There is a big difference between being negative and being realistic. If you’re not going to wear it and love it, it’s not a good purchase. I love seeing so many creators lately stepping back and asking themselves questions about their shopping habits, their personal style, and what truly works for them! I’m trying to do the same in my own life.
I feel like this type of criticalness is actually pretty positive tbh. It makes wearing clothes day to day from one's own closet much easier. I'd rather open my closet to stuff that aligns with my life and makes me feel like the best version of me, than a closet that makes me think I'm not good enough to be comfy and cute for my daily life
Same. But I also think balance is important. If I only shopped for the life I realistically have I'd only have loungewear and pajamas (as a chronically ill full time Mother). It would be incredibly depressing and it would make me feel like I gave up. I think *some* things for the fantasy self are okay and might even inspire us to live that life.
For me, it’s pieces I can only imagine styling 1 way! My fatal flaw is hating being an outfit repeater (bc I love to be creative & try to wear my pieces in diff ways) so, if I can only see 1 potential outfit for it, it’s a no-go!
@@hollyblair5778 Same! If I can only wear something one way with very few creative options, I usually put it back and try to find something I really LOVE that could be paired with a variety of styles
even as someone who loves wearing the same outfits over and over again, if i can only find one way to style a piece or only with one other item in my closet then it’s a no go.
Hi Alexa! I have a lot of family and friends who work for/own dry cleaning businesses and a big thing people don’t know is that almost everything that says “dry clean only” can be washed in a washing machine. Obviously don’t throw a cherished, vintage, lace doily crafted by your grandmother in there or an intricately beaded and fringed gown, but everything else, barring leather (which should almost always go to the leather cleaners) can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle if needed.
There’s a really cool book that, among other things, addresses how to wash “dry clean only” and “hand wash”items in the washing machine. It’s called Laundry Love, by Patric Richardson, and I’m glad I read it because it allows me to keep and wear items I love without them piling up and waiting for ages for me to get around to cleaning them according to the tag instructions!
Yup! I just commented that i wash a lot of my dry clean items 😅 wool i just handwash/delicate cycle wash and towel dry/roll out the excess water and reshape. Super easy to learn which items can be washed by the content of the material on the tag
With dry clean/hand wash only items that aren’t rayon or leather I just put them in a washing bag and wash on gentle. I’ve never had any issues because the washing bag prevents it from creating too much friction. Don’t put them in the dryer though.
@@veronicasmith2612wait that works with wool?? I’ve got two wool turtlenecks I’ve been avoiding wearing because I don’t want to deal with handwashing them, but if I can just throw them in a bag in the washer then this is a game changer
@@math1937 Yes! I'd try washing one inside out in cold water in a fabric bag to start. If you put it in the dryer with heat it will shrink. After washing, I always lay flat to dry and stretch gently as needed to preserve the shape of the sweater, then flip after a few hours to dry both sides.
Maybe you could try to dye the skirt using a light red or a pink,, the gingham won't have white anymore but pink instead and it could be cute! It'd just be a red and pink gingham
My general rule is looking at the color, pattern, fit, and style. If I don't LOVE every single part of a garment I know I won't pick it over other things in my wardrobe.
I totally agree with your list! Shoes are one thing I don't thrift. Like you said they are hard to buy without trying on. The only thing I'd add (for me) are clothes that are difficult to wear a bra in. I've tried strapless bras and such just to get annoyed and not wear the item. Over the years I'm able to stop a top or dress where I'm like " hmm the girls are going to be poppin out of that" lol and just don't bother with it.
@@abigailconway5635 yeah I completely agree, I have no idea how people wear backless things tbh, all of the tapes/fancy bras never seem to work very well and are too much effort. I was the same with strapless bras until I found one that fits right and is comfy and I wear it so often (I recommend sizing down+the jump test to make sure it won't fall down)
That's so weird someone said that you were being negative? I thought you were being super niche and specific which is awesome to know and look out for when you're out shopping.
