What did you learn about your shopping habits in 2013? - YouLookFab Forum

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What did you learn about your shopping habits in 2013?

Gigi

Veteran

I hope this thread isn't too similar to any of the other year-end ones out there...if it is, just say so and I won't be offended. :^)

In 2013, I've done probably more shopping than in any other year. I made some mistakes, but they taught me about what *not* to do for next year. I learned:

1. I shouldn't bother shopping in the misses' dept. for tops, because they never fit and it's just a waste of time.

2. I don't wait long enough for the perfect item; I settle too fast and then get stuck with things I really don't want to wear. It's OK to take a long time to build a quality wardrobe.

3. It's OK to spend full price or more than I think is "reasonable" on an item that's perfect, as long as I can afford it.

4. When shoe shopping, I need to really stick to shoes that have a fair amount of cushion in them and are comfortable, and I need to stop purchasing stilettos and too-high heels. I also need to wear the shoes around the house for longer to make sure they are comfortable enough to commit to before wearing outside.

5. Online shopping, despite my high rate of returns, is usually the best option for me, because my size is most often not carried in the store.

How about all of you? Did you learn something about your shopping habits in 2013 that will help you be a better shopper in 2014?

Shopping

46 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I learned that I spend more in the colder months (sort of a no brainer, but when trying an even monthly budget, it becomes more clear) and less in warm months. Along the same lines, I buy more items in FL than when living in CA. That's two-fold, climate and spare time.
I learned that I don't wear dresses nearly as much as I like to buy them.
This leads me to rethink the spreading of purchases evenly from month to month and to try and re-allocate according to category of clothing.

EDIT: oops forgot a big one - no more final sale/no returns unless I have tried the garment on in person and am sure it fits!

Carla

Veteran

My style sense has improved quite a lot since starting with YLF, and I have learned so much from fellow Fabbers and threads like this one.

I learned that I can shop within self imposed limits and guidelines, and this often leads to intelligent purchases. I also learned that I can shop, and leave empty handed, if the item desired remains elusive.

However, I still fight budget fashionista tendencies and can get lured by sales or deep discounts. I also have a weakness for leather...bags and shoes.

Meli

(website)

I enjoy these type of posts I have learned to be much more picky on fit, stop buying things on sale that I wouldn't buy full price ( with enough budget anyway), and no more ebay purchases. If I can't return, its not worth the space or stress even if it's a 'steal' of a price. Also that I need to be more aware of what I have, need, and be realistic about my lifestyle.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I have learned that less is more. Because of YLF, I have learned not to settle. My purchases this year (well, most of them) were well thought out and planned. I know where my holes are and am trying to focus my energy on those, rather than getting distracted by all the shiny, pretty things you guys tempt me with

K. Period.

Veteran

I learned that I'm a lot happier and a lot more efficient with my clothing when I let myself get rid of things. 2013 was the year of a huge wardrobe cull. I am so much happier without the burden of the items that I should be wearing (to get my money's worth out of them, of course!) but no longer love. All that obligatory wearing was diluting my joy and it was keeping me from wearing the heck out of the things that I'd purchased more recently. It was diverting value creating wear from my new purchases to my old ones. I'd never realized that.

This year, I bought fewer new items because I wasn't trying to update old items in my closet. I'm wearing my new items non-stop because I don't have the burden of trying to get a few more wears out of the old. And that's meant I am getting a lot more value out of my new items. Honestly, pretty mind-blowing for me. So maybe not something so much about my shopping habits as about my wearing habits and keeping habits how they can drive bad shopping habits, i.e., the updater piece for the item that should actually be culled.

April

Veteran

I shop less than I should, and 2013 really pointed this out to me. Not saying I should necessarily buy more things, but I should definitely go into more stores and try on more things, and I'm terrible about doing this. This is my 2014 resolution -- to shop more, whether I purchase anything or not.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I hear you on the "no more buying high heels thing".

qfbrenda

Veteran

Gigi, what you've learned is similar to my discoveries this year. I read a blog recently about the "checked boxes". In an effort to cross off the boxes of what I thought I wanted, I've sometimes bought things too quickly. I crossed off the boxes but I sometimes ended up with items that didn't get used.

