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.

I caved and bought this thinking might be a good transitional jacket setting aside the point about taking it on holiday

DH has just said “hello Chair Lady Mao”

I can’t not see it 😱

It is going back

Ok peeps, I need you. Put me off this necklace please. It's £65 less 15% discount so approx £55, plus postage probably.

I don't need it and have plenty of better things to spend my money on.

@BerfyTigot the colouration of the beads makes them look all wonky-shaped from any distance.

Now, you might like strangers up close and personal to your neck and chest as they reassure themselves that the beads are, in fact, perfectly round, but if that’s not the vibe you’re going for, or prefer to keep your fellow humans as a bit of a distance then you may want to reconsider this purchase.

@TragicMuse thanks. Not quite put me off it yet though 😭

Someone like Brian Aldridge in The Archers. Or Mike Baldwin in Coronation St.
Theirs would have snaffles.

@BerfyTigot , They look like something from a cheap shop that's had a closing down sale for the past 15 months.

@StylishAndBeautiful that's more like it.Yes, they do. But maybe that's 'me' 😆

Do you have a huge aluminium saucepan and a fake fur tiger bedspread?

The necklace looks like pearls that have been rolled in tomato sauce. They're also a weird colour, not quite pastel, not defined enough to really accessorise any outfit. If you were really determined to get the same look you could get some air dry clay or bake able clay and recreate the look for about a tenner.

It's giving pre-school clay art project that's a present for Mother's day.

You have just put your finger on why I've never quite been able to bring myself to like loafers!!!

On the topic of antiques experts, remember Lovejoy* & his godawful black leather jacket?? My partner was wearing one not dissimilar on our first date ... I managed to see past it, but it disappeared not long thereafter ... We are still happily together 17 years on ...!!!

*Please, no criticism of Ian McShane - a very sexy man!!!

Omg - I actually started thinking about a fake fur bedspread (I told you I'm highly suggestible) so googled and found this...but Martin put me off. Poor Martin 😂😂😂

https://www.dunelm.com/product/global-leopard-print-faux-fur-throw-130cm-x-180cm-1000270729

Poor Martin, it's the thought that counts, after all. Maybe he should get together with Katie who finds thick, heavy and soft good qualities.

Ian McShane was a total dish as a young man. My mum had a dalliance with him!

but even he could not make the leather blouson jacket look sexy…

Your lucky, lucky mother ...!!!

I have a very tangential connection - my partner went to Stretford Grammar School about 17 years after Ian McShane. In his final year he won the art prize, & Ian was the "old boy" who had returned to present the awards. He had brought along his new girlfriend, Sylvia Kristell (of Emmanuelle fame!!!). So my partner (being an 18 year-old boy) cheekily asked for a kiss from her - which he duly received to applause from the whole school!

Oh Ian McShane! He still manages to be hot, in his 80’s. Check out the link, a mere 2 years ago. I ask you!

I remember that article!!!

I think we may need to start a separate thread ... my loins are burning!!!

😁 glad to be of service! As I imagine he would be…swoon!

Ok people… do your worst…

https://mariadelaorden.com/en-gb/products/niza-pants-tango-red?variant=53519579119945&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

It looks like the outlines have been drawn on by my 6yo

Seriously, how often would you wear such statement trousers? They will go with only few tops and where would you wear them to?

I really like them but I’ve always been a fan of quirk. I wouldn’t pay £125 for them though, wait for the sale.

They look like cartoon trousers - they don’t even look good on the model.

Just what I was about to say. They look like a child’s drawing of trousers!

They're perfect if you've always wanted your legs to double as emergency signal flags.

@anonymous0810 , I can only think that you must have been drunk when you posted those hideous expensive polyester trousers.

Ok. First of all the quality of the make: The close-up of pocket trim looks really badly sewn. For £125 I expect way better finishing.

Also, look closely at the legs - they appear to be different lengths even when she’s not obviously sitting on her hip. That’s just shoddy. Bad design, bad cutting and bad workmanship.

And on leg length, if you aren’t exactly the same proportions as the model that leg length is going to be tricky. I suspect there are a tiny number of people for whom it will hit perfectly. For most people they’re either going to be too long or too short.

They’re trying to be quirky but are actually simultaneously going too far and not far enough. Either lose the trim down the leg or really lean into it and add more trim in the belt loops and maybe add back pockets with trim.

But this is a badly made sad halfway house which is neither restrained nor all-out fun fun fun.