Learn From My Mistakes ~ Items I Should Have Returned

Hot, isn't it?

Learn From My Mistakes ~ 
Items I Should Have Returned

I am just as easily influenced by a "good" sale as the next thrift seeker. Looking to bye anything and everything in site that I can remotely see fitting into my closet. 

My worst doozies happen when I see things way on clearance. I get blinded by the price tag and the rose colored glasses take over my better judgement. 


Unfortunately, if I have to cock my head to the side and squint to see it working, it probably should have stayed at the store. 

Lucky for you (and for me), I do have four great questions to ask yourself when out shopping and you're trying to decide if certain pieces should come home with you. If any of these questions raise a red flag, put the item back!

1. Does this piece flatter my body shape? 
2. Is it my style?
3. Will it be cohesive with my wardrobe? 
4. Is it age appropriate?

Now without further hesitation, here are some of the items in my closet that should have been returned...

---

Believe it or not, I was doing quite well on this shopping trip until Urban Outfitters was about to close and I saw this on a clearance rack close to the checkout. $9.99?! I HAD to have it. The stripes and colors reminded me of a tee that just came out at Anthropologie I was drooling over. Although, that tee probably didn't fit like a tent, like this one does. The stripes and shape of the sleeves make my shoulders look sloppy, not structured. The best part is if I lift my arms up in the slightest you get a sneak peek of my stretch marked tummy. SUPER sexy...
I would say this top violates questions 1 and 2.

This is a blazer I purchased on clearance at LOFT for $20. I actually really liked it when I bought it. But, I put it in the washing machine and it came out looking nothing like it did when I put it in. I must have an animal that likes to feed on my LOFT items in the washer because this happens to me often with their pieces :( All of the details around the collar, the sleeves, and the pockets need to be immaculately ironed out, and even then it still doesn't look quite right. As far as structure, I should have noticed the shoulders have some extra volume because they are pin tucked, which is not flattering for my broader shoulders. This blazer does not follow questions 1 and 4. I think it makes me look older than I am.

I bought this from Anthropologie for $29 on clearance. It's not terrible...until I turn to the side and look like I am at least 6 months pregnant. The neckline and sleeves of the shirt also broaden my shoulders, something I have to be aware of constantly since my shoulders are broader than my hips. This top is not serving my shape, definitely not abiding by question 1.

Stripes, stripes, and more stripes. I bought this top on clearance at EXPRESS for $9.99. I loved the color combo, but overlooked a few details...like it makes my chest look non-existent, slopes my shoulders and widens me at the tummy. As a consumer, I have to say I have been very disappointed with EXPRESS. I put this top in the wash and it came out with tiny wholes all over it and the shape was not the same. I wash everything on delicate, so it doesn't call for my items to look like they have been chewed up by a tiger. I bought Joe (my hubby) $80 jeans there and within a few months, the button came off and the jeans fell apart. Just sayin...
I definitely violated question 1 on this one.

Why do I have a smile on my face with this horrific top I'm wearing?? I have the tags attached and the receipt! Excellent! So, as you can see this top is shaped like a tee pee. The boat neck is only flattering on ladies with small shoulders (shoulders smaller then their hips), not for me. Totally a miss on question 1.

Needless to say, as of late I have been utilizing the 4 questions to help me shop smarter. I would suggest spending more on an item that fits you beautifully, rather than buying 6 items on clearance that are not so hot. Quality over quantity is definitely wisdom when it comes to shopping.   

I hope you learn from my mistakes and enjoyed this post, or at least got a chuckle out of it. There were definitely some doozies ;)

Love,
Krystle


P.S. Do you have items in your closet that should have been returned? If you are feeling brave, I would love to see your pics! I can tell you why they probably didn't work for you so you can avoid a purchase like that in the future. Please send your pics to krystle.marks@lovekrystle.com. Looking forward to seeing them! xoxo