honest fashion question: quantity, or quality?
answer me this, lovelies:
when it comes to shopping and fashion clothing/collecting, which do you HONESTLY prefer:
quantity?
or
quality?
i don’t want to hear about what you’d do in a perfect world where you were a billionaire heiress…
no judgements, really.
it’s about how you behave now.
and, either way, why?
is one easier? is one better?
discuss.
February 6 2008 | Posted in fashion musing
February 6 2008 at 4:35 pm
GinaFor me now… it’s all about quality. Now, “quality” could be a $50 sale skirt vs. a $25 skirt at H&M. I buy the highest quality I can afford, and I’m content with less because I’m thinking about my purchases and how they will synthesize with my existing wardrobe. I’ve narrowed down my basics to brown, tan and gray — then I add color with blouses, shoes and accessories. But all of my skirts — neutrals.
February 6 2008 at 4:39 pm
S.Quality if it’s a classic item, something I’ve wanted for forever, or will want to have long term.
Quantity if I realize it’s fun-for-now or somewhat trendy.
February 6 2008 at 4:47 pm
SueKWhen I was younger, it used to be quantity – I went out more and how something is constructed isn’t huge when you are in your 0s and everything fits fairly well. Quantity = lots of room to experiment.
Now that I am older, I go for quality. Buying vintage (30s-50s mostly) taught me a lot about what looked good on me and how much fabric quality plays a part in overall look. Besides when you by the cheapo version something is always “off”. I’d rather trust the luck o’ tha thrift than H&M.
So Quality as of 2/2008.
February 6 2008 at 4:48 pm
SueKUm, I meant 20’s. In my 0s I wasn’t into fashion so much
February 6 2008 at 4:55 pm
AnnikaQuality with exceptions and qualifications. I would rather have a dozen OK t-shirts than two or three great ones. Between me and the baby my clothes get dirty! I need to have enough. Also, my idea of quality is based on my budget, which is teensy. I wear jeans from J Crew or Gap, which are not exactly the best but are the best I can afford. But I only wear things I love, and that is real quality for me.
February 6 2008 at 4:56 pm
TracyRegarding quantity I do have to admit to some tendencies there. I’ve been known to grab all that I can (think multiples of a single item) when given the opportunity, but it is always driven by my overriding need for quality.
Quality. No ifs, ands, or buts.
My reasoning is twofold. Number one, I tend to have my own personal “uniform” as such. I have my own “style” and tend to stick with it year after year. Buying quality pieces when I can assures me that they will last through the dry periods when my personal fashion is soooo far of the norm that the things I like aren’t available.
The second reason is I frequently refashion/deconstruct/remake, call it what you will, using quality pieces as a jumping off point makes my job easier and more likely to last. It also makes the task at hand more enjoyable working with quality fabric. I just can’t see spending time on something that is made out of crappy materials. My time is worth more than that and so am I.
February 6 2008 at 5:06 pm
karenquality, definitely, but with one caveat – i’m happy to get rid of things to make room for new things, but i need to have some new stuff somewhat regularly. i sometimes have to try hard to make myself collect more clothes rather than purge each time i get more new stuff.
that being said, i think a bit of quantity can be good.
February 6 2008 at 5:16 pm
MsKilianI aspire to quality, but in reality it’s quantity. I don’t have a huge clothing budget at the moment, and if I can buy say 2 blouses for the price of 1 I usually will.
I try to avoid 100% man made fabrics, unless its vintage, and I still look at the workmanship. If something it looks likes it will fall apart after one wash I won’t buy it.
February 6 2008 at 5:25 pm
amyI have been thinking a lot about this these days. I have gone from leaving the thrift store with a gigantic bag of things to leaving it with a few very thought out things. It has been great. Before, I grabbed anything that I liked basically. I could shorten it, forget about the small hole or whatever. Now, I am looking things over and thinking and rethinking and holding on to the finds I love best. So to answer your question – quality. Even after doing this for a short time, I feel much freer – to let go of the many things I own that aren’t an A+ and bring in a few of the things that are.
