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Shopping, how specific are you?

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

After reading Peri's frustrations with shopping for black pants I realized I'm an entirely different shopper.
I don't have a laundry list of requirements for my clothes. If I'm looking for a particular item if it's close enough then I'm fine. I don't expect perfection. Maybe this is part of being a formerly fat person in which very little fit me so I always had to make to do. Whereas now I can fit into a greater variety of clothes. But I still don't need a 11. If I find an 11 then Whoo-Hoo! But if it's a 7 or 8 and I still really like it, it'll suffice.
This season I did want a pair of pointy toed Beatle boots. But my in store options were limited and very expensive. I did get green crocodile ankle boots. And now, eh, I'll think I can live without the Beatle boots.
The only time I get hung up on specifics when it's item X from brand Y. Like my forever search for the Kenzo tiger head sweatshirt. But even then I had a knock off from H&M that fit the bill just fine in the meantime.

Shopping

41 replies

Latest reply was from modgrl

Diana

Veteran

I think I'm a combo of both. I definitely enjoy serendipitous shopping and I like to keep an open mind when browsing, but on the other hand I can get really obsessive compulsive about really specific things, like the gold zipper boots. I also feel like brick and mortar shopping encourages the former tendency in me while online shopping definitely brings out the OCD stalker part of me. For some reason I hate shopping for really specific things if I have to go to stores but on the Internet I love it.

I also tend to "accidentally" find other things when I'm in the midst of an obsessive search. Like, today I ordered another pair of gold zipper boots, but I also found and ordered those blue/black Naya ankle boots and some tall burgundy boots. Oops?

Peri

Veteran

I think it's much better to be a combo. I feel happier when I can just go look and see what grabs me. It is 3 health issues making my pants search so problematic. If one of them wasn't feet/shoes I would give up on pants and go dresses all the way.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm pretty specific these days. But I still like the surprise purchase now and again.
I'm tired of the 7's and 8's not getting worn. It's not that it has to be a 10, it has to get out of the closet and on my body into the world!

Thistle

Veteran

I don't always have a lot of options, so I do find myself "making do" especially when I feel I really need something.

At the same time, I don't brick and morter shop much, so I tend to only search online for pieces I am looking for. Still, occassionally, a lovely piece comes into view I never expected and love snapping up. (Looking at those Sam Petty Snakeskin booties!)

Kristin SF

Veteran

I'm also a combo of both and really like the emotional side of shopping (seeing and touching), whenever I get the chance. Which is not often.

Since I have to rely on online shopping for the most part (there's no way I'm taking my kids to the mall, like ever), this is when I tend to be more analytical. I can really break down items and see if they tick off all the boxes I'm looking for. I can be really specific here.

Also -- last year, during my first year on YLF, I was a "close enough" shopper. It was a rebuilding year, so to speak.

This year, after seeing how many of those "close enough" purchases are going unworn, I've resolved to hew more closely to PPP.

That said, during NAS, I found some lovely things that I wasn't even looking for, so score one for the serendipitous shopper!

And Diana, every time I see gold zipper boots, I think of you, isn't that funny? I always check shaft and circumference measurements, too. That's an elusive item, no?

cade

Because of location I do most of my shopping online. I do keep my wardrobe fairly small and it needs to be at least a 9 (plus play well with the others) before it is allowed in. Minor alterations are not a deal breaker. Took me years to get to that point, and I am not going back. Ever.

El Cee

Veteran

I am, perhaps, a bit like you in that "close enough" often fits the bill for me. I am usually going for a general look or vibe... so I am not as specific with my needs and wants. I almost never shop with a list, except for groceries. You brought up a very valid point about sizing and availability of sizes and how that may influence our shopping patterns/styles. I am 6 ft. tall and wear anywhere from a size 14-18. I would be naked if forced to be too picky!

nancylee

Veteran

I'm pretty specific and focused when I shop these days, mostly because I've made too many shopping mistakes in the past (buying impractical things impulsively, buying something that's close enough but isn't quite right) and don't want to waste money or end up with a closetful of misfits.

Brenn

Anna, I totally get what you mean about sizing options causing you to just make do in the past. In my last thread, I said almost the same thing. I am still plus-sized myself, but remembering when options were much more limited, these days I am still not as picky about fit as I could be. I'm just happy to find stylish clothes that zip/button/etc. at times and it's hard to break out of that mind-set.

