My Fast-Fashion Diet

Dec 07, 2007 @ 1:37pm

I've recently sworn off fast fashion - ok, so maybe not entirely, but I'm slowly weaning myself off almost daily trips to H&M, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, etc.

I rarely buy nice things because:

1. I don't take very good care of my clothes - for three weeks out of every month my bedroom generally looks like it imploded.

2. I wear something a couple of times and I'm over it. I know - it's a very serious problem.

A good friend of mine rarely shops, and when she does, she buys pieces worth their hefty price tag, like her two major purchases this fall: a classic Philip Lim winter coat and her perfect Costume National boots.

Tim Gunn recently said the number one problem he encounters with the women on his show is "So many clothes in the closet. Lots of clothes." He gives the oft-repeated advice, "Buy less and buy better quality."

I've decided to shop more like my friend and follow Tim's advice, making my purchases slowly and with a lot more thought, investing in pieces that will last a few years, if not forever.

But it's a practice easier said than done. Sometimes I just need a quick fashion fix, like the little brooch I'm craving from Screaming Mimi's that I tell myself doesn't really count as "fast" since it's vintage. I can only imagine the excitement of looking forward to buying one or two amazing pieces, (that I swear I would hang properly in my closet), every six months.

Do you invest in a few great pieces every year? Or do you find yourself picking up loads of clothes that fall into the, "I can spill my drink on it and not care" category?

posted by Laia

Dec 07, 2007 1:57PM

I do this inadvertently but I blame it on my unhealthy diet of fashion magazines and blogs and websites and the rest. I go to H&M and Urban but can rarely bring myself to spend money because it never seems worth it. It's always like "50 dollars for an H&M dress? thats crazy!", so for me to actually buy it, I must be completely in love with it.

It also leaves me tons of money for the end of the season when things go on sale, and since I don't buy a lot of clothes in between I don't feel guilty about "splurging".

And PS. Vintage doesn't count. Especially because the jewelry selection at Screaming Mimi's is always the best (and I've yet to regret pricey accessories I've purchased there in the past year).

posted by mpw

Dec 07, 2007 2:04PM

I usually buy a couple pieces that work well with my existing wardrobe and will last for years, but I still stock up on cheap stuff like tank tops that I can spill my drink on. (And I definitely put leather protectant on the expensive boots just in case any beer gets on them, too.)

posted by olyaiscool

Dec 07, 2007 2:05PM

invest Invest INVEST! a great piece is usually something you constantly get compliments on and feel confident knowing that you're wearing an amazing piece of clothing (quality and design)! when you buy something from urban outfitters or forever 21, its something that is played out, overdone, and cheap looking. although it might look cute, it won't wear well and no one will notice your outfit since they just saw ten girls wearing the same thing. you don't get the confidence of knowing you have something 'nice' but rather you're just covering yourself with a "stylish fix". i don't understand people's need to fill their closets and never have anything "nice" (quality and design) to wear.

posted by MasaSela

Dec 07, 2007 2:07PM

I have been saving up for a pair of louboutins for over a year, it's hard because of paying for food and rent but every paycheck, just a little bit more money goes to my future shoes. I think more women should budget themselves, buy the essentials and save for big ticket items that will make their essentials pop. If you work hard for something, you'll appreciate the items more, and will likely wear them for several seasons to come.

posted by rachael

Dec 07, 2007 2:21PM

I have also been trying to do this. And while lately I have been purchasing much high quality items (with appropriately higher prices), I have not cut back enough on the quantity of purchases I make. Its wonderful on my closet, not so much on my wallet. This is what I find to be the hardest part. When you're used to buying all the time, it is a difficult transition. So its a work in progress. I try to convince myself that I'm building a solid wardrobe right now with necessary classics and investment pieces. Hopefully that will pan out in the future, and I will be able to invest in just a few key pieces each season.

