When you have a bad run of shopping, does it put you off? - YouLookFab Forum

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When you have a bad run of shopping, does it put you off?

Cilleena

Veteran

I've had really bad luck with shopping lately and it's making me want to avoid it altogether. How do you deal with poor shopping results? Also, what stores have you had good luck with? Maybe I just go through shopping spurts. I was so excited to get some new spring clothes until my last batch from Loft where nothing was flattering or fit well. Now, I'm discouraged and afraid to try again. This kind of thinking is what lead me to plain tees and hoodies though. Must.keep.trying....

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20 replies

Latest reply was from crwilson

ticksgirl

Yes, but then it really doesn't take much since I'm not big on shopping to begin with. It sounds like you just need to take a bit of a break, though I know you probably feel the pressure to get the good spring things while you can. Also, do you have any good basics at all? When I'm not having good luck with clothing items, I try to focus on accessorizing what I already have instead.

ticksgirl

Have you looked at Express? They always seem to have cute things.

Kim

Veteran

I find there are seasons where nothing looks good on me (usually when I have money to spend) and then there are times when *everything* looks good, (but usually I don't have money to spend then! LOL)

It'll pass. Just wait a while and try again. Maybe a different store this time.

Barbara

Veteran

I just shrug it off, wait a few days and try again! I have the best luck at T J Maxx.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm stubborn, so I think it just makes me want to shop more, to prove I can find what I want. Your way is more economical, I think, lol.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Yes, it does put me off. But I think that isn't necessarily a bad thing, since sometimes the fits/styles/colors are not the best for me and then it's better to wait a bit until new merchandise arrives. I like Loft, the whole Gap family (Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic), Nordstrom and Marshall's.

Beth

Veteran

Definitely. I just give it a rest and wait until I feel inspired to give it a go again.

Cilleena

Veteran

Ticksgirl-I think I need a shopping break too, but I do feel the pressure to buy things for Spring now. I really don't have anything for the spring and summer. Even my basic tees are worn out or don't fit. I know all my shorts are either too short or too big. I have no dresses or skirts and only 2 pairs of sandals...both are kind of frumpy looking though.

Plus, I see everyone's great shopping finds and while I'm so happy for them that they look great, I'm a little jealous because I can't seem to find or put together any like that.

cobaltblue

Veteran

Cilleena, I'm right there with you, down to the frumpy footwear! We can do it!

qfbrenda

Veteran

I feel your pain. I've been doing a lot of shopping this month since I have some tax return money to play with, and I need clothes desperately. So far:

jacket and dress.... both too big, got a smaller size in the dress
jeans... bought two sizes so I can't wear any of them yet until I know which size I'm keeping
2 sweaters.... hubby doesn't like them
coats.... had to re-buy a coat in a smaller size.... happy to be a smaller size, but hate that I wasted money on the first one so not sure that's a success LOL

I have had a small number of successes, but I haven't posted them here since I'm not sure if they would pass YLF muster or not. Besides they are mostly just boring basics. Overall I don't feel like I'll ever reach YLF standards. LOL

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I find sometimes when I'm under pressure to acquire certain items it doesn't go well or I end up settling. It's when I'm just roaming and open to whatever comes my way that I tend to hit a rash of good things all in a short amount of time.
Or you could just use reverse psychology on yourself and join SYC. You're bound to find something spectacular then!!

Ginkgo

Veteran

Am sharing your pain -- yesterday my new shoes arrived in the mail but after a lifetime of being size 9 for this particular pair I need a 9.5 so back in the mail they will go. Last week I logged onto the Loft just to look around and got so excited over the sale that I ordered a couple of tops (what I really need are pants and shoes) and although they're beautiful and they fit I just don't care for the way they look on me. Picked up my new eyeglasses last week and after now my ears are so sore will have to go back for a re-fitting. Finally cheered up after pulling out a scarf I bought a few weeks ago and it goes beautifully with the two new cardis I nabbed a few days ago It has helped me a lot to study MaryK's color combinations.

Cilleena

Veteran

Ah, well I'm sorry other people are having less than stellar shopping experiences, but I'm glad I'm not alone.

Queen Mum

Veteran

yes... I have to learn that when I'm not finding stuff, I need to take my marbles, go home and try again another day. Then I might go out the next week and find all sorts of fab stuff. FWIW, I'm not seeing anything fab at Loft these days. I'd try some different stores.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Don't worry! Give it a little rest and go forth once you've recouped. Fashion and style must stay the fun part of the day - we all have enough other stuff to worry about.

From what I've seen Cilleena, you have come a long way since hoodies and tees. Well done

Elly

Veteran

I have this problem because everything I buy has to be mail ordered or done on a marathon shop. Because of my location all real shopping is at least 4 hours away if not more like 7-10. That means that I have a day or two a season (if that) of shop-till-you-drop buy what is available with no chance to return if I change my mind. I do do a lot of settling and a lot of going without. The only other option (unless I can find a couple hundred extra in gas money and hotel accommodations in my budget to go more often or stay longer) is to shop online. Of course, I'm hard to fit. I end up spending so much on shipping and returning that sometimes after the first or second round I've eaten the budget for a couple of items. ARRRGGGHHH! I am having this issue right now, because I won't be able to get farther than ABQ to shop (and that day would be a 16 hour day) or will have to shop online for the outfits I need for my graduation, thesis presentation, and for the internship.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Cilleena, As a mom who nursed for the last 4 out of 5 years, I can definitely sympathize. It's hard enough to look stylish everyday, but try doing it when your body size is changing constantly, even throughout the day! Soft fold over front dresses (like Sarah's recent Target dress) with cami's underneath were my favorite from that time. Take a break for a while and come back to it when the weather warms up a bit and the merchandise in the stores changes.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Haha Rae's comment took the words right out of my mouth! That's exactly how i am. I don't know if i could ever be put off shopping, if anything it just makes me more determined. XD

Marley

Veteran

No - it doesn't really put me off, but I just stay away for awhile and then try again! Eventually, I'll hit upon waaaaay too many things that I like and that look great on me, and then I have the opposite problem - I can't STOP shopping!

crwilson

Veteran

I feel your pain. It's especially hard with little ones, I feel, because I literally never have a day to spend shopping. It's usually an hour here or there, often with an impatient child in tow. That makes me want to shop online but in the past six months, out of all the ordering I've done, I think I've kept only ONE item (pajama pants). It's sooo frustrating. I'm trying to be done with SYC, and I can't seem to do it.