Head to Toe -- What you wore today ...

[jenskar]

Ok, we're heading into the first summer of the world after easy mortgage money, seemingly limitless home equity loans and stock market gains, and I dusted off a few of last season's favorites out of my closet to go out for lunch down by the water with a girl friend.

She, admittedly, doesn't care much about clothes. I could be said to be the opposite. As I looked at her cute jean skirt and generic but nicely fitting white sleeveless knit top, I couldn't help but add up the cost of my tossed together "outfit" -- and wondered at the world that got me into it.

How is the financial situation affecting how you dress this summer? How you spend? What did your outfit cost today? When did you buy the things in it?

I'll start:

Prada wedge suede sandals -- $350 (on sale last summer on Overstock)
Prada plaid cotton sport dress -- $325 (on sale last summer at Neimans)
Prada (there's a theme here, right ?) cream trembled blossom tote -- $1600 (on sale at BlueFly last summer)
DKNY cotton jacket -- $200 or so (on sale several summers ago at an outlet)
Wallet -- LV Suhali on Ebay last summer, used $350
Glasses -- Alain Mikli -- $1250 December 2007
Cambodian silk scarf -- $8 in Cambodia this January
Cambodian straw bangles -- $1 in Cambodia in January

Now, we could probably take out the wallet and glasses because I don't have tons of those. I don't even have that many handbags, to tell the truth (though I have a lot more than I did 2 years ago), tPF being quite the enabler. But last summer I felt I really did need that bag and wallet -- how had I made it through years of the same Kate Spade black wallet? How indeed -- let's say with about 2000 more in the bank ??

I have to say -- I feel absolutely certain I can do something about my debt when I look at that list. Compared to 2008 and before (when I thought I was being SO good because I shopped sales all the time) I only spent $9 on that outfit in 2009 -- of course, that doesn't include the cost of the plane ticket to Siem Reap and the hotel but hey, let's not quibble, right ?? It amazes me that by just putting my finger in the designer dike, I can not spend SO much money.

What did your wardrobe today cost? When did you buy what's in it? How has the recession affected you and hey, if you are still buying designer bags -- I say go for it -- no guilt here. Most of us are consenting adults -- it is your money !!

[Gimmethebag]

I'm a shoe and handbag girl at heart, but I have the nasty habit of wanting designer clothing, jewelry and cosmetics too.

For wandering around Chicago earlier:
- skirt I made from a pair of Habituals that had a botched hem job, $270 I think from an overpriced Chicago boutique ( and the ones with the subpar seamstress)

- Pure & Good cashmere racer back tank ($20 on sale)

- AG Adriano Goldschmied white v-neck tee ($50ish)

- black and grey striped linen scarf from Urban ($20)

- diamond Jamie Wolf and Mauri Pippeo necklaces worn with my signature Nicole Schumann piece ($$$, love these pieces!!!)

-great grandmother's engagement ring and eternity diamond band

- black Ray-Ban sunglasses ($119 at Neiman Marcus this weekend)

- black Botkier Bianca satchel ($600) with LV cles, pochette, neon yellow MBMJ wallet

- Michael Kors horn "jet set" men's watch (best fashion watch ever! $200???)

- Havianas ($14?), most comfortable shoes on the planet

It was cold, so once we were back inside, I changed into a very comfy Juicy tracksuit I bought from their store on sale.

[audball67]

Interesting thread...For going to the park with the kids today:
1. Target Mossimo top ($14)
2. J Crew Shorts ($26)
3. Keen Seattle Shoes ($29.99 sierra trading post)
4. Serengeti Driver Sunglasses ($140...bought eons ago when I did a lot of driving for work
5. Timex Indiglo Easy Reader Watch ($25 Target)
6. Diamond pendant from DH that I wear instead of wedding and engagement band...I wash my hands too often and always worry about my rings falling off or misplacing them
7. Lexie Barnes Tote ($35 on clearance, years ago on her site)

My outfits have been about the same for the last 7 years (since kids). Whereas previously I was an Ann Taylor gal all the way, now I buy JCrew (on sale) and probably spend more on my kids (mix of Target and slightly higher end stuff). My clothes shopping spiked last year when I reached my goal weight, but it wasn't anything tremendous at all - just more of the same stuff I had previously been buying.

