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.

Thanks, I don't like solovair, so I am saved from the need to be deinfluenced from them, but the start-rite comment helps a lot!

Funnily enough I do think of my DMs as orthotics!

I'd like to ask what you think of these sandals, I don't know how to link so description is, Gabor fantastica leather slingback sandals in cream, last year I bought the orange ones in the sale, and must admit that they are the most comfortable sandals which aren't flat , I don't do heel any more but because they are Cork and a slight platform they don't seem high, do I really need the cream?at £95 for me it's the most I've spent on a pair of shoes.

The Solovair ones are 'start-rite' too. The ones without the T-bar, similar to Elphie Virginia Leather Mary Jane Shoes in Black | Dr. Martens, are nice if you like school shoes
Buckles tend to not last long IME.

DO you mean my post about the mary janes @lindyloo57 ? It's avery good question. I'm not sure! I do joke that Velma from Scooby Doo is one of my earliest style icons, maybe it's that, the retro bit of them?

Thanks @StylishAndBeautiful , I definitely do not want the school girl look!

@dudsville , if you click on the link you'll see that they definitely have a primary schoolgirl look about them.

@dudsville No sorry, I was just asking for advice on the gabor sandals I realised I should have started a new thread 😅

No need to start a new thread, @lindyloo57 If you want to be de-influenced you're in the right place.

Here's a link to the sandals you asked about https://www.next.co.uk/style/su979320/v36534

You say you have them in orange which sounds like a fun colour. In cream I think they look quite matronly and practical rather than stylish. Also I think they would scuff and show wear and marks more easily than the orange.

Thanks.x I will return, you just saved me £95, I love the idea of white cream sandals, but had to remember white shoes never stay white for long, I see on another site they are done in animal print.

Start-rite vibes? That's being polite!! They're just ... 🤢

Infantilisation with ankle socks - just no!!!

See when you're on the product page? There will be an arrow - usually at the top RHS but on the ASOS page it's near the bottom. Click on it & scroll down & it will give you option to copy. Then you just paste here. See attached screenshots.

Oh, & don't get the shoes. They look like a cartoon drawing of what a five-year-old would wear. Cute on a five-year-old ...

@EleanorMc67 , the Bethan ones look all wrong.
I had some Solovair/Toast MJs and I did like them but they weren't 'me'.

This thread has MJs worn in a non-startrite way: Seamstress ruined Toast Cosmic Print dress before wedding, seeking size 10 | Mumsnet

I like them worn like that. MJs/T-bars etc - even if they're chunky versions - will always have someone of the child's starter shoe about them.

So NOT pairing them with frilly ankle socks or anything remotely "little girl-ish" is essential, IMO.

One other thing. I forgot I’d bought some chunky Mary Janes a few years ago - spotted them on the shoe rack last night. They’re hardly worn. I knew the look I was going for but it never really materialised in my actual wardrobe.

Maybe I’m not a chunky shoe person but it’s telling that I’ve worn them fewer than 10 times. Now, mine were cheap so it doesn’t matter. But I’d be so pissed off at myself if they’d been over £100…

AND it’s going to be spring/summer soon. Which mean they’ll be hot and heavy in the warmer weather but the lower vamp of the strap etc means that they also don’t do the job in wet weather. So they’re too hot in summer and not waterproof in winter. Lose-lose situation!!

Please help - I stumbled across this jacket and desperately want it. I think it would look amazing with a vintage maxi skirt (which I would also have to buy) and I think the colour would really suit me. I don't need any more jackets but still.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv049315/v70320

It looks like something one of the cops in Life on Mars would have worn. Don’t do it!

@Whowhatwerewolf , ugly colour and a fashion shape and style plus you shouldn't be buying a garment to go with a potential purchase.

HaHa
My DD has a jacket from Urban Outfitters ( faux leather , blazer type in a near black) I call it her 70s Cop Show Jacket ( like someone in the Sweeney would wear )
As my DD is tall , very slender and leggy , would look great in a binbag , she's cares not a jot .
(Actually her jacket is nice )

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/agatha-tie-front-check-midi-dress-red-10060710062.html

I’m thinking of buying this.
Any comments from wise posters?

I think the colour is gorgeous, but the shape is bad 80s. Oversized but in a bad way. The best vintage maxi skirts are from the 70s, so it's the wrong era anyway.

Get a great vintage 70s maxi skirt - if you're going to buy anything at all - & try it on with one of your many existing jackets. A contemporary style - as otherwise you'll just look retro in a dated way.

Looks like a Little House on the Prairie costume.

Are you about to start a new career as a Tradwife influencer, milking your own chickens with a demure smile? Then yes, perfect.
Also you can't even wear a bra with this neckline.

Good if you want everyone’s eye to be drawn to your cleavage while they wonder if it’s supposed to look like that or has a bow fallen off.