February 6 2008 at 5:45 pm
Pasha PlumQuality, but then they wear out faster because I wear them all the time! But then if I thrift most of my clothes I can have some quantity too. My favorites are high quality and I try very hard to keep them nice. I do have to say that being pregnant is hard because I am a cheapskate and didn’t ever want to get spendy on maternity clothes but then I got sooo bored with the same old bleah outfits. My youngest is almost 5 and I cannot believe how much the maternity style has changed–I was in smock tops most of the time. Of course I am a big girl and couldn’t fit into the cute new stuff anyways. If I had it to do over I would make myself some lovely outfits and get lots of really good shoes.
February 6 2008 at 5:49 pm
LCIt’s about quality, but as the others have found, quality is subjective.
It has to do with fit, but it has to be “me”. It has to be something that I wear and not something that wears me, if you understand what I mean.
February 6 2008 at 5:50 pm
LeahHmm… I find that such a tricky question to answer. On the one hand, I love charity shop trawling & bargain hunting in general so I think quantity could apply in that situation. However, I’d still much rather get something I love more and could possibly last a longer time, in which case quality applies. For example, I’ve successfully managed to avoid all high street shops for the past 2 months mostly because I think the prices are a lot for the quality of the item (and most of it probably isn’t going to the poor soul who has made the item). It’s an individual choice though what you prefer and people can look stylish either way.
February 6 2008 at 6:07 pm
hannahlately i have been searching for quality. i want to spend my hard earned money on something really well made and timeless. something that i can wear and love forever. however, i think if you can find good basics (turtlenecks, tshirts, leggings, tights, etc.) they should be bought in quantity. american apparel is one of my favorites in terms of good stock up items. i buy lots of their deep v shirts in different colors and their tights are my favorites and they come in so many different colors!
quality still reaigns supreme with me lately but that doesn’t mean i want to spend big bucks on certain things though. i like hunting through sale racks at anthropologie and sometimes urban outfitters. i will also spend lots of time making my self things to insure proper fit and materials that suit me. doesn’t mean the end product is perfect but i would rather have something a little quirky than something my cousin wears daily.
phew.
xo. hannah.
February 6 2008 at 6:10 pm
rebekahQuality, definitely. Quality pieces will last you forever (with care). But, quality doesnt necessarily mean expensive. It can be at times, but that is where being a good shopper comes in. Where do you want to spend and where do you want to save. Some expensive shoes wont last any longer than the cheaper ones and that goes the other way too. You have to know your brands and how they stack up. Either way, I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of clothing or accessories when that money could have bought several items for less fortunate people (food, medicine, clothing, etc.) I find outrageous spending on one’s wants disgusting when the needs of others are not met. I guess the point is, fashion is fun, but not when done thoughtlessly.
February 6 2008 at 6:12 pm
manhattan craft roomI’m not proud, but it’s all quantity for me. Every year I say this is the year I’m going to start buying just a few well-selected high-quality items, but every year I cave and buy a bunch of stuff at H&M. But it’s a goal of mine to change that, especially because I just moved to an apartment with LESS clothing storage space. ack!
February 6 2008 at 6:18 pm
BerrySince a couple of years it’s quality, definitely. I do with less but it lasts longer, it feels better when worn (totally subjective I know). The only reason it’s easier for me it is I’m in peace with myself cause I know I’m not supporting no ethics low-wage industries…
February 6 2008 at 6:21 pm
sjwquality.
96% of the time i don’t have to choose because i’m a-thriftin’ so i can usually get away with both.
but the odd marimekko bag, acne jeans or frye heels come along that are so nice i have to buy them new. i console my depleted bank account by knowing that i’ll be able to wear them for a long time to come.
and the thrift store finds are no small consolation..
February 6 2008 at 6:38 pm
yokooOh by far it’s quality. The only reason why I sometimes look for name brands such as Ralph Lauren or L.L. Bean or what ever is simply because of the quality.. I notice when I thrift I sometimes just grab stuff that I’m not really going to wear but because it’s like 1.00 i’ll just
get it..
February 6 2008 at 6:39 pm
Lady SmaggleTo be honest I’m a bit of both. I want quantity for things like socks, tights and scarves. But I want quality for things like jeans, knits, jackets and pants.
But I thrift a lot so I feel like I get quality and quantity at the same time!
