Okay, this is a topic I know VERY little about.
There are tales of women who save their pennies and then buy the one or two perfect pieces for a season that are classy and look lovely.
They are the INVESTORS. Cue dramatic music. Now, in our best A&E announcer voice: ARE THEY REAL OR SIMPLY MYTH?
I assume they are content with buying a few cheap items each season, whilst saving their pennies for that one special thing.
Typically, that one thing is a great pair of shoes (just one!) or a lovely bag or a nice coat. I think of Dani and her ongoing love affair with her Smythson bag here or Tabs and the infamous Hermes boots here that turned out to be less than comfortable.
Ah, but here is the question: how do you know what the right piece is?
I do have some expensive pieces in my wardrobe. Not many, but a few. Two very nice Italian winter coats. A couple of lovely Aquatalia winter boots. A nice Christopher Kane boho bag. The rest of the items in my wardrobe would be mid to lower priced.
Mostly in my life, I have chosen quantity over quality, lulled by the siren call of the new, the colourful, the trend.
But that is slowly changing, as I want/need fewer and fewer items in my wardrobe. Since Christmas I have bought 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes, a casual jacket, 3 blouses, one blazer, one knock-off faux leather moto jacket, three cardigans, four pairs of pants, a new bathing suit and one purse/one clutch. I have spent about $1200 on all of this. This seems like a lot in nearly six months, but it was over the winter/spring/summer season and compared to last year and the year before, it seems almost like famine. Now isn't THAT a crazy statement to make? All that seems like famine? You don't have to say it: I already slapped myself in the side of the head! I continue to winnow down to what the basics are or should be in my wardrobe. And really - I didn't need three dresses. Honestly, did NOT need three dresses.
But then I ask myself: what if I had only bought two or three items? Two or three REALLY good items. Would I notice a huge difference if the dress was $500 versus only $150? I mean, am I going to love the Stella McCartney that much more than the J Crew skirt? If the shoes were $400 not $100-$200? Is there a point in investment shopping in day to day clothes?
I ask myself this a lot as my style evolves and is more casual-chic, as opposed to the the formal work wear I used to wear. One can't get over the habit of being a little girl all at once, according to Anne Shirley, but I think that, as well, One can't get over the habit of buying more things than one really needs, according to WMM. And does the more expensive or really good quality item really take away the desire for more things? I am certainly doing better, but our consumer society, coupled with my love of clothing, makes it hard!
I would love your thoughts on this, as well as what kinds of things you would or are saving for and that you think are worth spending the extra dollars on.
What do you think - would love to know!
As always - stay safe out there!
There are tales of women who save their pennies and then buy the one or two perfect pieces for a season that are classy and look lovely.
They are the INVESTORS. Cue dramatic music. Now, in our best A&E announcer voice: ARE THEY REAL OR SIMPLY MYTH?
I assume they are content with buying a few cheap items each season, whilst saving their pennies for that one special thing.
Typically, that one thing is a great pair of shoes (just one!) or a lovely bag or a nice coat. I think of Dani and her ongoing love affair with her Smythson bag here or Tabs and the infamous Hermes boots here that turned out to be less than comfortable.
Ah, but here is the question: how do you know what the right piece is?
I do have some expensive pieces in my wardrobe. Not many, but a few. Two very nice Italian winter coats. A couple of lovely Aquatalia winter boots. A nice Christopher Kane boho bag. The rest of the items in my wardrobe would be mid to lower priced.
Mostly in my life, I have chosen quantity over quality, lulled by the siren call of the new, the colourful, the trend.
But that is slowly changing, as I want/need fewer and fewer items in my wardrobe. Since Christmas I have bought 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes, a casual jacket, 3 blouses, one blazer, one knock-off faux leather moto jacket, three cardigans, four pairs of pants, a new bathing suit and one purse/one clutch. I have spent about $1200 on all of this. This seems like a lot in nearly six months, but it was over the winter/spring/summer season and compared to last year and the year before, it seems almost like famine. Now isn't THAT a crazy statement to make? All that seems like famine? You don't have to say it: I already slapped myself in the side of the head! I continue to winnow down to what the basics are or should be in my wardrobe. And really - I didn't need three dresses. Honestly, did NOT need three dresses.
But then I ask myself: what if I had only bought two or three items? Two or three REALLY good items. Would I notice a huge difference if the dress was $500 versus only $150? I mean, am I going to love the Stella McCartney that much more than the J Crew skirt? If the shoes were $400 not $100-$200? Is there a point in investment shopping in day to day clothes?
I ask myself this a lot as my style evolves and is more casual-chic, as opposed to the the formal work wear I used to wear. One can't get over the habit of being a little girl all at once, according to Anne Shirley, but I think that, as well, One can't get over the habit of buying more things than one really needs, according to WMM. And does the more expensive or really good quality item really take away the desire for more things? I am certainly doing better, but our consumer society, coupled with my love of clothing, makes it hard!
I would love your thoughts on this, as well as what kinds of things you would or are saving for and that you think are worth spending the extra dollars on.
What do you think - would love to know!
As always - stay safe out there!
