I am in complete agreement with you on this one, Angie! As petite departments shrink and become more and more focused on the classic basics in boring neutral colors, I am getting more and more frustrated. I already *have* all those basics. It’s just not enough to make me want to part with my money. Especially for brands that are simultaneously decreasing the quality of their product. (Grrr). If I’m going to spend on basics, it had better be an upgrade in quality.

You have to wonder why places like Forever21, H&M, etc are still doing such a brisk business. It’s not just that prices are low – it’s that they offer something more trendy and fun.

I think I fall somewhere in the middle — classic but with a trendy twist. In clothing I tend to favour classic pieces that I can accessorize with something fun and different (not necessarily so of the moment it won’t work next year). My tote for the spring season is this one http://www.bluefly.com/Kooba-y.....detail.fly, and I positively can’t wait to use it!

Angie

Do you think the gold hardware on the white tote is OK for someone who does not wear much gold?

I usually wear silver but wondered if this tote in the white would work even tho the hardware is different than what I normally wear.

Thanks for your opinion.

Thanks!

I think it depends on where you are in life – I am just starting my career and have never been able to afford good quality classics. I have a closet full of inexpensive trendy items left over from college. It’s a huge plus for me to see stores full of discounted classic items – I can finally build a real professional closet (and at great cost). I can see, however, that I will quickly fulfill my classic clothing needs and be looking for ways to make my essentials express a more personal style. I would buy the purse on the left now and want the one on the right a year from now. My mom still uses the same classic Chanel handbag she bought at 25, so I see no reason that you can’t keep your classics as long as you take good care of them, then shop for the fun stuff from there on out!

We talked about this a while ago and after thinking about it, I agree fully. I still think you need to replace classics as they wear, but this is the time to get that bold or statement piece. On my list is a biker jacket and statement handbag. (I am cheating a bit because I need to replace a pewter handbag.)

Wendy, I couldn’t open your link. Not sure if Bluefly is down.

I also agree with this. Actually, I will also get some timeless pieces too, but they are modern classics for me that would make some trendy pieces work. For example, I did get grey skinny jeans that will go with a lot of trendy items on the top. So I try to switch between getting a true trendy item and a”support” item that will make it work, and I could wear for much longer.

Angie,

You only briefly mentioned the best reason for buying trendy pieces. They tend to be less expensive. In a down economy and with a tight budget, heading to H&M or the BP section of Nordstroms (or, hell, even Target) versus more expensive places may be the ticket to retail therapy.

Angie,

Your comments are always so timely! I agree if you purchase something that just makes you smile every time you put it on it is just cheering! Like a good cup of tea.

Amanda

I’m lucky enough to feel like I have most of my basics well covered, and am able to explore trends and embellishments. So I head for less classic pieces, regardless of the economic climate. But I understand your thinking, Angie, and tend to agree: Times are tough, we all need a lift, and something small and affordable will help more than something classic and timeless.

This is a balancing act. I feel more comfortable if the percentage of quality classic items is slightly more nowadays. Looking like a trendy fashionista feels less and less appropriate given the economic climate. However, I’m with you on how a few trendy items cheer everyone up and apply the principal.

I agree with you Angie, especially with trendy accessories, like fresh colorful spring scarfs or chunky bracelets to give my outfit some oomph!

I still tend to stay away from overtly trendy items – but I think that’s just my preference. What I have noticed is that I buy classic items, with a bit of a twist (i.e. a more unusual colour, shape). I can usually find a better sale price on something that is ‘not your standard neutral’, for example, a great rust orange hobo bag.

The one thing that I have noticed buying as a perk me up is actually newer, more ‘trendy’ makeup colours.

I try to balance this, too. My wardrobe is in desperate need of many basics after weight loss, but nothing makes me feel better than a fun accessory in a fun color.

I just went shopping, and I did a bit of both. I bought a classic handbag and cardigan, but I also bought a trendier cardigan and shirt… though they’re probably still pretty conservative and not exactly fashion forward.

I tried carrying a trendier handbag, but it just didn’t feel right to me. Actually, it felt “cheap.” Long ago my mother impressed upon me that good material + classic style = classy look, and I’ve never been able to break myself of the notion that trendy = cheap, even though I know intellectually that this is not necessarily true.

Personally, I have my own list of what is classic for me, even if it isn’t for anyone else. As long as it’s available, practical, and flattering, I will risk looking dated and just wear it. I also know that nothing in my wardrobe (with the exception of denim and shoes) is going to be there for more than 2 years. I wear mostly knits, and my weight and size changes so much that it just isn’t practical anyway. In a way it’s a relief because I have a good excuse to go for lesser quality and cheap items, whether they’re classic or not. As it is, I stretch my knits out well beyond what I think would be considered their acceptable lifespan, but I don’t think it looks bad and it probably isn’t noticeable to anyone else. I’d rather risk it because getting rid of my ENTIRE wardrobe of tops every season is not only wasteful but too expensive, even when the items are cheap! So yes, I would also rather get trendy items–but that’s really moot because I generally always prefer going for trendy items.

Angie, you have done a wonderful job of pointing out that sometimes, things have the power to give us a little boost when we’re down, and they don’t have to be expensive to give us that much-needed lift. Thanks! You’ve inspired me to keep my eyes open for a yellow tote that will brighten up my spring.

Angie, WOW you sure hit this one on the head. With spring around the corner a few trendy pieces are fun and affordable. Most of us have the basics to mix with.

This point is on target with Angie’s post about her chunky bracelet and oversized wristlet. Its a challenge for me, a non-trendy buyer in the first place. Although I am feeling the need for updating.