And I'm wiling to spend a bit more for just the right thing since I want to own less overall. For instance, I really need to replace my denim shirt. I could probably find one at a thrift store some day if I had time to look weekly, which I don't. But it likely wouldn't be petite and the sleeves would be too long. So I just ordered one from Banana Republic on a good sale since they carry petites. I'll spend more, but if I find just the right shirt that will last me for years, it will be worth it.

Laurinda

Veteran

My theme for 2013 was narrowing and refining. Janice Riggs' Dream SPECIFIC Wardrobe Dreams! was my biggest inspiration: What's your dream wardrobe? Be specific. Imagine that the first cool fall day has arrived (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere), and that you open your closet/armoire/cupboard door and you see it: the Dream Wardrobe.

By cataloging what I own and wear, and the insights such as those from Mo's How much is enough? Playing with numbers thread I figured out comfortable wardrobe numbers for myself.

The biggest breakthrough was getting an account at a local consignment shop, and taking anything she's not interested in to a charity drop-off a few blocks away.

E

Veteran

I realised I had developed a thrift store shopping habit that had led to far too many blouses & an ebay browsing habit that wasted hours of my life (although I rarely bought anything I managed to spend far too much time seeing what was out there). I've cut myself off from ebay (it was difficult at first but now I don't think of it) & am avoiding thrift shops for now as I have more than enough in my closet. I've been in wardrobe building mode for the last couple of years, so I still had that sense of 'oh! woven blouse with round neckline in one of my colours that fits! gotta get it!' from the days when I only owned a few woven tops and most of them weren't the style I wanted. I plan to do a big post about this soon, so I don't think there's anything wrong with duplicates! I love meta-wardrobe posts.

Peri

Veteran

I've learned I am a minimalist regarding number of items, so I need to make those items really great and not buy a lot of stuff. My closet was full of stuff and I really didn't want to wear much of it.

I've learned that my tastes must not be mainstream because so many times I'm just not interested in what the stores are trying to sell me.

I've learned when I find something I love to go ahead and pay for it, because it is a rare event. I like what you said about paying more than you think is reasonable. I balk on things even though I can afford them...maybe something about having to deserve them. Or maybe I just need a reality check on what reasonable really is.

I've learned that it is okay to make purchase mistakes. I wish I didn't, but it happens. Even Angie has admitted to one or two.

I've learned that I will never be minimalist regarding color and that is okay. I can understand the sense of limiting your wardrobe to a few colors, and how that makes all your clothes work together...but I have too many favorite colors to stick with that.

I'm sure I've learned more. I really feel like I have learned a lot thanks to you all.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I learned that I CAN enjoy shopping!

A couple of somewhat paradoxical realizations:

Shopping in season works better for me...BUT...I also benefit from a mid-season on-sale refresher item or two, and should budget for this.

Planning my purchases can be extremely helpful...BUT...it's also important to leave room for the impulse buy. Some of my impulse buys were my best buys of the year.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

That I shop too much?

Jacky

Veteran

Oh, 4 is a huge problem for me too. I know intellectually that it's an issue, but I somehow keep falling into the same trap - I really need to work on it!

Just this month, I tried to start being disciplined about my shopping and only shopping (and hopefully paying) for the things on my list. I wasn't quite successful, but I found that it helped cut down my purchases a lot. I need to start making sure that there's an actual wardrobe hole I'm filling when I buy something, rather than just going for things I think are interesting.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

That I like to buy lots of stuff when I have the $ for it. Also, dressing for a size 12/14 body is easier than a 16/18 body...

This year I've tried to get better about spending more on things that are perfect or that I will use all the time, as I'm a bargain hunter by inclination. My progress is inconsistent.

I agree about the heels thing - I do think I've improved as far as buying for the actual life I lead rather than a fantasy life.

Elly

Veteran

I learned that I need to plan ahead for shopping. Particularly for the transition between seasons-- I never seem to have the budget and list together when the things I want are in store and appearing on YLF.

If I let myself I could spend my whole budget on gear, easily.

I learned that less is more with me, but that making do to often makes things miserable. This year I've been cold, dirty, and have had to stay home doing laundry multiple times a week and forced to shop last minute or accept what I can find in a pinch. I want to be able to only spend one evening a week washing up so I have clean shirts to wear to work!

I learned I really need to clean my closet! I haven't done a purge since 2009.

Shopping in the store is great, especially for tops. I'm hoping to be able to do some and/or try out some higher end pieces on a trip to AZ in February/March. However, I had decent luck online this past year with jeans and shoes.

