Still Willing To Spend The Money?
I, like almost everyone else, have found myself tightening the money belt these days as the economic times get more uncertain. I am not spending as much as I have in past months and find that when I do, it is after much thought and weighing of the thought, “Do I REALLY need this?” Such a hard task for an admitted “shopping addict” like myself.
Still, I have found there are things I am willing to spend more money on. For me it is shoes and handbags though I am a lot more careful in choosing styles that will last more than one season.
Shoes like these by Report Signature:
Which are very “of the moment” but can be potentially worn for more than one season.
Or handbags like this one by Fendi:
A bag that can easily be used year after year until it wears out due to it’s classic style.
I am going for the more expensive shoes and handbags despite the economy situation because they are items of clothing that get a lot of wear and it is better to have quality bags and shoes that will hold up to this wear. It’s much better than constantly having to replace shoes that fall apart after a few wears or handbags that just don’t last because the shoulder strap broke on the third use. At least that is how I think on the subject.
How about all you fashionistas? What do you still spend more money on when it comes to fashion in these economically shaky times? What do you find worth the money spent when adding to your wardrobe?
13 Comments
I agree, I am much more aware of buying “quality not quantity” at the moment, so whilst I may be shopping less(and I definitely am) I am buying more expensive high-end items, particularly shoes, underwear and definitely on basics…wardrobe staples that I wear all the time and that will not date. “Less is More” and “Key Quality Pieces” are my new mantras. An example: 1 brand new black one-button blazer that I spent a fortune on, will pretty much be my only jacket this winter and I can wear it with jeans, leggings, pencil skirts, high waisted or man style pants, prints or plains….I can dress it up or down. I am inventing a more classic, timeless and effortless wardobe which I love! Maybe the whole world can only benefit from a collective “Less is More” attitude??
I had to think hard before I bought my firts Dooney & Burke $200 handbag. I can’t believe Brie is still condsidering the Fendi purchase. It is over $1,000!
I will not skimp on bras or on jackets, because both are so important to have good shape and quality! I have never really spent several hundreds on shoes or handbags, for me shoes on piperlime and coach bags are like my staples and that hasn’t changed much, just the quantity has changed! I also noticed that I have more “guilt-ridden” purchases than ever before, where I regret having bought a pair of shoes, or a dress because I really don’t “need” it.
I’ve stopped buying branded bags since last year. I’m still travelling for holidays but I’ve to change my destiination from Turkey to Perth, Australia this May. Times are bad but my yearly holidays still stay especially when you come from Singapore, a small country surrounded by concrete jungle. I am now just buying simple T-shirts & basic stuffs. I’m trying to wear whatever I have & mix & match.
Beautyfull this shoes and the handbag as well
grtz Marianne
I completely agree with girlillogical! Quality over quanitiy any day! What is the point of buying something for ten bucks that will fall apart in a month! (unless just for one time wear) Instead of buying something for $30 that could last for many seasons!!!??? I love this ideal idea of one very super versatile classic piece!!! Classics can save you soo much money since they’re so incredibly mixable!!! I completely love it!!! I have been shopping this way for quite some time & found that it gives me many endless options!!! And you can by a couple cute, current styled, funky pieces to add in to mix it up simply!!! Add on a quality bag and shoes(Which,by the way… you can sometimes find @ Goodwill’s, Savers, My Sister’s Closet(24th St. & Camelback area) etc.! I have found Coach!!! Scottsdale or other upscale area thrift stores are prime areas to look! Women get rid of their last season bag & voila! Now it’s yours! For a fraction of the cost! You just had to wait a little longer! And who cares it’s last seasons??!! Many people use their bag for many seasons!!!
And think of the money you will save!!! Vacation ANYONE!!!??? Who really cares!!! 
And…
Mink oil has worked well for me in the past! There are other options too!!! 
Happy Smart Shopping Everybody!!! May God Bless You All! 
You look like a MILLION BUCKS!!! LESS is DEFINITELY MORE!!! P.S.! Coat your leather shoes and bags with a water-proof or resistant coating to make them last longer!
what do i spend on?
of course, i focus more on the classic and comfortable clothes and not special-occasion-only-pieces like buying those current/elliot jeans in various washes that I love so much.
well… with the recession comes thinking before splurging…. I would rather buy shoes than handbags, although, everything seems expensive nowadays….. I am looking forward on buying one pair of shoes that is wearable and adorable… i mean it is of quality more than its economic value… I love shoes, but I would love to spend on dresses too…. like a flowing gown!
Even though the recession has doubled up the risk of shopping, its best to buy a good quality shoes or bag than to buy an expensive stuff that is IN and out tomorrow!
Well, for a long time now I ONLY buy during the sales (monitoring the items I need rather than being tempted by a ‘bargin’) but nevertheless aim for the best quality I can afford. I have items that are over 10 years old but because of the quality they still look good….
I have particularly cut back on handbags recently and have focussed on a few key pieces that have increased the outfit potential of items I already have in my wardrobe – so ‘intelligent-shopping’ is the key for me.
But I always buy top-range underwear as I think these foundation garmets are important….if I can get them on sale so much the better.
Well, for a long time now I ONLY buy during the sales (monitoring the items I need rather than being tempted by a ‘bargin’) but nevertheless aim for the best quality I can afford. I have items that are over 10 years old but because of the quality they still look good….
I have particularly cut back on handbags recently and have focussed on a few key pieces that have increased the outfit potential of items I already have in my wardrobe – so ‘intelligent-shopping’ is the key for me….
but I always buy top-range underwear as I think these foundation garmets are important….if I can get them on sale so much the better.
I was using the Fend bag as an example of big ticket items..not saying I would purchase it myself this moment.
I feel quality is better than quantity in bags and shoes. I see them as two items that should last for a long time so they don’t have to be replaced quickly.
Clothing on the other hand, chages so much form seaosn to season. I would not be spending a lot of money on clothing right now when what is “in” changes so fast and a lot of the clothing items this season are throwbacks to the 80s. They will definitely not be “classic” by any means so not worth the money to me.
Shoes and handbags can have a quality that lasts beyond a season so I am willing to spend more money on them.
I also think foundation garments like bras and panties are important and worth the money. I keep an eye on sales for them but am willing to spend a bit more money because the shape under the clothing is so important and I want underwear that doesn’t fall apart after a few washings.
I have cut back on handbags a bit recently but will still spend more money on shoes sicne they can lasta long time, up to 10 years or more, and I want shoes that won’t fall apart quickly.
As many pointed out…it is all about quality not quantity.
i’ve just stuck with better items and not so many. instead of buying a ton of the same style, I am going for one great piece in a section (like a fabulous Nicole Miller instead of a bunch of Express box dresses).
The great thing about the economy is that you can get Stellas for $200 or Nicole Millers for $75…with these deals, why not cut down the number of items and look fabulous in quality luxury as much as possible?