De-influencing thread - reasons why NOT to buy things

[Whowhatwerewolf]

Like quite a few people on here I have been trying to reduce or eliminate buying new clothes or beauty treats in 2026. For the most part I've failed miserably but I'm going to keep trying. One thing that helps me greatly is being de-influenced from a purchase. Unfortunately I'm very easily influenced by advertisements but my saving grace is that I can be easily dissuaded from buying things also.

Recently two lovely posters (@Johanna and @Cortietat ) managed to stop me from buying overpriced Sweaty Betty pilates socks and a potentially somewhat wonky Eribé fair isle cardigan respectively by telling me what wasn't so great about these items. I'm so appreciative as this has saved me heaps of money. So I was wondering whether anyone else has anything they'd liked to be talked out of purchasing?

The idea is to post something on this thread that you're considering buying despite trying to save money via a no buy or low buy commitment or simply because you're not sure about a purchase. Other posters respond to say why you shouldn't buy. If anyone thinks what you're considering getting is the best thing since sliced bread and you should definitely proceed they keep quiet about it please as this isn't the thread for that.

So...is anyone in?

That cardigan is rather dull and also quite bulky if you care about it being flattering. It's a heavy winter later only suitable on the coldest days and probably only when you're mostly going to be outside. Indoors you'd be stifling! You won't be getting much wear out of it this year anyway as it will soon be too warm to wear it.

https://carolinegardner.com/collections/sale-bags-and-straps-uk/products/leopard-print-leather-dua-bag

Can anyone talk me out of this bag? It's actually half price, I wouldn't pay full price for it.

Fair! Also CC does not do sales. Think I can get cheaper pure wool in the sales.

If you do buy it, it will last forever so make sure it's a really important category of clothing (e.g. your main neutral cardigan and you'll wear it to work and at home). You may need to be able to darn holes. I would buy it but I find wool itchy and only buy cashmere (sorry!).

i LOVE this thread. talk me out of this please!!! i love it so much, it's a great price and i wear blue all the time. www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/women/bags/small-amberley-satchel-brighton-blue-small-classic-grain

It's very small and would get stained.

As a general rule, I find looking on Vinted for items that I want or by the same brand is great at de-influencing me. You get to see what a shriveled, bobbly mess they are after a few wears (very). And how they fit on someo.e with a similar body type (usually not well) And can estimate from the wrinkles just how much of a faff to iron (a big faff)!

That's a ridiculous price just for a brand name. I bought something similar in Greece two years, pure leather for a tenth of the price. Still going strong.

I have this, it flakes badly and made my nails a weird looking colour.

@Bransteri tired a magnesium spray and it made me sticky and really itchy in bed and I still didn’t sleep. It’s sat 3/4 full on my bedside table for the last 6 months

Why not ... just don't buy stuff?

@IhateslugsI've bought a few things from Unfolded with varying degrees of success. Fitted jumpsuit with back zip was nice but had to go back as I would have struggled to get it on and off for the loo, cord shacket for my daughter was nice (though I can't say she's ever worn it), recent denim Daisie dress is really nice quality and true to size. Vinted has quite a few different dresses for sale so I'd look there first. Unfolded don't encourage returns, but they will do them.

It looks like something out of the Fishermen 's Friends film!

Also, I'm sure my old dad used to have a cardi like that, back in the day...

Basically, NO😂

Oh and the Roka lucky dip is fine if you like all their stuff, all colours! Otherwise on to Vinted and see what's available on there, all brand new straight out of the lucky dip.

It just looks a bit cheap to me, to be honest. It's not hideous but it doesn't look premium and nor does it look very practical.

😂I do dress very dad like.

Very good tip! I love those people who list items 'just need an iron' 🤣

I know the the jury is out (no conclusive evidence either way) on the link between breast cancer and collagen supplements, but that alone puts me off…

It looks incredibly itchy!!!

Brilliant thread!

as a compulsive clothes-buyer(albeit mainly secondhand), I’ve just decided to abstain indefinitely.

I have this bag in oxblood.

Not gonna lie. I love it.
If I had to critique this bag though

Main issue is colour and its 3 fold.

1. Colour is not versatile. Its spring summer only.
2. That colour will also look grubby quickly.
3. Denim dye transfer would also be a real risk imo.

On the bag generally if i am bein picky...
The leather does show wear now (the paint / dye chips?) Its 6 years old or so...

If I put too many "square things" in it in ruins the line of the bag.
My friend has a black one with a now permanent indent from too many "square things".

In terms of both the bags recently posted - if only one colour or pattern of something is on sale it's usually because that colour or pattern is the least nice.

Quite easy to OD on magnesium if you take supplements and already get plenty in your diet. And that's v dangerous, apparently.

Join me in listening to Dr Fgfgfg, @Snugglemonkey

You know it makes sense!

Wool does not make me itchy. Acrylic and polyester do!