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.

Oh that is so true.

It would look nice on Charlotte. On me it would look like Camilla's bed jacket.

I really like this Massimo Dutti cardigan . Even though I don’t really need it I’m telling myself it would be great for working from home to upgrade my look not look like a tramp and it would go with jeans. It’s dry clean only but that’s not going to happen - would it be ruined by a delicate wash?

Hmm it's a bit tricky as this IS a de-influencing thead, but it is a beautiful, very sturdy bag and beautifully designed (sorry). But it is a bit clunky as the leather is heavy. If I carry it all day I get a sore neck

Don't buy that jacket! You'll look like Cheryl Cole from the Fight For This Love video!

Ok, I do really like it.....

Would look good if you play in a brass band

Do not buy a cardigan which is a) £119 and b) dry clean only.
The shops are full of cardigans, all washable and all much cheaper!

I really wouldn't.

I know Elevate collagen came up on the first thread - what was the verdict?
Its adverts are stalking me …

Thank you for the new thread, I enjoyed the last one very much as a lurker. I have a feeling I might need this one.

Sorry @anonymous0810 but those trousers are some of the ugliest trousers I’ve ever seen and I can’t imagine anybody at all looking nice in them.

I keep looking at these in red, but I know that I only want them because I am reminded of Ladybird books. https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-cut-out-mary-jane-ballet-pumps/p/clp60777730?color=RED

Ah but @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie something simply not being to someone else's taste isn't a reason not to buy it. Loads of people won't like my style but that makes no difference as to whether I like it, I need more than 'nah that's horrid' to put me off.

Some of the de-influencing comments here are hilarious, I'm constantly snorting with laughter while reading, thanks everyone.

The second (more distal) buckle would really annoy me.

I didn't see the first thread,band I don't know that product in particular, but in general, the evidence base for collagen supplements is poor. I'm a doctor and having read up on the evidence I decided not to use collagen.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I bought those shoes, in the red of course! They went straight back because that front buckle didn't sit right, it wouldn't lie flat and ruined the look completely. Plus, tbh, although very pretty they were far too cutesy for me and didn't really fit my style.

It’s giving Butlins redcoat vibes

Looks like the model grabbed her much shorter friend's trousers in the changing room in a panic because someone's sneaky cigarette set the fire alarm off and they had to evacuate in a hurry. She didn't even notice that she'd put them on inside out.

That was the consensus on the first thread also. Thank you for confirming it.

Oh no! Now you’re swaying me to the trousers. This thread is so good - you’re all brilliant at this.

That’s annoying. They’re too cutesy for me too. I could get away with it when I was skinnier, but not really now. I will just enjoy looking at them.

Good, good. Sadly I do think Callie Coles looks good in them. I don’t look like Callie Coles though.

@ThingsBeingVarious I don’t think I commented on anything of yours. Is there’s something you’d like me to criticise more specifically than it not being to my taste? 😂

The trousers - £240 to look like Pa explaining crop rotation while saddling up his mule.