What is the time frame in which a coveted, stalked item loses its value? Why do we look down our noses at these same items once they have been marked way down in price? As captivating as the new rollouts are, I also like to enjoy the pieces I already own.
I peruse the racks eagerly looking for that elusive great
deal on a real keeper. Timeless,
classic, comfortable, not too trendy, and preferably in a go with everything neutral.
But why do I always get up in the morning, stare at
a closet full of clothes and try to formulate an outfit based on my
newest fancy? Why buy timeless if after a while they seem staid and tired?
I don’t have the mindset nor the wallet for
all new, so I am trying to be more loyal to my former "I can't live without "purchases. Those white Cafe Capri's made me so happy a few months ago.
This summer, I bought some fun final sale items that were out of my (embarrassingly neutral) color comfort
zone and I am really enjoying the lift they give to my wardrobe of old and newer pieces. They add spark, and were not very costly. They are perfect for the weather now!
What about you?
Do you cherish your well worn pieces or always cast a fickle eye to the next
and best?
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| Tory Burch Romy 2011 |
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| J Crew Zafrina Skirt 2010 |
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| J Crew Estella 2010 |
I have worn these 3 pieces so many times that they are probably in every family photo :) . I would buy them again today if I could.
Wouldn't it be great if every purchase got so much use!
Which pieces do you feel have stood your test of time?
I am fickle so I loved this post. I am getting better at buying what will last instead of indulging my latest fancy, but it has taken time!
ReplyDeleteI tend to buy fancy things but wear simple items, I must remember this. Comfortable shoes always stand the test of time for me as do tried and true shapes like pencil skirts and good Brora sweaters.
Every time I could, I wore those Tory Burch shoes. I finally figured out it was because of the leather lining. I now really look for that in any new shoes. I may have to make this the year I convert to Brora, but I have to say, I prefer the weight of a fine merino knit to a cashmere, although I have both. I am fickle too!
DeleteIf you ask a man what's his favorite piece to wear- he'd point to an old ratty sweater he had since college. If you ask a woman the same question - she'll pull out the latest addition out of her wardrobe. Enough said!:))))
ReplyDeleteMy DH doesn't even have a favorite. He would never get attached to any item of clothing!
DeleteOh you know, I am only buying boring but wearable clothes from now till December and I will not be swayed by pretties - it's an idiocy that exists in me. So a basic navy Brora jumper - that's what I'm saving for, or one from Johnson's of Elgin - they supply the cashmere to Brora but are less fashiony so less expensive.
ReplyDeleteWearable is the key word. My key item to find this summer was a nice sleeveless navy blouse, to wear with some skirts that I couldn't find anything to match. I just found one on clearance, so my perseverance paid off. although, I am sure I would have found something glittery vastly more amusing!
DeleteI often find myself in a frenzy of the newest. One day I realized that I don't dry clean, I just buy new. This terrified me though, it seemed such a waste. I am trying to remember about the things that I was so happy to buy only couple of months ago, as you say. Cannot say I am very succesful, but I want to be there... I find that when I buy less I enjoy my clothes more.
ReplyDeleteWe are also so spoiled living by so many malls. Fortunately for me, the newest fashion is often so far ahead of the weather, that I love to look, but don't feel compelled to buy right away.
ReplyDeleteNew to your blog (thru JCA); what a though-provoking post!
ReplyDeleteYou posed a good question for me to use as I evaluate my purchases after the newness has worn off (6 months to a year later): Would I buy this item again if it were offered? If yes, then it was worth the money. If no, then perhaps I just succumbed to the novelty of the item/idea/consumerism/JCrewlade.
Thank you for visiting! I think it is important to savor what we own- there was a reason we bought it in the first place!
DeleteI REALLY loved my J.Crew cardigan I purchased two years ago. It was the Pointelle Twilight-stripe V-neck cardigan. It was a soft mauvish beige, the perfect neutral, and I wore it with EVERYTHING. It was probably my favorite piece of clothing I owned, and then the worst thing happened. My mom picked it up and didn't think before throwing it in the washer and dryer. I was heartbroken when I found it shrunk horribly. I can still manage to wear it, but it is very tight and doesn't wear the same way. It doesn't even feel the same to wear it anymore. I am still sad about what happened. A little pathetic of a story, but I definitely wish I could buy that cardigan again.
ReplyDeleteIKWYM, I recently discovered a toothpaste bleach stain on my favorite wear with all black sleeveless shell. You might want to try soaking your sweater for a little while (at least 15 minutes)in lukewarm water with a minute drop of hair conditioner. Rinse in lukewarn water. Then, roll the sweater in a towel to remove excess moisture. Lay it out on a towel to dry, and try to stretch it (incredibly gently!) so that is closer to your desired measurements. I don't know what the fabrication was on that sweater, and pointelle is exceedingly delicate, but it might give you some more give.
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