Oh by the way Mr Smaggle is heading to your fair San Francisco (you still live there right?) and he asked me if I want him to get me anything while over there. Is there any fabulous stores he should visit? He is very good at picking amazing things but he might need a shove in the right direction in terms of stores. Is there anything he shouldn’t miss? Any advice would be highly appreciated! xxx
February 6 2008 at 6:52 pm
Ashe MischiefLike the first two posters, I tend to deviate a bit between the two. I do try to buy the highest quality that I can afford, but my willingness to pay for a quality item depends on the role I see said item having in my life. That also depends on what it is.
For some accessories, like scarves or jewelry, I tend to buy cheaper items and go for quantity, as I do not wear them as often. If that means they are second hand or on sale someplace like UO, so be it.
For some things, like shoes or handbags, I try to buy quality items. When I can, I also try to buy them as inexpensively as I can (like a pair of Steve Madden leather oxfords I got for $35; they’re a bit trendy, but I think I will love & wear them very much). But I also just bought two pairs of John Fluevog shoes on sale for $129 each. I wear through black flats very quickly, so spending more on a pair of quality shoes means a lot to me, and I know it will cost me less in the long-run. I would have, and had intended on paying full price for the black flats though– the Fashion Gods just graced me and gave me a bit of a deal instead
For clothing, it’s really a matter of what it is, and again, what role it has in my life. I’d rather spend several hundred dollars on a nice quality winter coat or classic little black dress than a trendy seasonal one. But since I am also in a transitional weight phase, I’d rather not spend a lot of money on quality clothes, only to not be able to wear them once I lose weight (I gained quite a bit post-K,and all of the quality clothes I had bought pre-K no longer fit– I’d like to avoid that situation again).
February 6 2008 at 7:05 pm
valeriequality, for certain. i’m not buying anything at all at the moment (no budget!) but even a well-made t shirt will last a *really* long time if you’re not, i dunno, mud-wrestling in it! i’m also really into the idea of having a few pieces that are kept even as they begin to seriously fade or disintegrate, as that’s when you get the chance to take something you’ve loved for a really long time and find a way to work it into something new and suddenly completely different and unique, while retaining some of the original qualities (a print, for instance) that you adored to begin with. as some of the other comments also noted, you can buy thrifted or vintage pieces that are high-quality, so really, there’s no reason to buy throwaway stuff, unless it’s just for that of-the-moment look.
February 6 2008 at 7:37 pm
jenniferit’s quality, really. i got sick of buying shit that fell apart.
February 6 2008 at 7:37 pm
chelseasadly, i have often tended to go for quantity, which has meant that most of my clothings has been more or less disposable. for some things (colors or styles that i like, but probably won’t wear often or forever) that’s fine. but if it’s something timeless that i really love, i usually choose the one good thing over the numerous cheap things.
thrifting is the best solution to the dilemma though – i’ve found super nice, quality items, shoes especially, for under $10, and those end up being the most rewarding finds. then you can have quality and quantity!
February 6 2008 at 7:41 pm
jenquality! that doesn’t mean expensive or fancy in my book – just stuff that i love. i get so much more satisfaction and joy out of wearing clothes that are truly my style, i’d just as soon wear the same things every day. plus, i’m a bright color girl, and it can be a challenge to find non-neutral colored clothing, so if something works for me i just go with it!
February 6 2008 at 7:51 pm
MelissaLike many others have already said, as I’ve gotten older, I go for quality. I make enough money now that I can occasionally splurge on an expensive dress or pair of shoes. I’ll go into shops like H & M, Forever 21, Steve & Barry’s, or Old Navy hoping to find some good bargains, but most of the time I leave empty-handed because the quality of the garments is so poor in terms of fabric, how they’re constructed, etc. I often have a list of items that I want in my wardrobe and I will try to find those items in stores or online and if I can’t find them, I’ll try to make them myself.
February 6 2008 at 8:40 pm
GiselleFor me it’s quantity.
I tend to get bored with my stuff very quick. So for me there’s no point in buying a leather handbag that costs R$250 and will last for the rest of my life if I won’t wear it for more than 6 months. So I tend to buy cheaper stuff because I won’t regret when I get sick of them.
But there are always exceptions. In example, I live in a tropical country and I don’t get much opportunities to wear boots, so I’m satisfied with one pair of black boots that I’ll have for years and years. The same applies to heavier coats.
February 6 2008 at 9:02 pm
Prêt-à -Porter ProstituteQuality. I feel quality can be bought at all different price points. And the higher the price doesn’t mean better quality and vice versa.