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 2:27PM

So funny that I came across this. Just yesterday I began pondering this... the halt to the "fast fashion" purchases. I live in Manhattan and closet space is such a commodity in my apartment. Furthermore, I frequent Paris and in my reading, I was told that the trick with the French is that they will keep their wardrobe slimlined and spend on the really good pieces. I was thinking that I want to buy the best quality pieces as they tend to last the longest. Whether or not at a sample sale or whatever, these are the things that have classic appeal as opposed to the "disposable" fashion. While shopping for basics such as undies are not an issue, I do plan to set my money aside for my more "significant" purchases. As the other poster mentioned... who wants to be dressed like the next Tom, Dick and Helen?

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 2:37PM

This was one of my New Year's resolutions for 2007 and overall, I think I did an adequate job of choosing quality over quantity. However, it was really difficult and I still ended up with items I regret buying that were the result of impulsive fashion fixes. Next year I'll try even harder!

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 2:40PM

Quality! Quality! Quality! I only buy expensive pieces that will last, and I adore them all. Any time I've bought something trendy, I have regretted it. You're over it so fast, and it's a waste of money. But from a collector's point of view, if it's trendy and expensive, you can store it away for a decade and it's pretty cool to have it later...

posted by Peachbeach

Dec 07, 2007 2:44PM

All well and good, but when spending on those so-called investment pieces you need to make sure you're investing wisely. Just because the shoes cost 800 dollars doesn't necessarily mean you will be able to wear them more that 8 times before they fall apart. I won't name names, but some designers get away with charging big bucks for clothes and shoes that aren't worth a fraction of their hefty price tag. I just bought a pair of Kristen Lee shoes for $300 bucks and they are worth every penny.

posted by Jazzi

Dec 07, 2007 2:51PM

I was JUST talking about this yesterday. I'm all about mixing high and low, but I think I'm going to limit my fast-fashion fixes to a strict number of pieces per month. Sometimes I do find gems at H&M or TopShop (rarely Forever 21), but I mostly use those places for disposable pieces. Trends and "it" items, that I might want to try out, but not commit to. But really they mostly contribute to the clutter in my closet. One of my New Years Resolutions is to treat my clothing better, and invest in more quality pieces. Especially shoes!

posted by mpw

Dec 07, 2007 3:00PM

Peachbeach: Thanks for the tip on Kristen Lee shoes; I'm going to try to hunt down a pair of the Hester pumps in gray!

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 3:17PM

Commenting on what Peachbeach said, I don't think everything that is "expensive" is gold. I agree that every purchase should be a wise investment or what's the sense? For example, I spent money a while back on a great Gucci pencil skirt. I've worn that thing so many times, it's more than paid for itself. Amount of wear, longevity, construction, and quality are key factors that govern my investment purchases. Now I'm off to clean out that closet. This is a great discussion.

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 3:18PM

I agree with Tim Gunn in theory. The hard part is actually following through. However, I'm about to clean out my closet due to being in maternity wear for the last 9 months. I plan on carefully scouring my clothing and keeping only the pieces that are either classic or that I know aren't garbage and will be worn (KEY!).

I am saving dough - I wouldn't spend a lot on the maternity wardrobe since this is my last bebe - but I have purchased a couple of investment bags. Now the key will be to discipline myself on the wardrobe (and shoe) front.

posted by leia

Dec 07, 2007 3:34PM

I have definitely been trying to do this over the past year or so. I try to limit the number of pieces I buy, but buy well. I do think that some cheaper things are still relatively good investments. Today I'm wearing a blazer I bought at Urban Outfitters last year over a silk Marc by Marc blouse and although I spent way more on the blouse than the jacket, both are indespensable to my wardrobe, and both look well made. For the most part, I buy better things on sale either at Neimans, Barneys or online, or I shop the sales rack at Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie. The clothes at XXI look cheap most of the time, but you can get a great silk blouse on sale at Urban for under $30.

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 3:36PM

I agree whole heartedley with the idea of quality over quantity
and I too was juuust talking about this topic the other day,
But! as a college student, I have to ration myself and at the moment can ONLY afford h&m (etc, though h&m seems to be cheapest of all the state-side fast fashion stores).

