I appreciate the honesty because it can be super difficult to hold to those values especially if something hard is going on in your life. So for anyone reading who did buy their equivalent of the $12 jacket, it’s also important to recognize when you have successfully stuck to your values. Those times matter!
And this is a “silver lining” that I find with being a 3x/4x size. Most things I see aren’t in my size. So it reduces my ability to impulse buy something like in this scenario.
If you've been thinking about it for a year you've thought about it long enough to get a real one that doesn't cost $12. Whether it's made for you or you buy it from an ethical store, a year of coveting and styling in your head suggests it's something you could and would use and get the per-wear costs down on in your wardrobe. (And yes, I have been there.)
totally makes sense, and I appreciate the thorough breakdown. If you're up for it, this is a pretty straightforward type of jacket to make (or bring to a seamstress with a pattern and fabric to make). If it is something you're still thinking about a year later, it might be worth it! https://peppermintmag.com/product/viola-quilted-jacket/ is a pretty similar shape, with something like this fabric: https://merchantandmills.com/uk/whirly-pops-european-laundered-linen-stripe might end up with a pretty similar effect? Definitely not available to everyone, and will cost a lot more than $12, but could give you a custom fitted piece you'll love for a long time.
Oh you have just tapped into MY shopping process, which is, see something I like, find a similar sewing pattern, buy the pattern to fulfill the shopping urge...never make the garment.
Thanks for the info. I didn't know Tik Tok had a shop, which may be because I don't visit Tik Tok. BUT I do view Free People products and once bought a hobo bag from their website. No more Free People. Now, about those Old Navy jeans. I'll feel 50% bad.
Dacy, thanks for sharing this, so many of us can relate, I’m sure. I miss being in your workshop! Reading this my thought was to follow your own methods, and, to simplify, go ahead and “shop” for a red quilted jacket with the specifics you want from the brands you trust. Order 3 or 4 in multiple sizes, try ‘em on, and return those that don’t work. Now you have your red quilted jacket that will go with so many things and help you feel great!
1. That jacket is super cute and very you, but if it really costs $12, you know it's going to be terrible quality. I feel like if you actually gave in and bought it, you'd be so disappointed once you got it and realized it was made of paper towels or something.
2. I feel so seen in this stream of conscious. It's a relief to know that there are other folks out there who really do think (and fret) over these things while my coworkers are just doing shitty Shein hauls every month.
Exactly what I was thinking- for $12, there's no way that jacket is made from anything other than polyester, so you might actually wear it a lot less than you think. It is cute, though, I was drawn in too.
Not for the first time I'm glad I don't use TikTok. IG ads are bad enough! I totally understand what you went through; it's a scary world out there that knows exactly what we like.
I love everything about your honest stream of consciousness that helps validate the rest of us who are spinning our wheels trying to balance ethics/wants/needs/regrets.
I appreciate the honesty because it can be super difficult to hold to those values especially if something hard is going on in your life. So for anyone reading who did buy their equivalent of the $12 jacket, it’s also important to recognize when you have successfully stuck to your values. Those times matter!
And this is a “silver lining” that I find with being a 3x/4x size. Most things I see aren’t in my size. So it reduces my ability to impulse buy something like in this scenario.
I see versions of this style often while thrifting, I’ll keep in mind and send pics if I find something close!
ooh please do!
If you've been thinking about it for a year you've thought about it long enough to get a real one that doesn't cost $12. Whether it's made for you or you buy it from an ethical store, a year of coveting and styling in your head suggests it's something you could and would use and get the per-wear costs down on in your wardrobe. (And yes, I have been there.)
totally makes sense, and I appreciate the thorough breakdown. If you're up for it, this is a pretty straightforward type of jacket to make (or bring to a seamstress with a pattern and fabric to make). If it is something you're still thinking about a year later, it might be worth it! https://peppermintmag.com/product/viola-quilted-jacket/ is a pretty similar shape, with something like this fabric: https://merchantandmills.com/uk/whirly-pops-european-laundered-linen-stripe might end up with a pretty similar effect? Definitely not available to everyone, and will cost a lot more than $12, but could give you a custom fitted piece you'll love for a long time.
Oh you have just tapped into MY shopping process, which is, see something I like, find a similar sewing pattern, buy the pattern to fulfill the shopping urge...never make the garment.
I love that idea!
Love this idea, pay a local seamstress!!
Thanks for the info. I didn't know Tik Tok had a shop, which may be because I don't visit Tik Tok. BUT I do view Free People products and once bought a hobo bag from their website. No more Free People. Now, about those Old Navy jeans. I'll feel 50% bad.
Dacy, thanks for sharing this, so many of us can relate, I’m sure. I miss being in your workshop! Reading this my thought was to follow your own methods, and, to simplify, go ahead and “shop” for a red quilted jacket with the specifics you want from the brands you trust. Order 3 or 4 in multiple sizes, try ‘em on, and return those that don’t work. Now you have your red quilted jacket that will go with so many things and help you feel great!
Sending you much love, Tristan from 2025 🥰
Hi Tristan! You're so right! 😍
I’m not Dacy, but I think I’ll even take this advice. (I too was drawn right in to that jacket, Dacy. )
1. That jacket is super cute and very you, but if it really costs $12, you know it's going to be terrible quality. I feel like if you actually gave in and bought it, you'd be so disappointed once you got it and realized it was made of paper towels or something.
2. I feel so seen in this stream of conscious. It's a relief to know that there are other folks out there who really do think (and fret) over these things while my coworkers are just doing shitty Shein hauls every month.
Exactly what I was thinking- for $12, there's no way that jacket is made from anything other than polyester, so you might actually wear it a lot less than you think. It is cute, though, I was drawn in too.
Not for the first time I'm glad I don't use TikTok. IG ads are bad enough! I totally understand what you went through; it's a scary world out there that knows exactly what we like.
I love everything about your honest stream of consciousness that helps validate the rest of us who are spinning our wheels trying to balance ethics/wants/needs/regrets.
AGREED!! Reading this I was like "Yeah. Been there."