I also learned that my B&M shopping destinations have increased a bit. We have a TJMaxx in the town I work in which is occasionally good for a top or jacket, and ABQ my nearest shopping center now has the likes of JCrew (although a small one, no coats, etc.) so we are moving up in the world.

Acessories, condition, and fit go a long way towards helping work-appropriate clothing that holds up to the high dirt and activity level look appropriate on a supervisor and professional.

Fussy is still my enemy, as is bad fit.

Looking good boosts my mood.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

My fall and winter start late -- at the earliest, in November. October is still pretty warm. So I find I can wait until the sales to get things for this season. Things start getting reduced Nov. 1st. Then by Dec. 1st or just before that on Black Friday, I may be able to get the things I'm craving at a price I can afford.

But as for Spring, my Spring can start as early as January. The days get a bit longer, the grass can turn green if there's enough rain. And my summer can come early. If I wait for sales, I am not wearing the pieces much until the next season. For 2014, I hope to get things for the Spring/Summer season earlier, so I can get wear from them. My plan will be to get fewer things, but what I really want.

MsLuna

Veteran

1. After trying on so many shoes in varying brands (a lot of comfort brands), I've narrowed down the criteria for the best shoes for me: heels (not including the platform) must be 1-2 inches high (with the exception of my Rockport Janae's), must have arch support (especially for flats), and I must not feel the ground when I walk (yes, my feet have a "princess and the pea" complex).

2. I like skinnies and slim fit pants. A lot. And I will keep buying them forever.

3. I am awful with budgets.

4. I shop impulsively and feel the need to do so almost every payday.

5. Much of the money I spend are on clothes that I think are cool, but will not wear later on. I need to learn to buy clothes that compliment my personal style and body type. I tend to "bend the rules" a bit due to boredom.

6. I buy clothes on sale... because I take them to the tailor anyway.

7. I buy all my accessories on sale. At least 30% off.

8. I'm willing to spend money on shoes and purses, but not on clothing and accessories. I almost always have to alter the clothes and as for accessories, I tend to like to have "unlimited" amounts of them.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

1. Just because it looks good on you doesn't mean you should buy it.

2. Just because you bought it doesn't mean it will look good on you (magically) when you get home.

3. Just because it's on sale doesn't mean that it will look good on you (magically) when you get home.

4. Sometimes clearing out an online shopping cart is the best feeling.

5. Sometimes you have to invest in order to get good stuff - but it's not a guarantee if you do invest you will get good stuff.

6. Angie's Leave No Retail Stone Unturned.

7. Just because it looks ugly on someone else doesn't mean it won't look good on you. And the converse.

8. Buying multiples makes me want to wear out one, and I feel safe knowing that I have a spare in case anything happens to that favourite! I have duplicated my owl top; my navy and charcoal cardigans, my navy dress, and two Le Chateau dresses this year! I have also duplicated my Born Adele flats.

9. If in doubt, go work out and then come back to see things in a new light.

10. NO SHOPPING POST-CALL.

Windchime

Veteran

If I make the effort to figure out what I truly need, and buy those items, my satisfaction quotient will be high.

Shopping is more satisfying when I'm dressed for it--i.e. NOT in sweats on my way home from exercising.

I learned from YLF that it's helpful to actually shop a lot more than I used to, not always with the intent to buy, but to see what's out there, try a plethora of styles and sizes, and figure out what does and doesn't work.

Susie

Veteran

I've learned that I don't have to try everything I see someone here wearing! But I've also learned that this site is a great resource for things that I love and might not have found on my own.

I learned that I no longer want to buy something just because it's a good price and maybe I can use it. Now I want to buy pieces that I LOVE and feel special.

I learned that it is more satisfying to have a limited number of pieces in a category that really meet my needs rather than multiples that offer too many choices. I'm looking at you, layering knits!

I learned that I like jackets better than cardigans.

I learned that I like statement pieces.

I learned that I don't need to buy something in multiple colors.

I learned that I can actually like coats!

amiable

Veteran

This was my first full year on YLF, and my style has grown a lot - so have my shopping skills, I think.

