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Sharing: Your First Big Purchase and Its Impact.

NDMom

As I was perusing some shopping sites today, it occurred to me that the "sticker shock" of some prices have worn off.

It used to be, when I first signed up with YLF, that I would look at things and say to myself, "I would never pay ### for something like that."

Well, on my quest for the perfect cropped jean jacket (two years ago), I succumbed to my first BIG purchase....a Current/Elliot cropped jean jacket. For me, it was WAY out of my $$$ comfort zone, but I just LOVE that jacket and the CPW has come way, way down because it's proven to be a workhorse.

Which brings me to my point..... That first big purchase sort of "primed" the pump, so to speak, for not being so put off by the price of an item AND made it much easier to shell out the larger $$$'s if the item warrants it.

How about you? Do you want to share your first big purchase and what impact it had (if any) on your shopping patterns and/or comfort level in purchasing?

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52 replies

Latest reply was from NDMom

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I would have to say purchasing 3 trench coats by Rachel Zoe was by far my first big purchase. I felt safe doing so, knowing it was a classic and that they would indeed not go out of style and become a waste... I still tend to be very wary of paying lots for things that are too trendy... I think as a maximalist that also results in this. I will pay more for leather jackets, but then my big ticket price is lower than I think a lot of people on this site... I think it is all relative to our families and budgets...

Lyn D.

Veteran

After buying heaps of stuff on Sale only, I bought a wool vest recently at full price (expensive for me).
It has slowed-down my number of purchases this year to a more comfortable level and I am very happy with it!
It has also renewed my desire to buy fewer, better quality pieces only.

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Aquamarine

Veteran

Great topic! My first relatively big purchase after hanging around here for a while was designer denim <gulp>. It took me a while to come to grips with spending that much money on jeans. I had to force myself to wear them and not "save" them LOL.

rute

Veteran

Mine was many years ago when I received my first salary. I bought a Nice leather bag. Well let's say my love for bags and leather started on that day

rabbit

Veteran

What Tracey said.

The three items I've paid the most for are gear - hiking boots, a large backpack, and a Gortex raincoat. At the time my main consideration was comfort and safety, although the price made me gulp, but their durability over a decade or more of outdoor use has actually made the CPW pretty low as well. Also looks or visible wear don't matter at all with these items.

At this stage in my life I can't honestly think of a fashion item as opposed to a gear item I would be tempted to pay the same amount for.

In thinking about it I've realized that for me the function of gear items is more important than outer presentation, so you can keep wearing it as styles change and distressing happens. Also repairs don't need to be invisible.

If I was in management in a more corporate office, I would consider the cost of fashionable clothes part of the cost to perform my job and account for it differently. With my current lifestyle, clothes that aren't gear come under the 'fun/entertainment' heading, and they aren't the top spending priority in this category, so I allocate the budget to reflect this.

It's true I could buy fewer items a year and use the same budget, for example I could buy 5-10 items a year for 100$ each, and I wouldn't be surprised if this happens if my style gets very minimalist and focused in the future.

I understand NDMom what you are saying though, and I actually come at this from the other angle as I set prices for artwork, so high prices don't give me sticker shock when I see them - a lot of it has to do with niche markets - overall disposable income, and individual priorities with regard to expenses. It's also, as you say, something that gets easier as you try it and it works out well.

JayS

Veteran

LIke Aquamarine, I eased into the "higher priced" arena with premium denim..the Joes Jeans Provocateur Bootcuts. That was 3-4 years ago, and I still wear them. This was a move up from Lee's jeans at Kohl's.

Another step change was 2 years ago. I bought a Burberry wool trench coat during NAS. I know I'll have it for years to come and feel fabulous when wearing it.

Great topic!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Last year, after I had lost some weight, I spent a hundred bucks on some jeans - the most I'd spent on jeans ever! They're nice jeans, I wear them every so often, but they're not that much better than my other jeans. So for me, that purchase hasn't really changed my habits; in fact, the opposite.

