shopping

Shiny, Pretty

by Sally on April 2, 2013 · 24 comments

s

I struggle with cardigans. They’re my most versatile year-round outer layer, and they seem to come in a thousand varieties. Cropped, boyfriend, fitted, drapey, v-neck, crew neck … it’s ENDLESS. And different shapes and styles have different applications and work best with certain underlayers. I always seem to be able to justify buying another one. Especially since they are fabulously thriftable little beasties. I will never stop using my cardigans, and may live in an endless cycle of trying new ones and donating or consigning old ones.

But there are several other wardrobe sectors that feel decidedly complete. There is absolutely no reason for me to ever purchase another mid-weight coat. Spring lasts about 10 seconds here in Minneapolis, and fall is even shorter. The rest of the time it’s either very hot or very cold. Unless a mid-weight coat can double as a topper/blazer, I will use it so seldom as to make its purchase decidedly unnecessary. I feel similarly about sandals. I saw the pair pictured above during one of my many side-trips to the mesmerizing land of Pinterest, and had an immediate, “shiny, pretty” reaction. I mean, look at those. They’re stunning. Chunky heel, unique and interesting design features, vaguely futuristic-looking, sexy but walkable, graphic, cool … these sandals are right up my own personal sandal alley. And two or three years ago, “shiny, pretty” might’ve won out. I might’ve found these sandals so irresistible that I’d have snapped them up before really thinking about it. But today? Today I know that I have many pairs of sandals and that they can only be worn for a fairly short window of time. (Unlike closed shoes, which get year-round wear.) I know that white shoes are the enemy of a klutzy gal such as myself, and that shoes with multiple colors are far harder to style. I know that I adore the distinctive shoes I own, but that the classic, simple, timeless ones are the ones that get worn and worn until they need new soles.

I was a late-comer to fashion. I didn’t give a hoot about it for most of my young life, and when I finally did take an interest I was a gainfully employed adult. It felt fun and exciting to indulge in my, “shiny, pretty” urges and nab items that looked and felt unusual or edgy. I think it was important to my understanding of a functional wardrobe and of my own preferences and needs to work through that phase. And although I cave to the occasional item that is far too shiny and pretty to resist, I’m happy to have moved beyond feeling like every gorgeous goodie I see MUST be mine. Those sandals? I’m happy to admire them from afar.

I see many other late-comers with closets full of shiny, pretty items that feel difficult to style and wear. My guess is that, if you’re a woman who has been indifferent to fashion for much of your life, a new interest in clothing and style can feel intoxicating. Realizing that dressing can be fun makes you gravitate toward fun pieces – garments, shoes, and accessories that are eye-catching and expressive and feel fun to wear. This can create an imbalanced closet full of frosting with no cake to support it. Luckily, this can generally be dealt with by adding some plain, classic basics … and some gentle culling. Shiny, pretty things are important to most wardrobes, but they can’t be the only things in there. And it takes time and trial and error to figure out which plain, classic basics will work for your style and your figure and your life.

Have any of you gone through this cycle yourselves? Maybe earlier or later in life? Ever look in your closet and see nothing but shiny, pretty things that don’t work with each other? How did you cope? What do you do when you see something that pushes your own personal “shiny, pretty” button that you know won’t get used enough to justify purchase?

Image courtesy Shopbop.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

{ 24 comments }

Late-breaking Layering Tip

by Sally on March 15, 2013 · 21 comments

61z2nSAixaL._SL1250_

I moved to Minnesota after spending two years living in San Francisco. That was 13 years ago, and I am STILL re-learning how to layer. Although I did a post very recently that contained my main layering tips, I’ve found myself dishing out this particular piece of advice to readers and clients recently and thought it was worth sharing.

Many layering issues arise from trying to fit sleeves inside of other sleeves. Even if your outer garment is lined in a slippery material – and that’s a big “if” – long-sleeved shirts shoved into long-sleeved blazers, jackets, and sweaters can feel tight and awkward. If it’s cold enough, you might not care. But in my experience, multiple layers over your arms don’t add all that much to your overall body warmth. Warmth generally radiates outward from your core, so keeping your core warm will help keep your whole self warm.