Is it easier? I guess not. When it comes to finding quality at say a Forever 21 for example, it takes a lot of sifting through crap, and trying on things with shoddy construction. So that takes more effort.
I think quality is better. It’s better to invest in something that can stay in your closet for years and years than something that falls apart after a few wears & washes, and needs to be replaced every couple of months.
February 6 2008 at 9:14 pm
KaraI just can’t go the quantity route. I share a small closet with my husband and it has forced me to lighten my load a lot. You know, you have been talking about the pregnant wardrobe a lot, and what I learned while dressing my pregnant body was that I didn’t need a lot of items to mix and match and be content with my outfit. The simplicity was very refreshing, as was elastic waist pants, something I sorely miss!
Anyways back to the point, I gravitate toward quality when buying new because I end up wearing it more and I don’t have room to store a lot of clothes I am not going to wear. That said I am a sucker for a deal, so I am all about not paying full price. I have made myself stop buying any clothes at Target and Old Navy. Those purchase were impulsive and more often then not they don’t make it into my rotation and I end up purging them. Mostly though I am happiest when I find good items at thrift stores and some of my favorite clothes are secondhand.
Overall I don’t think I look polished though, an image that as I am more professional I wish I could obtain. I admit my style is ever evolving even at 30.
Forgive me, that was so hard to stay on topic!!!
February 6 2008 at 11:00 pm
andieQUALITY
February 6 2008 at 11:45 pm
EricaFor certain things I prefer quality, and others I seek quantity. For example, I prefer quality when it comes to my jeans, so I don’t have many pairs (4, including one pair of maternity jeans). But the pairs I have are damn good, and I plan to keep them until they fall out from under me. On the other hand, I will buy any bra that will fit me correctly regardless of quality, because they’re hard to find to begin with. I’ve ended up with a range of quality, and in a way that’s good–sometimes you don’t want or need to wear your best bra. I like one particular brand of shirt, and I collect them. I think they’re pretty good quality, so when I find one at the thrift store I usually buy it. I know I’ll wear it and keep it, and so in that case I seek both quality and quantity.
One great thing about buying secondhand is that you can have both quality and quantity for a reasonable price, if you’re willing to search and that’s what you want. My closet space has recently shrunk by 25%, so it’s hard for me to acquire quantity at the moment. It’s probably better that way; the more stuff one has, the more energy one spends maintaining that stuff.
February 6 2008 at 11:55 pm
jesseQuality. I’ve been more conscious of it lately because I’m focusing on mainly secondhand. A 2ndhand F21 or H&M skirt isn’t going to be in better shape than a better quality 2ndhand item right out of the gate. (And most likely the seams will be crooked to boot.)
February 7 2008 at 12:55 am
LindsayQuantity! I mean, everyone likes “nice” things (myself included), and if I find something spectacular that I LOVE, I will spend the money. But my tastes are always changing and morphing, I get bored easily, and I’m pretty rough on my clothes so I just like fun things that are inspiring (or strike my mood du jour) and I go for it. I also love being in the stores, I love the amazing trend turnover in stores like Forever 21 and H&M. Yes, the quality isn’t always the greatest, but I have a fun closet which I am constantly rotating and changing. Once something is out of rotation it goes to friends or Goodwill, and something else goes in. I actually use your Closet “guidelines” from a few months ago (the series about cleaning your closet & organizing) to keep everything in order. I love it! And I love shopping a lot without breaking the bank. And I don’t have to feel guilty knowing I spent a load of money on something I don’t use a lot because I’ve gotten tired of it
February 7 2008 at 1:27 am
LottaI guess I prefer quality these days… but it’s a bit hard to say since I mostly buy my clothes and accessories at flea markets and that doesn’t quite correspond to the traditional conception of quality
. Or I guess you could presume that since they’ve lasted to be sold on a flea market, they can’t be the poorest quality of all.
But in another way it’s definitely quality: I find myself being quite picky even when thrifting these days. I have so much stuff already that the additions must be perfect. No kinda-nice stuff even if it’s cheap – it’s just a waste of that money. And also, since I’ve lately taken to sewing myself, I can be the quality control of myself, normally not letting anything pass if it’s not lovely and durable.
