Cheap Clothing, Expensive Handbags

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#76
Very good thread:-)
I love designer handbag not all luxury I have some contemporary handbags as well. I do like classic pieces even though I only have a few I always stick with clothing that will not go out of style. I know I've seen a lot of woman from social media that carries a luxury bag but the clothing is look like from dollar store, but I guess some woman only focus on the bag most of the time I don't see anything wrong with it as long they are comfy and happy. But for me I do not fallow the clothing trend or the IT clothes at the moment....I have a wardrobe that I know I will wear it over and over I do not buy the designer clothes but atleast I do not have full of knick knacks that I will not wear it next year. I do not fallow the trend I always buy something that will last me a long time. And I love flat shoes so I do invest my money on my shoes as well, so that way when I turned 50 I do not have a back problem due to those uncomfortable shoes that was on sale last black friday...lol
 
#77
I used to do this all the time but lately I've been bombarded with news of child labor and unfair wages of the workers working for cheap clothes company. Now I'm really careful when it comes to buying cheap clothes.
 
#78
I buy my clothes from the high street, I love Warehouse, Oasis and Topshop as well as Ted Baker and French Connection. I have toned my wardrobe down to my most wearable items and prefer to buy bags, shoes and accessories now to go with them.
 
#80
That's me! Because I don't have that kind of money to buy designer clothes.

If you buy an expensive bag, you can use it and carry it every day and the cost evens out with use and time.
If you bought an expensive dress, how many times a month can you wear it without someone wondering if you ever go home?

It's not cost efficient for have-nots like me! Haha.

I owe F21 a lot for not making me look poor. If you buy staples and basics, nobody can really lynch you for fashion sense.

(Or maybe I should just go away now because I am clearly inferior to those who buy branded head to toe?)
 
#81
I splurge on jeans and always check labels for cotton percentage to make sure they REALLY last me. I treat them kindly and don't go cheap on them.
I learned my lesson about jeans with high percentages of spandex.... Hopefully someone who receives our clothes donation can make better use of them. :)

Tops, I'll check everywhere. Some of my fave sweaters are F21 and H&M and again, I'm a label and stitch checker. Opt for something cotton over artificial fabrics when dealing with cheaper stores, and befriend a laundry bag for delicate tank tops/blouses. My absolute favourite boots are from Wet Seal. I love that they're faux leather which makes them great for the wet snowy weather here. You could never to by looking at them that they're just barely $30. They're going to be with me quite a long time!

Designer brands "for Target" are a good way to score deals with surprising quality.
Oh and TJ/Marshalls... Sooooo many nice things for insane prices. :heart: :heart:

You don't always have to spend a lot to look amazing, but know that cheap prices often (not always!!!) mean compromising. Checking out the piece before deciding to buy it is a must.


One last thing...Informing yourself on the sources of items helps more than you think. Buying second-hand isn't something to be ashamed of. You'll be surprised how many nicer consignment stores have items with tags still on them.
 
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#82
papertiger said:
:tup:

Respect!
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Thank you, Pipertiger. It's hard not to get political when it comes to clothes. The other day on the TV, there was a report on duck's down/feather on clothes made in France and Bulgaria. So, they literally pluck the feathers out of alive, squeaking ducks and the poor ducks have to experience this for the rest of their lives! From then on I decided to get winter jackets that uses polyester and cotton instead of feathers. They're not less warm than down jackets.
 
#83
As a Richard Kadrey novel character says, "I'm the Joseph Stalin of laundry."
Why subject fancy clothes to my everyday chaos?

Designer bags--I can set down, lock into cars, or put inside canvas totes.
They're pretty hardy & tolerate a lot. Though, not suited to every situation.

Clothes--they're stuck with me, whatever happens.
Best to destroy items allowing comfortable movement. Save delicate stuff for appropriate events.

Plus, I enjoy contrasts of light/dark, white/black, good/bad--same applies to personal style. Keeps life interesting & approachable.
 
#84
I'm not buying designer clothes but I try to buy clothes that are made environmentally sustainable and fair for the workers who sew them. Also I'm always looking at stiches and material. I tend to wear everything until it falls apart, so it is better for me to have a few items that last a while. ☺️
 
#85
I prefer expensive bags....I will purchase high end signature pieces to add to my wardrobe, but I round it out with inexpensive complimentary items. If I pair my outfits with the perfect accessories and bag, I get more bang for my buck!
 
#86
For me it's all about quality, it doesn't really matter if it is designer or cheaper brand, if I turn it over and see that it is poorly made, threads are hanging and seams are wonky, it will stay there. My mom is a seamstress and she trained me well, I always look the inside of the clothing.
 
#87
For me, I do well because I don't make a income to make afford both luxury bag and luxury clothing. I do by stuff from zara so I can wear the knock off of what ever version of clothing they copied, instead of spending the $$$ for the luxury clothing in the first place. :p

But If I made more income, would not skip out on luxury clothing. :graucho:
 
#88
I tend to stay away from things made with animal products. With that being said, I am a bag lover so it's hard to avoid.
I also buy second hand (like I said) so I have used bags and a wool coat in my collection.
I wear a lot of cardigans/sweaters and they're easy to find second hand. I have some I have had for years. My lingerie bag (which is 10+ years old) is my most favorite possession.
I think old navy makes pretty decent quality clothing. I know that not everything from them is amazing quality but things like their coats and jeans are well made.
 
#89
The point of designer bags and clothes is to make you feel awesome and chic and to express yourself, right? So I understand the OP's original question that it's weird to spend a lot on bags but not on clothes, especially since you actually wear the clothes and they don't go on and off like a bag. Clothes and bags and shoes all make up an outfit, so to have a major imbalance in one area like clothes doesn't make sense. But it doesn't take major $$$ to make any part of an outfit look good, it's all in taste and styling!

While I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot on clothes, I do think people need to invest in better basics. Spend money on the classics without all the trends and embellishments - coats, button-downs, shoes, simple dresses, bags. Cheap out on trendy pieces or things you'll only wear once or twice. Spend if you really love it, no matter what it is. I believe a closet should not be purely fast-fashion. Quality basics are necessary for a great wardrobe.
 
#90
Kitties Are Cute said:
The point of designer bags and clothes is to make you feel awesome and chic and to express yourself, right? So I understand the OP's original question that it's weird to spend a lot on bags but not on clothes, especially since you actually wear the clothes and they don't go on and off like a bag. Clothes and bags and shoes all make up an outfit, so to have a major imbalance in one area like clothes doesn't make sense. But it doesn't take major $$$ to make any part of an outfit look good, it's all in taste and styling!

While I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot on clothes, I do think people need to invest in better basics. Spend money on the classics without all the trends and embellishments - coats, button-downs, shoes, simple dresses, bags. Cheap out on trendy pieces or things you'll only wear once or twice. Spend if you really love it, no matter what it is. I believe a closet should not be purely fast-fashion. Quality basics are necessary for a great wardrobe.
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This is the direction I'm going to at this moment. I have found many beautiful designer (Calvin Kkein, Max Mara, etc) basics such as coats, shirts, blazers and jackets at TK Maxx. I also have bought second-hand clothes. No regrets.
 
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