Where your style costs a pretty penny
August 15th, 2008This question was raised on the forum last week. Where do you allocate your budget for wardrobe items and style enhancers? Here are my priorities. First, the items that have to be top notch. Here I make no compromises:
- Specs: I wear specs all day. They are my number one accessory. The world would not look the same, and I would not look the same if my specs weren’t the best that I could afford.
- Bras: Wearing a great bra is where great style starts. I have been wearing Chantelle bras for 20 years because they look, fit and feel superb. They’ll last if you launder them with care.
- Premium jeans: Expensive jeans are worth the price (also see this thread on the forum).
- White shirts: I have learned that better-end white shirts and blouses last longer and look more pristine.
- Moisturizer: We only have one skin and looking after it should not be questioned.
- Sun block: Protecting fair skin from the sun is extremely important. I use Clarins UV Plus (SPF 40) which costs $40. It’s expensive but a little goes a long way.
- Fragrance: I love to wear a scent and it’s a big part of my signature style. I’ve been wearing the same fragrance for 10 years and still receive compliments daily. Angie would not be Angie if she didn’t wear Kenzo Flower.
- Haircut: A haircut can make or break your look.
Second, the items that are important to me, but for which I would consider a range of price and quality points. I believe that a fabulous avant-garde piece of exceptional quality has loads of mileage. You’ll find that the-cost-per-wear whittles down to nothing if you wear the item season after season. But low cost opportunities also have a place on this part of my list.
- Shoes and boots: My fussy feet are desperate for beautiful and comfortable peds, so paying a higher price is sometimes the only way I can satisfy this need. I have everything from designer Kate Spades to Me Too Swan flats. If the shoe fits my criteria, I’ll consider the price. But I’m just as happy wearing $39 Converse sneakers.
- Handbags: I can have more fun with bags than shoes, and I LOVE handbags. But a $20 yellow tote that I bought at the side of the road in Hong Kong makes me just as happy as a designer purchase.
- Jackets: A great jacket is always a statement, but I derive as much style joy from my H&M and Zara treasures as I do from my Rag & Bone and Nanette Lepore pieces.
- Trench coats and coats: I live in Seattle and frequently travel to Western Europe. Enough said.
- Swimsuits: I want to look and feel particularly good when I’m wearing a cozzie and this often means buying an expensive brand (especially when you’re a little older).
I will not spend money on knitted items and knitwear. I have done so in the past with great disappointment. Expensive knitwear still pills, and knits are generally unstable unless they are 100% polyester. These items tend to have a short life, which means I cannot justify the expense.
I expect our priorities to differ according to general preferences, lifestyles, geographical locations, body types and special needs. How do you allocate your style budget?
August 15th, 2008 at 5:36 am
Interesting discussion.
I am always willing to pay more for bras, shoes, and outerwear.
I am contemplating a premium denim purchase in the near future, and will probably be a convert once that happens. (at least that’s what I’m told to expect.)
I love to shop for bargains though–and won’t refuse to buy something just because it’s priced cheaply. I try to inspect it’s construction and if it looks like it is well made, then I’m not a price snob. I was taking my kids back to school sneaker shopping yesterday (at Marshalls) and I saw this really cute canvas tote bag on the clearance rack for $5. It was an ecru background with big red and black abstract flowers all over it, and it had 2 black “pleather” straps that attached to the bag with a hook and grommet. I loved it, and it was only $5 and I use tote bags a lot. But I couldn’t get past the straps–the one part of the bag that I would be constantly touching, felt plasticy, stiff, and sharp edged. I put it back because even at $5, the straps ruined the bag.
August 15th, 2008 at 6:17 am
This list is very helpful and a timely shopping guide with all the sales and new fall merchandise out there now.
I especially appreciate the clarification on knits. This is one item that I will comb the sale racks for to get quality at a low price because I replace the knit layers after a season. Yesterday in Dillard’s petite dept. I found Ann Klein knit tops with ruched neckline, but not too voluminous in a variety of colors for $9. The original price was $48. I bought 5 of them in different colors to wear now and into fall under jackets or cardies.
