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.

We covered the air wrap a couple of times on thread 1. I have one and the curls drop out of my hair almost immediately plus it's difficult to use. I have a much cheaper styler that I use instead and my air wrap is just gathering dust. Other posters said the knock-off versions are just as good, and one person said the air wrap ruined her hair.

I first met James Dyson 25 years ago and he was unpleasant then, he hadn't improved last year but he is getting on now.
Everyone at Numatic, home of Henry, is just lovely.

I found them really uncomfortable. The foot bed didn't fit quite right and the top is for people with low insteps.

I have a pair - love the look of them but they are so uncomfortable that I only wear them when I go to Pilates as an easy on/off shoe, the suede ones are better, but I find them very difficult to walk in properly.

Also SB old style power leggings are far superior to the new style, they had a really wide waistband that meant the leggings stayed up no matter what, the newer ones (end of 2024 onwards I think) are terrible, thin as a Rizla and don’t stay up at all.

I’m so happy to hear that the Henry people are nice!

My power leggings have a snazzy sort of wrap/pleat thing at the waist. Once on, they don’t move.

I have a pair and every time I wear them I spend the evening after in pain with cramps in my calves.

Not worth the money or pain.

But in the spirit of this thread; Henry himself is a psychotic bastard and tried to push me down the stairs.
His Numatic co-workers are just lovely.

Puffer jackets are awful and universally unflattering. They should be used purely for messy outdoor pursuits and dog walking duties. Everyone needs to stop wearing them.

I cannot understand why grown women think they are a good option for day to day wear

Because they give warmth without the weight, are waterproof, windproof and machine washable.
I look fabulous in mine 👑

Collarless jackets make the wearer look massive as they don’t frame your face like a collar does

Thank you for this very helpful pros:cons list! Turns out fate was keeping me in the light as by the time I’ve got home from work tonight my discount code has expired. I was so on the edge and it has saved me from myself 🤣

Just looked these up. Go for it if you want to look like you’re on day release.

Michelin Man?!! Anyone?!!

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/71bd4b4f-ffa4-43db-afa4-cbd1a788d388/dgankhq-e1e5b906-3f3a-47c0-9095-fd7d1a64cb3e.png?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzcxYmQ0YjRmLWZmYTQtNDNkYi1hZmE0LWNiZDFhNzg4ZDM4OFwvZGdhbmtocS1lMWU1YjkwNi0zZjNhLTQ3YzAtOTA5NS1mZDdkMWE2NGNiM2UucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.NHHf_Ph_5fnNeTLVfGwrLuZ43SquIR7qf88SkCBqdjw

They look like a posh leather slipper for indoors - would you really wear these?

The clogs are potentially lethal on stairs ime.

But gym leggings. I genuinely need a new pair (SB now too big and don’t want to get more if quality has dropped) and would like to know which are worth buying. Just one single pair I promise

I like these. Are they awful?

https://www.modainpelle.com/boots-c4/ankle-boots-c45/okari-black-leather-p16810/s95033?utm_medium=social&utm_term=moda-in-pelle-okari-black-leather-38-size-uk-5-eu-38-size-uk-5-eu-38-5063333193028&utm_campaign=UK_ADPLUS_SHOP_NEW&cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwdGRjcAPvRv9leHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqy1narXzRXNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR63pHYmo4TI4UD6qlqE_3m29FWWbLMHDLIB6mo7OmJ3iPQkY9LxRMImmqhQag_aem_HUT4hHIxKzDZsT36yiEhkw&utm_id=23854260068350708_v2_s02_e392_i20260203&utm_content=120214607487190709

Well, I think they’re hideous, but that’s just a style debate I guess. Unholy mixture of Victorian twee and bovver boot.

I mean that IS pretty much my style described very succinctly

Style is completely subjective. Whether or not you should actually purchase them is another matter!

What about looking on Vinted for a pair of SB pre-quality drop? Otherwise if you post on a separate thread (you might need to start one) I'm sure you'll get good advice.

Lululemon for leggings, tbf I don’t think sweaty Betty have really dropped quality, I’ve got leggings from both eras and they’re great and wash well. The only other options seem to be the ones with a defined bum crack that I hate 😂

Thank you for the Birkenstock talk downs. Sorry I’m still tempted 😂😂

Gentle reminder that this is meant to be a de-influencing zone — no “but what should I buy instead?” please and no recommendations (those questions tend to be popular elsewhere on the boards and lots of people will help).
Reasons not to buy only here though, please, otherwise we all end up back on the hamster wheel