Trying too hard to like this - YouLookFab Forum

Suz’s recent post on the fuscia blazer helped me solidify my feelings about something I bought recently. it's the whole concept of "trying to hard to like something".

The item is an olive green sweater vest with fringe, very boho, and I
absolutely love the texture/pattern of the knit and the color. I thought it would be really fun. I even found the perfect top to go with it, and imagined styling It two ways. The fit is pretty nice. The problem is
that I can’t actually imagine wearing it. It’s not very warm so just a transitional season item, which means very limited wear. I can imagine catching the fringe on things pretty easily since I’m always moving around.

I especially do not want to wear it while playing my flute where it could catch in the keys and cause a lot of $$ damage. At rehearsals I am seated and have to pick up the flute and put i down a lot of times, and have learned my lesson about not wearing necklaces or clothing that is too flowy. I also imagine it could be annoying if not covered with a long coat when getting in and out of a car, which I do almost daily.

I bought it about 3 weeks ago, and have decided to return it.

Thanks Suz for your posting, it helped me ask the right questions.

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9 years ago

kkards

Veteran

yes, i think each of us has at least 1 thing that we bought that we found yourselves just trying to hard with! good for you for realizing it before the tags where off!

Inge

(website)

Moderator

The sweater vest is lovely, Chris, but you've given it a lot of thought and it does sound like you wouldn't have enough occasions to wear it. So: great analysis!

RobinF

I know exactly what you mean! I love that vest but if it isn't going to work for you then it needs to go back. I have done that, bought something that I liked, have several opportunities to wear it but don't, then it needs to go back. The trick is recognizing this while I still can return it.

molly221

Active Member

I love the long vest trend but would struggle with the coat issue so I have passed on this so far

Suz

Chris, this is a really fun and interesting piece -- you are so right. But if the whole point is to freshen things up and expand your horizons, that won't work if you can't find occasions to wear the item! So taking it back makes sense.

I think I'm coming to the same decision re the jacket. It's just not going to get worn -- I'd get more value from a sweater in that colour or a blouse or scarf.

MaryA

If it doesn't work for your "real" life then it is a wise choice to return it. I was looking closely at the photo and it looks as though the fringe could be removed. Would that work for you? It would lessen the boho look, possibly making it less appealing, but might increase the wearability.

Janet

I know exactly what you mean. I've made returns as recently as this week with the same realization. And I'm getting smarter about recognizing this in the dressing room. While I was making a return, I spotted an interesting item I decided to try on. I loved loved loved the color and fabric, but the style and cut did nothing for me. It was an unusual enough color that I found myself trying to figure out how I could make it work, but I realized I was working too hard to make myself like it, and put it down.

Muffin

I go through this all the time where I am so attracted to a piece but in all honesty it just isn't 'me'. Mostly I feel this in Anthropologie. We have one of the new 'department store' versions with all the clothes, shoes, furniture, wedding, lingerie, etc and it is a sight to behold. I love the flowy, embellished, lacy, colorful looks. But it is really at odds with my more J.Crew self. I am trying to treat my time in Anthro as appreciation (much like going to a museum) and realize for the most part it's just not me. Although that being said, I did just find some jeans and formal gown there (so maybe it's just the tops or the full looks...)

Chris987

Thanks ladies, I feel much better knowing that even the most seasoned YLF veterans still go through this thought process.

My goal is to be able to do it as fast as you Janet, right in the dressing room, so those items never end up coming home at all.

Thanks kkards, Inge, RobinF, molly221

Suz, yes you've got it exactly. Sounds like your fuscia jacket is in the same camp.

MaryA what a brilliant idea! Could definitely remove the fringe but that would not solve all the other issues. Have to remember that one!

Muffin, my experience is the opposite in Anthro - I have found some lovely items there but most things I try on are not for me and I can tell right away. I know what you mean, that store is full of such beautiful stuff, it IS like a museum in a way when you look at all the detail, but if you are more a JCREW type than most of it won't work for you.

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