I’ve started using my layering TANKS far more frequently than my layering long-sleeved tees for this very reason. I’ll layer a silk or nylon cami underneath the colorful cotton tank, then do my sweater or jacket over that. My arms are free to move without that “stuffed” feeling. Tanks also tend to have scoop necklines which makes them ideal for funky statement necklaces. However! The tradeoff for warmth, here, is covering my neck. A scarf that covers any exposed neckline and neck will do far more to conserve my body heat that doubling up on sleeves, so on truly cold days I skip necklaces in favor of scarves.

Does this fly in the face of my recent comment about needing my arms covered in order to be truly warm? Well, yes. Kinda. I’ve found that I need my arms covered from shoulder to wrist to keep comfortably warm, but also found that wedging two long-sleeved layers onto my arms is often more uncomfortable than it is warm. One long-sleeved layer over a tank with an added scarf keeps me both cozy and comfortable.

Thoughts? Does the mere idea of wearing a tank top as a winter base layer make you shiver? Or do you find that layered sleeves are more of a hassle than they’re worth? Does covering your neck keep you as cozy as it does me?

Image is of Bella Ladies’ 1×1 Rib Tank Top – of which I own many.

{ 21 comments }

Thrifting for Trends: Spring/Summer 2013 Edition

by Sally on February 28, 2013 · 6 comments

thrifting for trends spring 2013

Yeah. Still feels a lot like winter around these parts. But if you’ve walked into a mall or clicked onto a clothing vendor website recently, you may have noticed that it’s practically Labor Day in Retail Land. And besides, if you’re gonna shop for a season, better to do so in advance, am I right? OK, enough caveats.

It’s time, once again, to examine the hot “new” trends for the season, and remind ourselves that fashion recycles EVERYTHING! Here are just a few of the garments, colors, and styles that are trending for spring and summer that you can easily track down at your local thrift and consignment shops:

Orange / Emerald Green

Orange is a tricky color for many complexions, but a great way to inject some energy into your outfits. This season, red-heavy “flame” oranges are the most popular, but lighter, brighter shades can work just as well. If this shade makes you look poorly, opt for pants, a skirt, shoes, or a handbag. Emerald green is easier to wear for many skin tones, and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of other colors. As is the case with all color trends, these ones will be among the easiest to thrift!

Bermuda Shorts

After what seems like decades of micro mini shorts, I’m tickled to hear that longer lengths will be trending in the coming season. Again, this trend will feel tough to wear for some women. For some tips on making the length and style work, see these posts on selecting stylish shorts, creative ways to wear shorts, and how shoes and shorts interact. And check the thrift racks which have always been a great source for shorts of all lengths.

Stripes

As a confirmed lover of stripes, I am beyond caring if they’re on-trend or not. And any visit to a thrift store will show you that stripes have been popular for ages and can be nabbed for pennies. Stripes feel off-putting to some, but there are work-arounds. Try a striped skirt or scarf if a dress or tee doesn’t feel right. And, of course, remember no one gets to tell you what you can and can’t wear. If you love stripes, wear ‘em. Period.

Leather

Yeah, this one is a bit odd. I mean, sure, leather shoes for spring and summer, but leather skirts? Again, I adore leather, so I’ll likely roll with this one. Most of the leather clothing I’ve seen in thrift stores is black, which can be balanced with white, patterns, and cool brights for warm weather. Black leather pencil skirts, black leather pants, and leather jackets in a variety of hues are generally available in most secondhand and consignment shops. Some colorful pieces turn up occasionally, so try your luck!

Sheers

Yet ANOTHER tricky trend! Especially if you work in a traditional office environment. But if you’re keen to try a few sheer fabrics for weekend or evening looks, or can find creative ways to layer them over opaques for work, do check the thrift racks. Tricky trends are often the easiest to thrift because generations before you found them tricky, too, gave up, and donated. Look for blouses especially in sheers and sheer patterns.