I agree with the one about still having the hole in your heart when you get similar pieces, but I do slightly question the idea that you should get the thing you want all the time. It’s also ok to decide “I love this piece, but I already have enough stuff that I love”. I’m not good at this but trying to learn it!
Sometimes you just want one specific item, and trying to get "close" just costs you more money and grief. And potentially closet space. Luckily I figured that out with my latest dream piece; it's expensive, but I'd much rather save and get the 1 perfect thing than spend the same amount trying and failing to replicate it. It's "dry clean only" but it'll for sure survive a hand wash, and I don't mind doing that for this one. If you go to the store page every day for over a month to make sure it hasn't sold out, it's true love, I think.
You look incredible in this video, especially your hair! And ignore the comments about being too negative. It's a good thing to understand what doesn't work for you so you have more space for what brings you joy.
I have 2 vintage coats that are dry clean only and I never dry cleaned them. One is wool and cashmere and I wash it in the washing machine in a gentle cycle, no spin, with cold water and wool detergent, let it air dry and I had no problems with it. Another is a pigskin leather coat and I just cleaned it with a slightly damp cloth with a little bit of detergent and let it air dry and it got cleaned and it doesn't smell or anything. Also I let them air from time to time, so they don't get smelly and I am careful to not get them dirty. Also I wash my handwashing clothing in a gentle cycle with cold water and no spin.
11:02 What?! 😮 This yellow skirt must be the most iconic piece in your wardrobe. I literary imagine you wear it in all your videos where we only see your top- it goes so perfect with your style and the colour is absolutely immaculate on you.
With my "hand wash" items, I found this stuff called Soak. It's amazing! You just just soak the item in water with the soap and you don't have to rinse- just squeeze out the water and let it hang dry! It has eliminated the worry for me of ruining something in the wash.
The lifestyle point hurts the most! I'm medium height and I bike almost everyday. I love wearing cargo style pants, but any wide pants get stuck in my bicycle wheels. And they are usually too long for me to wear them with flat shoes, but 8cm high platforms are not exactly best choice for biking!
I wear flared jeans exclusively unless I'm wearing a flared skirt, and I just roll something around my trouser leg to keep them from getting stuck in the chain when cycling. I also cycle daily. But it does depend on your bike and how wide your legs really are, but even with long skirts I've been doing really well (unless they get wet or it's too windy, then they get stuck). It is possible, keep experimenting :)
So I’m realizing that my summer style is very different from my fall/winter/spring. It’s just so hot in the summer that I’m not really concerned about creativity and details. I just want something simple that looks nice and requires little thought because I am hot! 🥵 TLDR. I’m no longer buying summer pieces that are complicated to style
For me it's: shoes that aren't comfortabele when I try them on in store (no, I will Not wear them in. That has been an illusion for 30 years). And: pastels, top that are too tight, tops that are too fitted under the arms, synthetic fibre anything.
I use dryel the dry clean at home cleaner. It works great. I use it all the time and nothing's been ruined. For hand wash I use the hand wash setting on my washer and Woolite or Dreft detergent. Wash on cold and air dry and it's never ruined any of handwash clothes. Just some options.
Just came here to say how much you have inspired me to start shopping secondhand online. I used to be an avid thrifter many years ago, but unfortunately where I live now only has one tiny thrift store. I started shopping on Poshmark, Depop, ThredUp and eBay and have gotten some really great deals! My secondhand no no is pants/jeans. I have to be able to try them on.
I've found I sometimes buy pieces to 'layer' that arent necessarily great on their own... but I need to stop because I will spend way more time wearing a nice t-shirt and a well-made jacket than some crazy Pinterest fit! and I can still layer stuff that looks good on its own!
Hahaha I am one of the white linen pant lovers! I mostly sew my clothes and pretty much only get cotton and linen in the summer (I avoid synthetics except for the occasional workout wear). It wrinkles in an instant and I do have to iron everything but it's so breathable and comfy, I don't care if it wrinkles while I'm wearing it.
