Really bad idea? Buying something too small because it's a great deal. - YouLookFab Forum

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Really bad idea? Buying something too small because it's a great deal.

marianna

Veteran

Before finding YLF, I would often buy clothes that were too tight in hopes that I would lose weight to fit them. Well, weight loss never happens, the clothes become wardrobe orphans, and then are eventually purged from my closet. Waste of money and totally illogical. I never do this anymore (except today...) and only buy clothes that fit.

Today I found a *really* good deal at Nordstrom Rack. Gorgeous red genuine leather jacket... original retail price was $298... I got it on clearance for $34.99 (plus my employee discount!!!). How could I pass that up? The catch is, the jacket is too small. I can zip it up, but it's snug... definitely not wearable, not even if I left it open. But I told myself that I will lose weight before fall so I can wear the jacket!

Well, I know myself too well, and most likely I won't lose any weight before fall, and the jacket will still be too small. So what do I do? Do I return the jacket because it's too small, or do I keep it because it's an amazing deal. I'm torn. Logically I know it's insane to keep something that doesn't fit, but it's a gorgeous jacket... and the price is unbeatable.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Picture of the jacket is below.

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42 replies

Latest reply was from Desmo April

NK

Holy cow! How could you NOT pass that up? I've done the same thing - buy clothes that are too small in hopes of someday fitting in them, and sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't end up wearing them. It's a risk.

In my opinion, this jacket is a risk worth taking. And, if you don't end up wearing it, sell it. That's shouldn't be too hard because it's pretty amazing!

Louise

Veteran

Darling Marianna I think you need to return the jacket for something that is worthy of you, I fear the jacket will taunt you everytime you open the closet and will become an object of hate? x

catgirl

Veteran

Wow, that is beautiful. I will say I have picked up clothes that are not my size at the thrift store and later consigned them. But in general, it's a risky proposition, especially since I am now taking everyone's advice to "dress the body I have"...

Kim

Veteran

Ooooh, I'd be *very* tempted to do this, if it was something I really really wanted and loved, and I only had a few more pounds to loose.

Realistically, what is Nordstroms return policy like on things like this? Can you return it in the fall if you don't lose the weight? If not, you could sell it on Ebay and probably make money!

This is a hard one...

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I would sell it on ebay. I have found that even if I loose weight, I can't accurately predict how things will fit

Dashrashi

Veteran

If you can't wear it now, and don't think you'll be able to wear it later...I don't know. I think this one speaks for itself.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I used to do this too, it only worked for me once on a pair of Burberry pants, now they're on the baggy side. I'd either return or sell on ebay.

Jonesy

Veteran

Let's see it on you! If you can zip it, then maybe it's not too tight at all, just a slightly snug fit :).

Di

(website)

Veteran

Poop. I think if I were in your shoes, seeing that jacket would make me feel bad about myself. Take it back, and appreciate what you look like *now*!

biscuitsmom

Veteran

If you can zip it, I think its well within a goal weight of being able to fit. It looks like a style thats not likely to go 'out' soon, so I would keep it and if you arent able to wear it by this Fall or next, you could easily get your money back, if not more, on eBay!

marianna

Veteran

I'm so torn on this one! I know I'd probably only need to lose 15-20 pounds for the jacket to fit properly (I know that sounds like a lot, but it's not that much on me). And I know I *need* to lose weight. I'm just lazy.

Nordie's Rack return policy is only 30 days. I guess I could give myself a month to see if I get motivated at all, and if not I can return it then. I don't know! And I'm sure I could always sell/consign it later, so it's not much of a risk.....

krishnidoux

Veteran

Take it back if you can. Another good deal will come, to celebrate who you are now.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I did just this with a DKNY polka dot sundress this summer that was $11 instead of $78. It zipped up, but didn't really 'fit'. I ended up returning it, quite reluctantly. In the end, I'm glad I did. I already have 2 dresses and one pair of suede pants that barely fit me, and so I never wear them. I always go for something more comfortable, and honestly more flattering, because it actually fits! Unless you really really get serious with weight loss efforts in the 30 day timeframe and see results, I'd return.

morethanbeige

Veteran

Hmmmm. I must say I have also done this with minimal success.

Steph

Veteran

I did this with about six or seven items of clothing a few years ago. It was the winter of 2009, and Saks had a HUGE sale--they were selling stuff at 75% off (and more). I purchased a Burberry satin trench, a Marc Jacobs cashmere sweater dress, a Roberto Cavalli top...you get the idea. I had gained some weight and none of it fit. Now it all does, and I am so happy I held onto them all. I know most people will say return, but I'll say keep. If you lose the weight, you'll be thrilled. If you don't, you can probably ebay it for what you spent anyway.

At the *very* least, hold onto it for through the return window and see how the weight loss is going.

Freckles

Veteran

Sigh, gorgeous jacket

Queen Mum

Veteran

Is that Steven Madden? If so, I have that same jacket in purple. I also bought the red but it was too "bricky' for me so returned it.
I LOVE this jacket... the leather is so buttery soft.

I guess there is no harm to keep for 30 days. By then I think I'd return rather than keep to try to sell on e-bay... e-bay is a pain in the butt.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I used to do this: Buy things that are too small. But I'd never wear them. By the time I'm "that size" i don't really like the item anymore. I say return

Aziraphale

Veteran

Don't do it! Don't do it! This article has several good arguments for why buying too-small items is a bad idea:

http://dresswithcourage-elissa.....othes.html

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

Do you have a sister or friend that would fit into this? Because it could make a totally kick ass big occasion gift.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've done this with a very, very low success rate. There's a darling Ted Baker kimono sleeved top in a bag to go back to Nordstrom Rack because I really will never be as tiny as that top requires, and moving the buttons over really isn't an adequate fix.

sarah

Veteran

I vote return, as I'm with Louise - if you don't lose the weight (and how many of us can lose weight on command?!) you'll just have a reason to beat yourself up about it. And who needs that!? Spend the money on something that fits you really well and that makes you feel good about yourself the way you are! My two cents...

marianna

Veteran

Kim, it is Steve Madden! When did you buy yours? I'm curious as to when it was sold at Nordstrom.

I'm still undecided about what I am going to do. All your input is very helpful though. I will keep you updated.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I never zip or button my jackets. Can you wear it open or does it not fit at all? If it doesn't fit at all return or ebay it.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I've done this, and generally it's a bad idea but I do think it can work if you are actively in the process of losing weight and the delta between where you are and the garment isn't that far, or the money is so negligible that you won't care if you end up giving it to the thrift store in a few months either way.

I echo the idea of ebay-ing, if you are into that - surely you could get significantly more than what you paid for a nice leather jacket like that.

san

Veteran

Marianna, I can understand your delima, that is a gorgeous red leather jacket if I ever saw one. I've been in this situation before myself. I think that we have to learn from Angie to admire some things on other people. Your perfect jacket will come along. You don't need to lose weight to make this one work. I think you are gorgeous just as you are and heaven forbid you lost weight to fit this jacket and then your wardrobe doesn't fit.
Maybe you could give it as a gift to someone else. It would look spectacular on you, I do admit.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Marianna-
I bought mine from the Rack in March for $89, but had seen it there in December for $150. I kind of wondered if it was a Rack exclusive for the holidays. Do they ever do that?

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Well, if you want to loose weight for other reasons and this jacket will provide that extra motivation you need to achieve this I would say keep. Otherwise it does not make sense and the best approach would be to return it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote lets see it on first! And if it doesn't work, I vote pass on.

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