February 7 2008 at 2:13 am
pamelaI’d rather have a few quality pieces that I could make work in a variety of ways. I like it when I can reach into my closet and pull out three or items, and they work together almost effortlessly. I’ve got too many clothes in my closet, but I tend to wear only a handful of items in a variety of ways. Of course it helps if the colors all go together, and that’s something I’ve been trying to focus on lately.
February 7 2008 at 3:31 am
alicepleasanceHonestly, I think is quantity for me in a certain way. Not that I buy stuff continuosly, not that I don’t mind about quality at all, but living in Italy, when you say quality you often say “made in Italy overpriced stuff”. Secondhand is not popular, not at all (and this mean no thrift stores…), it’s all about trendy labels.
Well, often if you go for that “quality” you have to pay at least 70 Euros for a t-shirt or 150 Euros for jeans…but really I’m not sure if a 150 Euros jeans is really that great or you are only paying for the name on the label…
I buy what I call REAL quality pieces only here and there; for example I buy a warm 100% good wool coat and then I wear it for years, but this do not often happens.
Vintage is a good choice for me – again no vintage stores where I live – but there’s always Ebay!
Then a couple of times per year H&M, Zara etc. are my joy. Things I like, low prices…but this doesn’t mean I’m compulsive and I don’t look at chain stores as fashionable version of fast food…
February 7 2008 at 4:04 am
KarinFor me, it’s not as much about quality than it is about the love for an item. I could love something that’s just H&M if it was given to me and I get sentimental about it. But otherwise I’d definitely say quality. But I never buy quantity just for the sake of it, and I’m thinking hard these days about what to keep and not to keep. The quantity stuff just make me restless and feel as if I have too many things.
February 7 2008 at 4:06 am
KarinAnd by “quantity stuff” I mean everything that I’ve bought because it was cute but not really perfect for me. Blaah I feel I don’t make much sense.. just woke up!
February 7 2008 at 4:46 am
antoniaI love simplicity, so I tend to prefer quality items for skirts, camisoles, jackets, but I have a collection of H&M cotton t-shirts, because I have to change clothes frequently, but also because I love cotton and I love colors: I don’t like trends but I can buy tons of stupid things only because I LOVE the colour of it.
In fall 2007 I decided to learn sewing my clothes, and my purpose for 2008 is having a wardrobe 50% handmade. Choosing things like fabric, shape, seams and details seems to me the best way to have quality items.
February 7 2008 at 8:51 am
vasiliisaConsidering the extent of my wardrobe, I’d be a hypocrite if I said that only quality matters. Luckily if you thrift you can have both, as Erica said. I really do try to avoid poor quality items and shops that sell them.
February 7 2008 at 9:02 am
Chloe NightingaleQuality for sure. I have this one friend who is a real head-turner, always looks wonderful, has her own distinct style, and has marvellous clothes — and it turns out, she hardly has any clothes. But if all your clothes are nice, they speak for themselves.
At one point, I had a whole bunch of clothes (thrifting scores), but realised I only ever wear the same few outfits, so I’ve started donating, swapping, reworking, and reusing (crappy tees make great rags and burp cloths). I still have a lot of stuff to go through, but I’m making progress.
And quality lasts longer — for instance, I have such a hard time finding nice socks. I go through a few pairs a season. If I could find just a few pairs of nice socks in each of the styles I am after (knee-socks, ankle socks, etc.), I wouldn’t have to buy socks so often.
The same thing goes with everything, as far as I am concerned. I went through 2 cheap french presses in quick succession before I splurged on a metal & pyrex one that doesn’t crack as soon as you pour hot water in it.
February 7 2008 at 9:35 am
emily augustOh nuts I replied on the previous post.
Recap: Buying quantity got me into debt more so than if I had been smarter and more sure of my own style to only buy a few really great pieces at a time.
You can find good stuff in the thrift store, but you really do have to search and search, and go often. And go somewhere in the suburbs because the city thrifts are all picked over, in my opinion.
I am looking forward to paying off my credit cards finally and moving into a new era where I can afford some key pieces to last a long time, working with the great pieces I already have.
February 7 2008 at 9:52 am
sanddancerIn all honesty, I think I tend to fall somewhere between the two. I don’t bulk buy things and am less inclined to impulse buys than I used to be. But I don’t have much money to spend so the quality thing is very much subjective – usually meaning something I’ll definitely wear lots and the best I can afford which by other people’s standards may not equate to quality.