I find that in some categories - shoes, often, and technical gear - a higher price equals higher quality. But often it doesn't. It's instead about style and brand name and trendiness. Which is certainly worth paying for if it's important to you and you have the money. But I find that trends trickle down so fast these days that by the time I'm interested in anything, I can find an option that's reasonably priced by my standards.

P.S., I used to spend unhesitatingly on outerwear when I lived in a colder climate, and if I still did I still would, because a durable warm coat is so worth it.

Gigi

Veteran

I've had two big purchases so far. One was a pair of designer jeans (coated skinnies), which were on sale but still twice as much as I would consider spending on jeans, and the other was a pair of designer boots.

The boots came as close to perfect as could be managed for me: the exact color and material I wanted, a heel at the perfect height, a very stable construction, excellent quality, and a calf that was almost fitted to my leg (they just don't make them small enough; this pair of boots was the absolute smallest I could find). Plus they were warm, which is a necessity for me in the Midwest (shaking my fist at Mother Nature right now!). I don't have any pain walking in them, and they don't overwhelm my small frame. This was my first big purchase, and it made me realize that it's way too easy to whittle away quite a bit of money on mediocre items when I would rather have just a few perfect ones that I wear over and over. I also felt like my shopping for this type of boot was "done," if you know what I mean. There was no more looking around for something better. I guess I felt a contentedness about it.

As for the designer denim, every time I wear those jeans, my happiness level goes through the roof. They are handwash, which is a pain, but you can wear jeans at least a few times before washing. So these were definitely a good purchase too!

Aziraphale

Veteran

I got on the slippery shoe slope about five or six years ago. My in-laws bought my husband a beautiful, expensive wool coat for Christmas, and gave me the equivalent amount of money with the instructions "buy something you ordinarily would not". I went shoe shopping and came home with two pairs of Fluevog boots. I was so impressed with them that it caused me to readjust my attitude to clothing in general -- specifically the issue of cost per wear.

Also, I'm more on the minimalist side. I'd rather have a relatively small number of nice, well-made, well-fitting, relatively understated garments than an eyewatering assortment of colours and patterns and silhouettes that quickly gets out of control. (Footwear is actually a bit of an exception -- I like good quality, but a lot of my shoes make more of a statement than my clothes).

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

My first big purchase was a fit and flare dress for a whole $90. It blew my mind and changed my world - there are CLOTHES THAT FEEL NICE. There are DRESSES THAT ARE AWESOME.

Three years later, I still have that dress!

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dustt

Veteran

my first BIG purchase was in London in 1983 (30 years ago now - jeesh)!!! - I had saved for a year to buy a Burberry Trench while I was there - I paid the equivalent of $325 on my very modest salary. I still have and wear that trench!! I do know that my friends thought I was crazy at the time - my parents understood and supported that I had saved to buy it. I still love it - I still get compliments on it - and I still remember how excited I was to wear that darn coat when I returned home. Every time I put it on I remember. I have a tendency to wait until something I want is on sale - I rarely if ever pay full price - some items have slipped away because of it. That coat is one of the only items I can think of that I actually walked into the store and purchased at full price and it was a hefty price for me at the time.

gryffin

Veteran

Great question NDMom!! My first big purchase did not send me down the dark side. It as at AT I bought skirt, dress pants, long black blazer, cream and black glen plaid long blazer and ls cream ribbed sweater (PS the jackets are still in rotation after relining rationing my love!!). I spent over $700 and that was my conference and dress capsule for more than a decade. Best money I ever spent. I had sweaty palms and palpitations when I put that on the charge card!! The downslide for me was looking for a pair of black pumps for an events (after I had my son my feet grew 1/2 - 1 size and I had to donate my entire shoe wardrobe) The sales girl at Nordies bought out a pair of SW slingbacks black but with a pointy cap toe and edging in tortoise patent. I had never experienced shoe lust before. I can't really do justice to them and they were so elegant and comfortable. They were more than $300 and I had never paid much over $100 for a pair of shoes. I paid 1/2 in cash since I did not want my husband to know how much they cost (although he would have been fine with them) They are still so elegant and up the style quotient for any outfit I wear. That's when I realized that sometimes you really get what you pay for, the beginning of my slide down the dark side!!

