Mindful shopping - when you know exactly what you want -but

Do Kipling bags come with Kipling cakes?

We replaced a fridge freezer with one that had 4 drawers that I could easily lift out when ful. But it’s slightly smaller than our previous one. As a consequence I’ve had to re think what and how I buy frozen foods and cannot store excess garden produce. It’s got a better energy rating . But it’s made me rethink our food storage habits . Nothing is perfect

Back to handbags - I like Kipling bags. They’re lightweight, washable and have lots of useful pockets and a key clip. I buy them on eBay or Vinted as they’re expensive to buy new.

Just bought the bag I've been looking for from Fatface. I had a Summer fabric bag from them and loved the two zipped outside pockets and the pocket on the back. The Lisbon bag is tan leather and has three outside zip pockets. The phone pocket won't take my phone but you have to compromise on something. I am fussy about all bags. They MUST be practical. After Christmas, I'll start to look for my Summer bag.

Sarahr John Lewis, Currys, your local Euronics franchise branch all have appliances on view for you to inspect.

Googling for shops with dispalys is also quite effective.

Casdon, I know exactly what you mean. I'm on the hunt for a winter leather bag as well. I have a good one, but find it's so heavy that my shoulder hurts if I have it on for more than 20 minutes.

The one I'm searching for is similar to what you like, but I want soft leather, top zip, front pocket.

And jeans... I'm guilty of buying some that fit just ok, but not perfect, then I don't really like to wear them that much. If they fit in the hips they are snug in the waist, etc. Unlike men's jeans, companies tend to vary the style of women's jeans from year to year, so even if you have a favourite, you can't get them again next year.

Bags, no. I do have the issue of knowing what I want and being unable to find it. At the moment it's a dishwasher. I had an old one which did everything I wanted but now they don't come with those programs. Same with a tumble dryer, I wanted one which did what I wanted but it chooses what it does and refuses to do what I want and it's impossible to find out how hot each cycle gets.

Whatever happened to shops which give you the opportunity to see products on offer? We are trying to find a large capacity upright freezer. Having clicked on about a billion makes and models we have given up.

As a woman of champagne taste and beer money I much prefer to by second hand quality rather than new cheap stuff., so long as I can clean it. So my best buys have been a beautiful sky blue shirtwaister silk new, sold by Ann Harvey as they were closing down for £12.50 about 7 years ago. A pair of very comfortable blue with some orange pattern trousers,cotton, cost me £5 from charity shop and an absolutely super blue patterned jacket (washable) again cost me £5 from charity shop. They have been great staples in my wardrobe and still wearing them. The great thing of the charity shops is thtat if you see something that is useful you have to get it when you see it, as there wont be another one to find later. I dont care one iota what is the latest fashion , but what is comfortable and easy to wear.

Radley do great bags...I have one which meets your requirements
I got mine off FB Marketplace for £20!

Visit the Catwalk Collection Handbags Store 4.4 316
Catwalk Collection Handbags - Ladies Medium Distressed Leather Messenger Bag - Women's Cross Body Organiser Work Bag - Tablet/iPad Bag - SABINE M - Brown

I have this and it's honestly the best bag I gave ever owned. Lots of little internal pockets, one in the back, secure and safe. There are a few colours of leather and its currently on sale.

I'm exactly the same Casdon as I frequently have something very specific in mind but can't find the exact item. Makes no difference if it's an item of clothing, an accessory or something for the home. Infuriating isn't it? I remind myself that's it's just a 'thing but even so.

Re. Trainers - I also have a bunion on one foot (was due to have it operated on but the surgeon refused to do it at the very last moment when he noticed I had a fungal toenail infection!) and find that Skechers trainers are the best at accommodating it. They just seem to be wider than other makes in the toe area.

NotSpaghetti

No, I don't think so Alice75 - beautiful items are full of joy!

That’s exactly it NotSpaghetti!

Sago So basically buy good buy once, I look after all my clothes and accessories, I am still wearing a white shirt from 20 years ago and some of my NYDJ are over 10 years old.

I agree, I dislike shopping and waste, everything is used until it's dust. I wear jeans, they never ever wear out, tuck in tops, jumpers - forever. I do change out trainers often, because of so many long dog walks, but my high heels for Church and dinners are going strong 20 years on. Welligtons? Last forever!

No, I don't think so Alice75 - beautiful items are full of joy!

All sounds a bit joyless…..

We come from very different places on this I think Monica. I love clothes, and in my time I’ve spent a fortune. I’m trying be more sustainable, so since I retired I’ve developed a capsule wardrobe, and now only buy very few items each season - but what I do get, I want to be exactly what I need to fill the gap. I don’t mind if what I get is cheap, expensive or in the middle, it just has to be exactly right - that’s what I meant by mindful.

May be my standards are low, but I found the perfect pair of jeans years ago and I know exactly why they fit.

My last winter handbag I had for 30 years,I used it consatntly every winter, no other. In the end it wore out and wasn't repairable. My current one, came from a charity shop, it cost £4.50. It probably will not last me 30 years, mainly because before then I will have reached my sell by date.

I think, Gundy, you should really say "the truth is - we’ll never find exactly what we we’re looking for" at a price we can justify/afford

I know exactly the ironing board I want to buy - but they are way too expensive now to justify the spend! I am watching out on second hand sites... 🤞

Casdon It’s like the eternal quest to find the perfect pair of jeans… we keep looking, it may not happen. Same with bags, purses.

But we settle for something close. Seems like you found your bag. Try to remember which purveyor, designer, which store this bag came from. Many designers keep a signature style, look, pattern in their line. You’d always be able to go back to find similar items.

I find shopping relaxing. I don’t mind it. Others hate to shop.

But the truth is - we’ll never find exactly what we we’re looking for.
USA Gundy

biglouis

To me "mindful shopping" is buying something I can sell on to someone else for three times the price.

I have been looking for a chunky knit navy cardigan but not with big brown buttons ! I thought that would be easy / but no

This one is a good price, kittypaws

assots.co.uk/products/linby-black-pebble-grain-leather-crossbody-bag?variant=16100435558494¤cy=GBP&utm_campaign=Topselling&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PerfMax&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqJHzzpuMggMVspJoCR2pLQYpEAQYBCABEgJjwPD_BwE