Update on Purchasing Fast - YouLookFab Forum

I purchased one new pair of slacks in navy for work. I also purchased two Uniqlo HeatTech tee shirts (navy) and a lightweight jacket (also navy) for my upcoming vacation.

I was curious as to whether I would immediately resort to the old habits I was trying to re-program during the purchasing fast. The dam did not break and I did not go to Nordstroms and buy out the entire store. I am deeply satisfied with my new slacks. I am actually pretty happy with the tee shirts/jacket as well.

I am shopping but right now I don't feel the need to actually purchase anything until I am certain it fits into my summer plan. I know I need tops. I am collecting them in finds and carefully considering how they would fit into my wardrobe. I like the ones below.

Before I buy them, I will ask myself the following questions:
Can I wear this tomorrow?
Do I need to purchase coordinating pieces?
What exactly will I wear them with then?
Can a reasonable cost/wear be achieved?
If I buy this, will I still be looking for this type of item?

These five questions should serve me well.

UNIQLO

Women Heattech Scoop Neck T-shirt

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Top Pick

Nordstrom

Eileen Fisher Silk Georgette Crepe Straight Ankle Pants

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UNIQLO

Women Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket

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J.Crew

Drapey ruffle-trim top

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J.Crew

Short-sleeve popover

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Top Pick

Banana Republic

Silk Cashmere Elbow-Sleeve Pullover

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Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Lace Blouse

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Top Pick

Talbots

Flounce-Sleeve Sweater

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Top Pick

7 years ago

shedev

Veteran

I've been off the fast since 3/1, but I just placed my first post fast order today.
Your picks make a nice capsule.

Style Fan

Your questions are good ones. I am trying to be more careful with my shopping even though I am not fasting. Your picks look like they would all work well together.

DonnaF

If you decide any of the Nordstrom items fit into your summer plans, Triple Points days are coming up: March 22 - 26.

I keep a lot of stuff in my Nordstrom Wish List to contemplate and remove or wait until they are marked down. Then, I wait for Triple Points to buy stuff that probably will never go on sale like my Lipstick Queen lippie or red clogs that aren't sold on other web sites. Nordstrom in-house brands like Caslon and Halogen almost always go on sale so I play a game of chicken with my size(s) on those items since I prefer 40% off to stretch my dollar. The wait also helps me cool my jets so sometimes after a markdown I decide I don't want or need the item after all.

I almost never go into brick'n'mortar stores except Nordstrom to return my online purchases. Wise decision, because last week I went into Uniqlo to try a size smaller in my HeatTech top (so now DD gets a windfall in three to five that I've concluded are a size too big but will fit her) and also came out with an unplanned dress. Stripes! Sleeves! Thick cotton! Under $15! I high tailed it out before I could try on the cool arty looking stuff for my imaginary life and that I would probably conclude (after purchase) belongs on a taller body. (The dress I bought is Millenial short so works on 5' 1" me.)

LaPed

Like shedev said, I'm struck by how cohesive your Finds feel. The colors and styles all seem very harmonious.

Penny

Terrific questions - the last one is particularly insightful for me, because sometimes I go on a quest for an item, and the idea of completing the quest can lead me to settle for an almost-right item when I still am hopeful to find the perfect one someday - I think your question of whether I'd still be looking for that item could help prevent that from happening (unless it's something so critical that a placeholder is necessary, but that happens rarely).

Anonymous

5 Best Questions . Keep it up ! I'm right there with you

Joy

You are doing a fabulous job with well thought out shopping. That last question will prevent lots of buying mistakes...well, all 5 will. I love your navy pieces. They would fit right into my wardrobe :). The tops that you are considering would each work with navy. My favorite is the fushia or white for you. Would you feel too precious in the pale pink lace? It would be a bit more dressy look with the navy pants.

Jaime

(website)

Your last question in particular has served me very well. Sometimes I have tried to appease myself with a lesser version and it never satisfied. Better to save up for what I really want and in the process possibly lose my yen for it.

Oh my gosh, I really like all of the tops you linked! Agree completely with LaP - it is a very cohesive grouping. The tops and your new pants have a kind of pared down femininity that is very appealing. Can't wait to see what you end up choosing.
I really need to give some thought to your questions. I am so often guilty of buying something I love only to realize I need shoes or bra or something to make it work.

Emily K

Ditto Penny's comment...exactly!

Barbara Diane

Pleased to hear that the shopping fast has shifted your shopping patterns for the better.

And DonnaF, thanks for the reminder to shop for makeup on 3x points days.

Karie

Great questions, especially the last one. I often buy things still thinking, "I think I'll get this, but still keep looking just in case...." and that's the habit I need to break!

Penny, Emily K, Karie, and Shevia -- That last question was provided by to me by Joy. She included it in my of her posts and when I saw it I understood immediately how important it was to ask myself. I have settled some many times for so many different reasons (usually because I am being cheap) and always came to regret it later. That was the primary reason I allowed myself to buy the Eileen Fisher pants. No second guessing myself. I bought the exact item I desired. I didn't hunt for sales. I didn't search for substitutes. Perhaps that is why I am so satisfied.

Joy -- the lace would not be my first choice because it might wash me out. The fuchsia is the one I want. But Banana Republic has not put it on sale just yet. So I am bidding my time.

One more thing. I used to spend hours scanning retail websites with no plan in mind. I purchased impulsively and whimsically. As my fast progressed, I lost interest in that behavior.

I did not stop altogether but mindless shifting through retail websites did come to end. Although I still have not put my wardrobe plan on paper, I did start to feel the foundation of a plan forming in the back of my mind. I am pleased that the pieces I am considering indicate a sort of cohesion. Yay, PROGRESS.

And Joy, I am going to delete that pink lace top from consideration because I know you are right.

You know, discipline is hard. Maybe I shouldn't be patting myself on the back too soon.

Jenni NZ

I think you can pat yourself on the back! But remember that these behaviours actually are addictive and it is difficult and not fun to shop carefully with a plan. I know from 2 days ago that 2.5 hours bricks and mortar shopping with no result was not fun. So I don't expect I will never make a mistake again, just hope to make a lot fewer.

If that pink lace top comes available in a navy that is the right navy for your pants, snap it up. I hope the fushia gets a good markdown soon.
I love your question, "Can I wear this tomorrow?" and plan to borrow it. I've gotten better about not buying out of season but need a constant reminder. Too many times when the season come to wear those purchases, I am no longer enthusiastic or even able to wear them. Weight and body or my style has changed.

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