What trendy items will YOU thrift for this season?

Images courtesy Style.com (Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone)

{ 6 comments }

More Thoughts on Shopping Your Dominant Season

by Sally on February 26, 2013 · 39 comments

shopping your dominant season

While I’ve likely got at least another two months of cold temps here in Minneapolis, the stores and catalogs would like me to know that SPRING IS SPRUNG! Oh, is it ever. In fact, it’s been spring in Retail Land since January 2, by my count. And while I’ve been happy to scoop up a few winter clearance items while the shops celebrate the coming warmth, I must constantly remind myself that it is beyond pointless to buy more sandals. That darling summer dresses crafted from single-layer cotton voile are a bit of a waste. That I really only need one pair of good shorts. I live in Minnesota, it is flippin’ cold here for most of the year, and I need to avoid shopping for non-dominant seasons.

Those of us who live in climates with defined seasons – especially climates with one temperature range that dominates the weather – are best served to focus on items that will work well during that season. Anyone living in New Orleans will likely concur that one or two heavyweight coats will serve. Most folks living in Juneau are well aware that strapless sundresses will get very little use. And even those of you in less extreme climates are sure to know which seasons rule your world, and therefore, which seasonal garments will have the broadest applications.

Here are a few questions I ask myself when pondering a non-dominant season purchase:

Can it be layered? Solid colored tank tops might seem summery, but they get year-round use as base layers. Lightweight silky skirts appear suited to hot weather, but layered beneath a heavy wool dress, they add warmth. Layering pieces are four-season pieces for me.

Is the fabric appropriate to multiple seasons? A solid colored LINEN tank top? Not quite as versatile for layering. And, on the other end of the spectrum, a strapless velvet minidress? Not even sure how that would be deployed. My favorite seasonless fabrics are cotton twill and cotton knit, and nearly any garment made from either works year-round.

Can it multitask? Lightweight and mid-weight coats are a weakness of mine, especially when it comes to thrifting. And I used to haul around some serious guilt about this until I realized that my thrifted gray leather moto could serve as a blazer stand-in during the winter and my oversized anorak could double as a duster. Some items that seem to suit non-dominant seasons can be tweaked … although this is a slippery slope that can lead to purchase justification. Proceed with caution.

How many do I already have? Sleeveless dresses are nearly always on my thrift list because they can be layered in 97 different ways and worn no matter the temperature. But my eye frequently wanders to the floaty, airy sundresses. Especially this time of year. And friends, I have more sundresses than I could ever possibly wear. So the eye wanders, but the wallet remains zipped.

Will it work for all three non-dominant seasons? In Minnesota, spring and fall can be pretty cold and wet. So items like open sandals, shorts, and super light strappy dresses are really only helpful in true summer. But three-quarter-sleeve sweaters? Lightweight pants and jeans? Cotton scarves? Considering indoor temperature controls, these will work in spring, summer, and fall.

What’s your dominant season, if you have one? Do you have trouble with shopping outside the lines? Does layering help make non-dominant garments more versatile? What are your criteria for buying items that have seasonally-limited use?

Image courtesy Trippen. I have wanted these for five years, but am yet to justify ‘em.

{ 39 comments }

Reader Request: Tights That Don’t Pinch

by Sally on February 15, 2013 · 63 comments

tights that don't pinch

Reader H e-mailed me this request:

I’m writing to you today because I am FED UP with a fashion problem that has been plaguing me for years: tights. Pantyhose are The Devil, but I love skirts and I love wearing them in the winter, so tights are a necessity. I know that you’ve already covered your own struggles with the dreaded segmented worm syndrome, and the ways you’ve worked around it, but I still haven’t found a solution that works for me.