[Mila_Pops]

Omg Jenskar, are you Cambodian?! Cuz I am (half) and I have Cambodian bangles and silk scarves too haha! My family also likes to go visit there in January as well because it's too cold here in Utah, but it's definitely warm over there!

Anyways, I'm a total handbag whore. I don't care how much my clothes cost. I'll buy cheap stuff and expensive stuff, but I'd definitely rather blow all my money on one designer handbag than a bunch of clothes.

Today, I wore:

Levi's skinny jeans ($70-ish?)
Express tank ($12.50)
Oh Deer flats ($96)
Ray Ban wayfarers ($100-ish)
Express hoodie jacket ($40)
Marc Jacobs LE Sophia that I use as a work bag, which meant I had to work today for once lol (only $90!!!!!! From a great tPFer!)
Multi-gem, 18 kt gold necklace (parents brought it back as a gift from their last visit to Cambodia--$200)

[BlkLadyLaw]

I think about the value of what I am wearing head to toe a lot lately and it often seems so silly....but I do love my fashion!

Today excluding wedding rings...

Hermes Birkin bag - preowned
LV cosmetic case -preowned
Hermes Kelly wallet -preowned
Ed hardy jeans with rhinestone design detail
Athena Alexander rhinestone sandals
Ujena dress which I wear as a top/tunic
Undies

Today my attire/accessories were about $9300. Completely crazy to think about it this way...thank goodness I wore no other jewelry or sunglasses or I would have gone over $10k!

[Jahpson]

^ LMAO @ undies. your not going to tell us what brand??

Dress - $30 American Apparel

flipflops- $2

Chanel bag- $ 3k

Price to being comfortable? - Priceless

[lorihmatthews]

Well ... also excluding jewelry I am cheap today! I'll even divulge unmentionables ...

Vince cashmere sweater from eBay: $40
Gap outlet white long sleeved t-shirt: $15
Victoria's Secret cotton bra: ~$15
NY & Company yoga pants: $7.50 (mega sale)
Maidenform undies: $5
Champion socks: ~$3
New Balance tennies: ~$110 (can't skimp on footwear, especially for walking)

And just for kicks, custom orthotics for my shoes: $500 (thank goodness it's only every couple of years for that expense)

Not counting my handbag and its contents, which only went around the block a couple of times walkin' the new dog.

[BlkLadyLaw]

Originally Posted by Jahpson

^ LMAO @ undies. your not going to tell us what brand??

ok ok...nothing very exciting...boyshort panties from Target and a La Mystere Whimsy bra :)

[jenskar]

Gimme -- oh dear, I didn't even think about skin care and jewelry (I'm not much of a jewelry gal tho but skin care, that's another story) -- I almost bought Havianas today -- my friend was pulling for them over the slightly thicker surfer chick ones I ended up buying.
Aud -- I am always amazed at kids clothes and the cost -- they grow so fast -- I never had kids but oh dear if I had -- the little girl outfits just bring tears to my eyes.
Mila -- no, I'm US mutt of European descent but I have a relationship with a charity in Siem Reap -- so I went over there to see the teachers and do an art class this year -- hoping to go back next year for a longer visit. I visited for the first time in 2000 and was so struck by your country and the people -- after what you went through, the kindness, generosity -- and sense of self. I'm humbled, completely.
LdyLaw -- you'd have turned my head for sure -- very classy !! I forgot the undies
Jah -- love that Chanel bag with the flip flops
Lori -- I always love seeing your kitty !!

Looking forward to seeing more tPFer details !!!

[simmmchen]

Good idea for a thread! I've never thought about this before!