I went to neiman marcus the other day actually, and looked at their junior's sale items, and my heart nearly broke looking at this DVF pencil skirt. Sure, I own one chanel sweater (second hand, layaway payments) an ana sui dress, and (thee) prada turban, but my designer purchases are that few and far between. Shopping at the mall all the time, I forget exactly how lovely and amazing designer clothes really can be.
Sadly though, it is incredibly unrealistic for me to purchase a 200 dollar clearance skirt,
which leads me to the question
Where are young women getting the money??
Is it credit card debt? is it a part time job for 'fun money'? Parents?
How do you buy designer?

posted by rachael

Dec 07, 2007 3:44PM

How do I pay for the designer clothes I want?

I work long hours in an industry I don't particularly enjoy.

posted by Summer

Dec 07, 2007 3:46PM

Invest in classics, fast fashion for trends.

posted by fashionursta

Dec 07, 2007 3:50PM

Every season, I look at the collections on style.com, or the collection magazines (i bought spring 08 this morning to read on the train), and pick out a few choice items (shoes, sandals, dress, pants, etc.) I always say, "now i'm set for the season", but then I see something or someone wearing an item and I simply MUST have it. I have absolutely no self control. And I am over 50! I have been doing this since I was born (well no exactly, but close to it). I am trying to work on why it is that I must have these things, because I have the most amazing stuff (both high and low end). Just last night, I was reading a blog called "a history of architecture" and the blog owner has a shopping habit worse than mine. She chronicles it daily. It's much deeper than what you put on the surface, if you know what I mean. And I really don't want to stop, I love curating my collection. Any ideas?

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 3:55PM

As I have approached my mid-20s, I've sworn off clothes from places like H&M and Forever 21 -- I'm a fashion-conscious magazine editor and my 19-year-old sister and interns wear pieces from these places, so it's hard to get motivated to shop there. Six months ago, I cleaned out my closet with a friend who helped me say "no" to a lot of things, and I found that, while I am a pack-rat, I didn't miss a lot of pieces. I reorganized my closet to feature all of my very favorite clothes in a rainbow of color, and now I love getting up every morning and choosing my outfits.

On another note, in response to 2:27's post, I lived in France for half a year and could only take a fraction of my wardrobe with me. I also wasn't working, so I couldn't afford to shop like I had been doing in America. I found that I became waaay more creative with my styling choices. I still love looking at my pictures from that time and seeing the outfits that I put together.

And, in response to guest 3:36, as far as buying designer, I think most real girls invest in pieces that they love when they can and build their wardrobe over the years. I've also always been a big fan of vintage, but only when it fits right and looks timeless.

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 4:31PM

I agree with what others have said about mixing quality with cheap stuff. I'll spend money on shoes, jeans, coats, purses, and bras...and happily wear old navy tank tops or Forever 21 shirts.

My new method for reducing closet clutter is a first in/first out system: every time I buy something new, I give away (or sell) the equivalent item I already own.

posted by fashionursta

Dec 07, 2007 4:38PM

Just thinking, is it possible to form a group to meet here in nyc where we can talk about this problem/need to keep acquiring clothes/accessories/shoes, etc, and try to help each other? Or is that too creepy because we don't know anything about each other? I was going to join a group called Stopping Overshopping, run by a therapist but it was too expensive!

posted by olyaiscool

Dec 07, 2007 4:48PM

how do i buy designer clothes?

i'm a 19 year old college student with a part time job however i have a mom who is an amazing deal finder. I have never bought any of my designer pieces for full price... and i pay for 80% of my stuff.

I've bought Donna Karren dresses for $50 and Dolce and Gabanna pants for less than that.

hit up marshall's, tjmaxx, and all those other stores and dig through the piles of S*** to find one good piece (for probably 90% off!) it takes a lot of energy to be cheap and still wear designer clothes.

do woman really have an issue with stopping buying stuff? i thought i had the issue but then i just... stopped. cold turkey. and now only rarely go out and buy stuff (which is usually pieces i LOVE and decided that i cannot live without.)