Angie, I’d like to know more about high end white shirts.
August 15th, 2008 at 7:39 am
I’m with Angie on haircuts, shoes, and bras (though I shop Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann’s for high-end bras on deep discount).
I’m a former masters swimmer and still swim several miles a week in a pool and San Francisco Bay. I never do anything in a swimsuit except swim, I never spend more than $70 on a swimsuit, and I never have to “shop” for suits–I buy my Speedo fastbacks (Endurance fabric, which resists chlorine) online, usually at Sierra Trading Post, where past seasons’ styles are discounted. They always fit, and I don’t care about color or pattern as long as the back style works for me.
I also depart from Angie on the sweater issue. Here in the Bay Area it’s cold enough to wear sweaters 80% of the year, and I love my cashmere and fine merino wool. I still wear a beautiful Elie Tahari sweater for which I paid $200 almost eight years ago. I hand-wash my cashmeres–they stay softer and last longer. I occasionally buy inexpensive cotton sweaters at the Gap or Banana Republic, but I don’t get the same pleasure from them as I do from higher-end knitwear.
I don’t spend money on jewelry. I’m frankly not all that interested in jewelry, and the few pieces I wear are inexpensive costume pieces or interesting, moderately priced pieces from museum gift shops.
August 15th, 2008 at 7:40 am
hmmm. I’d have to say i budget most things. I think there are enough options out there where i am able to find something that looks great and doesnt’ cost a ton.
I’m usually willing to spend more on shoes & outerwear. Shoes especially, my weakness heh.
I used to only buy my bras from Victoria’s Secret and sometimes Nordstrom but someone pointed me in the direction of a Target brand (Gillian & O’Malley i think?) through a consumer report they read and i honestly don’t notice a difference. But i’m also pretty small chested…
and i’ve been pretty distracted this entire time by a small smiley face that’s at the bottom of this page lol. I keep thinking there’s some dirt on my screen or something. Has he been there the whole time and i never noticed??
August 15th, 2008 at 8:09 am
In general I agree with your priorities, Angie. I try not to shop on price when it comes to your second list, but I find I am very particular about the look and feel of materials of an item. And the the look and feel most often corresponds to price (although just because it’s expensive does not automatically mean the look and feel meets my standards). I decided to try out fashionjunkee.com and ordered a purse. The style is fine but I’m sending it back because I just can’t get past the feel of the faux patent leather– very thin. I’m addicted to premium denim which unfortunately gets more and more expensive (even $100 jeans often aren’t great quality). On the other hand I’m planning on trying a faux leather jacket from arden b and I think the quality is fine. I also bought a sequined clutch at arden b last year for $12 and it makes me so happy every time I use it. When I think about it, I don’t usually spend more than $100 on knitwear. What is your price range for this category, Angie?
August 15th, 2008 at 8:33 am
The #1 thing I absolutely will not skimp on is my hair! It took me YEARS to find a stylist who understood how to cut my thick, wavy, often frizzy hair. And my hair grows like a weed, so I MUST do a color appointment every five weeks (my roots are 100% grey, and I’m only in my 30’s!), and then I alternate the cut every 10 weeks. Expensive but worth it.
I’ll also spend the money on bras. I can’t go the Target route and still keep the girls where they should be.
Otherwise, I’m happy buying basic knits at Target, Kohls, or Old Navy (the trick is to NEVER put them in the dryer so they keep their color and shape).
I’ll go both budget and splurge on shoes. I have a pair of flats from Old Navy that I love and receive tons of compliments on them. And they only cost me 8 bucks. But I will spend the money on pumps and boots, especially since my office has stairs and I’m up and down them all day long. They need to be comfortable.
I also spend the cash on trousers. There’s nothing worse than cheap trousers that gap and pull in all the wrong places.
I actually don’t spend much money on jeans since I rarely wear them. They’re really winter weekend wear for me so I don’t fuss over them.
