 |
| Pom Flower Shift by Tabitha: Anthropologie, summer 2011 Leopard print peep toes with black buckle: Max Studio |
A nice anonymous visitor commented that she wanted to see me recycle more of my clothing, that lately my outfits seem too far out of reach for real women on a clothing budget. I took those words to heart because I NEVER want people who are nice enough to read my blog to feel that way. I know I feel bad when I look at a blog and think I could never afford any of the items, and I don't want to make other lovely ladies feel that way. The truth is, I literally never buy an item that isn't on some sort of sale or promo. I HATE paying full price for anything! I'm also a huge couponer at the grocery, I'm the one who gets the glares at checkout because I have so many coupons to use. In other words, price matters to me a great deal! This week I am going to be remixing older pieces everyday, to remind myself AND my anonymous reader that there are so many pieces in my closet that I love, even if I'd had them forever! Thanks for stopping by!
LOL! I'm the other lady at the grocery store getting the evil eye for using all the coupons! I also HATE to pay full price and definitely play the buy and return game with J. Crew. Also, this outfit is great, as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I know, I am addicted to coupons! I mean really it's like free money when you think about it! And more $$ to spend at J.Crew, right? Haha
Delete:)
ReplyDeleteYou look great in this!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way... I try to only shop sales.
Thank you! Love shopping sales!
DeleteAs someone whose family moved up the class ladder while I was growing up, I've only just accustomed myself to paying typical Anthro/J.Crew sale prices for clothing--even if the items would sell out otherwise. Two years ago, my idea of a splurge was to spend $40 on jeans. I think people with more money to play with (among which I now count myself) can still be wise about their purchases and religiously shop the sales, but fundamentally they are ABLE to make the decision to pay more for quality (and/or uniqueness).
ReplyDeleteFor example: I recently paid around $150 for a pair of Frye boots on super sale. I feel confident that this is a good purchase because I wear boots every single day during the winter and every other day during fall/early spring. And I'm prepared with the knowledge of how to take care of them. But this is a decision that I couldn't psychologically ever come to with a different class mindset towards spending. My last pair of boots, which I wore to holes, cost $30 (also on super sale). And they worked fine--the leather was definitely lower quality, but they fit and worked with many outfits. In the mindset that I grew up with, a given item's price is justified if it's the cheapest one that "will do," and there's absolutely no justification for spending twice (or more times) as much for a "better" item if the lower-priced one is adequate. Not equal, but adequate.
I hope this comment doesn't come off as judgmental--that's not what I intend, because as I say, I consider myself to be the same type of spender that you are (shopping the sales, paying attention to quality/cost-per-wear). But I can also understand and empathize when people look at Anthro bloggers as out of reach, because it's really a class issue and that goes deeper than just shopping or fashion.
What an insightful, thoughtful post. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Not judgemental at all... it's something we all should think about. I hope you keep visiting! And you made a wise investment with the Fryes!
DeleteI love your dress! The print is stunning. And I am the exact same way about shopping sales/coupons.
ReplyDeletehttp://shannonhearts.blogspot.com
Thanks Shannon! I would like to think that even if I had an unlimited cash flow, I'd still shop sales...I just hate buying an item that I know I will likely get for less in a matter of weeks!
DeleteYes!! Me too! Anthro used to rarely have sales and I didn't mind paying full price for the quality/uniqueness. But nothing irks me more than when I buy something full price and it's cut in half or more before I even get a chance to wear it! Anthro now has me "conditioned" to not buy anything full price (although, I'm considering the Melora dress).
DeleteI do love the Melora dress, but hate full price... especially Anthro's full prices!
DeleteWhat a pretty dress! It fits you perfectly, and I'm loving the print!
ReplyDeleteMix and Match Fashion
Thank you so much! Pretty but uncomfortable, haha
DeleteYou look darling in this.
ReplyDeleteI think that's a good suggestion, but on the flip side you should wear and blog about what you like. If you sit on a certain economic position on the spectrum or just choose to spend your money at a certain price point, make no apologies for it. Stay true to yourself. You will attract the readers that are in line with where you are. And these things change. I blogged about all types of stores, including Payless Shoes. I don't shop there anymore because I found I wasn't wearing the shoes. I have nothing against the store and I know there are some cute releases coming for this fall. I will still look there. I just decided to try to buy leather shoes any time I have a choice & in most cases that's not Payless. I may have lost some readers along the way, but I'm sure I've gained some as my blogging has changed. It's good to consider suggestions. Just be sure to serve yourself first.