Usually I regret anything super glamorous and "evening/going out" clothes, my reality is working 5 days a week and then I relax on weekends with yoga, day trips, brunches, farmers markets. I don't need satin heels and clutches 😅 jeans, cute day time dresses and doc martens are all I live in on the weekend, and my work attire is smart casual, again paired with doc shoes.
For me, I have to stop myself from buying clothing for trips that I haven't actually planned. A top that would be perfect for a Maasai Mara safari, a dress that would be perfect for the Amalfi coast, all places that I certainly would love to go but in reality will not be going any time soon 😅
DRY CLEANING ugh, I am so good about checking the care instructions tags now when thrifting. Also, one of my favorite jokes ever is Mitch Hedberg, "This shirt is dry clean only, which means its dirty." Hahahahah
Love this list! I'd add buying bc of a certain brand. For me specifically Madewell or Free People. I have at least 2 pieces off the top of my head that I bought bc of the tag. I was like omg I can't believe I found this, it's obviously good quality, can't wait to wear it yada yada. Not gonna wear them. I did also recently Thrift a gorgeous wrap dress even though I hate wrap dresses and don't wear them. But like you said about pinterest girlies, I want to be that person in my mind who wears the wrap dress. I'll give myself some grace and time to see if maybe I do wear it, but I'm honestly probably not that person lol.
I find so many Madewell and Free People pieces at the thrift and have bought them just for the label as well 😬 I've come to realize I don't really like those brands either. Madewell isn't my style and FP runs on the bigger side so I have a bunch of clothes that don't even fit! Ridiculous.
Im the same when it comes to shoes. Because my feet are really wide I never know if a shoe will fit before I try it on so I personally only by shoes in stores because I cant be bothered sending back all the shoes if I’m unlucky buying online.
I needed this video! I relate to so much. Also, as a Fluevog fan, their sizing is all over the place. Always best to try on first or order from the store so you can return if necessary.
okay but like I used to be like that about linen and now I've discovered it's a great fabric for summer and if it's a bit thicker it will not be as shocking with the wrinkles so I'm embracing it
YESS ANYTHING UNCOMFORTABLE IS A NO FOR ME. I have a problem with tight sleeves causing pain in my arm so I will not buy anything on that I cannot move in that I can’t feel comfortable in. I had to put back a really beautiful coat that fit nice because the sleeve was slightly too tight so I left it.
99% of dry clean only can be machine washed on cold cycle and air dried or air fluffed dry in a machine. I’ve even did it with leather and suede and sequin clothes.
I follow the opposite of your color rule. I buy it even in the wrong color because once I found how easy it is to dye most clothes, well, I was addicted. 😅
It feels like you took this video out of my own brain!!!! After 10+ years of thrifting, I have begun to realize all these rules to make for myself which seem obvious but really don’t feel like it!!! Probably the biggest one for me is buying something that is ALMOST like the thing I want, but isn’t, because I will still continue to look for the actual thing I want 🤧
I always end up buying something that Almost has the correct fit, with the intention of altering it so it's perfect. The pieces that I really want are often way too expensive and the stuff I buy instead is affordable vintage with the same material, color, general vibe. It has worked out beautifully a few times, but I don't sit down to sew often enough.. I have such a huge pile 💀
ohh, if I look at linen wrong it wrinkles XD I've also bent over weird and it ripped up the inside thigh, didn't wear those pants in the last year for anxiety. Linen has got to be a blend with like nylon or spandex
Hey! You don’t have to handwash the sweaters, just use a wool programme in the washing machine. After that furst wash and they are made out of sheeps (or other animal’s) wool just hang them in the fresh air or remove stains. If it’s as well real wool just put a strong clear vinegar and they don’t itch anymore…
I used to buy clothes that were on trend. Now my husband and I need to save money so I sold all my clothes I dont wear often (excluding out of season clothes for now). I am allowed to buy new clothes but its usually something ive wanted for a long time. For example there was a dress I wanted for over a year and I finally got it this month.
