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?

There is something wrong about the belt. Too wide. Clunky?

Cannot be worn in the rain. Wet wool smell is baaaaad. Never dries back in shape.

Who needs 3 winter coats? Its not Siberia. (I live at vv north of UK].

From Wikipaedia: "(MDF) may release formaldehyde, which is a known human carcinogen and may cause allergy, eye and lung irritation when cutting and sanding

@Mounjaroday

I think plastic shoes will tear your skin to shreds with heels that high.

I assume you are vegan hence the plastic. This style of shoe has circled in and out forever and a day . You would easily find a second hand pair which is more environmentally friendly.
Absolutely no one will think they are worth the £99 ( because they aren’t).

No, not vegan. Not that it matters: they are no longer in my basket! It was touch and go for a moment, but head has been duly wobbled.

V late to the game on this, but hard agree re Essie over Dior's offering

Was the 3 coats thing to me?

I’ve got a heavy duvet coat that keeps falling off my shoulder with the sling and a trench coat which stays on my shoulder but isn’t very warm. In any case, it’s very much my mantra that in the UK we spend so many months in coats and boots that we might as well have a good selection.

I love a winter coat, and have several. Use them for different purposes and for different temperatures, ie freezing or cold, dog walking etc

I think it was directed at me as I posted the Hobbs coat link.

I didn't think 3 winter coats were excessive? I wear at least one daily. I have a waterproof hooded one, a long black wool one and a slightly shorter bright-coloured wool one

Agreed . I have almost as many coats as shoes. But I do need to get shot of the ones I don’t wear. I keep them as they are expensive to replace.

It's not excessive, especially in this climate. I have 3 that I regularly wear, plus another two.

I agree.

I’ve also got an ugly waterproof Janelle, a car coat, a bright pink wool one and several faux furs. None of those work over my sling either.

I really don’t think three is excessive. At the very least I’d want a duvet coat, a faux fur for evenings out and a wool one for smarter than the duvet.

Yes. Different coats, different occasions! I find myself wearing winter coats for about 6 months of the year, so want to get some pleasure out of it!

I keep dreaming of a faux fur one but at size 14-16 I look more like Pat Butcher than an elegant theater-goer

I’m a 14. I probably look like Shrek in my green one and DP detests my pink one but I don’t care!

Agree about having lots of coats, you'll be wearing them for at least half the year and you need them for different occasions, outfits, weather etc. I've got furry ones, suede, waterproof and wool. Love them!😁

I have soooo many winter coats. I can’t count. They are fashion items to me too, part of the outfit. But this is the first year in a while that I have not purchased one 😇

I’m sorry, I can’t tell you it’s a waste of money or not as good as everyone says. But, the older model is cheap as chips on Vinted and just as good (think I paid £120 for mine last autumn).

I bought a denim dress from Unfolded, I do like it and it fits except that the sleeves are a little short, don’t think I have exceptionally long arms….

Posters up thread have said some of the knock-off versions are just as good. Also it depends on what you want one for. I have one and the curls drop out of my hair almost immediately so I never use it for that. I have a cheap Tymo curler that I used today instead and my hair looks lovely if I do say so myself

I’m a 14/16 and my navy faux fur gets loads of compliments. Honestly, everyone looks like a yeti in them. They’re instant glamour whatever size you are.

For those who have posted about expensive coats - there are lovely coats on Vinted from Jigsaw, Hobbs, Reiss etc going for around £30. I have purchased two Jigsaw ones on there recently - one that is 80% wool for £15 and another that is real suede for £50. These are gorgeous coats and new would have cost £300 and £450 respectively. I also mentioned up thread I bought a Massimo Dutti wrap coat for £30 but ended up selling it on as it looked like a bathrobe on me. But it was wool and the fabric was Italian.

I think it's kind of a grey area for this thread but if you absolutely must buy then don't overlook second hand!

I'm glad it's worked out for you, @Whowhatwerewolf , but I wouldn't go near Vinted as I've heard too many horror stories!

Urgggh off the back of this thread now i want to buy this set. Do I really need FOUR "your nails but better" varnishes though?

Buy manucurist active on eBay. They come up all the time at a lower price than that and are much better. You don't need four though.