I do have a very treasured Coach summer bag in pretty shades of shimmery white and off-white, but my sister also gave me a satchel for my birthday that she bought at Target, and I absolutely love it! I also purchased a fab brown faux croc satchel in Las Vegas at street kiosk for 30 bucks that makes me really happy, and I’ve received so many compliments on it, I’m determined to return to that cheesey casino kiosk and purchase another one. I will covet an expensive designer bag, but the cheap ones work just as well for me!
Things I absolutely will buy on the cheap: scarves (since I can’t stop buying them!), camisoles or other layering pieces, any bangles or baubles, and sunglasses! I can’t for the life of me EVER imagine spending hundreds of dollars on designer sunglasses when the ones I buy at Kohls or Target look exactly the same. Especially when you live in Seattle and lose your sunglasses once summer ends.
I hate wearing coats, so I try to find those on sale and only buy what I absolutely need to keep the cold away. I just bought a cute winter wool trench at the Nordstrom sale, and I have a Boden jacketthat I absolutey love. It was pricy, but I don’t buy many jackets so I could justify the expense.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Great post, and great responses! I’ll admit that I don’t have a lot of hard-and-fast rules about where I scrimp and where I splurge, with these exceptions:
Winter coat - which in MN is a must
Everyday handbag - if you’re using it every day, it had better be quality
Tall boots - a three-season staple, they must be stylish AND comfy
Otherwise anything goes. Which is why I’m in a constant cycle of consumption and donation, likely.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Interesting question! I don’t have a list like that but I find myself willing to splurge on bags, shoes and skin care products. Other than those, I love great bargains that make my heart skip.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:22 am
What interesting thread an answers! I first must say that I am on a pretty tight student budget, so even my splurges are usually sale/clearance or with coupon or ( best case) some combination of both. That said, In the past two years or so my taste has changed towards nicer and nicer stuff, and I love to shop, so it’s a bit more difficult to make everything work now. I syill buy an occasional item from places like ON or Express, but it’s usually trendy thing that I do not expect to wear for a long time. I have tons of clothes, and most of them don’t get worn that often. so even cheap things tend to last longer time.
What I splurge on is pretty similar to Angie’s list, but not completely the same.
1. Premium jeans. After trying them a couple of years ago, there’s no going back. I have slowly replaced the cheaper ones with premium ones, and I am almost done. This fall I plan on getting a pair of premium skinnies and trouser jeans ( no worries, I’ll get rid of the old ones:) and the transformation will be complete.
2. Bras - recently, thanks to Angie, I have become Chantelle convert. I have just started, so I only have a couple of them, but I am working on building my collection.
3. DVF - since wrap looks are my favorite, I got a couple of tops and a dress from her. I absolutely adore them.
4. Cashmere knits - sweaters, scarves etc. I got hooked last fall and started working on this. I really like the feel on my skin and they are very warm.
5. Make up- most of it is department store brands, for basic such as foundation, concealer, mascara ( unfortunately I need them all). For colored items though I would occasionally pick up something from the drugstore.
6. Moisturizers - I have finicky skin, so I need to use a couple of not-so-affordable things. Two are from department store, a an one is a prescription thing which is even worse price wise.
7. Perfume- I have a couple of different ones and enjoy them all. They tend to last forever though, since I keep switching them and sometimes omitting when it’s too hot.
8. White shirts- I do not have any really nice one yet, but am seriously considering investing in one or two AF ones this fall.
My second list is things for which I have mixtures of nicer and average stuff. It is usually that average stuff is older and nicer is newer, but I will still occasionally pick a more affordable one from each group.
1. Outerwear - I invested in Soia & Kyo wool coat and trench and they are my favorites. but I also have cute jackets from places like Zara, H&M, or Benetton.
2. Shoes- I have developed a serious crush on Cole Haan Air line, they pamper my feet. But I also love Me too, which are more affordable.
3. Underwear - I have a mixture more affordable things like VS cotton and nicer stuff like Hanky Panky amd Spanx.
4. Pants - I used to be a big fan of Express Editors and have quite a few of them. Now I prefer Theory’s Max C and am slowly trying to switch.