I typically have an idea of a few wardrobe holes that need filling. I can be pretty impatient once I have identified a real need, so I do find myself ok with "close enough" often. One of my style goals is to be more selective and really think how pieces I buy connect with my personal style.

Von

Veteran

I can do close enough on anything but an essential. This fall, my essential item was to replace my old BR slacks because they wrinkled badly when sitting. I had only minor stipulations. Must be wide leg to balance the thighs + can't be skin tight on the behind - a nice long length also (but NOT a tall). You wouldn't believe how HARD it is to find that one thing you need when you are actually looking to buy just that. Any other time, they're all over. Even my old stand-bys were problems, as I discovered both Ann Taylor and Banana Republic changed the cut on my two favorite pants fits.

Over the years, I've wasted so much money on "close enough", and ended up buying twice that I've finally learned to wait it out if possible. If it's a last minute shopping trip (need pants TOMORROW), then I'm less picky.

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm in the "close enough" camp except when it comes to pricey items (usually footwear.) I won't buy anything that's flat out not flattering but if it's off a bit, I don't mind.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I am definitely a "close enough" kind of person too, but I'm hoping to transition eventually to be a PPP.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

It depends. Sometimes I'm looking for something really specific (a long sleeve collarless silk blouse in a latte color), sometimes I just want another button front shirt and will look for one that strikes my fancy. Fit and material matter most to me, so once I find those to be perfect I sometimes compromise on the details. I wanted a chunky cropped sweater in an ink or cobalt color, but found the perfect one in burgundy and that was ok. Burgundy works with my wardrobe just as well and it was more important to get the sweater that hit at the right part of my waist and wasn't too long for my arms. Sometimes you can still end up with a 10 even if it wasn't what you set out to get in the first place.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Von, what pant fits did AT and BR change?

fieldmouse

I do have really specific requirements for some items, such as coats or footwear, but it's very difficult, near impossible, to find items that perfectly fit those requirements, so I usually have to settle on some of them.

Diana said,

For some reason I hate shopping for really specific things if I have to go to stores but on the Internet I love it.

Yeah, same here, because online I can choose the category I'm interested in from each store and not get sidetracked. In shops, the items tend to be in "mixed company", not arranged by type, so I have to browse through the whole shop, even if I'm only interested in coats, for example. Makes sense from a marketing perspective, of course...

catgirl

Veteran

Was never a specific shopper until now, when I have no time and much more specific needs regarding comfort, laundry care, and presentation. I still love browsing, but I'm finding that much of what I love I already own in some form, which is good place to be. And what I need is often obvious and specific.

Gaylene

Veteran

I usually shop for a specific look or function if that makes any sense. So my (mental) shopping list might be for a winter jacket that can be worn comfortably in cool, but not freezing, temperatures and a couple of interesting tops that I can wear with jeans. The jacket could end up being a pea coat, a stadium coat, a light-weight puffer, or a even a short wool coat. The tops could be a cashmere sweater, a fancy sweatshirt, or a soft turtleneck in a current color, or anything else that I think would liven up a basic jeans and boots outfit. I guess my "specific" is more about the functionality of the piece in my wardrobe than "I want a cobalt, chunky, cropped sweater to wear with my jeans".

Stalking, searching, or waiting, for a specific garment just isn't my thing. I also like keeping my options open to some degree so I don't end up buying something that I don't absolutely love and want to keep in my closet for a long time. I learned the hard way that trying to be too logical and systematic about my purchases ended up with my having a closet full of things I never really wore.

So my lightweight winter jacket and casual top could end up being a chunky sweater worn with a puffer vest and scarf, or a pea coat with a cashmere turtleneck, or any other combination that would fulfill the requirements for a lightweight winter coverage and a top to be worn with jeans and boots. And I'd be perfectly happy because that was what I'd have wanted all along, even if I hadn't quite realized it when I made my list.

rachylou

Veteran

Good question. I have three types of quests I go on: totally open, a general category (like slim fitting flared pants), or Item X from Brand Y (and then I'll go to every store in a 50 mile radius, because I'm obsessive).

I find if I get really specific about my wants on a general category quest, I simply don't find a thing. Easier to find hay in haystack than a needle.

Sara

Specific shopping can be maddening! Right now I'm on the hunt for a classic black, non corporate blazer. You wouldn't think it would be so hard. I will settle for an 8 or 9. When I'm not looking for anything in particular though, it has to be a 10!

