BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Women's Fashion Why Are Women Afraid To Purchase New Clothes?

Let's see... I'm sure it's not the result of trying on new clothes without appropriate undergarments (hello Sports Bras, goodbye belts), or looking like a badly frosted sack of potatos in jersey under flourescent lights with 360 degree mirrors...

I have already figured out what clothes I like of the ones I bought in previous years, in colors and shapes that look good in pictures taken at birthday parties or holiday events. If I could find new clothes similar to those, I would buy new versions. If I was sure I would not gain or lose 10 or 20 lbs in the near future.

I like permanent press cotton camp shirts in mild Hawaiian prints, V necks that don't give The Girls total access to the sun, light long sleeved summer blouses to keep off the sun, summer pants that breathe but don't emphasize VPL or the occasional freckle. Those don't seem to be in style where I shop.

On one of the fashion design contests on TV the designers were given 'real world' models to design outfits for and they just about threw themselves off cliffs ~ I remember a similar episode on the Heidi Klum show (Top Design?) and in both they were horrified even by the women who had regular sized bodies.

Anyway, aside from not having the time to shop or the money to buy them, I think most women don't have sisters, women friends and cousins to shop with any more, or to notice when we do have a great new outfit. And maybe we don't have male significant others to notice or admire them, either.

As a single mom when my children were growing up, it didn't work out for me to wear dressy clothes when I was running around to scouts, T-ball and softball practice, volunteering in the classroom, playground or PTA, organizing and setting up for parent support groups or working on at home physical therapy goals. Plus I always had a yard and garden, laundry and cooking to do, errands to run.

It seems to me that everyone I know does buy new clothes, and it's only me who wears the same outfits year after year. Maybe I should think seriously about working out...

Pam W
SE of Seattle

Just got a message on facebook that citizenblues.com is selling a pair of Rock & Republics everyday this week. Really Really good prices. Just thought I would spread the good word. Happy shopping!!

One of the most frustrating things is finding clothing that fits. Just because my hips are large doesn't mean that my arms are 4 inches longer for a woman of 5'4". I hate women't clothing that does this. I end up buy 3/4 length sleeve for this reason. That and I push up the sleeves.

Also, neck lines need to come back up. There needs to be a middle ground between the excessive scoop necks and t-shirt necks in much of women's clothing.

I think for some reason we just wanted to convince ourselves to take the effort of loosing weight sooner and a piece of clothe will be some kind of pressure for us ideally. hehehe..yes, somehow it's some kind of emotionally burden but in some ways it can be use as an inspiration to loose weight. It's good to aim a healthy body.

I had a closet full of clothes in three or four different sizes, and it has been wonderful to send a bag down to the St. Jude thrift shop every few days as I clean out my closets.

Now, all I have to do is have the confidence to replace them. I'm not at my goal weight yet, but I have lost enough that there is really, really nothing left for me to wear. I managed to cut down a couple of full peasant-type skirts...and I surprised myself that they turned out pretty well, but I'm losing pretty fast and don't want to waste any money on premature purchases.

I guess I'll have to visit the thrift shop on the other side of the counter! ;~)

Indeed, what is it with the cleavage? What happened to simple modesty? I'm as proud of the girls as anyone, but I don't want to put them on indiscriminate display!

grrr i just had given me a new chanel bag for my anniversary. i dont feel as though i am worth wearing it :( if anyone is interested in buying it off me for a cheap price and has paypal i will be happy :) write to me at cfc4life06@hotmail.co.uk . good look girls. x x

My mom is a big thrift shopper, and she has had the same sort of style since pretty much all my life. She has clothes in her closet from a size eight to a size fourteen, because her weight goes up and down. She gains and loses weight very easily, and so she keeps all of her clothes just in case. So she doesn't really have the problem you're talking about. One of the things that my mom has taught me is this: don't let your weight dictate your life! And you have to be comfortable with your body image to be happy. www.dressdarling.wordpress.com

Why Are Women Afraid To Purchase New Clothes? It's because a lot of times what you see isn't always what you get. There's a lot of photoshop going on this days, you can't blame everyone to have doubt.