I’m 5’6″ and don’t have much waist definition. I usually take a 12 in pants and almost always opt for low rise styles since it’s easier to fit my hips than my [non]waist. I’m also extremely sensitive about anything being too tight around my mid-section. I have never found a pair of “regular” tights that don’t cut me in half. Painfully. I have on multiple occasions, examined size charts for specific brands/styles and bought one pair in the size that I “should” wear according to my height and weight, and one pair in the size recommended for a woman of the same height who is 50 to 100 pounds heavier than I am. I swear to God that the waistband is always exactly the same! Even across brands! It’s so baffling; why does every pair of tights in the world have that same evil strangulation waist? I’ve been 35 pounds thinner than I am now and even then I couldn’t find tights that didn’t make me insane.

Here are some solutions I have tried:

  1. Size up by at least 50 pounds (height held constant) – Waistband doesn’t get any bigger
  2. Go to plus size retailers and buy from the lower end of their size range – Same damn waistband!
  3. Try to buy “low rise” tights – Very hard to find. The last ones I did made me a segmented worm at my waist instead of my hips; it was a muffintop of epic proportions!
  4. Go to fancy department stores and ask the hosiery ladies if the know any brands with generous waists – They don’t. Also they apparently think I am crazy.
  5. Try thigh highs (with and without garter belt) – Realize that they are useless outside of bedroom dress-up.
  6. Cut slits in waistband – Spend all day trying to keep tights up.
  7. Try to buy high waist tights that aren’t control top [I hate control top and shape wear on principle] – Can’t seem to find any.
  8. Buy high waist tights that are control top but size up so that I’m not being strangled. This has been the closest to successful but still kind of sucks. I bought a pair by Assets and a pair by Hanes (both from Target). They were so much better than being strangled in the waist, but I basically had to get naked every time I needed to pee. (I was wearing a form-fitting dress and had to tuck the tights into my bra to keep them up.) In my two tests, the cheap Hanes were actually a lot better than the Assets.

I would greatly appreciate any advice that you can give. There must be someone out there who sizes tights according to waist measurement, right? I can’t be completely crazy in thinking that that would be a good idea, can I?

H tried just about every trick in my arsenal and a few I hadn’t thought of! For many of you, trying one or two of her eight techniques might alleviate pinching, bunching, and Segmented Worm Syndrome. But here are a few other possible suggestions:

  • Commando brand tights: Expensive, but designed to not-dig. These feature a tall, flat raw-cut waistband that is mean to sit flat above your natural waist. I’ve got a pair and love them. Though the waist will occasionally roll a bit, it’s far comfier than most elasticized bands.
  • Tall tights: This could totally backfire since they’ve got additional leg length, but they’ll also have a higher rise minus the shapewear aspect.
  • Maternity tights: Could also be disastrous as there might be bagging around your midsection, but they probably won’t be as constricting as standard tights
  • Express tights: These are fast becoming my faves. They’re still a little squeezy, but NOTHING like most brands.

As you’ve probably gleaned, I’ve only sampled two of these four myself so I can’t guarantee results. But even if I had tried all four, it’d be relatively meaningless since all bodies and comfort levels are different. So consider these possible solutions, and do a bit of experimenting on your own.

Also see

Do virtually all tights squeeze your midsection, no matter the size or brand? Have you tried either brand mentioned here? Think tall or maternity tights might help? Do tell!

Image via Madame Noir.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

{ 63 comments }

An Introduction to CAbi

by Sally on February 1, 2013 · 34 comments

introduction to cabi

Several weeks ago, I was invited to attend Sccop, a twice-yearly event held by a clothing brand called CAbi. CAbi stands for Carol Anderson by Invitation, and you may not have heard of it because it’s not sold in stores. Carol Anderson used to design for Nordstrom, but more than a decade ago she decided to take her clothing line out of the retail environment and create a company that sells the CAbi line exclusively through consultants via in-home parties. Many of my former office coworkers and current friends and colleagues are HUGE CAbi fans and gush endlessly about the designs, so I was curious to learn more. But I’ll level with ya: I haven’t attended a CAbi party. In fact, the very idea of going to a friend’s house and get cajoled or guilted into buying something I didn’t want or need made me want to run for the hills. But if you read on, you’ll see why I’m warming to the notion.

