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Impulse buys and do you regret them?

(109 Posts)
Jane10 Tue 20-Nov-18 11:08:39

Yesterday, on the way to a group, I was walking through some little streets. Suddenly I saw a coat in a shop window. Reader I bought it!! (apologies Charlotte Bronte). I really don't do that sort of thing. I went in, tried it on and heard myself say 'I'll take it'.
I've never bought a coat before and live in anoraks and jackets. This new item is a long bright red coat. I look like an elderly grenadier guard in it. I just need a bearskin and a black horse to carry it off as an outfit.
Today. Do I regret it? Not really although I'll never actually wear it.
Mind you, previous impulse buys have always been a success. Maybe I should let my subconscious do the shopping more often? How about you others?

DoraMarr Tue 20-Nov-18 11:10:31

Wear it- it sounds gorgeous!

GrannyGravy13 Tue 20-Nov-18 11:22:50

Wear it with pride and a big smile, it sounds fabulous!!

Some of the most worn and loved items in my wardrobe are impulse buys. Knee length boots from LK Bennett 10 years ago which come out each winter and look nearly new. A blue and white striped long linen dress, feels so comfortable and makes me feel good.

Gave up overthinking shopping on retirement, the AC always tell us to enjoy what we have earned/saved.

gillybob Tue 20-Nov-18 11:28:57

It sounds lovely Jane10 but if you’re sure you won’t ever wear it then I think you should probably take it back and say you bought it on impulse and it’s really not your thing .

Teetime Tue 20-Nov-18 11:40:22

The red coat sounds fabulous- look great and be cosy on a cold winters day.

J52 Tue 20-Nov-18 11:43:37

Wear it and enjoy it! Brighten up grey winter.
It’s worse to not buy something and then regret it. I’ve done that, gone back and the item’s sold out.

EllanVannin Tue 20-Nov-18 11:58:29

Listening/seeing the words of encouragement makes me tempted also to wear a long ( pure wool ) red coat with black velvet wrists collar and buttons,which was an impulse buy from Debenhams years ago. I've worn it twice-----in the dark.
I don't know why I bought t because I hate " standing out ".

Marydoll Tue 20-Nov-18 12:00:44

Jane, wear it! I usually wear a coat when I come through to Edinburgh, It always freezing!! You will brighten everyone's day.

M0nica Tue 20-Nov-18 12:02:45

I bought a lovely red boucle fabric 3/4 coat this winter. I live in it.

Me? I do not mind standing out. I tend to stick out like a sore thumb anyway so I decided I might as well make a feature of it.

Dontaskme Tue 20-Nov-18 12:04:30

You have admitted to 2 impulse buys of RED coats - you very obviously love red coats and should just go ahead, wear them and enjoy them! What's wrong with a lovely red coat? Better than all the boring black and grey everyone else seem to be wearing. My coat is orange/mustardy, and what??!!

Auntieflo Tue 20-Nov-18 12:07:13

Oh do wear it. I bought a long, red coat a few years ago, and it has become my Christmas coat. I did wear it to our DGS passing out parade last year. With it’s brass buttons, it was quite military, and I found a black cloche hat to top it off.
Felt smart for a change, but I love my coat.

annodomini Tue 20-Nov-18 12:09:49

A bright pink linen dress from Ebay. What was I thinking? If I was 25 it might be suitable. But at 78? Oh dear! I can't see either of my GDs wanting it either. My greatest fault is late-night browsing and deciding I've found something perfect. Not so good in the cold light of day.

Squiffy Tue 20-Nov-18 12:25:21

Do wear it Jane! Winter can be dreary enough with grey skies. A cheery red coat is very uplifting! Off to investigate red coats in my size . . . . . oh dear!

ninathenana Tue 20-Nov-18 12:35:51

I had a red knee lenth wool coat many years ago, I loved it and received many compliments when wearing it.
Wear it with pride Jane

Greyduster Tue 20-Nov-18 12:37:30

I was quite taken aback when my DD bought me a bright red cashmere three quarter length car coat for a birthday. I would never have bought it for myself - I don’t do bright colours. But I wore it/wear it in the colder months and love it to bits. Jump in with both feet, Jane. You’ll love it in no time.

Jane10 Tue 20-Nov-18 13:23:40

DS has just seen and gave it a thumbs up. He's red/green colour blind though and probably thought it was brown. DH is away just now but said it sounded OK when he phoned. DD (style consultant) due to visit this pm. Fingers crossed!

M0nica Tue 20-Nov-18 13:30:41

My first ever 'civvy' coat (as distinct to my school gabardine mac that had to serve school and holidays) was a scarlet jacket. It was a 13th birthday present.

My DM wanted me to have a navy jacket (more practical), but my very stylish grandmother was with us and she backed me up in preferring the red jacket. I was still wearing that jacket when I went to university.

I have since had at least 4 or 5 red coats and 2 bright pink ones. Every time I wear a red coat I always give my DGM a passing thought.

eazybee Tue 20-Nov-18 16:11:36

My mother said you never regret an extravagance, and I do my best to honour her memory!
Trust your instinct and wear the coat.

Anja Tue 20-Nov-18 16:32:36

I’ve just bought 5 bales of hay for an animal rescue site. I felt sorry for the ponies pictured knee-deep in snow.

Scribbles Tue 20-Nov-18 16:35:06

Ten years ago I made an impulse buy of a sequined Frank Usher top for evening wear. It cost the best part of a week's pay and I go to very few "dressed up" events so it's been worn maybe 6 or 7 times in that decade but I've never regretted it because a) it's gorgeous and b) it makes me feel good. So Jane, unless you used the rent money to buy it, put on your coat and flaunt it whenever the opportunity arises. Enjoy!

DoraMarr Tue 20-Nov-18 16:38:03

annodomini age has nothing to do with it:wear it if it makes you happy. The only inappropriate wear for us vintage women is anything too revealing: so, it’s legs or chest or arms, not all them or any two together.

Anja Tue 20-Nov-18 16:40:44

Jane I like your style!

lemongrove Tue 20-Nov-18 16:42:04

I think impulse buys can often be good ones. After all, on some level you must really want it!
Wear it with pride Jane grin
Monica why do you say that ‘you stick out like a sore thumb’ ? Are you six feet tall or have a beard?

Day6 Tue 20-Nov-18 16:51:10

Yes Jane10, another impulse buyer here! I hope you wear your red coat.

I understand what you mean when you say you'll never wear it though. I bought (impulsively, but at different times) two very colourful jackets which I have never worn.

When I look at them hanging up in my wardrobe I still think they are lovely jackets, but they are just not me - maybe?

One is a lightly padded red cotton jacket with piped edges and the most exquisite pattern. I feel I'd stand out too much if I wore it. The other is a three quarter length green velvet jacket with a black collar and cuffs.

I love them both but perhaps I should give them away or sell them. I was trying to give rein to my Bohemian nature, I think, when I bought them! grin

Pssst, Jane - at least they aren't beige! grin

Jane10 Tue 20-Nov-18 17:32:07

I once impulse bought a blouse. It cost several times what I'd usually pay but it's been such a good buy. I've actually been stopped by strangers to say how much they liked it.
I'm expecting salutes by passing guardsmen if I ever do wear it out!
PS the style consultant DD liked it. I'm planning to wear it at the weekend. Must look out my bearskin...