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?

Nice thread.

The nail varnish looks like the peel off stuff I had when I was 7.

The Liberty tote looks really cheap- like something from the market in 1974.

I like the Westwood skirt but would prefer a darker tartan. Not worth £500 though.

Thank you. I am over the pleated orange skirt now. All excellent points. Sigh of relief.

That skirt and the Esska shoes were not far off £200. Thank you for saving me!!

This is how to do it

22 quid in Debenhams!

https://www.debenhams.com/product/where-s-that-from-madon-wide-fit-mid-block-heel-with-plaftorm-and-bow-detailing_p-80f9e5db-3866-458d-844a-5bbd09aaf880

Agreed - chef's kiss to @PhaedraWas

I’m going to be in a sling for a while and I’m convincing myself that I need a cape coat. Who’d like to talk me out of even looking?

The wind will get up it and you'll take off Mary Poppins style! @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I did quote you in that but it didn't post!

Even good quality polyester is cheap to make so it’s used as a way to keep production costs low.

Textile production is in general damaging to health and the environment but plastic is especially vile.
A recent study (from 2025) showed that tiny shards of plastic accumulate in the body, and a lot of them in the brain. It was a postmortem study and they found as much as a spoonful of plastic in the brains they looked at. There was also 50% more plastic in the brains of people who died in 2024 compared to those who died in 2016. It’s a huge difference, given that it’s less than 10 years. The production of plastic clothes has exploded in recent years so unfortunately it makes sense.

I work in a related field and these results are very worrying. Microplastics have now been found everywhere, in food, water, even remote areas like Antarctica. The main sources are from washing clothes, cars and anywhere where there’s plastic and friction.

I have a microplastics filter for the washing machine and I don’t like cleaning it, the tiny fibres stick together forming sharp bits. Having a spoonful of them in my brain is a bit shocking, tbh.

I also have polyester clothes, mainly sportswear because I couldn’t find any alternatives. But the fewer plastic garments we buy the fewer will be made.

Yeah. 30 pages in and I seem to be losing enthusiasm for the bluntness.

I had magnesium when I was in hospital. It didn't make care blind bit of difference

Thank you!

Ooh that’s making me want one even more! 😂

A cape would look fantastic, very dramatic... but it does depend how much you want to pay and how much use you'd get out of one!

I like this one a lot but can’t really justify it https://www.phase-eight.com/product/katlin-cape-coat-10012030050.html

And actually, having read the description, it’s not a cape and has proper sleeves, so no good anyway.

It's 70% wool and £129. I like the style and think you'd get a lot of wear out of it. It's not exactly a cape, just a stylish coat.
I'd buy it, but that's not really in the spirit of the thread! Sorry @Whowhatwerewolf !

Sorry, just seen your update

Can you knit or crochet? Or do you know someone who can? You could knock up a poncho in no time

Do you not have any coats that are loose enough that you can wear with one arm next to your body rather than through the sleeve @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie ?

You have influenced me to add these to my Ocado shop - but at £1.25, I think still in the spirit of this thread. Thank you.

I’m in a sling so can’t do anything! I don’t want a knitted one- am hankering after a proper coat one. But now I’ve realised the Phase 8 one is no good, I haven’t actually seen any others that I like, so I think I’m safe!

I bought that at Christmas as I love ginger drinks. It’s ok but note that it has a base of apple cider vinegar. Which makes it all very fashionable and healthy etc etc, but it also makes it taste quite noticeably of vinegar as well as ginger. It’s a gingery vinegary drink. If you’re not looking for something with an apple cider vinegar taste, go for the Belvoir ginger cordial which is amazing and v inexpensive.

Yes, I have two - but they keep falling off and I can’t then reach to put it back on my shoulder!

And this is why we need the laughing emoji!

Don't think she even wears a cape, but first image I thought of was Vera.

Nothing wrong with Vera if it's the look you're going for.