I would love to have a capsule wardrobe of nothing but beaufiful clothes, but the practicalities of my life mean this isn’t realistic. Besides the budget factor, I have a job that demands various things – sometimes I need to be very smart, I sometimes need formal clothes, other times something more practical & hardwearing is necessary. If I worked from home or in a place wear a suit was required all of the time, then the few highest quality items possible would be easier.
February 7 2008 at 10:03 am
CaseyGood question! I honestly think I fall somewhere between. Part of me really likes having a wide, varied wardrobe to select from. Mostly because my day’s outfit is usually composed based on how I feel that day (or “who” I want to be that day! lol). So having an assortment of garments, styles, colors, etc. is helpful and I find less inhibity to my creativity when I put together looks.
However, lately I’ve become more and more attuned to being mindful of the *quality* of the garments I add into my closet. Especially now that I’m spending a year of (hopefully!) little or no mass-produced retail purchases. Suddenly “cheap thrills” don’t do it for me anymore; especially since they fade or wear out so quickly. Since I thrift a lot, I tend to stay away from garments that are “on the edge” or will wear quickly (like the myriad of H&M clothes I find in the thrift shops!), and instead choose to wait until I find something that is in great condition or is a high-quality brand or material (like cashmere sweaters!! hurrah!).
Honestly, I think this shift in thinking has something to do with maturing a bit as far as style and personality are concerned. I’ve solidified my “look” a bit more, so now its not so much about having *lots* of clothes that I can play with, but rather clothes that I love and will fit a variety of moods *and* last for years.
February 7 2008 at 10:40 am
JenniferDefinitely quality. I usually buy 2-3 nicer, more expensive, pieces a season. But sometimes I still can’t resist the temptations of H&M.
February 7 2008 at 10:40 am
WeeziI am a big fan of quality….however, b/c I shop almost exclusively in 2nd hand shoppes I can also indulge a bit in quantity. I don’t think there is much these days out there (except for Weezi
that offers quality that is affordable to someone like me. I can spot a poorly made garment a mile away and if it was expensive it looks even worse b/c good money was wasted.
I agree w other gals…quality does come w age as well as life experience.
February 7 2008 at 11:57 am
nicoleClassic pieces I like to buy quality. I also prefer high quality for heavy duty items that get a lot of use like coats, handbags, and shoes. But if it’s a trendy piece, I’ll prefer to buy it cheap as I know I’ll probably get sick of it (along with the rest of the fashion world). Even if I had all the money I wanted at my disposal I would still buy trendy items at a lower price point because I would feel guilty spending my money on something that I know might look silly and dated in a few seasons.
February 7 2008 at 3:29 pm
ChristinaI would have to say now definitely quality. Since I’ve become more aware of which shops trade unethically using sweatshop made clothing the only time I buy chain store made garments are underwear (I can’t afford expensive undies) or if they’re from an organic/green line in these stores (which I’m happy to see more and more retailers are doing). Most of my clothing and shoes come from thrift stores or vintage well made items I find on Ebay. I’ve started also making my own clothes which I love because I know I’ll cherish these much more than any fast fashion crappily made chain store clothing. I don’t have a lot of money to spend on clothes and don’t have a huge wardrobe but I find that by
shopping this way I find everything I need and I’m more mindful of the true cost and work that goes into clothing and don’t see clothes as “disposable”, to be worn only for a season and ending up in landfill, which unfortunately so many people here in Ireland now do.
I’m also now a bit older and wiser and know what suits me so when I buy something I shop more carefully than when I was in my twenties, when all I cared about was the latest fashions. Now it’s personal style over fashion trends.
February 7 2008 at 5:39 pm
KristinaI think I’m about quality, however, I’m not above buying a pair of Old Navy skinny jeans. However, I would rather shell out $160 for a pair of Frye shoes (or $300 for boots) then $75 for a pair of crap Steve Maddens. At the same time, I’ll pick up a pair of Steve Maddens if their $8 at a resale shop.
I’m a mix of mid-range designer (MxMJ, DVF), thrift, vintage, and sales at what the Brits call “High Street” shops. I’m moving towards quality all the time… I would rather have one DVF silk jersey dress then 10 target rayon jersey dresses…
Make sense?
