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.

The sole has no grip. You'd end up on your arse.

Didn’t Margaret Thatcher have one of those?

What a useful thread!
I'm trying not to buy this https://www.boden.com/products/women-abigail-poplin-maxi-skirt-salsa-decorative-blossom-r0879red

I read that Johnny donates to the Tory party, which imho is ample reason to never give him a penny. Also, there was a thread on here recently saying their quality is shocking now.

It does look thin fabric. I don't iron on principle.
The Tory thing is a toss-up though - might be worth it just to wind up certain family members

Not worth straining your neck which according to this physio's website can lead to chronic pain needing treatment. It says "For the sake of your spine, when you choose a handbag, less is always better!
www.greenclinic.co.uk/blog/is-"your-handbag-a-pain-in-the-neck/

I’ve become a bit obsessed in my search for a navy wool jacket. I’ve landed on this one

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su917856/y35403

You'll look like a Wurzel in them. Is that better?

"Wipe clean only"

Dreadful

@Magpiecomplex , tablecloth vibes.

That's terrible! £170 for a coat that can't be cleaned!

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie yes please! I've been dissuaded from the merino sweatshirt but, despite Monty Don, weird length and no refund the Plumo Cromer trousers are still in my basket. I have other more pressing uses for the £100+

It’s nice, but very reliant on model proportions. Collarless limits styling more than you may think (awkward with scarves, necklines can look unfinished) and the cut risks reading boxy on a lot of bodies so unless you're tall and thin like a model it may well not suit. That shade of blue is cool and harsh so it probably doesn’t slot into as many outfits as you’d expect. At £170 it's very expensive for something that may well end up being a bit too awkward to get much use.

See, I hated her politics, but she always looked smart and appropriately dressed. You never once saw her looking a mess. So that doesn't really put me off.
However, the weight thing does.

agree with this - not sure I'd wear them if, like Oprah, I were paid to. Expect they will be shapeless & baggy by March

The proportions don't look right.

Oh my word! Gonna show my age now but I remember those types of skirts being tiered and that was followed by adding broderie anglais to the hem. Very countrified and rural looking! Just like all those baggy, barrel, flared jeans and trousers. Leave that fashion where it belongs - in the past!!

did you just want to join in the conversation or are you actually serious? sorry but this jacket doesn't look great on the model - its all very..... red &, well, quilted.
when would you envisage wearing it?

Hmmm. I can imagine these being given out as standard wear in a men’s Victorian workhouse, after the arrival has been deloused and their clothes burned. To be accessorised with hobnail boots and a bowl of gruel.

I bought a shark one off qvc before xmas. Thankfully I could send back. I lay down with it on but so heavy. It left marks around my eyes.
Not a great design imo

My Gym mistress wore a nicer track suit in the 70's than that Spanx one.
It looks like it is made of tencel ,polyester and elastane.
I think we used to call it crimplene back in the day ?

Ok it’s a no to the navy jacket. The non washing doesn’t bother me so much, I’ve never washed any of my other wool
coats, just gone at them with a damp sponge. But I accept that it will not fit me the way it fits the model and will make me look too boxy, and the lack of collar is an issue. I do like the shade of navy though and may continue my search for a collared navy jacket!

@anonymous0810 , I really like the trousers but don't want to be banished to the naughty step.

I must admit the tiered design is not my favourite.
I find I can do without a poor quality, tiered tablecloth after all.

you can't actually like them...... I love the idea of things looking dated, pictures from the 1970's & 1980's evoke such wonderful memories.

@anonymous0810 Buy these trousers & you will be deleting the pictures before Easter & still be saddled with the memory of how much you paid for them