I learned that I'm pretty content in a lot fewer colors than I thought.
I learned my favorite silhouettes (PANTS, longer tops for winter, shorter, straight skirts for summer).
I learned that it pays off to be picky.
I learned that I'm almost always happier buying used clothes. New clothes aren't perfect any higher percentage of the time, and are lots more likely to change with washing than used clothes are.
When I have outfits I love, I also like repeating them. (Which relates to being picking paying off)

carter

Veteran

I've learned that I need a new working definition for "versatility". Way too often I have bought basic items with the thought that they "go" with everything, only to find that they really only combine to make "meh" outfits. In 2014, one of my goals is to focus on new items that combine to make great outfits...even if it's just 2-4. A new piece doesn"t have to go with everything, but it does have to give me at least a couple new great outfit options.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I am just going to save myself some time, and simply say:

Ditto to everyone's replies.

In all seriousness, here is what I learned in 2013:

I own too many clothes and shoes. My closets aren't packed, but it still stresses me out to see how much space it all takes up.

1. I am an emotional shopper. When I am feeling tired or discouraged...I shop. When I am feeling happy and pleased with life... I shop. Acquiring clothing and shoes represents comfort, solace, escape, reward, recognition, a paean to everything in my life. I am working towards finding non-shopping ways to get this same feeling - I find that physical activity is going a long way towards alleviating this.

2. Online shopping is a habit. I am working on breaking that habit. Deleting store bookmarks, and unsubscribing from emails is very helpful, as is reading minimalist websites - even though I will never be a minimalist.

3. Getting specific has made me waaaaaay pickier when I shop: items have to fit into my 'style', as represented by my Pinterest boards.

4. Despite specificity, there are waaaay too many things out there that fit my specs and are gloriously beautiful. It is very hard to say no, when the price is great and the item is fantastic: I saw these killer Tom Ford stilettos ($120 with the new member discount - which expired today - and free shipping) on Vaunte. I thought about those shoes ALL DAY yesterday, but I didn't pull the trigger. Man, was that HARD. But they would have duplicated two pairs of killer shoes I already have.

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

I learned that I'm still really happy with my less-is-more attitude of recent years and that I still love shopping my closet. When the so-called "trends" come out (they're often manufactured, so not often really real trends to me), I mentally go over what I already have that fits them and build a season around that.

I also learned that if something doesn't come in petite sizes to be prepared to walk away, and to completely resist the temptation of pleather shoes (with the exception of some sandals).

But--I work at home, so my fashion needs are less urgent than they used to be. I've been able to cut way back on shopping to the point where when I like something, I don't feel so guilty about buying it 'cause I've bought so rarely lately. (Yet, I added 2 more pairs of boots/booties to my collection in the fall, an increase of 20%...eep...)

However, style is not static, so I'm always interested in how I can improve it and up the enjoyment quotient.

My fashion resolution for 2014 is to get a number of items tailored that have been waiting for a while!

karymk

Veteran

I learned I am overexposed. That means that I have reached a level of fashion saturation that clouds my satisfaction with my purchases. There's too much to look at. I'm overwhelmed. I have Fear of Missing Out. I am always looking for the better version of: The "Chanel" Jacket. The ultimate sneaker for my casuals. The newer jeans cut. The perfect aviator glasses.

I have high turnover rate. It's not worth it for me to buy high end because theres a 75% chance I will get bored and then want to dump. I need to learn I can be fashionable if I stay within classic limits.

If I could temper my thirst for variety, I would be satisfied with a smaller wardrobe. But when I feel I need red, I want it there for the grabbing. I may want to be biker chick one day and Nature babe the next. I'm all over the map.

I like too many different styles. I love it all. That's a problem.

This year I'm going to look back to my style roots, the things I have always loved and will always wear, and then find a way to take those things down a notch on the formality scale.

Thank you for this thread!

dicey

I resonated with ambergreen's post with one modification: if it doesn't come in tall sizes be prepared to walk away. I don't know why it took me so long to realize that I am a small size in talls not a larger size in regular fits. Years of trying to size up for the length just ended in clothes that misfit in multiple ways! This was my biggest lesson this year and learning it greatly increased my happiness quotient with my clothes.

MuseumGal

Veteran

I learned that I will never be satisfied with my wardrobe, which is kind of a big lump to swallow. But I also learned that the wardrobe that I do have is actually in really good shape and that I don't actually need anything more to be current. Now let's see if I can learn to not buy anything more.

Anonymous

Great thread and I will have to read more when not so tired, but I have learned the joy of having items you want to wear again and again.

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