retailgirl

Veteran

Over the years, my threshold for many things has gone up and up...I love stuart Weizmann and ferragamo shoes, for instance, but $100 used to be my limit for shoes! Because I have always worked in retail, I get a discount and that lessens the pain a little. But the first very expensive thing I bought was a rolex watch...thirty years ago, for $1300. I still wear it every day, I love it and it was worth every penny.

viva

Veteran

My very first big purchase was when I was in my early 20s, and I bought a Banana Republic leather bomber for $120. I still have that bomber -- it's big and heavy and very traditional. It hangs in my closet and is never worn. It's a souvenir of a moment that I remember so well. It both hurt and felt great to buy that jacket, because I loved it and had earned the money and it felt like I crossed into adulthood with the purchase.

My MO as an adult has always been to buy the best I can afford but at the best possible price, so I always search for sales and discount codes and deals. This has led to buying things just because they are a good deal, which I have learned is not a good approach -- you end up with things that you really don't want or need. But, the result is that I have quite a few really nice things that I've gotten pretty inexpensively, through consignment, outlet shopping, and sales.

However .... at the Boston meetup I crossed another horizon when I bought the Reiss jacket. I think it is the first true investment piece I have bought at full price, without blinking. With tax it was almost $500, and I made the purchase decision quickly. I did not expect or plan to spend that much in Boston, and I had already purchased a couple of things, but the jacket was a HEWI, and I expect to wear it for years. The price still makes my breath catch a little, to be honest, but I hope to keep looking at it and feeling about it as I do today.

carolbee

Veteran

Mine was relatively recent. Although I did spend some reasonable $ when I worked in the corporate world, for the last few years I have not spent a lot of money on any item apart from shoes. Late last year I bought a pair of summer black trousers at about double the price I have ever spent and although I won't necessarily be spending big $ in future this has opened my eyes to value for money. I have worn those pants ALL summer , felt great every time and the CPW is way down.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have had a few threshold moments. Years ago, a wonderful couple I housesat for all the time gave me a Nordstrom gift certificate that introduced me to the World Of Nordstrom. It was definitely a step up from my bargain shopping ways, and I spent the most I had ever spent on a pair of black leather boots as a result. All of a sudden, my expectations for shoe quality and my tolerance for spending on shoes went up, because before that, it was rare I'd spend more than $30 on a pair of shoes (this was 20 years ago).

Premium denim was another gateway drug. The first time I spent over $100 for jeans I wondered if I was crazy, but those jeans are still in my closet.

I've made some significant purchases over the last couple if years. Some were wiser than others, but I'm learning when it's truly worth it and when it's not.

Astrid

Veteran

Oh yes. My first big YLF purchase were black riding boots and I wore them in the ground. Mind, they weren't what I would call expensive NOW. I'm spending much more on clothing now than I did before YLF and I like my pieces to have better quality overall. My tastes are quite expensive for my student budget. Now I buy shoes for 100€ which I would never have done before or spend 150€ on a coat. And I pay 60€ for jeans and would buy a sweater/shirt for 40-50€. But the consequence of that is a small wardrobe. I could have much more variety if I went back to shopping mostly H&M and similar priced stores, but I just can't do it (besides for the odd item).

ironkurtin

Veteran

Mine was in college. I bought a pair of those Guess cowboy boots that were cut down into shoes. (Anyone else remember those?). I loved those shoes so much. It was so fun to own something I really wanted; my parents were extremely strict with budgeting to try to teach me responsibility and I could never have the cool things the girls around me wore. When I actually could spend what I wanted, I never looked back.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

My first big purchase was Frye boots in spring 2012. But they were 40% off, so I was still sale shopping technically. Still, over $200 was an amount I'd never spent before. Ditto the leather/suede pants I bought this year. They are by far the most expensive item I've ever bought, but they were also deeply discounted at 75% off or some such.
So I think my threshold may be higher in general, but I still see no reason to pay full retail for things that can be found on discount if you hunt or wait. I can't name a single thing in my closet over $100 that was bought full price. Every big ticket item, and I can name them all because there are only a handful, was found on some sort of discount. I don't see that changing. But I will look at shoes over $100 now (like Janet mentioned, I used to not even 'see' anything above this amount). Ditto some coats, and even (crazy!) a bathing suit. Still would never dream of over $100 for knit shirts or the like.

