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.

Please tell me why I don't need this suitcase https://katieloxton.com/oxford-cabin-suitcase-in-cognac-klb3476 and that I have even less need of a matching weekend bag https://katieloxton.com/chelsea-weekend-bag-in-cognac-klb3751. That just because there is the ability to have monogrammed luggage it's really not necessary.

Nope, shapeless, overly warm and just how waterproof?
I feel for you, also been on a raincoat buying spree, shapeless parkas, smart but too short jackets, pretty but unlined and inappropriate macs, etc etc!

We obviously lead very different lives! Pretty but how practical? And vegan leather, erm plastic anyone.
I'm sure you can buy equally nice luggage and get it etched yourself for a lot less money.

Unless you’re styling it with a bikini as in the pictures, it’s going to have a very different vibe IRL! It’s giving more of a ‘my mother-in-law trudging round Sainsbury’s’ vibe to be honest!

Another apparent quick fix - please can someone talk me out of these nostrums: https://ankhway.com/products/mushroom-gummies

Oh my goodness - this is actually helping - thanks guys! Am now thinking maybe I don't need the overly large and shapeless fleece lined parka after all and in fact should be googling SAD lamps instead? Aagghhh! Shutting down computer rapidly and hiding all credit cards...😩

How is it mosaic though? That's annoying to describe it that way because I can't see any mosaic on it, it's just a dull caramac colour.

what's with all this vegan/faux leather which is actually plastic - will crack, get sweaty, age badly but will outlive your great grandchildren in a landfill somewhere

but, just for clarity - this is a plastic suitcase & bag which they advise mustn't get wet or get in the sun, oh & it only meets "most airline cabin bag allowances" all for £160-ish???

Sounds a steal - or should I say, daylight robbery

Sorry, can't help there, someone was telling me yesterday that they are really helpful, so I'm getting some!
goes to sit in naughty corner

why not just eat more mushrooms???

Those mushroom gummies are full of sugar - look at the ingredients! Anyone getting energy from them is probably getting a sugar rush. And there's very limited clinical evidence those mushrooms will actually do anything. They're ultra processed and nothing like eating fresh healthy mushrooms. You might as well eat some sweets.

@WeAreNewHere I’m more than happy to sell you some mushrooms I personally picked in a beautiful Swedish forest. I will personally add a spoonful of sugar made by Dansukker because that’s what is available in our village shop!

Thank you. Just what I needed to hear. And it's one of those things that I think I need to stop me looking like a bag lady when travelling. Although in practice I'd still be disorganised and unable to find my platform regardless!

Thank you @CortieTat and @Whowhatwerewolf - that’s done the trick 🍄🍬

Thank you. Yes, it might look good in the photo but as you point out it's basically plastic so in reality not the high end look I want but can't afford.

Better to look a bit bag-ladyish when travelling rather than a rich lady whose bag might be worth snatching, I think. Maybe I'm just paranoid though 😂

Read this:https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/magazine/wonder-day-mushroom-gummies.html

"Strip away all the confused science and all the mushroom lore, though — the abundant stories, the myths, the longtime thematic associations that are hard for the gullible consumer brain to shake — and you are still left with some very clever marketing. Mushroom supplements don’t profess to be medicine, targeting a particular ailment. They don’t even presume there is anything “wrong.” What they dangle is more like a head-to-toe empowerment, a D.I.Y. path to a Better You. In an environment of increasing scientific mistrust, perhaps the idea of self-transformation has a certain extra sheen."

I wouldn’t buy fake leather luggage. I highly rate Eastpak, if anybody is in need of good quality suitcases. They’ve always got offers, if you’re not too fussy about colours.

I have the Shark -

Cons -

1. is a heavy mask. It comes with straps and a little remote do-dah which you are supposed to be able to attach to your clothes so you can wander about etc. but realistically it’s a bit of a faff to do that (and you can’t see very well due to the LED stuff going on so you’ll bump into stuff / fall down the stairs). I end up just sitting on the bed reading my phone, and I also slightly hold the mask because of the weight!
2. It has cooling pads for under the eyes. These actually feel lovely and and are good for bags, but they also actually block LED light from reaching your under eye area because of this
3. You look like an extra from a horror movie when it’s on (think Friday 13th). Could be a con or a pro depending on your perspective

Pros -

1. Good value for the functionality (especially for £200!)
2. I use both the blemish and anti aging settings. Blemish setting has been very good for my acne prone skin.
3. I do think it actually helps your skin… (sorry!)

Key thing is consistency and commitment, to get most out of it ideally you’d use it most days ( I do fail at this).

They are really good. But do not pay full price, wait till there is a deal or even better get from Vinted where they are about a tenner. They wash and wear well for years.

I think they just choose names, it has no logic, though.

Had a look at the coat on your behalf. It is designed to be shapeless, fine if you like that sort of thing. It's like a very expensive dry robe, except that the arms are apparently tight and short. It is not as warm as it is cracked up to be, the wind would whistle up and cool down your central core immediately. Reviews aren't great and I noticed there are a lot of "incentivised reviews". Several people mentioned that the zip was awful and one had a picture of a broken zip which was very cheap looking plastic. Another said it makes her look like she was pregnant with twins. It is said to be very long and baggy with tight short sleeves. Great!

Interesting colour. I don't know what sort of cognac they've been drinking, it's beige. It's also so called vegan leather so although it looks like real leather it isn't and it won't behave like real leather. What a con!

Thanks Inkymoose - that is very helpful! 😀 Wish this thread could run indefinitely as I could probably buy a new car with all the money I would save.

Johnnie Boden donates to the Countryside Alliance and is a life patron of the Portman Hunt. I find that quite revolting in 2026, it's not Flambards between the wars.

I still buy the odd bit of swimwear but every time I get over excited by an item (and have to ignore the spread eagled model pose) I always end up sending it back.
The disappointment of getting a nasty plastic bag with a slightly too thin material, with colours just not the expected tone. Shame, because once upon a time the kids stuff was lovely but that was a very long time ago.