posted by old soul

Dec 07, 2007 4:49PM

This is a great discussion! I actually was prompted to switch from cheap impulse buys to higher quality items by two things: (1) when all my pretty but less expensive work shoes wore out within six months of starting my first real job out of college, and (2) when I cleaned out my closet for a move this summer and was kind of heartbroken to see how many things I'd bought on impulse but never really worn. Now I'm a lot more brutal about my criteria for purchasing decisions (i.e. I need to be in LOVE and it has to make sense with the rest of my wardrobe) and I adore cleaning out my closet. I find I actually make better fashion choices with a smaller wardrobe, though, it's interesting.

posted by Ellen

Dec 07, 2007 4:53PM

I realize that the majority of the women reading this blog are successful businesswomen, etc., but I just can't afford the $800 dress or the $1900 handbag. I've hardly bought anything in the last 3 months. I probably will never be able to afford designer clothes because I have a job doing what I love which pays next-to-nothing. Just my 2 cents...take from it what you will.

posted by olyaiscool

Dec 07, 2007 5:01PM

this is the best post ever. i'm genuinely interested in what everyone has to say. and find myself reading all the new comments. good job fashonista!

posted by fashionstar

Dec 07, 2007 5:02PM

I am learning to do this now.
I have a closet FULL of clothes, some of which I haven't even worn yet.
So I've decided not to shop until I reallyyy need something.
I don`t even remember the last time I went shopping for myself and I must admit it is gratifying having been a shop-a-holic times infinity.
now i`m just a shop-a-holic on a leave of absence =]

posted by anna_muffin

Dec 07, 2007 5:04PM

I have the same problem as guest@3:36. I've recently moved to a city, which offers much more fashion choices than my home town. I planned to gradually update my wardrobe, because I feel really uncomfortable in many of my clothes. I don't shop that often (the last time I bought anything was in August), but I still cannot afford more than H&M and the like. Which sucks, because I'm really starting to hate those cheap unoriginal clothes (especially, when just on the other end of the same street, there are designer shops with beautiful pieces on display). I guess, I'll have to keep buying basics for now and wait for better pieces till I'm out of school.

But even when I'm older and with a better paid job, there are some prices I don't think I would be able to justify. I think the secret is to find (relatively) affordable local designers.

Also, my problem with more expensive shops and boutiques is, that they don't offer the anonymity you get when shopping in a large mall. I don't feel comfortable when I'm the only one in a shop and the employees are actively trying to make me buy something (yeah, especially, when it's too expensive for me;)...but also in general.) But I guess that's something I'll have to get used to.

posted by bighugforfashion

Dec 07, 2007 5:04PM

I do buy fast fashion, but I don't necessarily view the things that I buy as disposable clothing. More things than one would think at Forever 21 are made of silk. I look at the fabric,
classicness and construction of the garment to decide if it is disposable or not. If it is disposable I don't buy it. I do agree that when it comes to shopping, quality over quantity is best. I don't buy cheap bags or shoes no matter how cute and I definitely try to avoid cheap coats. I think you can score some great wool & silk pieces( if you take your time looking) that will last a couple of years at stpres like UO and H&M and F21

posted by mpw

Dec 07, 2007 5:06PM

Fashionursta: better yet, why don't we organize a fashion swap meet? I bet all the readers have some fabulous clothes they'd like to trade!

posted by Laia

Dec 07, 2007 5:11PM

To Ellen and Rachel and others...

I am 23 and work a regular job that pays well but not EXTRAORDINARILY well. Really the only secret is waiting for sales. Just scope out what you want, remember what stores carry it and head over there as soon as sale season starts (though the longer you wait the better the markdowns, this is when you use your judgment to figure out if your desired object will be desired by everyone else, or if you can wait it out a little longer). At least in NYC, everything goes on sale, it's not even like you're picking over crap that no one else wanted.

Last season I hit the Marc Jacobs store and their sale was 80% off. I bought the super cute silver leather hats he did for 70 dollars and a dress for 120. At nother boutique I managed to get a Proenza top for 150. At the Bergdorf sale going on right now, they have the Prada heels that were EVERYWHERE, as they do the Miu Miu ones. They're 300 dollars. 300 dollars might still be a lot of money to some people, but if you've been planning about it the entire season, it's easy to just put a bit of money aside every paycheck to buy them.