Bags are my sore spot. Everything I like is far far beyond my price range, so nice ones will have to wait till I’m out of school and have a real job. Now I own a mixture of inexpensive patent totes and simple leather bags from brands like Hype and Kenneth Cole.
Other things I’d love to splurge on but will also have to wait till I have a job are watches, specs ( I only wear them occasionally) and haircut/highlights.
For other stuff like tops,shirts, some sweaters, skirts, dresses and accessories I shop pretty much everywhere, but particularly like BR, J Crew, Benetton, H&M, Express, Zara and Mango. I’ll also ( very rarely) pick things from places like ON, NY&Co and Anthropology ( love he look, hate the prices and quality).
August 15th, 2008 at 9:51 am
shoes — medium heel shoes which are comfortable are really hard to find (esp in larger sizes the cheap brands just scale up the heel) i’m not in the taryn rose income bracket, but i do look at camper or gentle souls.
bras — i do watch for sales but i’ve bought a couple of $100 bras too, agaiin comfort in bigger sizes costs.
perfumes — the more expensive ones have a much more complex, subtle smell. i do watch for favorite brands on the discount sites.
dresses with sleeves — i hate layering (i don’t find it comfortable), and for some reason the dress market is dominated by sleeveless dresses.
my coat i got for 100 dollars at burlington coat factory, and my work clothes on deep discount at br or ann taylor — often my bra is the most expensive thing in my outfit.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Yes! The perfect white shirt! Angie, do you have any recommendations? I am looking for simple button downs, not too fitted. Something like the woman in this picture http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....01.jpg?v=0
Would that be a schoolgirl/uniform kind of blouse? It seems very European.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
As I have moved beyond the budget of my 20s, I have started throwing money at the problem of shoes, bras, and eyeglasses. (Well, I still won’t buy $700 shoes. I’ll spend it on specs, though. My eyesight is dire.) But I won’t spend a ton on jeans (I guess I’d spend a lot on one single pair I actually liked, but I’m not willing to devote the time and angst), white shirts (can’t remember the last time I wore a button-down shirt of any kind), handbags (have a few of them but not expensive), perfume, or moisturizer (any old kind works for me). I also wouldn’t buy $40 sunscreen because I go through it pretty fast. I buy skirts, sweaters, and hair products in a wide price range.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Oh, and I’d spend a lot on the perfect winter coat, but I have yet to find it, so last year I bought two cheap ones.
I have a lot of Coat Issues, especially now that most of them are so very fitted in the arms and shoulders. I have broad shoulders and get cold winters (i.e., might want to wear something thick under the coat). I need guidance in this area!
August 15th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
My priorities:
-skin care and make up (I have acne prone skin! I think this is where I am the most snobbiest and spendy)
-haircut and hair products
-designer jeans (I am a jeans girl through and through, so I can’t skimp!)
-coats
-cashmere
-boots
-fragrance
I look for quality in everything else though, but these items I don’t mind paying top dollar without blinking or thinking of the price if they are not on sale.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
This is a great topic–very interesting to find that we all splurge/skimp on different things! My splurge items are:
1. Monthly facial - This brought my acne prone skin under control; now my skin is clear enough that I can go out without makeup and not feel self conscious.
2. Skin care products/sunscreen - Part and parcel of keeping my skin clean and healthy.
3. Haircut - If your hair looks bad you look bad no matter what you have on, so I don’t skimp on this.
4. Bra - I agree this has a big impact on how your clothes fit and how you look.
5. Coat - Since our winters are mild, I only need one, but that one will be worn a lot, so I’m also willing to spend for a good coat.
6. Suit - My job doesn’t require one so I don’t have one, but if I had to wear one, I’d be willing to spend more for quality. Nothing worse looking than a cheap, ill fitting suit.
On everything else, I look for bargains. And I agree 100% with Angie about knitwear–no matter how much it costs it ends up pilling or losing its shape, so I don’t spend much on any kind of knitwear.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I have a very similar list, except:
1) I rarely wear my specs out of the house. They are still somewhat trendy though; it’s just not on my top priority list.
