Thread 2 – De-influencing thread: reasons not to buy things

[Whowhatwerewolf]

Starting Thread 2 as Thread 1 has nearly reached the comment limit.

For anyone new: this thread has a specific purpose. If you are considering buying something but deep down would prefer to save your money, post a link to the item. Other posters will help talk you out of it.

Humour and gentle mockery are very much part of how this thread works, alongside more practical points. Sometimes a light-hearted comment helps something click; other times it’s about noticing details that are easy to miss when you’re tempted.

Common tactics include:

• poking fun (so please don't post something if your feelings will be hurt by this)
• pointing out that you already own something that serves the same purpose
• spotting poor quality, flimsy construction or inferior fabrics hiding behind good photography
• questioning whether the item solves a problem that actually exists
• translating marketing language into plain English

What this thread is not:

• mocking people who wear the item
• ageist sniping (calling something “granny” is actually praise)
• cruelty for its own sake

The target is the thing, not the person.

The previous thread is here: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5482885-de-influencing-thread-reasons-why-not-to-buy-things?latest=1

In it we covered a lot of ground including a sad tangerine skirt, another one that looked like it was tucked into your underpants, Gary Glitter shoes, saggy bottoms, air wraps gathering dust and lots of polyester at premium prices.

Also worth restating, based on Thread 1:
This is not a balanced debate thread. It is not “let’s hear both sides”. People who posted positive comments about items were, quite rightly, sent to the naughty corner. This is not the thread for that.

This thread is for people who want to be de-influenced, not gently nudged towards a purchase they already know they’re going to make.

If you’re hovering over Add to basket and need someone to say “step away”, post the link.
If you’re good at spotting polyester pretending to be wool, please contribute.

Thread 2 begins. Same format. Same aim.

Marking territory 🐈

am watching!

Thanks for the new thread, @Whowhatwerewolf ! I enjoyed the last one and was successfully put off a handbag which has saved me £450!
Also, good points about the thread. I really can't stand the ageism which often appears. "Granny" should not be used as an insult.....

It isn't an insult if you want to look like a traditional granny though. Just most people don't.

Marking place. Thanks @Whowhatwerewolf

I missed the eribe fair isle cardigan thread - please tell me why not to buy one as I've been very tempted too.

because they are £200 for a jumper & probably mighty scratchy?

(looking forward to hearing other thoughts as I am equally tempted 😂😂)

I'm here! I loved the last thread, and your summary of it is perfect @Whowhatwerewolf 👌

Moths.

I’d rather spend £200 on lovely wool and knit a jumper that fits and I get the pleasure of making it and telling everyone I knitted it myself

A traditional Granny?
It is about using the term in a pejorative way.
That handbag would make me look like a Granny? I am one, is that something to hide?
What handbags do Grannies use?
It's just ageist nonsense.

The other thread made me want to get a keratin treatment 🤣
Maybe with fine hair it will just make it look super thin though?

@Isthisbatshitcrazyorthebestmoveiwillevermake · Today 07:31

Numoya Go Brush Pro. Yes or No?

For now - No! If you really must - then wait until your current hairdryer is defunct! That might take a year or two - is that long enough to put you off buying it? 😏

@Snappyg666 I don't think a Keratin treatment would work for fine hair.

There’s so much casual ageism on MN, so well done for calling it out.

Thanks for the new thread.

A real Fair Islr is very difficult to wash and dry without shrinking, you need. A proper jumper stretcher as well to stop it from shrinking.

Yes, it seems particularly rife on S&B at the moment.

Help! Please! Save me from myself. I’ve a large discount code and can get the Shark Cryoglow for around £200(a red light therapy mask think and they’re normally about £300 I think). It’s such a saving, I’m sooo tempted. 🫣😬

@dc82 I was just reading about those. The ones for home use have limited strength and so are unlikely to make much of an impact beyond other, more basic skin treatments, apparently!

Washing knitwear can be such a drag. And we are racing towards Spring now

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/mosaic-top-handle-bag-000826488.html
I want this Strathberry bag. It's the perfect colour and size. It's quality leather, handmade in Spain.
I love it.

@RanyaJerodung , it's not £495 nice.

Sorry but it reminds me of the queen, to be worn with a pastel coloured coat and hat.

It’s everywhere. Have you seen the waspi threads? I’m sure when I was young I didn’t hate older women.

@Whowhatwerewolf , thanks for the OG thread, it was a great read and positive deinfluence. Here for this one.