We All Make Mistakes
Right??
As cheap careful as I am, sometimes I end up making purchases I regret. I try not to make impulse purchases and I try to stick to my lists of things I truly need in my wardrobe. But…I’m human (sigh) and sometimes I get it wrong. But hopefully I can take some lessons away from my mistakes…and maybe they can help you, too.
So, this blouse I really loved when I first bought it. But when I finally tried wearing it, it just wasn’t good. I tried it on over all my pants and it’s just too short. My “low” belly shows, my rounded thighs show…and while I’m not ashamed of them, it just looks nicer when something skims over them hiding them from view.
The Lesson: Don’t get so caught up in a color or print or style that you overlook fit.
This next top was an in-person impulse item. The colors and print grabbed me. I liked the bell sleeves. And it was very inexpensive (like $11.99 at Rainbow Shops). So I didn’t pay enough attention to the too-revealing neckline. It’s too much cleavage for work…and the whole top is too frou-frou for going out with friends. So I’ve worn it One Time since I bought it last fall.
The Lesson: Similar to #1, don’t get so caught up on color and print and price that you buy something you really have no place to wear.
I apologize for my wacky white balance here – the middle picture is actually the correct color. I just did the latest Photoshop update and there was a new color option and “vivid color” looked really nice when viewed in Photoshop, but is way too yellow anywhere else.
Here I bought a dress that’s really the same dress as one I already one. I’ve had the light blue Tencel “nightgown” Old Navy dress (far right) for two years and still love it. Last year I bought the Style & Co light blue Tencel dress when I rented it from Gwynnie Bee and I really liked it. But really, they’re the same dress. Light blue, sleeveless, lightweight Tencel dresses. They’re interchangeable. But because I really like the Old Navy dress better, when I feel like wearing a lightweight light blue dress, I always reach for the Old Navy dress. So the Style & Co dress is really underutilized and I’m not getting my money’s worth out of it. Not that it was a lot, I think it was marked down to $15 but that’s not the point. I don’t like having unnecessary clothes hanging in my closet.
The Lesson: Don’t keep buying the same thing over and over.
This one is not a purchase, it just arrived in today’s mail from Gwynnie Bee. It’s too small, but besides that, it really is not a good style for me. It’s too much. Of everything. I’m already a lot just on my own. To add multiple colors and patterns and crinkle fabric and bell sleeves and lacey ties…it’s too much. It’s cute on other people, but it just feels like too much for me.
The Lesson: Remember what works well on your body and don’t buy everything you “like.” You can like things without having to own them. Buy things you feel good in. There’s a difference.
So, I’ll continue to try to be mindful when purchasing. Hope my mistakes can help you make less of your own!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.
925brands
Excellent! Especially the red one…
IrisOriginals
Sorry for your mistakes but at least I know I’m not the only one to make them. Half the stuff in my closet fits your various descriptions. I am cheap and I frequently tend to buy something just because it’s a good buy. I know, not the smartest thing. I am trying though and have gotten some really good points from your blog. Thanks for sharing.
Fashion Schlub
Oh, you’re definitely not the only one, Iris! I was happy I was able to return the blue/grey floral top today even like 6 weeks after I bought it and with no receipt. I’m out of luck with the other ones 🙁 But I’ll continue trying to be more careful!
Nancy
Ha ha, I just finished a article about a dress I bought to impulsive. To short, to high closing, to cheap really. I told myself to really think twice to buy something. I now trend top not buy impulsive but think about what colour I want……our need of course!😂😂 happy weekend love!
Fashion Schlub
Same to you!
Julia @ When The Girls Rule
“you can like things without having to own them” I need to remember this! I’ve also gotten caught up in pattern and color and then never wore the item. Or I’ve gotten caught up in “i’m sure I’ll have someplace to wear this” fancy item and then never go anywhere fancy. I’m at the point now where if I don’t love every single thing about an item then I don’t buy it. Hope you’re doing something fun this weekend so we can see it in your week in review!
Fashion Schlub
“Hope you’re doing something fun this weekend so we can see it in your week in review!” – Oh, me too!
Jodie
So you’re talking to a “fix it” girl here. I’m the one that always try to make the “bad” purchases work somehow. Maybe because I hate to waste money. Like the shirt that you feel is too short—I have lace shirt extender for that. And the one that’s too low? I have a bunch of camis for those (although I have sewn together that area too).
Now buying the same thing is something my mom does ALL THE TIME!! Seriously, she has more than 5 gold collar necklaces and when I tell her she should get rid of one (or two or three), she always says that they are all just a little different (needless to say she’s a collector and I’m not as much). So I don’t do that as much!
But as an honest opinion of that last shirt, Bettye? I really think it looks incredible on you. Sure, it may not be what you’re used to (that’s why you think it’s too much), but it’s you in a nutshell. Colorful, fun and beautiful. (okay, I get that it’s too small…but if you can get it in a bigger size, I bet you’d be surprised at how many compliments you get on it).
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Fashion Schlub
You’re a “make it work” gal, Jodi! I did think about a lace extender for the floral top but I feel like they’re SO much longer than that top that the lengths would look off together. Anyway, I was able to return it today for a refund even after all this time.
“it’s you in a nutshell. Colorful, fun and beautiful.” You’re very sweet and generous, Jodi – I appreciate the kind words 🙂
Bettye
Lise
Totally agree with all your points. The last red top has a very cute print but I can’t say I like the blue on the bottom – seems out of place, kind of ruins it for me. Great post! Lise
Fashion Schlub
Thanks, Lise!
Debbie from Illinois
I totally agree. I have to return 3 tops I bought at Marshals. I thought they looked great when I tried them on in the store. When I tried them on at home, ugh…..not so much.
Tinu
This is a great post and I can totally relate because I’ve also made some mistakes while buying clothes..
Check out my new post.. Its on how to style peplum tops..
https://tinutrends.wordpress.com/2018/06/09/how-to-style-the-sleeveless-peplum-top/