Granted, I have no designer bags, because even when they go on sale they are still 600-800 dollars and I don't really have that kind of money just yet. But shoes? Shoes are a different thing.

So I guess its all about strategy, saving up ad self control.

posted by fashionursta

Dec 07, 2007 5:13PM

How do you stop when every season the stuff gets more and more amazing and beautiful? Like when Dries Van Noten does the absolute PERFECT boot with a 2" heel and pulls on and is a cross between a riding boot and a slouch boot? (bought it in August). Don't you think that this blog kind of encourages us to shop? I know in my case, it does.

posted by fashionursta

Dec 07, 2007 5:15PM

We need to start a 12 step program for shopping! We can be successful if we have the support of others.

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 5:34PM

I wanted to respond to 3:36 too... I'm not sure about others, but when you're in your 20's married or single but with no children or major expenses (like a mortgage!) you really can have extra cash at every paycheck. I mean, if you spend wisely elsewhere in your life and don't have tons of bills or loans or debt, you can easily have more than $1,000 left over each month for "extras." And if you aren't buying tons of stuff every weekend - and saving instead - then you could afford an $800 dress here and there. Oh, and the shopping the sales thing is also a major part too.

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 5:35PM

So weird! I have never heard Tim Gunn's advice but like 2 years ago I was thinking that instead buying clothes whether cheap or quality that I should just save and buy quality. I used to give/throw away clothes every season but lately I don't find the use to keep buying. Nothing catches my eye and I just don't want to keep spending money. This is coming from a reformed shopaholic. So with that said I guess what I am doing is "in style"

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 6:31PM

Olya said it: hit up TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Nordstroms Rack, and dig through the crap. That's where you find your $100 Prada silk blouse and DVF dresses.

Or here in the UK, hit up the Charity Shop for your £40 YSL skirt or £30 Chanel dress. Oh yessss.

I live in the most expensive city on earth (London, holler), and while I have the advantage of shopping with pounds when I visit home in the States, here in London my income in real terms is not 'that much'. I cut corners on some stuff (um...good food, going out all the time) to indulge on others (traveling, clothes).

When I first lived here I went crazy for Zara and H and M and shopped quite often, wasting money on stuff that fell apart. (I still hit them for accessories sometimes).

Now I shop maybe once every 2 months, I end up spending less, and I end up with better loot (see above.)

In one of the articles re; Cavalli for H&M, one of the girls waiting in line at Oxford street was like 'I brought £600, its a lot to spend, but I'm saving so much!'

No, girl, you're spending $1200 (sorry cant help converting) on stuff thats gonna fall apart! Give me that money and a few days at my outlets and discount shops and charity shops and I promise you I'll be in head to toe designer.

Well actually...not to toe. I do have trouble hunting down good shoes on sale for my big 9.5 US feet...tips, ladies?

posted by Annmarie

Dec 07, 2007 7:16PM

I've tried to do this. I just find it hard when I'm getting dressed to meet friends and thinking, oh, everyone has already seen all of my dresses, there are pictures of me wearing this all over Facebook, I wish I just bought a new random dress at F21 so I could throw it on now!

Then again I do realize its completely narcissistic to assume that people remember what I wear! And you do get way more compliments on things that dont look like you threw them on because they were $25. So my solution lately to to buy as much vintage as I can (definitely doesnt count!) and use it to accessorize things I already have so I dont feel boring.

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 8:13PM

I'm alot younger than most people commenting (sixteen!) but I CANNOT shop without knowing what I want.
Even with sales and everything, if I'm not specifically looking for something to add and will work well with my wardrobe (which isn't that developed yet! lol) I cannot buy stuff. It seems good because I don't spend a lot of money but maybe it would be nice to buy an impulsive item every once in a while!
And I think you can definitely buy classics (cashmere sweaters, coats, great pencil skirt, shoes) and buy some trendier items as well like of-the-moment dresses...or in my case a miu miu bag! lol

posted by nadarine

Dec 07, 2007 9:14PM

5:34 guest: I'm certain that you didn't mean to sound spoiled, but what kind of sweet paychecks do you get that you can sock away $1k a month???? Working full-time, I was lucky to clear $1700 in total earnings each month, pre-rent and bills being paid.