Omg yes the SHOES! I have also bought a few pairs of shoes online or on Depop and they have always been too small! So sad! Gonna only buy shoes I can try on first.
You just literally described my whole relationship with the nymphet fashion side of my wardrobe LOL I bought a whole bunch of cute vintage-looking stuff for the >35 C summery days........ Except on those days I'm indoors, not going outside, so where exactly am I wearing those cute crop tops and shorts? If I'm at home, the windows are closed and I'm naked to beat the heat. Oh and a pair of knockoff Valentino Barbie heels from Spendless Shoes. I also have flat feet. I REALLY struggle to walk in heels and these are platforms. Giant wedge, yes, a lot easier to balance in. But have I actually worn them out of the house, no, I just wore them for the photo op. I have a problem of I love to see myself in the clothes but then I forget it's not Dress to Impress, I'm actively buying these things, if I want to be a mannequin I should just.... Download the game.........
The shoe one is SO REAL, I'm realizing I've been wearing a size 8 when I really need an 8 1/2 😬Which sucks because I am a Doc Martens girlie and they do not have half sizes and the 9 is too big for me. Last winter I bought the fur lined version of the same Docs I'd been wearing for 3 years, and even though I bought the same size 8 they were bigger to accommodate the fur lining and I went OH NO I HAVE BEEN CURLING MY TOES. Sooo now I am only a Docs girlie in the winter for my faux 8 1/2 size boot 🥲
A very good list! I have learned all these the hard way, and wasted $1000+ over the past 4 years 😅 The best lesson I learned is buying pants that have room in the waist, and wide in the leg. For me, that is trousers! I began thrifting Big Bud Press trousers and now I have not had the urge to buy more pants because they fit me well.
My list looks pretty similar to yours! I have bought some clothes were I was not excited about the colour, but I either just put up with it or I have gone and dyed them, which is pretty cool. Working out rules for you own shopping habits is so amazing, because you can just refuse everything that falls outside! It's soooo freeing! Obviously harder to find something to buy, but at least we'll actually end up wearing those pieces. I buy nothing that can't be washed in a washing machine either, and with lots of stuff I just chuck it in and hope for the best. Lovely video, thanks for sharing :)
Honeslty, im an 8 1/2 in shoes and I could be anywhere from an 8 to a 9 for certain brands. I made the mistake of buying some shoes that I had to wear two chunky socks with.....guess who didn't wear them. Its such a good thing to keep in mind whenever you're shopping for shoes.
Giiirl, see if there is a hand wash or gentle cycle on the washer you use if you have one. Also you can dye your clothes and make use of the pieces you can’t let go of. I did this when I discovered my color season
The thing about the vans mary janes being white is that you could very easily just dye them. I feel like people don't consider dying possibilities enough. I dye shit all the time because I know I won't wear white clothes, but if it's great otherwise, I can just make it a different color for an extra $3.
I usually regret buying things that im not crazy about, but the price is right. Im a sucker for a sale! Sometimes i love the item on sale but sometimes the price makes me think i like the item more than i do... then i regret it later.
Hey completley agree on the shoes thing! I find myself making less mistakes when I go to a thrift shop instead of thrift events because I can try things on and take my time. I have a lot of "dry clean only" stuff. I hand wash them all except my wool / leather stuff in cold water. I do it in batches and it doesnt bother me bcz unfortunatley my most worn items are "dry clean only" haha. just a tip for you!
I stopped buying Jackets without an inner pocket. I won't reach for it. I also need to stop buying things that I know I have to adjust to be able to wear.
