue to look - smashing in all these things that we'll never see you wear again. Waaah!! Lol. But seriously.

Btw, the peplum frock with a little bit of heel... that would do it.

But Hil, what a brilliant exercise. I should do this to. I'm so locked in my little world all the time. It's always been a problem. I go shopping and the only thing I can see are puffers and cap sleeves.

DonnaF

I love the peplum outfit on you, and I could see it in a machine washable solid or diagonal stripe that you could split up if you so desired to make it more *practical*. That much houndstooth doesn't fit my image of you, but maybe a smaller dose would work? Also, maybe try all over graphic patterns like stripes, checks, and/or polka dots, keeping in mind how you feel about the scale of the pattern and degree of contrast. . .

I like to see you in color and love the colors in that floral shirt on you. Sadly, the *right* floral or other pattern with the right combo of colors can be like finding the holy grail!

It was fun to see your experiments!

Suz

Hil, what a smart experiment!

I hear you on the peplum being too dressy for your life. And it might not fit your style persona, either. But if figure flattery is a goal, what others have said about a different fabrication and maybe a skirt/ top combination makes sense.

Like you, I live a pretty casual work-at-home life. Granted, my daughter is a teen now so it's not strictly MOTG, and I also have a lot of travelling to cities where I dress up more. But most of the time I need quite casual clothes. And I got a knit peplum top that I wear with a midi tube skirt (similar to some of your pencil skirts, but longer) and I just love it. It is comfy, soft, yet has a bit of structure, and I wear it on its own and over shirts.

I realize my style persona is quite different from yours. But at the same time, I do think it's a style that may have more versatility than you'd imagine!

Caro in Oz

Love #1 on you. What about the peplum style in a plain, stretchy fabric in emerald or wine red with your boots? That would make it more casual

amiable

What a fabulous idea! Now I want to make a trip to the mall and photo myself in things I would never try on otherwise.

And I do like #1 and #3 both!

Oh, and isn't it so helpful to identify WHY you don't like something? I have learned so much in that department since joining YLF. It's very freeing to put my finger on WHY something doesn't work for me - then I can purge it. If I'm not sure, I figure that maybe it does work, and I don't know it - or maybe it'll work in the future. Once I understand that it doesn't and why, I can just let it go.

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