CAbi_spring2013

I attended the fashion show that launched the CAbi Spring 2013 line, and it was a high-energy, high-production event with 3,000 CAbi reps in enthusiastic attendance. The photos in this post all show looks from the spring line, which were brought down the runway by a happy, dancing group of models. I’m pretty focused on classics and basics myself right now, and many of the garments were more on the fun and distinctive side, so while I appreciated the looks there weren’t too many that leaped out at me. I was also invited to peruse garments from past seasons and select a few for myself. Again, I didn’t find armloads of stuff to take home … but the pieces I did nab were extremely well made, fit beautifully, and felt great. (You’ll see them soon in outfit posts!)

CAbi clothes come in tall sizes and the line includes US sizes 0 -16 for most pieces. Most tops are in the $50 – $80 range, with sweaters, jackets, and bottoms between $80 and $115. Based on the runway show, photos I’ve seen, catalog images, and conversations with customers and consultants, it does seem that these clothes work on a relatively wide range of figure types. The clothes will hang differently on a woman with prominent hips than a woman with no hips, but they’ll work on both.

In terms of the sales side, anecdotal evidence suggests that the majority of CAbi consultants do not support their families on sales. It’s typically a side job, additional income for a dedicated purpose (college fund, retirement), or a fun and profitable activity for post-retirement years.

cabi_spring_2013

All of the consultants in attendance, all of the CAbi employees I’ve spoken with, and all of the customers I’ve ever met express a deep and abiding loyalty to this brand. Since my own experience is limited, I asked a few women to talk a little about their experiences with CAbi. First, I checked in with Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen who wears CAbi clothes fairly frequently in her own (fabulous) outfit posts. I hit her with the tough questions first: Did she find the sales system of in-home parties to be awkward? Did she feel pressured to purchase? If she doesn’t feel that pressure now, did she the first time she attended an event?

“I’ll be honest, my friend started selling CAbi, so I first saw the line in her dining room,” she said. “It was just me, her, my sister and a full length mirror and I just played with the clothes and she knew I wouldn’t buy anything. My first CAbi party was one I hosted. I think there were a dozen women, only about four of them made purchases. I had been to many other at-home parties where I felt major pressure to buy, but with the CAbi one, the way it was set up, you didn’t even realize if someone bought or not. There’s the spiel, then you’re encouraged to touch and try on the clothes and everyone splits up, sales happen but it’s not super obvious. I would feel pretty comfortable attending one even if I knew before I arrived that I wouldn’t purchase.”

I asked my friend Ann – an executive coach at Target corporate – the same question.

“I don’t go to any parties where I don’t intend to purchase something. I’ll turn down candle parties, food product parties, intimates, and more. Everything but CAbi and jewelry. Because of this, I don’t ever feel pressured to purchase and I appreciate the honest opinion from friends to keep me from buying something that doesn’t look good.”

When asked what appealed to her about CAbi clothing, Alison responded, “I like that there’s major thought put into each piece. How it will drape on a woman’s figure, how to make it versatile, how to launder it. A lot of the pieces I think look far better on than on the hanger or even their model because the pieces are made with such thought to multiple women’s bodies, lifestyles, and sartorial needs. I also like that they incorporate current trends but not so strongly that the pieces can’t be worn a couple years from now; a good blend of current and classic.”

Ann said, “I love the trend-right fit and fabrics that are so easy to mix and match. I work in downtown Minneapolis and while many of my peers wear business suits, I like CAbi’s professional style because it isn’t too formal.”

cabi_spring_2013_runway

I also checked in with Twin Cities CAbi consultant Lisa Weber, and asked her why she decided to move from a CAbi shopper to a CAbi consultant. She said, “I have worked a corporate job for over 20 years, following the rules of others and letting them define my success. I wanted to know what it was like to make my own rules and define my own success while doing something I really enjoyed. All of the money I make doing CAbi goes towards my kids college education fund and has allowed me make significant progress.”  Lisa also works a full-time, nine-to-five job.

