How I Talked a Friend Out of a $200 Fashion Mistake

While enjoying a day of thrifting, I talked a friend down off the ledge. Ok, not to sound dramatic but seriously, she was about to make a fashion mistake that would have cost her, $200 to be exact. I never try to have hard and fast style rules {i.e. telling people what not to wear or buy}, so I knew I had to approach the situation delicately. In the end, she thanked me.
Read on to see how you can be a fashionable voice of reason {for yourself or others!} and prevent buyer’s remorse.

After an awesome experience at Mobile Vintage {the shop where everything is $10}, my friend Alissa and I made our way to L Train Vintage. She found a gorgeous fur. I mean, she was gorgeous. Sorry I don’t have any pics, but if you follow me on Snapchat {PatriceJWill}, then you might remember it. We both gagged at how beautiful the coat was. But the $200 price tag made us both pause.
I could see Alissa was torn, so she did what you should do when you’re on the fence: she held on to the coat while shopping and deliberated. 20 minutes later and she was no closer to a decision. That’s when I had to step in and be a good style expert and an even better friend.
[bctt tweet=”This one question will help you avoid buyer’s remorse “]
I flat out asked her, where would you wear this? She had a few outfit ideas for how she’d wear it, but she couldn’t answer where she’d wear it. That was the key! She put the gorgeous fur back on the racks, saved $200 and space in her closet. Again, she thanked me for being honest with her, instead of encouraging her retail therapy.
If you know your lifestyle doesn’t accommodate a garment or accessory, just leave it behind. That’s the mistake many women have made {self included}, where you buy something cute/unique/fun with the hopes of having somewhere to rock it.
[bctt tweet=”Can’t envision where you’d wear something? Leave it on the rack! #BuyersRemorse”]
When you find yourself in a similar situation, get real with yourself. Envision the item in your day-to-day life. Does it fit? Is it just a special occasion look? Do you even go to special occasions? You can have a ton of cute outfit ideas in your head and styling ideas, but if you can’t seriously say you have somewhere to wear it, then save your coins.
I know it was hard for Alissa to leave Dominque behind {that’s the name I gave the coat!], but we both know it was for the best.
Have you ever had to talk yourself or a friend out of what would have been a waste of money? How do you prevent buyer’s remorse?

 

4 Comments
  • Alissa Nichole
    Posted at 13:11h, 04 April Reply

    *sigh*
    Dominique!!!

    I totally could’ve seen myself wearing her if I just wanted to gallivant around the city looking like Cookie Lyon (which I would LOOOOOVE to do)… but I’m not at that point in my life yet. This is really solid advice. Once again, I thank you!

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 20:28h, 04 April Reply

      I”m sure she found a great home. She might even be in Cookie’s closet. haha!

  • Saniel
    Posted at 18:21h, 09 April Reply

    I’ve spent $ on items I didn’t have anywhere to wear them to, That’s how I got a dress for Alicia Keys concert and a fly outfit for an awads banquet . I’m not spending $200 on one item but I get them so I have an excuse to go somewhere. I’ve worn them more than once and can pass down to nieces as they get older. Good quality pieces are the key not something because it’s $10, will it hold up in the wash, holes, stains. Inspect your garment

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 13:29h, 11 April Reply

      Yes, I totally agree.

      It’s always about quality vs. buying something “cheap.” I’ve blogged about that so many times because it’s a trap so many people fall into. And it’s a quick way to waste money and have a closet full of mediocre pieces!

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