As I’m watching you discuss buying something CLOSE to (but not exactly the same as) the item you have been on the hunt for, and then being disappointed that you bought it because it’s not REALLY the one you wanted…..I am flashing back to just 3 hours ago, when I watched your newest Rose Bowl flea market video. You found and showed us and talked a lot about the plaid patchwork maxi skirt that you already have. I was DYING that you did not take it home, wishing you’d put it in your Poshmark!!! Every time I see you wear that skirt or see it in the background hanging on your clothes rack in a video I go hunting for it all over the internet’s resale sites. One time I found one very close to it, but in more drab fall tones, and I bought it…and hated it and couldn’t return it. Should have been lesson learned, right? Yet I searched again tonight after I was reminded by seeing your cute one in the Rose Bowl video. And I found the maybe same fall color plaid one, and “liked” it but did not buy it…yet. SO! I know EXACTLY what you mean, and this video right here might finally help me to learn to hold out for the real exact one. And/or maybe I will get super lucky and you’ll find another exact same pretty colors one like yours, and remember me and message me so I can buy it from you 😘 That would be my lucky day! ❤️ Great video, food for thought!
This video’s made me realize I need to figure out an outfit (of the clothes I already own) to go with some shoes I thrifted about 4 years ago. They are SUCH GOOD QUALITY and SO BEAUTIFUL, but I haven’t figured out any outfits to wear them with. So, I’ve kinda just stayed satisfied with them sitting all cute in my closet. But, I would really like to give them some love and wear them, they deserve that for how nice they are Edit: I was supposed to be sleeping, but I couldn’t help myself from at least seeing if any of my clothes had a cohesive color palette (shoes’ color’s about 002366, kind of a navy blue) and ALMOST ALL OF MY FAVORITE TOPS GO BEAUTIFULLY WITH THEM. I unfortunately don’t have any pants that go so nicely with them, but I’ve got black so that’ll work, the top and shoes can be the stars.
I‘ve had to stop myself from buying/get rid of so many clothes because they were uncomfortable in some way. As I‘ve gotten older I have gotten way more sensitive to fabrics and fits of things and have ultimately had to give up fuzzy polyester sweaters that make me hot and itchy, bras with underwire, and shirts with high necklines because they are sensory nightmares!!
I am at fault for having that Pinterest lens on while thrifting 🙂↕️ I’ll find a piece and think to myself “omg this is like those Pinterest pics” and get so excited that I forget to stop and think about how I do not have anything else in my closet that fits that “aesthetic” or vibe. And I know I won’t go out of my way to buy more things in that style so it just ends up sitting in my closet…. It’s a work in progress but seeing your videos of limiting how much you thrift and overall being more conscious of your decisions is really helpful
fluevogs are weird - they often run small but not always, i really feel you need to try them on. otherwise i agree with you that second hand shoes are problematic.
I have to try on everything I buy. If I'm even slightly uncomfortable or unsure in the change room, then I'm for sure never going to make it out of the bedroom in it. But if i try something on and I don't want to take it off, that's always a good sign. I also have to be able to visualise at least three different outfits from stuff at home with it.
Dry clean, to me, is a recommendation lol Depending on the fabric, I'll just wash it and steam the wrinkles out later. I also just buy the Dryel packs and dry clean them at home. Leather I just put in the elbow grease and use leather cleaner myself and disinfectant for the inside haha.
My biggest problem is buying stuff because "it works" and sometimes those purchases are necessary. Most recently I bought a dress for a funeral and it's a nice dress but it fits me weird so I hate wearing it any other time. Also buying things in colors that don't suit me. I'm still trying to figure out my color season (I think it's summer) but I've noticed that so often I'll have 2 similar things but one I'll wear soooooo much more often because the slightly different color is so much more flattering and then I'll start liking that piece so much more too
My biggest regrets are trying to make blazers and and white button down shirts work. I like the look on other people. I hate the look on me. I'm a flowy clothing person, not a structured clothing person. I also regret when I buy something that is borderline to my colors, but isn't really a good color for me. I go to get dressed , put the item on, and take it off again. At this point I know my style, I know my colors, and i like clothes that are fuss free when I wear them.