When asked how she responds to folks who feel that the CAbi price points are a bit high, she said, “That is probably my biggest challenge from those who are not familiar with CAbi. The reality is that your CAbi clothes will pay you back ten-fold from a price-per-wear standpoint. You will find yourself reaching for your CAbi pieces all the time. You’ll look and FEEL great in your pieces, and eventually build a wardrobe that makes it so easy to put amazing outfits together.”

My overall impression is that the two features of CAbi clothing that appeal to fans are quality and quirk. The pieces are sturdy, well-made, and hold up to wear and tear. There are some basics, but many of the designs are eye-catching and unusual, utilizing vibrant prints and soft embellishments. These clothes appeal to women who are bored with mall offerings and looking for interesting pieces with personality. I’ve also heard CAbi devotees say that they adore the interchangeability of the garments. “Garanimals for grown-ups” is a phrase that’s come up at least three times from three different women.

cabi_spring_2013_confetti

But what really struck me about attending Scoop? The women there were SO HAPPY. They love these clothes, they love the designers and models and corporate leadership, they love the community of CAbi consultants and customers, and they love spreading the word about this line. It was a real joy to see. I believe that personal style should be fun and make you feel confident and capable, and I think CAbi helps women enjoy dressing. Some are rekindling an old love, some are delighted to have finally found a brand that resonates with them, but all feel invigorated, excited, and confident. This is a brand that works to empower its sales staff and help its customers look and feel their best. I can definitely dig that.

I plan to bite the bullet and attend a party this season. Still a bit hesitant, but curiosity is getting the better of me! Since so many smart, confident, stylish women are dedicated to this brand, I feel it’s worth exploring.

More reading and background on CAbi:

Are any of you CAbi fans? Do you sell the line, host parties, or shop? What do you like about it? What would you say to women who are hesitant about attending a party? If you’ve never seen CAbi clothes or attended an event, would you be interested in investigating further?

All images courtesy Rob Terry/CAbi LLC, except confetti shot by me.

{ 34 comments }

This Week I Love …

by Sally on January 11, 2013 · 19 comments

… military jackets. Or anoraks. Or army coats. Field jackets. Utility jackets. Ya know, olive green, masculine details, incredibly versatile? My own is my thrifted MVP:

 Plus:

Already Pretty outfit featuring military jacket, polka dot dress, neon ballet flats

Already Pretty outfit featuring military jacket, white maxi dress, tan Diesel Go-go boots, spike necklace

Already Pretty outfit featuring military jacket, pearl and rhinestone necklace, tulle skirt, Tsubo Dufay, Foley + Corinna Jet Set

plaid_outfit

And many more.

And I find that just about every style consult client I work with – both in-person and online – ends up with a military jacket in her post-consult wardrobe picks. It’s a piece that can work in casual and arty offices, but works best for fun, weekend wear. It’s a fantastic piece to throw into a floofy, princess-y outfit to create contrast. It’s a piece that can be bought for $1,000 at the designer level or thrifted for $1. It’s a piece that can sub for a blazer or jean jacket if neither suits you. And it’s an entire family of garments, so there’s a style that works for just about every body, budget, and personal style.

Here are a few styles you can nab right now:

ht

Horny Toad Ghostwriter Jacket – $93.65 – $134.95

This style features a longer length, but also includes an internal drawstring for waist definition. Fleece-lined welt handwarmer pockets mean this is a great bet for colder weather, though it probably can’t stand in for a winter coat!

eb

Eddie Bauer Stine® Four-Pocket Field Jacket – $69.99

This classic jacket is sold out in regular sizes, but available in this dark olive, red, winter white, and gray in sizes 1X- 3X! It’s made from ripstop cotton and garment-washed for a soft, vintage look. Also features reinforced diamond-quilt elbow patches (a detail that I totally love) and adjustable back buckle for custom fit.