Anonymous

Anna, you are young. I get more specific each year realizing that I may have those black pants or whatever for years. Plus, the body has its specifics that must be met. However, there are times that I pick something up that's inexpensive with the idea of just enjoying the look for a season or two.

Glory

Veteran

I settle very very easily. I usually have a general idea in mind such as a colour in an item: navy sweater. If I find something that works I snap it up.

unfrumped

Veteran

I'm more a mixture or category-shopper. I don't stalk--which unfortunately doesn't help stretch my budget.

But, I'm getting more specific, once I finally noticed that the reason for closet orphans or nothing-to-wear times was due to the fact that the item or outfit really needed to have some certain characteristics or it would not work the way I wanted it to. It's still a general-specific concept--a jacket that will go with these 3 colors or with pants + skirts and look great (so I might not be sure what that is); a top that will modernize several of my bottoms; something like that. A lot of this comes about as, go home and try it with everything. So I'm still sometimes buying the wrong thing, but am better at figuring it out after I try it with my existing clothes, and less likely to keep it, and then may have some further aha moments as to what I really should be looking for.

Alassë

Veteran

I enjoy my serendipitous purchases too, but I think I still need to practice PPP on the main wardrobe holes & long held wants. Those can get very specific, and I don't think it's a bad thing (for me). I'll re-buy and have wasted money on an inferior piece otherwise.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So interesting to read all these responses. It's a good question!

Sometimes health or tricky fit issues create the specific demand. That was true for Peri.

Sometimes it's climate. I might like a particular coat a whole lot, but if it won't keep me warm I will have to get a bit more specific about my requirements (i.e. it needs a collar, can't have bracelet sleeves.)

I think I'm a bit like Rachylou in that I sometimes just go shopping for fun, to see what's out there, with no specific object in mind -- in which case I'm pretty open. OTOH, unless something appeals to me really strongly and I can definitely imagine wearing it, I won't buy it on those "open" trips. I have to be able to justify the purchase to myself, in other words. Sort of what Gaylene said. Unless I love it, forget it.

Other times, it's more of a need -- I need boots. Well, they don't have to be perfect, but they do have to fit properly and be a style that I like and can imagine wearing.

And other times, I know exactly what I want and I'm pretty determined to get it! Unless something else that will serve the exact same purpose just as well comes along.

shedev

Veteran

When I was building my wardrobe I was less specific in my wants. I'm a little more specific in my searches. I have one wardrobe hole, black winter boots, the rest are wants and I can wait for the right one.

Krista

Veteran

I've become specific in that I have a list of ideas that I'm shopping for. As for exact specifics about an item... I do not always have the time, energy and desire for PPP, especially since I prefer to shop in stores. If I can get to a 9, I'm happy, but it's possible that my version of a 9 might be someone else's 6.

DonnaF

Veteran

I try not to be overly specific since that only leads to frustration. Last summer, I DID have a white jeans skirt on my list, and I ended up buying one at AT on sale. It was a little short, and well, it hasn't gotten any longer so I sometimes wonder if I should have spent another $25 or so and bought a longer skirt elsewhere. I also have a dark denim shirt on my list. I won't go nekkid w/o one, so I'll wait until the perfect one comes along.

I like Gaylene's approach of shopping functionally, and generally that's what I try to do. I don't have any gaping holes in my wardrobe unless it turns out that my feet can no longer tolerate last year's booties. This means I have *wants* vs. true needs, so I can wait for sales and the like.

FWIW, with some stuff on old lists that I truly thought I needed did not turn out to be the workhorses I thought they would be. Worn yes, but not worn to death.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I'm not that specific most of the time, in the sense that I don't go to the mall or go online saying to myself "I need a rust red pair of skinny jeans". I am particular in the sense that all my clothes have to fit well and have the characteristics that are flattering on me, so I dismiss a lot of things in stores out of hand as not for me. But when I'm actually shopping I'm generally just looking to see what's out there and what might work for me. I usually have a category or two in mind, like "I need to replace my black ponte blazer with one that fits better" or "I need some winter-weight tights" or something along those lines, but I am also open to being surprised by something I wasn't looking for. I wonder sometimes if I should be more specific and browse less, but I fear that if I did that I'd never buy clothes!

Anonymous

I'm pretty specific if it's an expensive item. The cheaper it is, the less specific I get. Which, I think, is my problem! In fact, Anna, I think you just helped me decide on a not quite right item I bought the other day. Sales goggles struck again. Thanks, I owe you one!

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