Comments on: Where your style costs a pretty penny http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/ Free advice from a fashion pro Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:14:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: Sarah http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28689 Sarah Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:46:12 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28689 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. 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.

]]> By: seashell http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28372 seashell Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:06:08 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28372 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 $$$ on: 1) Haircut - I have long wavy hair, and the cut is very, very simple. Actually, it's more like trimming the ends than an actual cut. Last time I paid 5$ at a tiny Asian place. The trick is to look at the hairstylist - if she has long, good looking hair, then she'll do just fine. 2) Sunscreen. 3) Handbags. I just don't care that much for them. My mother adores them - actually many of my handbags came from her. 4) Knits. Again, not interested. I buy a few basic pieces and that's it. 5) Watches - don't own any. :) 6) Swimsuits - I like them simple: basic triangle bikini in black, red or purple. TopShop allows you to buy pieces separately, which is good because I found I need a bigger size on top. And it's like 10 pounds per piece. I’m ready to pay $$$ 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.

]]> By: Maya http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28311 Maya Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:14:11 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28311 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. 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.

]]> By: Angie http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28310 Angie Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:15:35 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28310 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! 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!

]]> By: Eva http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28306 Eva Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:51:49 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28306 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! 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!

]]> By: shiny http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28304 shiny Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:27:32 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28304 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. 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.

]]> By: shiny http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28303 shiny Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:26:07 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28303 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. 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.

]]> By: Joelle http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28301 Joelle Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:49:52 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28301 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. 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.

]]> By: Munequita http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28298 Munequita Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:13:30 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28298 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. 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.

]]> By: Linda http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28297 Linda Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:54:15 +0000 http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/08/15/where-your-style-costs-a-pretty-penny/#comment-28297 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! 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!

]]>