I have been buying and returning a ton of stuff lately, and I find that it gives me a feeling of deep satisfaction. It's nice to feel like only things that will really get used and worn often are staying.

This also slants my purchases more and more towards stores that have fairly lenient return policies. I want to be able to return something that is truly awful even after I cut off the tags and wash it.

I ordered a lot of things from Lansend on a super-sale. All reasonably useful items - layering turtlenecks, button-down shirts - at unbelievable prices. All of them (except maybe one turtleneck) either have been returned to Sears already or are going back soon because they are pretty lackluster.

The turtlenecks are fairly thin and slightly baggy at the same time. They don't give me any shape at all, just kind of hang loose - turns out, even for a layering turtleneck, it would be nice to have at least some shape, I can see this clearly by comparison with my Talbots turtleneck. The button downs, while fairly nicely fitted around the waist, have this overall stiffness about them - my new soft silk and polyester blouses fit so much better.

I also sent back a pair of really nice boots that, after 4 or 5 wears, started really hurting my feet - thanks to Endless wonderful return policy, they were still returnable.

The only dissatisfying return I have to make is sending back a pair of Paige Hidden Hills - 6pm sent me a 27 instead of 29 by mistake (I couldn't figure out why they were barely closing on my until I saw the tag). Now they are out of my size. I just might cave in and order them from Amazon at a higher price because my pair of Hidden Hills in size 30 is falling off of me lately.

I know a lot of people mentioned getting really picky after joining YLF, so I just wanted say that it actually makes one feel pretty good - like you are adding new things with some thought and deliberation.

Happy holidays, everyone, and I hope you all get gifts you like and don't have to return!