2) I don’t wear perfume because it bugs me - I don’t really mind it on others - I just don’t care for it on me! This depresses my DH because he’d love to buy me perfume.
3) the white shirt part: I would probably agree, except I probably just haven’t found the right white shirt for me yet. I found one at Ann Taylor last winter, which is pretty close to perfect; I just have to get used to it.
4) I would put sunscreen at the top of the list, and haircut second. I’m completely with Amy on this, when it comes to haircut!!! But sunscreen edges out just a bit higher, because I would like to keep my skin looking young as long as possible.
5) Good running shoes would make my list - I know it’s not a fashion item, but it is, if you consider keeping in shape so your clothes fit nice.
I will spend whatever it takes to have the best running shoes so I avoid injury.
6) For winter, thick, warm cashmere socks are a MUST. They can be cashmere blend and don’t need to cost an arm and a leg (I’ve found some at Target that have lasted me for years and don’t need any special washing). So this would go in my second category along with all the other things - handbags shoes etc you listed. But it’s a MUST because I can’t stand cold feet!! I even wear these under long boots, over tights, to keep my tootsies warm.
7) To that second category I’d probably add Lipstick and lip glosses. Can be drugstore or department store - but it is a fundamental for me. Even if I wear no other makeup - no foundation or mascara - I like a little color on my lips.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Oh shoooot! Can I add:
Crest white strips???
If you like red wine and coffee and tea, they are essential. I don’t like the overly TOO-white kinda smile (and my teeth are so not perfect) but it does make a difference.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Although I don’t have to, I tend to be a sale shopper. It works fine in Seattle because the seasons are slow to ramp up. If you buy a summer frock in April, you will not be able to wear it in Seattle until late July. Having said this, I will spend money on the things that I really want, especially if I don’t think it will be around for the sale. Last year it was a brown croc belt I looked all over for a less expensive one, but had to go back to buy it.
I will splurge more on quality wick-away, high tech outdoor gear, especially hiking and workout shoes. Makes sense.
Hair is very also important. However, with regard to hair, I pick the person who cuts my hair well, not charges the most. I don’t need a frufru place where the hairstylist chats me us to make stretch the cut out long. I can chat with my gal friends. Just give me a fabulous cut. I have had my stylist for 20 years.
Oh, and chocolate. There is a differnece with great chocolate!
August 15th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Such interesting responses. Thanks for indulging me ladies. Lots of overlap with bras, shoes and outerwear. Nice!
Joy and Christine, brands like Anne Fontaine, Theory, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, Nicole Miller and Trina Turk make outstanding white shirts and blouses. This is prêt a porter fashion – so I’m warning you, don’t faint at the prices. But they are a cut above the rest.
Cashmere is a favourite by the sounds of things. I don’t wear cashmere which is why I don’t covet cashmere knitwear. (But I do adore lovely knitwear, don’t get me wrong). NancyF, I’m glad you treat your cashmere with TLC. They obviously don’t make things the way they use to! Does your pristine, almost 8 year old cashmere look dated by any chance? Silhouettes have changed dramatically in 8 years. I’m curious as a kitten.
Quite right Patience, I won’t spend more than $100 on an item of knitwear. I include knitted tops in my “frugal” expense category. No matter how much money you spend on knitted tops and how carefully you launder them, they look shabby after a season or two. 100% polyester mesh, however, has a more robust life.
Finding a good hairstylist is luck of the draw. I also don’t need to go somewhere fancy and expensive either. I am charged “the going rate” at my salon and am very happy to pay it.
I am absolutely thrilled to hear so many of you take care of your skin. I grew up in a culture in which skincare was extremely important (much more so than spending money on makeup). I have been using Clarins for 20 years and it still works best for my skin type. I remember my first waitressing pay cheque going to a jar of Clarins moisturizer. Money well spent!
August 15th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Things that are worth the $$$:
-Shoes are my top priority. I would be willing to spend as much money as I possibly could and then some for the perfect pair.