That said, I go for quality where I can afford it (and ebay the rest: my delayed-gratification mode of shopping for the lovely jeans I can't afford to pay retail for). My best investment pieces are my custom-made dresses- a good tailor will rarely cost more than $300 to create a made-for-me dress. I'm careful to choose a style and fabric that I'll feel comfortable wearing for the next 40-60 years.

posted by Jacqueminette

Dec 07, 2007 9:31PM

Not so big on trends; more often than not, pieces at H+M, TopShop, Zara, etc. don't particularly appeal to me. Every once and a while, perhaps, but not enough for me to set foot in such stores on a regular basis.

My money gets saved for big-ticket items. I have a "materialism" category worked into my budget, but always try to save at LEAST 10% of my earnings.

posted by dumbbrunette5

Dec 07, 2007 10:46PM

oh wow i would love to be able to do that but unfortunately my budget just cant handle that, seeing as i cant even afford zara or urban outfitters unless i save like some of you save for a pair of louboutins. i usually shop twice a year and then go to h&m and tjmaxx and dig through sales racks. and unfortunately, where i live there are no thrift shops. im gonna try to learn to make my own clothes this winter though

posted by guest

Dec 07, 2007 10:49PM

From OneHundredDresses...

Fast fashion is bad! Buy the basics cheap, if you have to. And save to buy what you love (not what trends you love). P.S. I buy beautiful and high quality things at sample sales and during sale season....December and July. You wouldn't believe what you'd find during these times. ps. I HATE H&M!

posted by KA

Dec 08, 2007 12:27AM

It's almost insulting to hear girls saying that, in essence, if you're young then you shouldn't have expenses and you should be able to set aside money to buy the shoes you want.

To be honest, I would rather put that few thousand dollars per year towards paying off my very substantial student loans! I feel better about myself being financially responsible and for working 80 hours a week to pay more than my minimum balance every month.

And for, that matter, I'd rather be saving my money for things like trips or, even better, for my 401K and my stocks! I wish more young people felt the same way.

posted by micike

Dec 08, 2007 5:49AM

I have no problem spending ANY amount of money on shoes and on handbags but for clothing I always go to promod. I have no idea, why is that, but that's what I have done for many years.

posted by guest

Dec 08, 2007 11:41AM

I'm surprised no one has mentioned shopittome.com yet. Select your favorite brands and stores, tell them what size you wear, and every day you get an email with what's on sale. I got that $400 Marc by Marc sweater coat for $140. Which is only slightly more than it's really worth.

posted by guest

Dec 08, 2007 12:11PM

I've recently started looking at Wardrobe Refashion where people create their own style from cast-offs. Perhaps you could buy a few good items, pair them with a few cheap items (to fix your fix) and then learn to sew and make those cheap items do double duty. In general I think that we need to move away from such a consumer-driven fashion style into something more unique. And I'm sorry, I know you make your living with fashion, but daily trips to the mall? This just perpetuates an environmental drain. I'd love to see more conscientious and responsible uses of fashion.

posted by nadarine

Dec 08, 2007 12:26PM

KA:
THANK YOU for bringing that up. It's one thing to splurge on a nice coat or somesuch when other expenses allow it; it's quite another to continue to shop for unnecessary things when there's student loan debt, investments, and the like to be taken care of first.
I wish more young women would prioritize: first build your investments and net worth, THEN start dressing to reflect your income. Don't feel that just becaue everything is "luxury" now that you should, as a debt-ridden student, have to own that Tory Burch dress or that Marc Jacobs bag!

posted by guest

Dec 08, 2007 3:18PM

Britt...

I do the same thing. AND I'm trying to start the diet, too. I'm nowhere near able to afford a $400 pair of boots, but I'm taking small steps towards quality.

One of the most useful tactics I've been practicing is the following: if I want to buy something (no matter the price tag) I wait a week (at least). If I'm still interested in a week, and I have the money to do it, I do it. If I'm feeling like I'd rather spend that money on a bottle of wine or a dinner out, I don't waste my time or closet space.