25445776_031_b

Ecote Oversized Surplus Jacket – $89

Ya know me, so I’ll always go for fitted styles myself. But oversized is trendy and fun, and suits many figures. This style will look fab with skinny jeans and boots. And maybe a big ol’ scarf.

cn5868816

Free People Military Jacket – $128

Distressed details and a cropped fit set this jacket apart. I love the collarless design, too. This will look fabulous in casual mixes, but will also create great contrast with ladylike dresses and skirts.

cn5951866

Banana Republic Cotton Utility Jacket – $175

Spendy, yes, but this jacket includes a detachable inner quilted vest, making it two for one. Wear the vest alone, zipped into the jacket, or wear the lightweight shell on its own. Also included this option because it’s available in petite and tall sizes.

cn5779181

Hive & Honey Military Anorak – $79

Another simple, longer option but at a slightly lower price point than the Horny Toad version. This style also features an internal drawcord, and I adore the studded detail at the chest pockets.

I’ve also found lots and lots of military jackets in my local thrift stores, so for TRULY low prices check there. Look among both blazers and coats. And, of course, you can try actual military surplus outlets! But depending on your figure and flattery preferences, styles that are more fashion-y and less authentic may fit better.

Do you own a military jacket? Like the style? How do you style and wear yours?

{ 19 comments }

Wardrobe Items That Don’t Merit Splurging

by Sally on January 7, 2013 · 77 comments

“Splurge” is relative. It means $5K to some people, $5 to others. And the wardrobe items that are worth investment will vary wildly from person to person. A lawyer may want to invest in suits, a stay-at-home mom may want to invest in washable tops, an athlete may want to invest in workout gear. So, ya know, grain of salt. And bear in mind that I’m gonna give you my OWN list of items that don’t merit splurge-level spending as a launch pad. The real conversation will be in the comments!

That said, here are items upon which I prefer to scrimp:

White tees

I am HARD on my white tees. They get stained, grimy, and dull after a single year of wear and believe me, I have tried all of the whitening techniques and products under the sun. Mine must be a stainy, grimy, dull life is all. So I’ll never pony up for an $80 Vince tee, no matter how gorgeous and flowy it might appear. Simple, cheap, and easy to find are my three criteria. (And, for the record, the expired white tees generally get overdyed!)

Jewelry

I can hear the steam flowing forth from WendyB‘s ears. And I realize that jewelry is a mega-big deal to many people, and totally splurge-worthy. But I get just as much joy from jewelry I’ve made or repurposed myself, nabbed for pennies at the antique store, or bought from a small artisan at an art fair or via Etsy. I adore the fine and investment pieces I do have, but am such a magpie that I’m just as happy with glittery rhinestones as I am with diamonds. If it sparkles, I like it.

Ballet flats

This is the weirdest one on my list, I think. Especially since I feel fairly comfortable ponying up for just about every other style of footwear. But the mere idea of spending more than about $50 on a pair of ballet flats irks me. And the only reason I can muster is that they’re so incredibly simple in design and generally require so little in the way of clever construction, that I can’t fathom spending big on them. I have crap flats and I have supportive flats, and the supportive ones are spendier. But none have topped the $50 mark. (OK, one pair would’ve but I got ‘em on eBay for a song!) If I’m going to splurge on shoes they need to be sturdy, complex, utterly gorgeous, or impossibly comfortable. No ballet flat has ever qualified.

And in the realm of items that I never thought would be worth splurging upon but have changed my tune, we have tights (the $40 and $50 ones feel, wash, and wear a billion times better than the $8 ones), handbags (mostly because I never thought I’d give a hoot about them at all), and makeup (I don’t buy much, but I buy quality).

Which wardrobe items will you NEVER allow yourself to splurge upon? Anything overlapping with my list? What’s your reasoning? Got anything that you swore you’d always scrimp upon, but now spend big?

Image courtesy Target.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

{ 77 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →