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?

I'm trying to stop shopping online unless it's something I'm specifically looking for - either a standard product I need to rebuy or a specific item I need - e.g. I bought a new swimsuit this week our if necessity. I am going to then try going shopping for a couple of hours once every other month and allowing myself to shop in person. I weirdly find it easier to moderate myself in person, and I'll save a fortune if I stop the frequent online ordering of crap!

Hideous and boring! Sorry 😬

@Allthesnowallthetime it looks like school uniform but at least it pockets for the lint roller you'd need to carry.

@Snugglemonkey there was a podcast by Xand and Chris van Tulkeken (twin doctors) which discussed magnesium supplements. The conclusion was that Most people should get enough magnesium in their diets - no need to supplement.

Thanks. I might need to look at sprays. I am a bit sceptical about how much you would absorb from a spray though.

@Barrellturn I do have a baggy arse, TBF😂

@Whowhatwerewolf hmm. That is a good point. Lots of hay in our house due to pets. Thank you!

Two years! you must be my spirtual twin. I was deep diving into my ironing basket and came across a couple of items that have been lurking in there like moles under the turf. I realised I kept shoving them back all last Summer and will probably do the same again this year

@Onceuponasunflower true, and I am certainly past the age of carrying off the schoolgirl look

It's got a stupid high-low hemline.

Gavel.

I try not to dig too far, but last time I did was before Christmas. Linen shirt and linen dress (obviously not needing ironing until the summer), several awkwardly shaped things and a really sweet tiered dress for dd that was a nightmare to iron. The dress was 9-12 months. Dd is 3.

This one's easy. It's sitting unloved on my dressing table. It looks okay indoors but in daylight it's a strange unnatural pink and just looks weird. Don't do it.

I have tbis - not worthy
not sure if Bourgeois is still available in the UK but they used to do a base varnish (pre-color to protect the nail) that did what the Dior glow promises and doesnt deliver: a french-ish manicure.
if you look at refdit, you’ll see tbey changed formula and it doesnt do the job like it used to be (apparently)

Oh God, me too. I'm stubborn as a mule and hate being told not to do (or buy) something.

However, I have a very blunt male friend at work who freely admits he hasn't a clue about fashion but is great at making me think twice about impulse fashion purchases. He's saving me a fortune. I show him a picture and he'll instantly come out with a witty or sometimes cutting comment that puts me right off the piece. The latest thing was a jacket from Boden that I thought was gorgeous until my friend told me it would go really well with lederhosen

I love this thread! It's like witches assemble, but hey you asked for it 😀
Everything anyone has posted is foul, if that helps?

@Goldpanther most VW clothes are really complex garments but this skirt is quite simple. Make a simple skirt from a pattern and then gather it, and keep the £500 xxx

Try very cheap magnesium first, there are several types. I took one and had the most horrible nightmares I'd had in years, never dared take any more!

Please talk me out of the stupid Roka lucky dip. I don’t need any more bags, I really don’t.

I always find fatface poor quality. The cut is awful and the materials quite cheap. It looks like a PJ top….
id invest in something a bit better quality so that it doesnt lose its shape too quickly

If you are trying to pay off your debt, then I think spends are out this month anyway- my current rule is to try to use up what I already have. So, you have a similar nail polish, nothing in your life will change if it has a slightly different tint and it's heaps over-priced.

This is not me trying to help you, these are my sincere beliefs on that one!

You always get the small backpacks in the Roka lucky dip which are a really annoying size. Too small to properly hold A4 and water bottles don't fit well in the side pockets.

Also colours can be dubious.

@scoobydeedoo I got this for DD for Xmas - I even had it engraved! It is not as nice as the cheapy Sally Hansen one 😂

They’re just trying to get you with FOMO and getting rid of stock they haven’t sold

It's nonsense. Turn off the TV earlier and don't drink caffeine after 2pm.

I keep trying to buy new t-shirts both long and short sleeved and they are NEVER LONG ENOUGH. I should just give up and, well, I don't really know what. Always wear a jumper? Sew stuff on the bottom of them? Wear them tucked in (that doesn't work as they still pull up!).

@Thingsthatgo you won't get a colour you like. It won't go with anything, but you won't want to give it to a charity shop because it's new and you haven't used it and you spent money on it.

So it will sit getting all dusty with the other 18 bags you don't use. Waste of money and space!

Foul is fair