Seven things I've learned not to waste $$ on

I can't promise I'll never spend money on any of these things again, but I'll sure try!

1. Getting my hair done for an event

I used to get an updo or get my hair curled at a salon before a special event. The first time I got my hair curled was to see a production of Cats. As I was bathing before getting dressed up, I accidentally dipped my hair in the bath, & the curls got wet & fell out. $25 dollars or so down the drain :-)

Another time I got an updo done for an awards ceremony. The style was pulled up so tightly & felt so unlike me that I ended up taking it down before the event. So much for another $25 or so. 

I will confess that I did get an updo for my wedding, but I'd known my hairdresser for years, & she did a trial run before the big day. 


2. Getting my makeup done for an event

I've only gotten makeup done once. As I left the salon, I felt like everyone was staring at me--like I was overly made up & looked a bit like a clown. I washed off the makeup before the event.  

Fancy updo from our wedding day

@OpenMindFashion Yep! Same with having make up done !

— Section 411 (@Section411) June 18, 2015

3. Uncomfortable shoes 

Nothing irks me more than owning a pair of shoes I don't wear. But it's so hard to reach for the pair you know will hurt your feet. Best not to buy them or to return them before you've worn them outside the house in the first place if you sense trouble on the horizon. I currently have a pair of sandals that hurt my feet that I wish I hadn't kept (boots would never treat me this way).

4. Rain boots for the kids
When will I learn that they will not wear rain boots, no matter how cute they are, no matter if it's pouring with rain? (My son has asked me to clarify that this is because they are boys over the age of seven :-)

Joules Boys' Matt Rain Boot Wellies, Dark Olive, $30.55

5. Final sale items

I'm not sure what the problem is here. Many final sale items are just fine, but most of the time, I'll still wish I could return them--some strange psychological phenomenon. I have a dress I bought final sale I can picture in my closet right now that I keep wearing, but I don't really like it. 

6. Clothes from two particular stores
I've learned not to buy from two particular stores since I always end up returning anything I buy there. Do you have a couple stores like that?

7. Clothes that are too small

Because I do shop sales, I sometimes find myself buying clothes that aren't my size (the only size available) & then try to adapt them or tolerate them. While I can sometimes fool myself that the piece works in the short term, it rarely does long term. I also won't wear too-tight jeans no matter how good they seem to look the first time I put them on. 

I have less trouble with things that are too big, but it's best if I make sure everything I buy is pretty close to the right size.

These are but a few of the things I've learned not to waste money on. I think perhaps it can only help to make a clear list & post it on the frig or something to help me stop making the same mistakes. 

What have you learned not to waste $$ on?