Monday, March 28, 2011

Quality vs Thrift: Part 2

Shades of blue

Your may remember this post from a week or so ago.  Well as I said, when to buy quality does not only apply to furniture.  It applies to all aspects of our lives, including fashion!  My thrifty ways seem to creep over into all aspects of my life.  I often find myself grabbing tees at Target and shopping the online sales.  Now I will NEVER bash Target....I LOVE TARGET.  But I am not sure it is the best place to find all of my clothing.  But lucky for me one of my oldest and dearest friends is a Personal Stylist and Fashion Blogger from New York City. (Gosh it is a good thing I live far away.  Otherwise she may chase me down for some of my fashion selections!)  So when I started thinking about Quality vs Thrift in regards to fashion she is where I turned.

So a big welcome to Maria (cheers!) from Frolic in Tulle and Style By Risso

I asked Maria the following...We are all working to be so frugal these days but I still know there is value in buying good quality items.  So when do we spend the extra cash for the good stuff and when do we diy it...or shop the sales? And here is the brilliance she shared with me:

Thrifty in fashion terms can mean so many things. Fast fashion, flash sales, discount stores, vintage and consignment shops. You can find ridiculous deals on quality items at every turn thanks to online stores like Gilt Group, Hautelook and Rue La La. There are a few items that I tell my clients to splurge on, knowing that they will wear them for years and will literally have to fall apart before they let it go. They are the following: wool coat, boots, stellar handbag and running shoes. Here are the reasons why…

A wool coat for winter: It is important to buy a quality wool coat. A thrifty coat won’t last an entire season, the wool (if it is actually wool and not a poly/cotton blend) will pill within weeks, not to mention isn’t lined enough for the cold days and nights. So, save for a really great quality wool coat that will last years with good care.
Boots: Leather boots will last forever if they are good quality and the best part about these is they get better and better with age

One stellar handbag: Down the line your daughters/adopted daughters will thank and praise you for saving a few pennies for that authentic Chanel. It may take you years to get it but, by golly, will you be happy when you do.


Running shoes: Do not skimp on running shoes, your feet will thank you! They are built specifically for the activity of running. Trust the experts and get the best pair for you.

You can always buy less expensive t-shirts, pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, socks, blouses. H&M, Zara, Topshop, there are so many fast fashion stores now to find great pieces that last a season or two and won’t break the bank. Just don’t waist money on items you know you aren’t going to wear, not all trends have to be worn, and definitely not at the same time
!

I am totally picturing that person you see wearing every single trend all at once.  So much stuff they look like they are going to fall right over! 

But just like design, fashion calls for that balance of quality and fun. A few quality pieces go a long way!  So save up and invest in those forever fashionable items.  No use splurging on that stuff that will be gone next season.  Happy shopping!