Cheap Clothing, Expensive Handbags
- Thread starter LuvDesignerBags
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I love nice clothes, but I can't really afford many nice things that are new, so I thrift a lot or buy second hand from ebay and only buy new things that are on sale. That has allowed me to buy *many* more high quality pieces than I could afford otherwise.
As I get older, I find I'm pickier about the quality of my clothing. Luckily, there are many people who give beautiful 100% wool sweaters to the Goodwill and sell wool/cashmere Italian coats on ebay for a fraction of the original cost. Clothes seem to depreciate a lot more than handbags, so I find it's pretty easy to get good deals on barely worn clothes. That said, I don't often purchase designer stuff even if it's second hand unless it's deeply discounted. I do have a handful of designer sweaters & skirts & throusers, but I don't care much about the brands, it's more about the materials & the quality and whether it looks good on me than the label.
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This is an old thread, but I'll bite. For me, my weight, style, and mood fluctuate so much that it doesn't make sense to spend a small fortune on designer clothing. I much prefer to spend money on things I don't have to fit into in the same way, like bags and shoes. That said, I buy high end shoes and "affordable luxury" bags for the most part. Clothes are not as important to me, and I can usually find stuff I'm happy with at Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic, etc. Target and H&M even. Plus I feel that shoes, and a bag, makes the outfit. I think shoes first, then the outfit.
By the same token I could say that if someone who claims to be into fashion only buys Nine West, Steve Madden, etc. shoes then they are not really into fashion. Neither is a fair assessment. People like what they like and have different priorities.
I don't buy designer clothes, but I often go to luxury stores to look at them. They are beautiful, but just don't fit my lifestyle at this time. I would love to own a hot pink Michael Kors Collection sheath dress, but at $1000, I can't justify it. Nowhere to wear it, and I would be scared to ruin the silk.
Now, if I find a good deal on a designer brand at secondhand stores, consignment shops, or thrift stores, I'm not going to pass it up. I've always said that if you mix you expensive with your bargain basement, no one can tell the difference.
Now, if I find a good deal on a designer brand at secondhand stores, consignment shops, or thrift stores, I'm not going to pass it up. I've always said that if you mix you expensive with your bargain basement, no one can tell the difference.
A bag always fits! While my body might change a bag will always look nice. Can't even say that about shoes cause I had foot surgery and now have to replace half my shoe wardrobe.
I always go for the best quality I can afford for shoes; since if I ruin my feet I can't buy a second pair. Then comes bags, since I love the feel of great leather against my hand. As for clothes, they go on sale so often I've found some amazing designer brands at 80% off, I just hate paying retail. Even silk, alpaca, cashmere, can be found on sale now around the $100-$200 range.
Personally - I think clothes are more important than bags. Most brands promote their accessory range, because, as many of you said here, 'a bag always fits'. There are no wrong sizes or left overs. Well made clothes that fit, are much more difficult to make & sell. All Clothes and bags, in any price range, will eventually look outdated or get too worn no matter what, a balance between the two is essential.
I'm definitely guilty! I buy a lot of my clothes at forever 21, hm, gap, banana republic, old navy, and even target [emoji87]. I consider myself well put together even though my wardrobe is not designer. Most people are surprised when they ask where I got an article of clothes. I am a SAHM with two young kids. I don't know why, but I just have no interest in designer clothes. My most expensive clothes in my closet are barefoot dreams cardigans that I got on sale at nordstroms lol. I do splurge on jackets, shoes, bags, jewelry, etc. LV is my bag of choice. I am a huge fan of mk hooded leather jackets which are not as expensive as other brands (i have a few!) and anything Ugg (they do have stylish boots/shoes besides the typical ugg!) To me jewelry and accessories make the outfit. I also feel styles of clothes come and go so often that I hate to spend a lot on clothes. I like to be on trend and able to switch up my style 🛍
Bags = Premium Designers
Clothing & Shoes = Mostly Contemporary Designers
Accessories (scarves, jewelry, etc.) = Mix of both
Since I rotate my clothing on a fairly regular basis, but still want quality, stylish pieces, I usually go with contemporary designers. I also find the styles of most contemporary designer clothing more suitable for my lifestyle vs. premium designers. And as much as I LOVE premium designer shoes, I am pretty hard on them (I blame my exceptionally large feet LOL), so I usually stick to contemporary designer shoes as well. For bags, I have nearly all premium designer, with a couple contemporary designer bags (Longchamp LP, etc.) on hand in for travel, etc.
Clothing & Shoes = Mostly Contemporary Designers
Accessories (scarves, jewelry, etc.) = Mix of both
Since I rotate my clothing on a fairly regular basis, but still want quality, stylish pieces, I usually go with contemporary designers. I also find the styles of most contemporary designer clothing more suitable for my lifestyle vs. premium designers. And as much as I LOVE premium designer shoes, I am pretty hard on them (I blame my exceptionally large feet LOL), so I usually stick to contemporary designer shoes as well. For bags, I have nearly all premium designer, with a couple contemporary designer bags (Longchamp LP, etc.) on hand in for travel, etc.
I mainly stick to "middle of the road" with all my things... clothes, shoes and bags. I prefer contemporary designers for all categories for the most part simply because the style where I live is much more casual than if I were in a big city so I keep my look pulled together but a bit more on the edgy side is acceptable to add some flair. If I went premium all the way I would look a bit out of place or like an older lady than I am (here it is mainly older very affluent women who dress in designer everything).
Over time I am slowly phasing to higher and higher end desires and acquisitions, which I guess just goes along with the whole "older and more affluent" thing. Plus, I'm getting more and more money as I get older, save better and grow in my career.
But back to the OP I think it's important to look polished and I'd rather not wear cheap clothing if I can help it. Yes you CAN look pulled together on a budget and I have had many years of trying to do just that, but you have to select carefully. It's very nice to be able to go to the designer sections of the nicer department stores and purchase the things I need these days rather than making endless trips to H & M, Maurices, Target and various juniors sections of department stores just to try and find a few things that will work okay and last longer than 2 weeks.
Over time I am slowly phasing to higher and higher end desires and acquisitions, which I guess just goes along with the whole "older and more affluent" thing. Plus, I'm getting more and more money as I get older, save better and grow in my career.
But back to the OP I think it's important to look polished and I'd rather not wear cheap clothing if I can help it. Yes you CAN look pulled together on a budget and I have had many years of trying to do just that, but you have to select carefully. It's very nice to be able to go to the designer sections of the nicer department stores and purchase the things I need these days rather than making endless trips to H & M, Maurices, Target and various juniors sections of department stores just to try and find a few things that will work okay and last longer than 2 weeks.
IMO, the difference is looking put together and looking like a slob.
If you dress like a slob, of course people will judge you and assume. That's just what people do. (though my issue isn't whether you thought slobbish clothing plus a premium handbag makes you chic, it's why would you want to wear slobbish clothing and portray yourself like that)
If you look put together, regardless of where your clothing comes from and it's cost, then people are less likely assume things.
I still stand by buy what fits your life. If cheap clothing and designer handbags is it, go live your life.
If you dress like a slob, of course people will judge you and assume. That's just what people do. (though my issue isn't whether you thought slobbish clothing plus a premium handbag makes you chic, it's why would you want to wear slobbish clothing and portray yourself like that)
If you look put together, regardless of where your clothing comes from and it's cost, then people are less likely assume things.
I still stand by buy what fits your life. If cheap clothing and designer handbags is it, go live your life.