-If NASA developed a bra, I would probably buy it at any cost. An uncomfortable bra can make me really miserable, while ones that don’t last are just a waste of money and bad for your boobs.
-Jackets and coats are also a big thing for me. They are pretty necessary for about 3/4 of the year in NY, and they are one of my favorite clothing items. I always mourn the coming of summer because it means putting my beautiful coats and jackets away.
-Hair is important, but I don’t think you need to splurge to get a good cut. I go once every 3 months or so and spend $65.
-Specs. Even though I prefer my contacts, I do sometimes wear glasses, and since I keep them for 6 years or more at a time, I better get a pair I like the first time around.
-Hair products. I hate what cheap products do to my hair. There are so many filler ingredients that just leave it waxy and dull. There is definitely a difference between high quality hair products and grocery store brands.
-Dresses. They are so much easier and look so much better on me than pants and jeans. No low rise. No muffin top. I just pull it over my head and I look splendid. Can’t put a price on that.
Things I’ll skimp on:
-I never spend more than $80 on jeans. My $78 BR bootcut jeans that I got in college are holding up well and I wear them regularly to this day. They’re not perfect, but I have tried premium denim just to see what everyone was raving about, and I really wasn’t wowed. They fit like all my other jeans: waist was too low and gappy, inseam was too long. No thanks. If I’m going to spend $200 on jeans, they had better be absolutely perfect, and I sure as hell am not going to spend even more money on alterations. At that price, they better fit right off the rack (inseam being an exception).
-Knits. Yeah, I’m with you there Angie. I find that dry cleaning my sweaters (including the ones that claim to be machine washable) helps prolong their pre-pill life, but one way or another, it will happen.
-Makeup. I wear it so rarely it isn’t worth it.
-Bags. I wear vegan bags only, which tend to be cheaper anyway.
-Jewelry. I find funky and interesting jewelry can be found at all price ranges, and as a bonus, you don’t have to worry about fit.
August 17th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I’m ready to pay $$$ for:
1) Skincare & hair care products. I can change clothes or buy new ones, but I can’t buy a new body. Perfume & makeup also included.
2) Lingerie. I like natural silk, thus, $$$. I’m one of those girls whose bra can cost ten times more than their t-shirt. I also wear a silk robe at home.
3) Outerwear. Here it gets cool, then cold, then colder, then simply freezing. And one of the nice things about more expensive winter outerwear - it’s not as heavy. I tend to own just two pieces, though - a casual one, a dressier one.
4) Jeans. Again, just a pair or two. But they should fit perfectly.
5) Shoes. Especially tall boots, since I wear them practically 8 months out of 12.
I’m wanting a white shirt now too, after reading all the comments
I tend to save $$$ on:
1) Haircut - I have long wavy hair, and the cut is very, very simple. Actually, it’s more like trimming the ends than an actual cut. Last time I paid 5$ at a tiny Asian place. The trick is to look at the hairstylist - if she has long, good looking hair, then she’ll do just fine.
2) Sunscreen.
3) Handbags. I just don’t care that much for them. My mother adores them - actually many of my handbags came from her.
4) Knits. Again, not interested. I buy a few basic pieces and that’s it.
5) Watches - don’t own any.
6) Swimsuits - I like them simple: basic triangle bikini in black, red or purple. TopShop allows you to buy pieces separately, which is good because I found I need a bigger size on top. And it’s like 10 pounds per piece.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Wow, I’m in a different category from the rest of you. Express and BR (and similarly priced stores) are too expensive from me except when they have huge sales (or I find a piece I can’t resist at full price). I’ve never spent even $100 on a single peace like a skirt, top, or jeans. I buy purses from Wal-Mart and NY&Co (on sale). My shoes almost always come from Payless or Wal-Mart (costing no more than $20). Formal gowns are my weak point, and I’ve never spent more that $150 on a gown; most of mine cost around $40. Those I have stopped buying though, because I have way too many. A $50 item is a major splurge on my budget. That said, I should spend more on skincare, and plan to when I can.