February 7 2008 at 5:58 pm
KristinaGosh – typos galore. That’s what you get at the end of the workday.
February 8 2008 at 12:16 am
LilyIt depends very much on the items: for shoes and bras I will shell out ($100-$250 range) because they have to multi-task; look great AND be comfy and durable. I’ll also spend more for coats, because cheap coats always look so rank and often they’re not warm enough. Other stuff — tank tops, jeans — I’ll go more cheapie on them (Forever 21, American Apparel, Old Navy) and often I try to thrift that kind of stuff for added cheapie-ness. I dream of being a minimal dresser with a sparse wardrobe of high-quality, effortlessly matched things, but honestly I don’t think it’ll ever happen. I like having a wide variety of looks to choose from (which is why thrifting is so rad; you can try shit out without being in the hole, and sometimes you find really well-made pieces at thrift stores for very little). I’m also at the Buffalo Exchange a lot, selling my old doesn’t-do-it-for-me-anymore trend pieces and using the credit to buy sparkly new fun items. Yay!
February 8 2008 at 9:07 am
Anna_OliQuality ’cause i tend to “grow into my clothes” and wear the core of my wardrobe for years. is that a bad thing? ))
February 8 2008 at 10:19 am
valuskaI don’t usually equate quality with ‘higher-priced’ so in that respect, I prefer to have bot, lots of quantities as well as having mostly high-quality vintage. I don’t really ‘do’ basics, unless it is a thin long-sleeve tee or tights for layering, so I don’t feel like I should be allowed to shape my own definition of ‘classic’ need-to-have items. I try not to pay over 100USD per dress, generally keeping it under 20USD [the thrifts here are really only good for handknit sweaters and wool skirts and Italian shoes, it seems, with nary a dress that isn't a polyester early-90s number.] My closet at the moment is probably worth [in terms of love it's priceless of course, but monetarily-valued] over 20K just due to sheer VOLUME of vintage dresses and jackets and things I own.
February 9 2008 at 1:28 am
diFor me, absolutely NOT quantity. My wardrobe is relatively small, and if I can’t imagine myself wearing it a multitude of times, I simply don’t buy it. Regardless of the quality. Sometimes quality isn’t as high as I’d like, but I buy as high as I can afford. Often it means shopping in sales, and not being constantly with the latest fashion trends for that season.
February 10 2008 at 12:32 am
MissI’m becoming much more interested in quality, and find myself thinking about how much something might fade, stretch out, etc. I want things that are well made and will last. At the same time, I don’t want to wear the same pieces for the rest of my life… I’m 24, so for most of my life thus far I’ve been growing or going through different stages of life that require a wardrobe update (i.e. becoming a working woman). So I’m used to buying new pieces semi-regularly and don’t want to get stuck in a rut once I feel I have a well-established wardrobe. I suppose there’s a balance to be found somewhere.
February 13 2008 at 3:46 pm
jennyhi tricia!
i know, me again – bit your blog reads like a magazine and i can’t keep thinking about this great question – - it’s been on my mind a lot since i have a closet now and i’m not limited to two and a half suitcases.
i would say both! i love having choices, (how can you mix it up when there is only a few quality items to pick from?) and i get bored easily – i think it’s the desire to constantly be recreating who i am and what i look like as well as how much fun it is to put things together that has me wanting more.
so. i suppose i’m leaning more on the quantity right now, but i have a very quality approach to it. what is a lot to someone is hardly anything at all to another (my sister collected scarves and has probably a hundred easily, but she can’t get enough!) if you are talking about what i do *right now* (im no billionaire) well, i’m always on a budget, but that doesn’t mean i can’t find quality pieces that even though they cost 1.99 at goodwill, they are made really really good.
when traveling, it was different because i hated to open the apartment closet and see the same wacky splurges that i loved for one minute but then grew bored of – i really wanted a minimalistic, easy approach to dressing and i have never been like that before at all. even though i have the closet space and can shop for whatever now, i still feel a selective notion when i but something and go down a mental checklist (fabric, color, cut, you now the drill) before i decide i really want it.
and then other times, i just KNOW that when i see the perfect something at a shop or thrift store or where ever, it fits all my criteria without having to think about it just because i love it… i love those purchases! quantity please,