Shopping Paralysis - YouLookFab Forum

Don't laugh - I think I am sick. I have a case of shopping paralysis. The symptoms:

Fever: It feels like we went from Winter to Summer in a week with high of 32c today.

Weight Gain: And I have picked up some unwelcome kgs over the last weeks and months and feeling a bit yuck about the clothes I have and the way they fit.

Anxiety: Most of all I am feeling a bit intimidated by the idea of building a summer wardrobe. This is a bit of a problem I think I have in my normal life... I want perfection instead of a process and this makes me procrastinate terribly. I feel like I have gone right back to where I was almost a year ago instead of having made progress with my style. I am overwhelmed by the looks I love. Instead of narrowing things down, I have grown to love and appreciate some many different looks.

Insecurity: And then a silly thing but I have been setting aside some cash for my summer shopping budget so my savings account is looking lovely and healthy and makes me feel safe. Spending this money, even though it's been set aside for this purpose makes me feel kind of anxious.

Anyone else suffer from any of these symptoms?

Don't laugh

12 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

Other women will have wiser words than me, but all I can say is, most of us have been there and I get it.

Thistle

Been there. Totally get it.

I am a bit luckier though, as I have the ability to order online and then make a choice. Still, I feel your pain. Shopping is hard. I envy those that enjoy it!

Suz

(website)

Yup. Been there, suffered from that. It's tough. But hang in there. You're making more progress than you imagine. A breakthrough is probably around the corner.

nancylee

Yep, I feel this same way at the start of every summer season. It's the most challenging season to dress for IMO, and it just never seems to get easier.

unfrumped

Been there. Am partly there now, meaning, need to just stop and think and not feel rushed to fill holes that may be real or imaginary.

So it's okay to be in a temporary limbo. And maybe pick out one area to focus on rather than be overwhelmed.

It depends of course--sometimes one needs to get several "okay" items to just get by through a difficult time such as weight changes or a change in job if nothing currently works. Other times it's good to hone in on Angie's idea of "happiness factor" and only buy something if you can clearly see it has a happiness factor that's way better than what you've got. I usually need to remember this as I tend to buy "okay-ish happiness" when stressed and then when I finally take a step back, I realize that I could have made do with what I have until the right thing came along. I think that's the risk in becoming more style-aware--one can tend to be too critical, and then there is a sense of pressure to improve, even if the improving item isn't yet in front of you. So I keep trying to dial back the pressure and remember I'm supposed to be having fun.

amiable

Ahh yes - I had the same disease last Spring. I'm not certain that I conquered it, except that now at the end of summer and looking back to realize that I wore a lot fewer clothes than I thought I needed....

Lisa

It sounds like when you are ready to land on a style for the summer, you will be all set for some serious shopping. I have had this happen from time to time too. For me, it's because while I like the trends on the market, they just don't feel like "me" or fit my lifestyle. So I put shopping on hold and wait until something strikes my fancy.

Last year at NAS, I only purchased 3 items. And I ended up wearing all my "old" clothes for fall/winter. This year, I hit the jackpot at NAS and rebuilt my wardrobe. And it felt really good to do so, because not only was I ready for a change, but also the items I was now donating, now had some wear in them.

jayne

Sometimes the fashion is too much pressure, and too exciting at the same time. My bit of advice, spend some time really figuring out a small capsule you want (like Angies 3 bottoms, 6 tops and so on) and then just concentrate on getting that in place. Not the entire summer, just one look, or one part of your life (work or casual). Pick your startup style/look and colors, buy with a list and then...maybe start capsule #2. But be happy with one first so you can be more confident when you start expanding that or trying a new one. Good luck

Caro in Oz

Not laughing - sending big hugs We don't actually NEED many clothes - whew. So you have lots of time to work out what it is you want.

I agree with the others Angie's capsules are a great place to start. This may not help but can you just go shopping? Try on anything & everything that catches your eye. Take some photos, but don't buy anything. Then if there were any pieces you loved or felt good on you, could you see a way of making a capsule wardrobe with them?

Like Lisa I had a lot of money saved for my winter wardrobe & ended up with only x 2 bags, X 2 pairs of booties & a couple of tops.

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