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?

@Goldpanther - I’ve recently had a copy of the long version of that Westwood skirt made by a dressmaker for £150 all in (including the wool fabric). Bonus being it’s tailored perfectly to my shape and a little higher on the waist as I prefer skirts that way.

OK, I know that isn’t exactly ‘de-influencing’ you from spending any money BUT, you’d save £400 and that’s definitely not to be sniffed at!

Ah, see I like the design and would love Miss Marple's cottage. You're right about the cost, though.

@Spaceandcoand @Snugglemonkey
Don't buy a Dyson Airwrap. Mine fried my hair, so much so that I had to have it chopped into a chin length bob and my hairdresser wouldn't put any blonde highlights through my hair for 8 months.
It was a long 8 months of crappy hair and the contraption with its fancy box just lives on the shelf in my wardrobe reminding me daily of my expensive mistake!

I’m usually the first in line for a Liberty pattern but the texture and plastic coating of this bag reminds me very much of an Ullared Gekås shopping bag. I understand that it’s a Swedish thing but I don’t think it’s the effect PP is after!

It looks like a Sainsbury’s bag for life, when they do their pretty designs. I’d pay £5 for it and be pleased, but it looks far too plasticky for £450.

Unfortunately, I never buy anything "branded" anyway and most of my Temu spend is stationery, beads and other craft supplies and bits for my daughter. The latest was a witch hat and wand for her World Book Day costume, a pack of pipe cleaners, and a colouring book, before that it was party bag supplies for her upcoming birthday and a tiara for said party. The trouble is a lot of it is stuff I'd buy anyway but is about 1/3 of the price, but then because I'm on there anyway I end up adding a pair of earrings for £1.50 and some stickers for 50p and before I know it I've spent £60! 😂

I made a trip to Sephora to specifically look at the colours of Haus Labs foundation and concealer and find my perfect match- there was a woman blocking the stand with a member of staff for so long that I left. Not sure if I’m pleased or if I now regret my choices… 🤔

It will drag along the floor and save you from having to hoover or mop. Works especially well as a cat fur attractant (ignore the last point if you don't have a cat).

Thanks this does help 😅

Temu stuff is never as good as the photo, which is usually ripped off from the original retailer - better to try and find something similar on resale sites like eBay or Vinted

In case your mind is still unchanged, Goldpanther, that skirt looks like it’s made from a very large plastic bag playgroup organises use to carry all the toys in..like this..

www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Storage-Laundry-zipped-Reusable/dp/B09SJ2PZL3

They look like something that would be for sale at a greatly inflated price at Gloucester services! Sorry!

This is really difficult to write because I have a lovely Hobbs coat, so the only negative thing I can say is that a belt round the middle isn’t often flattering.
I guess it might be in a sale in a couple of months.

@Piknik, Il Makiage is TRULY rubbish. Thick, gloopy, very difficult to blend, causes your moisturizer to pill underneath.
TERRIBLE.

Thank you - I can get on board with "it's an attractive bag for life". Good point.
I can't see any similarity with the enormous yellow and blue bag posted above!

Yes, the belted look can be tricky. I have a Hobbs trench with a belt and I think it looks nice because it flares out quite a bit. But wool might be bulkier, especially with jumpers etc underneath.

It's currently 20% off 😫

The magnesium capsules I take are like horse pills....enormous! But a couple of minutes discomfort in swallowing them with a more reasonable nights sleep is an acceptable trade off.

Go to a charity shop. Buy a man's pale blue shirt. Cut off the collar. Voila!!

And spite!

That’s me as well.
I haven’t bought a single thing for two years.

But when I buy, I buy quality. I’m not buying crap. I buy one or two things of quality makeup or facial products.
I buy a quality pair of jeans.
Ditto for tops.
And when my T-shirt tops get too worn, I use them for pyjamas. My drawer is overflowing lol.
I think it’s time for the ragbag.
I don’t care if people stare at me.
if they stare, I jump around — and give them something to stare at.
By purchasing quality, I know I’m making an investment and it’ll last for several years.
Go ahead and stare.
You’ll have bought 6 pairs of jeans while I’m still on this one - who’s the fool??
I’m not trying to be mean or rude — I’m trying to be honest. Save your money and invest in a very good pair of jeans. The best fit, the best length - and you’ll shine for years.

It's wool from Corriedale sheep.

No, it probably wouldn't fit and wearing something on top of it would felt it and pill it. It's unspun roving, not twisted yarn.

I didn't get that colour, which is my next reason. I find that kind of pink can look soft and fresh when new, but quickly gets a sort of grubby undertone after washing. And as another pp said, that colour is far from slimming ...

@Calliopespa , true! I have privately named the shade Miss Piggy after I bought a bra that I thought wasn't padded, but turned out to be, in that colour (I was in my hott-ish 20s as well!) It came in the mail and I remember taking it out of the envelope alongside colleague (male and gay) and we were both doubled over laughing.

I really want a scarlet Mulberry Bayswater and tote. £1300 for both. Please talk me down!

Nice enough bags but for the price you’re mostly paying for the brand name rather than a huge jump in durability or utility compared with other decent leather bags. Mulberry quality isn’t as rock-solid as it used to be compared to older vintage pieces, and is heading towards mass market now. A bold colour like scarlet isn’t as versatile as neutrals and more likely to look scratched.

But I want them!!!