Shopping and not buying - YouLookFab Forum

So today I was at Yorkdale Mall for an hour - a quick stop en route to my mother's. My husband had some returns to do and I went browsing in a few of the shops I rarely get to visit.

All chains, but again, I don't see them in person much.

AT Loft: fun spring colours but I was not impressed with the offerings for the most part. I DID see a pair of slouchy style stretchy trousers. They were a knit fabrication and, on the hanger at least, a flashback to the worst of the 80s. I was not tempted to try on.

J. Crew: I was singularly unimpressed with the Yorkdale store. They had no denim, and not a whole lot else, either! Lots of cropped trousers. Quality was not singing to me. Merchandise not nicely displayed -- lots of wrinkles, etc. Vancouver store MUCH nicer, IMO, and even the Toronto Eaton Centre store is better.

BR: also not a great store (downtown is much better IMO). However, I liked several of the things I saw. I tried that pink jacket with the tipping, and it actually looked pretty darned good. It's bright pink, not true fuchsia, but in person it was cool enough that I thought it looked quite nice on me for a summer item. I wasn't dying to have it, however. Oh - and made a great discovery...as at AT, I don't have to wear petites there; I can get 0 regular and it actually fits better in most respects. That makes online ordering easier.

The best news? I came away empty handed and happy! No need to buy anything that is not a 10!

13 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

Great! Money in your pocket and you don't feel like you're wanting for anything. That's a nice feeling! I know when I go to the mall I'm often very unimpressed too, but we have very few even half decent stores.

Thistle

Good feeling isn't in? When you know your style and recognize it when you see it. When you have become discerning enough to know not only what you like, but a certain level of quality.

Best of all, when you are in a place where when you don't see it, you walk away and are glad you did!

Adelfa

Sad that the stores aren't displaying their wares nicely. When I've visited friends lately (on both coasts), the BR and J Crew displays have been over the top fabulous. Even so I felt more able than ever to keep my focus on what I needed and what suited me. Hooray for conscious shopping!

Day Vies

Sometimes it's nice to just browse and not feel pressured to commit. Frankly, I enjoy it when I have the time.

Anonymous

That's the story of my life. I'm the eternal browser. Good call on the PPP.

Carla

Chomping at the bit for a big city shopping trip since pickings are slim up here in northern Ontario. I'll be in Ottawa end of May and Toronto end of July. Problem is, it's for races, and I tend to get pulled into the gear expos. I'm pretty well geared up for this year. Only need new tri-bike shoes.

I think I'll have the discipline to shop for ' real' clothes, and have a good idea what I need thanks to early research!

Your mall sounds like ours. Full of cheap colourful throw-away stuff that looks ok on a great teenage body, but not so great or stylish for anyone over 20.

When I'm in Toronto, I usually do Bloor over by Holt's and such, and then Queen St.

The only thing on my wish list so far is white jeans.

Thanks for the 'head's up' about what's in stores.

You must give us a report about the street style you see in London, when you go!

Transcona Shannon

*high five* Suz! You are getting better and better at making good choices - or in this case, not making any bad choices!

Jaime

(website)

I love to do this when I am already at the mall and have a few minutes to spare. You get an impression of what is going on and also get to exercise your PPP muscles - win, win!

Caro in Oz

I agree Suz leaving things behind that aren't right is very satisfying.

Beth Ann

I just took a little time to shop myself and, although the nearest mall is slim pickings, I said to myself, "I'm ruined!" Well, actually, I meant that, since YLF, I've got a much more focused list, and I'm not willing to choose just what is offered me. A year ago, I'd but a slightly short dress and use tights or leggings to make it work. I'd buy the styles and colors of trousers I could find in my price range and make it work.

No more. I have a closet that is much more functional than it was, but it's only going to improve from here if I'm PPP and can walk away......or fire up the sewing machine, or shop carefully online, or buy less but buy better.

Good job, Suz!

Parsley

Suz, have you seen this jacket at Ann Taylor?
I saw it the other day and thought of you. I'm not sure if it's exactly the color you're looking for or not.

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....olor=8186#

rae

Great recon., Suz! It is just as fun to take notes and prepare, sometimes, as it is to buy up the shop.

Sveta

It is a liberating feeling, isn't it? Although it is a pity there is nothing out there to catch your eye but - hey! More money in the bank for London shopping - and for NAS!!!
Our BR store is very small, at least half of the online selection is not available there. ..:-(

Tanya

Excellent job Suz! It is an awesome feeling, isn't it? Most of my shopping trips in the last year or so end in not buying anything.

krishnidoux

Good for you! Thanks for this report. It seems that this coming Spring's fashion is not the most exciting, and , as you well put it, often a horrible flash back of the 80's. In its ugly skiddings.

Mona

You did well! I am also trying to be more PPP every time I go shopping. It is great to know what size you fit in at AT. It makes online shopping so much easier.

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