The conservative side of me says “stick to the classics” especially after cleaning out a lot of once-trendy, ill fitting items from my closet.
But, I do agree with you Angie!
Last week I purchased two new pairs of fairly inexpensive ballet flats. One is on the timeless, classic end (Tahari Gustave in bone/black cap toe) but not boring. The other was a Old Navy silver metallic.
What do I want to wear now? The silver – with everything!

Hm, interesting view. I would tend to disagree though, at least for where I am at right now. Being a person who is always on a low budget, and has been stuck with $0 clothing budget for quite some time, if I had even a little money to spend on clothes I would spend it on basics that I would wear often and for years to come, not trendy pieces that will soon be “so last season.” But then again, I’m something of a special case, since I still don’t have all the basic wardrobe pieces I would like. I suppose if I had all of the basics I would go for fun trendy pieces rather than more basics, unless some of my basics needed replacing. As it is, I just window shop and wish I had money. I definitely agree with those who mentioned that trendy items can be less expensive. That certainly makes them attractive. And yes, fun new things can make us smile. So all that to say, I agree in general, just not in my case at the moment.

I see so many people who keep buying the same garment over and over, this is just a waste of money unless it’s to replace a favourite that has worn out. Something different (but still within your personality) is always great as it stretches your wardrobe so you can create more looks with less clothes, rather than just another pair of jeans or black pants or a t-shirt.

I’m with you too: trends.

I think of it as akin to the Great Depression when film comedies went through the roof, and no one wanted to watch dramas. I need distraction from the financial crisis, I don’t want to wallow in the drab.

Hi Angie…Hi girls.
Value is extremely important and should be at all times…tough or not. I think that as the seasons transform along, so must we a little, to squeeze a bit more out of our wardrobes. Like taking summer into fall/autumn instead of just packing summer away when the season begins. Keep out those trusty basics and use them more cleverly.
Layer under our summer tunics/kaftans (looser fitting classic white button through shirt for example…a must have summer basic) with finer garments and leggins in seasonal colours that suit…topped off with a cheap and cheery ‘feelgood’ bag or scarf.
Accessories have always been the antioxidants of the fashion world…often tiny in value and size, but they are fabulous for packing a feelgood ‘punch’.
Voila!

This gives me something to think about as I continue to replace a wardrobe. Before weight loss I had invested in a lot of classic pieces but realize now that if I were still wearing them, I’d probably be sick of them and I no longer wear that style. Maybe I don’t have a strong enough sense of what is my style. It’s fun to try new looks and let it evolve, so your thinking makes sense.

Interesting! After thinking about it carefully, I don’t think that the budget affects me when deciding to buy a trendy vs. classic piece. I just buy those that I need or fall in love with as long as they fit in my budget.

I got my first job after college right before the recession so ironically this is the first time I’ve ever really had money to spend on clothes. My theory has always been that I would buy expensive pieces that were timeless but that I would buy trendier (if you could even say that I wear trendy clothes) that were at a lower price point. I’ve continued this now that I’m working.

I’ve been out of school and working full time for many years now, so I already have a lot of classic items. Unless I am trying to replace something that has worn out, a piece of clothing or accessory really has to be special in some way in order to induce me to buy it, not necessarily trendy but unusual in some way. Lately I have been gravitating towards accessories that can give the clothes I already have a new look at relatively little cost.

If I NEED something that is in the higher end of my price range, then I’d go classic. If I WANT something, then I’d look for an affordable trendy piece.

Among my friends, coworkers and relatives–none of the women in my enviornment NEED clothes. But just about everyone could use a little “pick me up” item.

I feel I need more cheap thrills at the moment. As long as I have my basics covered I feel fine. I am not adding anymore timeless classic basic black anything. But then I am veering towards a more boho feel. Expensive classics don’t have as much value in Albuquerque.

I’m just going about things my usual budget-savvy way, picking things that fit within my usual style…which is neither trendy nor classic but what I like to consider modern and “of the moment.” Anywho, I love that fold over tote on the right! I’d consider carrying that for years to come. Reminds me of Foley + Corinna.

[...] existing Spring wardrobe, only indulging myself with new accessories that liven up my wardrobe and lift my spirits (refresh your memory with the first two installments here and [...]

Will I would say I’m classic with a definite sexy, edgy flair. My favorite outfit is either a great pair of jeans, a great top and heels or a spectacular dress. I like to mix things up. I love to use shoes to make an outfit “pop”…such as a black and white dress with great red peep toes. I’m not into matchy matchy. The way I deal with this climate that we are all faced with right now is I buy from places like Target or Marshalls but I also buy from higher end places too! I think it’s fun to put an outfit together that comes from such different places. One thing that can make an outfit or change one is accessories. I have a lot of earrings, for I have a short trendy hair style. I also have some great necklaces too. The key is when to wear them and when it might be too much. One thing about living here in L.A. is that we don’t have to deal with the change of seasons like most of the country does…that helps with our winter wardrobe. Although if you live close to the beach it can be brisk. My favorite sweater is the good old standby turtle neck, mine are from J.Crew and I love them. They look great with dark jeans and great boots and some hoop earrings. easy but well put together and sexy. Those turtlenecks are classics, so I plan to take good care of them so I will have them for years to come. You know what lifted my spirits about a week ago?! I cleaned out my closet and my chest of drawers. I had 4 bags of clothes and shoes to take to goodwill. Not only did that make me feel like I was doing something worthwhile but it also gave me a chance to see what I have…I’d even forgotten a thing or two. It was fun…kinda like shopping