Shop wide/shop focused- which are you? - YouLookFab Forum

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Shopping

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Shop wide/shop focused- which are you?

jayne

Veteran

I have noticed that I am obsessed with finding orange skinnies now and so it feels like the only thing I am looking for when out shopping even though I actually have a few other things on my list. I almost feel this keeps me from seeing other possibilities cuz I just want to look for orange!

I wonder if the part of my brain giving over to shopping plans is just not big enough,,,hmmm, maybe I need to reallocate from other areas no longer needed..can purge the brain,,,like I should NOT need to know how to change a diaper for a few more years...can that be filtered out for more 'what I need' in my closet brain storage?

Shopping

21 replies

Latest reply was from Jilly

Anonymous

I do both but do best when focused, especially when shopping thrift or consignment stores or places like Marshalls

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Aha - you're tunnel-visioned! That can be a great thing, since it can help you quickly fill your wardrobe holes!

For me, I'd say I cast a wide net. I know there are certain items I need to purchase, but when I'm out and about, or browsing online sites, I gravitate toward interesting or fun pieces that just catch my eye (whether I can afford them at that time or not, is another story...lol!) I do tend to veer off course pretty easily! Need to be more disciplined about that, but let's face it...shopping is fun.

sarah

Veteran

I'm so busy with work and kids that I'm always quite focused when I shop - I feel like I have very little time for browsing, even online. I wish it weren't that way...

Helen - I like your hair!

jayne

Veteran

Problem is that I am pretty tunnel visioned on only one thing at a time. Like I also need/want to add some printed blouses in the wardrobe but they get forgotten. Should I blame age? I admit in the earlier years I never had a plan so all shopping was just browsing til something caught my eye, having a plan is new.

jayne

Veteran

I agree, Helen's hair is lovely!

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Oh my goodness, I just saw the rest of the thread now! Thank you so much, Sarah and Jayne. My hair is usually very wavy/curly, so it's quite a change! Let's see if I can keep up the stylist's perfection long-term...haha!

Jayne, I don't think it's to do with age - maybe you're becoming more focused because you were unhappy with the haphazard way of shopping you did in your younger years. It's so frustrating to end up with a closet full of things you don't truly need! Being extra selective is a good thing!

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I always try and find something that Ive been looking for/focused on, then skim the entire store before I leave! What if you miss the perfect item you didnt know you NEEDED ???

shoppingisfun

(website)

Veteran

I try to have a plan, otherwise I just end up buying things I don't need. However, I'm always tempted to buy lots of things that aren't on my "list" as well.

Isabel

Veteran

I am totally shop/item focused. If I go looking for a white shirt, I just can't handle looking at anything else. I am just not mentally prepared for it. This is one of the reasons that I have some trouble with "waiting" for the right piece. If I am not actively searching, I am too myopic, most times, to "catch of glimpse of it" while doing something else. This is a plus in personal relationships, though ! ; )

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm in the middle. I try to be focused, but I need to have a list, otherwise the most insistent need is all that clangs around in my head. I have to save favorite searches on Ebay to remind me I'm looking for certain items sometimes. I'll also store a list in the memo pad of my phone.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I head out the door focused but get easily distracted by lovely things that are not on my list!

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm a creative type -- rather like a golden retriever (squirrel?). Over the years, though, I've learned the value of "reconnaissance shopping." I will case out my favorite stores when I get an opportunity and make a note (sometimes in ink, sometimes just a mental note) for later. For example, I'm watching for a new chambray jacket at Kohls to go on sale. I'll track the price online before I buy. I have to see and feel every black sweater before I know which ones I want to try on. The good news? I'm fast -- I can case a Gap in 10 minutes, easy. I also don't buy on impulse. I do have a list of items that will be functional in my wardrobe. This technique keeps from from being frustrated when I don't find the exact item I'm looking for. Needless to say, I frustrate the heck out my "focused shopper" friends!

Jjsloane

Veteran

BethAnn we are separated at birth! My exact MO. I need to constantly look. I prefer bargain (off price) shopping so I can't really be 100% focused and have to be open to an opportunity, but that is why I have way too much stuff right now.

catgirl

Veteran

Just like my eyesight - one eye farsighted, one nearsighted. So I shop EVERYTHING!

Jewell

Veteran

I am more focused since joining YLF, but I still have a hard time resisting the allure of a sale. Just this weekend I went to the mall with my "list", and I came out with two items from the list and a top (not on the list) that was on clearance. The same thing happened last weekend- went to the mall for a pearl necklace, and came out with that plus a pair of pants that were on sale.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

It's easier for me to stay focused if i'm shopping online. Send me to the store and i'm all sorts of distracted. I try to internet "pre-shop" but a lot of times stores to seem to stock what they sell online and then i just end up irritated.

jayne

Veteran

so good to hear I am not alone with some of you doing the same thing! Hmm, guess it is partly due to the fact that I now actually make a list (which I didn't do before) and am finding out about a new part of my personality. Life is learning

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I tend to just wander around looking for things that catch my eye, but I often also have a vague list in my head. However, if I am after something specific I can just pop in and out of stores in very quick succession -- if I don't see anything that looks like what I want, then I don't even look at anything else.

Unless, of course, I get distracted by a clearance sale rack... my favorite!!

beachgirl

Member

I'm trying to be more focused searching for additions that really compliment what I already have in my wardrobe or need for a special event. Otherwise, I tend to come home with lots of impulse items that aren't very versatile.

Anonymous

I'm doing better with shopping with a list. I'm always open to something that's *not* on my list, though. Last Saturday I went to Goodwill looking for a bright jacket, a yellow skinny belt and a neutral skirt. I came away with a white jacket (also good) and a summer top (which I always need). Hey, it was Goodwill, and it always cracks me up when they ask, "Did you find everything ok?" Just like the commercial!

Jilly

I'm definitely a shop wide kind of girl. I'm also like Beth Ann in that, if there's a piede I'm really wanting, I will keep track of it, and try to nab it when I'm on sale. I'm also a big sale shopper - hate paying full price for anything. Fun thread!