Keep up the good work, Britt.

(emily.)

posted by guest

Dec 08, 2007 4:10PM

I need to learn to follow the quality over quantity rule....I blame h&m and forever 21 for their oh so cheap prices that gets me every time

posted by guest

Dec 08, 2007 10:32PM

I have learned to choose QUALITY over quantity. I'd rather have one Borelli shirt than a complete outfit.

posted by Ellen

Dec 09, 2007 12:01AM

This is such an interesting discussion. Well said, KA and nadarine! Building up one's 401K and paying off student loans is far more important than "investing" in clothes. And, like I said previously, I haven't really bought any item of clothing, expensive or not, in a few months. I, too, believe we need to become less driven by the consumerism of our day. Also, the rising cost of clothes is maddeningly outrageous, but that's an entirely different discussion.

posted by guest

Dec 09, 2007 12:29AM

I had a roommate who was addicted to Forever21 and Wetseal in college, it was horrible because all her clothes would shrink if she were to put them in dryers so she would hog the entire shower curtain rod to hang dry her pieces. She also went on to buy fake Louis Vuitton bags for $400 and went on fake bag splurge in South Korea, did she look good? I never thought so. Every year she would have a huge garbage bag of clothes she ends up tossing to make room for the next, she never made sense for me.

I am also a student and I don't have the budget to splurge so I usually keep an eye out for designer sample sales. Otherwise I ask myself if I would be wearing this piece in my 30s and 40s. In terms of accessories and shoes, I don't want to buy a bag that would wear me, if the first thing that a person notices is not myself but the logo of the bag that just means that the brand is overwhelming you instead of complementing you.

The concept of brand product was originally meant to complement the effect of age. Young people can still look pretty in even cheap clothings and enjoy the moment, but that sort of energy becomes subdued over time as one ages and gains a further sense of self. Then it is quality of the product that is affordable with a person of that status that would complement that gradual transition from young & cheap & still cute to polished and sophisticated.

Not sure since at what point (perhaps the Hollywood celebrity culture overdose), but young girls toting Balenciaga and Chanel became one of the icon of our era, and this original relationship between brand and style got inverted...(and my roommate who totes a fake Birkin bag she bought for a dear $500+ wearing a forever 21 tanktop and H&M cardi with bead embellishment falling apart is...well, existing today as a result of that).

I do appreciate beautiful design and designers who strive to produce beautiful works that complement the female body, and I am not against young girls enjoying brand name products, but i feel that the current bombardment of images of Nicole Richie and Lindsay as teen model is not helping anyone think sanely about what fashion is about.

One thing though...at least for shoes a sturdy good one is worth the investment, it really deforms the bones if you squeeze into a cheap piece that doesn't take into account human anatomy.

posted by kottur

Dec 09, 2007 4:20PM

for sure quality over quantity, ive learnt this recently after clearing out my closet, and almost everything that went to the charity shop(4 big black binbags) was from h&m and primark(im in england) and similar shops. everything i kept was either vintage or designer, and also some nice simple black h&m/topshop dresses.my main vice is shoes, specially miu miu ones, i prefer to save up for a good pair of miu miu's and not spend money on cheaper low quality shoes that are uncomfortable and dont last very long,specially as i wear 4-5" heels on a daily basis, so wearing cheap heels is not the most comfortable option! if i buy clothes i get vintage garments mostly off ebay and vintage shops, so im not spending a lot of money on garments at all. if i do find an h&m dress thats simple and nice,ill get it but i have to be sure that its a classic piece that i can wear alot and will look good for some years. i find that getting lots of fast fashion is more of a waste of money because you are spending hard earned cash on something that might not be worn a lot but only bought impulse cause its cheap. better to spend the cash on something more expensive that you know you will take care of and love for years to come.

posted by guest

Dec 18, 2007 6:28PM

you can get designer shoes and clothes at the thrift shops if you shop them right- I just got a pair of Anne Demuelemeester ( sorry for bad sp) boots for 50 bucks! hmmmm!