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.

@StrongPoison I have to agree with the other posters. There is nothing terrible about the jacket, it's ok, but it does look a bit like a bed jacket! And £85 is a lot!

Haha I’m not sure bed jacket was the look I was thinking of. Just needs some ribbons to tie it up and it would be there.

I think worn outdoors it wouldn't offer the same protection as a proper jacket or coat, and worn indoors it would look like a bed jacket and you hadn't bothered to get dressed. Also the collarless look is hard to style and doesn't frame the face.

@BIossomtoes off to the naughty corner for you 😂. Tu is not a bad shout for something cheaper/similar, thanks.

I'm joining @Blossomtoes in the naughty corner where I've just posted the TU one.... although thinking about it, it might not be the same one as it's polyester 😭

Also the collarless look is hard to style and doesn't frame the face. This.
It's cotton and will not protect you from the elements.

I’m seeing this as an alternative to a slightly heavier shirt or cardie as a cover up option rather than a full on coat iyswim.

The collarless thing is a point although I do have a leopard print scarf and burnt orange scarf on my packing list so they may help there.
I’m trying to talk myself into it …

@StrongPoison , I've got a similar jacket in lovely polyester and it does bugger all for me.

The collarless thing is a point although I do have a leopard print scarf and burnt orange scarf on my packing list so they may help there.
I’m trying to talk myself into it …

I think whenever you get into 'this thing will look nice as long as I wear it with that or that...' then it's a sign that the garment itself isn't quite right. It's like when people pose with hand on hip when trying on clothes to pull them in a bit - you won't always be stood like that, so if you need to stand like that to make it look nice then don't buy it! Same with this - you won't always wear it with a scarf, so you have to like it without as well as with.

this thing will look nice as long as I wear it with that or that...' I agree with pp. You'll end up buying things to try to make the jacket work.

Are you really going to need a quilted jacket and a scarf in the Canary Islands?

It is down to 14+ degrees in the evening and I am also thinking about getting on the plane from the UK at 7:30 in the morning and the flights themselves. My friend is out there at the moment and is reporting it’s a bit windy too as the sun goes down. They’ve had a cold winter apparently.

My scarves are lightweight cotton not the woolly type, I always take a couple as shoulder coverups or a layer at night.

@StrongPoison , I'd get something warmer to wear to and from the airport. 14 degrees in the evening is cardigan weather not quilted jacket weather.

And isn't that jacket more for daytime than evening anyway?

This is really interesting as I am getting annoyed by the pushback yet that is what I came for 🤣

Having failed to be de-influenced I’m now returning my purchase (Fig coloured Puffer Jacket) Turns out despite the lovely colour and great bargain it makes me look like Sponge Bob.

That's quite funny but to be fair your jacket is catching a lot of flack ....which can't be good for something that offers so little protection (ok, I'll shut up now 😂).

Going against the thread @StrongPoison , but I think you should get the flak jacket (flacket?) and wear it to the airport and every evening in the Canary Island.

You'll be too cold at the airport - it always seems cold when you come back from the Canaries - and you'll be too hot sitting on the balcony sipping your cocktail, but at least you'll have a useful bed jacket for next winter.

I honestly think that padded jacket isn’t the one for you. You said ‘I’m trying to talk myself into it’ so you’re already not committed to it. It smacks of ‘this will have to do’, not deep love!

I think you’re looking for a transitional garment to meet more than one eventuality: warm on a cool evening, and a cold early morning, and an air-conditioned plane, across 2 countries. That’s too many conditions for one single thing.

Wear nice light layers for the UK travel. Take a cardigan with you that can be worn over one or more of the layers, or alone. And use the scarf/wrap for the plane as a blanket or anything else.

Give yourself more options instead of limiting it to something that is a halfway house which won’t satisfy any of your criteria…

@TragicMuse I think you nail it, I want it to do too many things. Problem is the solution might mean more spends.

Loving the flack jacket come bed jacket quips.

I have a travel set, zipped hoodie with wide leg trousers in wool/cashmere mix. Regulates temperature so it is warm when needed, but doesn't make you sweat like polyester. As it's a zip hoodie, looks more modern than a grandma cardigan. Maybe something like that?

I love bed jackets!! But of the silk satin 1930s variety ... I'd rather take one of these on holiday with me for evening!! 😁

Ooh @EleanorMc67 those are lovely. My Nana's were 1970s quilted ones with the fabric covered buttons.

I have a bit of a soft spot for the nylon 1970s ones too ... 😁!! In a Yootha Joyce kind of way ... just think of the static!!!

Can someone de influence from brown suede knee high boots?
They remind of my youth, hit a smart casual spot and are a wardrobe gap.

https://www.zalando.co.uk/dune-london-classic-ankle-boots-brown-du511a0wa-o11.html

I’ll do my best @Lurkingshark - they look really dowdy shapeless and drab.
Also, suede really is a bit of a nightmare material to keep looking nice.