"Don't buy clothes, save your money for jewelry"

[darkangel07760]

This advice was given to me by the most elegant, polished woman I know. She's 52 and married to a hedge fund manager so I realize our lifestyles are somewhat different (understatement of the year). But she said that the biggest lesson she'd like to pass on is that when she was a working young woman, she should have saved her money for jewelry. She advises just a few very basic pieces worn over and over again, and putting the money you otherwise would have spent on clothes into her jewelry.

Does anyone follow this philosophy? Just curious.

Haha yes I totally agree with this!

 

[missty4]

I'm not a jewelry person. Not big on gems, gold/platinum and bling and doesn't fit my personality (nor can I imagine 20-30 years down the road). I can understand the return you would receive from a longer, lasting item vs. clothing that goes through usual wear and tear (besides the ever fast-paced evolving trends, which I tend to stick with timeless items anyhow). My statement pieces go towards purses and boots. I admire eclectic creativity, which brings to my only ring from bijules:

if my ears were pierced...

''

and my only necklace...


http://www.digbyandiona.com/store/show/SON

 

[Secret823]

Well Said!!!

I just finished reading the Chanel purse forum and saw that there will be another price increase for the Jumbo (4k) and then I read that people would rather buy Hermes if prices keep going up, and so I went to the Hermes forum and read that current Birkin 30s are 8k, close to 9k pre-tax. For that price, I can get a nice watch (Cartier Balloon Bleu in SS & 18kt gold comes to mind) or I can even get a gemstone legacy from Tiffany (like the beautiful aquamarine) for less that amount. I love purses, almost as much as I love jewelry, but I can't justify spending that much for one!

I wrote in another thread that quality jewelry can and will stand the test of time - just look at the pyramids of Egypt. The bodies and clothes have rotted away hundreds of years ago, and yet what remains are gold pieces and jewelry. They are still stunning and look like "new" showcased in museums. Purses are a wonderful accessory, but they are an organic material that can deteriorate, unlike metals (which probably erodes after time as well but at a significantly slower rate.)

 

[kohl_mascara]

Thank you Secret823! I wrote that very late at night and I was afraid that I wasn't making too much sense haha. Everyone is unique and will emphasize all or only a part of their wardrobe. I find myself placing importance on different things at different times of my life. To each her own!

 

[Mrs. Awesome]

My mom tells me the same thing and I totally agree. Jewelry lasts forever. That's why I've recently started to cut back on designer shoes, handbags, clothes. I just impulse buy and hardly ever use any of it. I think I want to start buying more jewelry.

 

[pinay28]

Clothes won't fit if you lose or gain weight; jewelry (and, bags) will fit you no matter what happens to your body, IMHO.

You can say that again and again and again!

Especially now that I am 6 months preggy!

Reading all these posts made me realize what I really want: High quality pieces that I can treasure for a lifetime and pass on to my children. Pieces that stand the test of time and aren't so driven by fads.

'Diamonds are forever'

My personal philosophy is that if everything is bought with possible future reselling in mind, what's the point? Buy what you love and at least enjoy using it and wearing it. And make sure you invest your money well otherwise!

I agree! It wouldn't be fun carrying the bag (or, whatever expensive stuff) around if we'll always think of reselling it.

 

[guccissima]

I only wear three things every day.....my e-ring, my studs, and my eternity bangle. All my clothes and other jewelry are stashed in a corner and I don't pay much attention to looking at them or wearing them. The jewelry I treasure all come from my hubbie (3 above)! Everything else are rash decision from impulsive buys.

 

[Belle de Jour]

missty4, i love your style!

 

[Mitzy]

This is pretty much my philosophy. Jewelry, quality shoes and purses, but a limited amount of each and basic clothing, but quality as I can afford.
We have just been through a difficult time with my husband not working due to immigrating to the US (I am a citizen, he is not, he's Australian, and it took FAR longer than we expected for him to get permission to work). I have been able to sell choice pieces of jewelry and handbags. I don't think I would have done as well selling my clothing!
Just saying....

 

[surfergirljen]

This advice was given to me by the most elegant, polished woman I know. She's 52 and married to a hedge fund manager so I realize our lifestyles are somewhat different (understatement of the year). But she said that the biggest lesson she'd like to pass on is that when she was a working young woman, she should have saved her money for jewelry. She advises just a few very basic pieces worn over and over again, and putting the money you otherwise would have spent on clothes into her jewelry.

Does anyone follow this philosophy? Just curious.

Honestly not until 2 years ago but I'm definitely starting to see the light! (see my Cartier Shopping Diet post from today!) I think it's good advice... I have SO many clothes and not a lot I'd ever pass down to my girls, but it makes me smile to think of them sharing my jewelry, remembering me wearing it and keeping a piece of me with them... not to mention that it has real value! Good post!!!

 

[frick&frack]

This advice was given to me by the most elegant, polished woman I know. She's 52 and married to a hedge fund manager so I realize our lifestyles are somewhat different (understatement of the year). But she said that the biggest lesson she'd like to pass on is that when she was a working young woman, she should have saved her money for jewelry. She advises just a few very basic pieces worn over and over again, and putting the money you otherwise would have spent on clothes into her jewelry.

Does anyone follow this philosophy? Just curious.

I was raised to follow this principle. now I have a jewelry collection that I love & t-shirts from old navy that I don't hesitate to throw into the dryer!

 

[aarti]

i just reread my message and it was very convoluted, i apologize I was very tired and am on pain meds! basically a good overall balance is best i feel! have a couple of nice clothes and a couple of bags and stick with classic jewelry

 

[liuyinn]

Absolutely! I always get my clothes in youth department for like $9.99 to $16.99 (before I had DS#3 and DS#4 I used to dress in kid's departments!! No joke!)
I can spend a bit more for nice comfortabler shoes, but never go above $100.
Like everyone else said - jewelry does not go out of style, or gets worn LOL

 

[Ratnapur]

Works for me! I hate buying clothing, but love buying jewelry. Actually, I prefer to wear very simple clothing as a backdrop for my unusual jewelry pieces.

Perhaps she also suggested putting money into good jewelry for investment/security reasons. You usually can re-sell or pawn your jewelry (or even sell it for scrap). I buy my items with this in mind; and honestly, with the economy the way it is now, I've been buying more gold and silver items when I can find them rather cheaply--even if I have no immediates plans to wear them. I've kept my normal investments, but am doing more of "jewely investing" and precious metals investing lately.

 

[Laneige]

i normally do this and i do not spend money on Faux jewellery that is at the price of real jewellery. ie faux pearls at few hundred n more. i think its a joke

but i will consider spending 7k n more on diamonds ring. i dont believe or still cannot accept spending so much on a 'stone'. Maybe 5k is my limit but anything beyond is too much for me

for bags n watches, i will tend to spend more on watches than bags. shoes, no more than $70 if possible. lol

for watches, i will go for 'watch' brands like Omega, Rolex, Hublot than Cartier, Chanel if u get what I mean.