With linen as a hobby seamstress or sewer it's not that the fabric is awful. Linen will naturally wrinkle and crinkle and is super hard to iron. I made some linen pants for myself last year. They're absolutely cute, don't get me wrong. They are a light brown and white stripe with I believe a black line in the middle of the white stripe. And I made sure to make them so they're vertical. They have a rouched paperbag waistband with an elastic and inseam pockets. They are so cute and comfy for summer. I do partially agree with you but I think this is the american mindset to avoid fabrics you can't take care of. It's not the fabric's fault. Because a lot of fabrics have a place in this world or some kind of specific use. We can't deny it. So I'd say it's best if you buy clothes you can properly take care of. But at the same time, spending the extra time to take care of clothes will make them last so much longer than you think.
some of the rules for me is: 1. clothes/stuff that needs altering in any way (i won't do it) 2. "interesting" "unique" or "cool" pieces that are completely not my style, but i would buy just because i "won't find anything like it again" 3. cheap fabrics (i try to avoid, can't ALWAYS do that, but yk) 4. microtrends
I find that I almost never sit around wishing for a particular item of a particular brand. For me, it's more general like "black ankle boots." If I do find myself wanting a particular item, it usually takes so long to find it that by the time I do I don't want it anymore, lol. Or I might buy something that's a "lateral move" from a hot item, for example I have some Onitsuka Tigers that are light pink--I avoided trying to get a yellow pair like everyone has.
I always try and find clothes that make me happy. I don't have a specific "aesthetic" but i usually stray more towards goth and y2k pieces. If a clothing piece doesn't make me smile thinking about wearing it, i'm not buying it🤣
I live in Glendale and I visit DTLA frequently and hope to live there one day, and as someone who doesn’t drive I would say that it’s a walkable city. So much so, in fact that it’s actually a nightmare to drive down there because there’s so much foot traffic and one way streets. But I will say, unless you live in a highrise or apartment down there or near the main streets of other cities in LA county, it’s not really walkable. It’s especially not walkable from one city to another neighboring one. Anyway I’m saying all this because I have the same issue with certain jean shorts when sitting on the bus for a long time. I don’t live in DTLA yet so I wonder how living in a walkable city would influence one’s fashion choices. Maybe I’ll wear those shorts more often once I move down there lol.
I don't understand people complaining that she doesn’t like anything. Do they just want her to be a careless consumer? We should all show discernment when making purchases, especially in this economy.
never have i ever hand washed or dry cleaned when the tag says to.... i cold was on delicate setting by itself, sometimes in a delicates bag, and air dry. never once had an issue. leather pieces i just dont wash them...... or dry clean. never once had an issue even with delicate beaded pieces or silk
I always end up donating sheer clothing - beautiful, just doesn't feel right - and anything that's just heavy to wear, like big leather bags, chunky necklaces, thick-soled shoes or heavy woollen knits. Also, I am a stain magnet so white clothes are scary. And I have a drawer full of belts I rarely wear... Cheers!
omg buying for a lifestyle i don’t have is a huge problem of mine. i rarely go out, and when i do it’s usually because i’m going grocery shopping or going to an appointment 😂 plus, i live in a more rural area and i always get weird looks when i wear my outfits (even though they’re not that crazy). it sucks because i really love fashion and clothes, but i simply don’t have anywhere to wear the outfits i thrift 😔 i’m an introverted homebody and i stay in the house lol
Working from home since Covid I *did* actually only buy for the lifestyle I had but after a few years my clothes were making me depressed because I was only ever wearing sweatpants and pyjamas. Gotta find that balance somehow and it's hardddd to know where the line is.
I share some of your reasons, like clothes that can be easily washed. Additionally, for me is buying things that look good on the model, which in most cases is slimmer than me and also, because I hate trying clothes in stores, so I buy them lying to myself thinking they would look the same on me when in know deep down they won’t 😑 Also, buying clothes that will fit me once I lose weight. I do this in winter, I buy summery dresses thinking surely in summer I’ll be thinner🙄
The purchases I've regretted the most in the past 3 years are all brand new things (as opposed to thrifted things). The quality is just terrible for most things these days, I'm too used to good vintage thrift finds lol. As far as my purchases, I'm 99% thrifted now!
