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

862 replies

Whowhatwerewolf · 02/02/2026 09:41

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.

De-influencing thread - reasons why NOT to buy things | Mumsnet

Like quite a few people on here I have been trying to reduce or eliminate buying new clothes or beauty treats in 2026. For the most part I've failed m...

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

OP posts:
Thread gallery
57
BIossomtoes · 02/07/2026 15:42

StylishAndBeautiful · 02/07/2026 15:13

Glad you bumped the thread xx
I thought of it when I thought a tana lawn dress would be ideal for summer. (e.g. Liberty Print Dresses and Skirts | Made in England | Justine Tabak for those not in need of discouragement)

Oh no! I really want this now. I was better off not knowing it existed!

https://justinetabak.co.uk/products/camden-passage-top-made-in-liberty-beau-stripe

Camden Passage Top made in Liberty Beau Stripe

A new easy top in Liberty’s Beaus Stripe Tana Lawn cotton - light, floaty and effortless to wear.

https://justinetabak.co.uk/products/camden-passage-top-made-in-liberty-beau-stripe

NesciensMater · 02/07/2026 15:44

If I could afford Liberty prices I'd sure as heck be spending my money on something more people could admire than will ever see me in a dressing gown! Id also choose a more unusual print - there are lots of variations on the 'selection of wildflowers on a white background' kicking around at the moment.

NesciensMater · 02/07/2026 15:50

@BIossomtoes I never think tops with so much length after the waist look good and that one is no exception. Bracelet length sleeves - with a frill so not even ideal for wearing with a bracelet - would also put me off.

StylishAndBeautiful · 02/07/2026 16:02

I'm a no frills person. When I was at uni No Frills baked beans were 4p for a tin.Smile

BIossomtoes · 02/07/2026 16:02

NesciensMater · 02/07/2026 15:50

@BIossomtoes I never think tops with so much length after the waist look good and that one is no exception. Bracelet length sleeves - with a frill so not even ideal for wearing with a bracelet - would also put me off.

Thank you, I do appreciate your help in trying to turn me away from it. However the sleeves are elasticated so I’d wear them pulled up and they’d stay up. The only deterrent is the price. 😢

TragicMuse · 02/07/2026 17:05

BIossomtoes · 02/07/2026 15:42

Oh no! I really want this now. I was better off not knowing it existed!

https://justinetabak.co.uk/products/camden-passage-top-made-in-liberty-beau-stripe

For that price I would want perfect pattern matching which they top does not have!

CortieTat · 02/07/2026 18:48

I am a big fan of Justine Tabak and have several skirts, dresses and a top from her. But this top is just all kinds of wrong, makes the model look out of proportion. I can imagine it could make a bigger person look like a mushroom.

My mum is over 80 and even she thinks that tunics like that look frumpy.

BIossomtoes · 02/07/2026 19:29

I don’t care. I like it.

CortieTat · 02/07/2026 20:08

BIossomtoes · 02/07/2026 19:29

I don’t care. I like it.

Then why do you post on this thread? Training your model?

oldhippiemum · 03/07/2026 10:18

I am an older mum, and I think the design is gorgeous - as curtains. Would overwhelm a human.

EducatingArti · 03/07/2026 10:22

exse24Londoner · 02/02/2026 12:51

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

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

Edited

You have to hand wash them - carefully. Are you really willing to do that. If you know you'd be tempted to rush it or " it will probably be ok in a machine wool wash" then you will waste your money.

BIossomtoes · 03/07/2026 10:43

oldhippiemum · 03/07/2026 10:18

I am an older mum, and I think the design is gorgeous - as curtains. Would overwhelm a human.

Thank you. You’re absolutely right. However much I like it, that’s a very valid point. It would wear me.

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