50$ - jean capris (H&M)
30$ - tank (Hollister)
9$ - polo (AE)
60$ - ballerinas (Clarks)
50$ - sweater (Zara)
5$ - elmo undies haha!
200$ - pearl studs
250$ - sunnies (DKNY)
1200$ - Bal city in grenat

As you can tell, I don't invest much in my clothing. It's casual Friday every day at my office LoL

[qwerty822]

I am quite the fashion disaster, sadly.

$50 - jeans (Lucky brand, from Costco)
$10 - long sleeve plain gray t-shirt (Gap)
$50 - Merrells (the ultimate non-fashionable, comfortable, soccer mom shoes ... sigh)
$100 - Longchamp tote
$150 - Marimekko messenger bag (used as diaper/shopping bag)
$17 - Smartwool socks

I'm not counting jewelry, since I wear the same things everyday (wedding set, silver George Jensen ring, Coach watch, and diamond studs), and were all gifts for some occasion from DH.

[Allisonfaye]

Today I am slumming it at home since DH is off and he is on a tare to fix the shower (yeah). Also, my DD (3.5) almost strangled me this morning and my neck (windpipe) still hurts and I had my hair straightened Sat so I can't shower until tomorrow. Yuck!
I have on:

T-shirt from Jjill $40 (estimate)
Hoodie from sundance $60 (estimate)
Levis $29.
Athletic socks $3
No jewelry at all


The recession has definately affected my clothes buying habits. I try to find inexpensive stuff that is comfortable and attractive but it is hard, especially since I am probably a good two sizes bigger on the bottom than the top (maybe one). I used to splurge on a few really nice tops each summer but I haven't really done that too much this year. I haven't bought any bags since October and I honestly have no interest in doing it. I also used to buy maybe 1-3 expensive pairs of shoes a year but so far the most I have spent is $200 and I have only bought 2 pairs of shoes this year. I have plenty of stuff so I don't feel deprived at all.

I used to add up the cost of my outfits when I was working. I don't really do it so much anymore.

[goodmornin]

hm.. haven't gotten changed out of my PJ's yet.. but this is what I wore yesterday:

American Apparel Tights - $12
Random white dress from a small boutique in Australia - $30
Alexander Wang Cardigan - $230 (on sale)
Calvin Klein Underwear - $30 (on sale)
Chanel Wallet - $1000
Lanvin flats - $230 (ebay)
Zara black coat - $70 (sale)
Black leather gloves - mother's

With the recession, I'm actually buying less things but making sure they're better quality. I don't think it really matters if you're wearing gap or wearing prada - as long as the cost per wear works out to be similar.

I realised that back in high school, I used to spend $100s a week on crappy quality/ trendy clothing. I'd buy an H&M top but after 5 wears I'd start seeing holes here and there. I'd buy an express party top to go out in and after one wear, I'd never wear it again.

Now I'm buying better quality, classic pieces that I can wear in wider range of situations and will last longer. Prior to my current Chanel wallet - I had been using a fendi wallet for 5 years.

I've phased out really bad quality shoes, and take all my shoes to the cobbler when they're looking a little rough instead of buying a new pair. So far I've only bought one pair of new shoes this year!!!

[canada's]

i will throw up if i do this every time i get dressed because even if something was on sale, many times that doesn't mean it's "worth" that if i already owned something similar.

the recession hasn't really effected my spending habits dollar wise because i've always been a bargain shopper, but i'm less of an impulse shopper these days. i have A LOT of everything - dresses, bags, shoes, etc. so when i find myself wanting something these days i ask myself if i already have something that i could wear instead of that. ex: i have black lanvin flats, so even if i find a pair of repettos on sale, i have a pair of shoes that i can already wear with every outfit i would end up wearing the repettos with. this slims down my options and also makes my closet the most functional for my lifestyle.

- am ap racerback tank dress $26
- havaiana flip-flops $14
- MBMJ lil riz hobo $200 on sale at barneys late last year

[SaraDK]

H&M long tank top 15$
Noname skinny jeans 35$
Tommy Hilfiger flats 130$
Minus jacket 200$
All bought the last few months

Bag: Gucci tote with MbMJ wallet and LV cles (all a few years old)