NDMom

I just LOVE reading these responses. So interesting, funny, and transparent! Thanks for sharing!

LACeleste

Veteran

When I was just starting out my career In NYC, I made the biggest purchase of my life ( tied only with my wedding dress). I bought the most exquisite black 100% cashmere full length coat by Ralph Lauren from The Fairfield Store in Fairfield, CT. Even on sale, it was $700. Ouch ouch ouch.

It looked like it was custom made for me and was so warm. I now think most black coats are a dime a dozen----but trust me--this coat was incredible! This coat was magic----ceaseless compliments with every wearing. I started to understand the value of exceptional fit and quality--and decided that the investment was worth all the ramen dinners.

Unfortunately, this story has a bittersweet P.S. After wearing the coat for 1 month, I was "playfully tackled" (attacked) by a rambunctious off-leash 1 year old Doberman en route to the train on a snowy January day. Webster tore out the lining and ripped the coat--not to shreds but close. I had enormous bruises on my legs from his jaw grip, but no bites.

I could recover the cost of the magic coat through Webster's owners' insurance if I filed an official report to Animal Control and turned in the coat. Unfortunately, this was Webster's third strike and if I did this he would not see another snowy frolic. I decided it was an accident and that Webster needed SIGNIFICANT training and maturity more than I needed coat compensation. I'm no saint but I am a big animal lover.

I know I made the right decision as Webster settled down and was a model citizen when I would see him (on leash) in the neighborhood.

The incident definitely left me with a "nothing gold can stay" attitude toward big purchases. I am working on it. Thanks for the therapy Paula!

ETA: The owners did offer me $100 but I asked that it be used for obedience training as I was worried about a kid being hurt by Webster's "playful enthusiasm".

NDMom

LACeleste.....amazing story! What a big heart you have....knowing what is important in life, and that it is not things! Thank you for sharing!

JAileen

Veteran

LACeleste, what a story! I'm sorry the dog's owners didn't compensate you for your loss. But even so, what a lovely memory of saving a dog's life. Had you gone the other route, I doubt you would have enjoyed your replacement coat.

kkards

Veteran

if i can use janet's phrase, my gateway drug was designer handbags. fresh out of college on of the 1st things i splurged on was a coach handbag (this was 1986 or 87), when they were the thing for preppy women. it was the kind of thing my mother would have found the knock off of, and it felt so grown up to be able to spend my own money on the real thing. fast foward 20 or so years, and my sister talked me into spending more than i would have ever imagined on a prada bag. but what a bag, just the right size, opened perfectly, great shape, worked with a winter coat. but that helped me to realize that its ok to spend money on something you love. (FYI, i still have the bag and i still use it, alhought not a much now).

NDMom

Laura, Mo, Rabbit, Tracy....Good points on value and reasonably-priced alternatives/getting a good deal!

Rute....Bags can do that every time!

Aziraphale....Fluevogs are sneaky little rascals, especially for those that have a minimalistic style but want to wear one statement piece in their outfit.

Lyn....I LOVE seeing that dress in your WIW's. What a great example!

dustt...Great to hear about your Burberry. Would love to see a pic one day! I just bought my own trench this year and am looking forward to wearing it many years, like you!

Astrid.....YLF has affected me too by buying less but better. I wouldn't go back either!

NDMom

ironkurtin.....I remember those boots well, in fact I wanted a pair too! What a treasure they must have been to you! I am glad I am now at the same stage as you in that I can purchase things if and when I want. My parents were both teachers, so money was tight. I hear you!

Janet....You are so funny! A gateway drug, ha! So glad that I can be on this journey learning with gals like you!

Carolbee.....Isn't it a great feeling to wear something, like your black pants, and know it's just right!

Viva.....Great lesson you learned about buying great things on sale. Sometimes doesn't make for the most cohesive wardrobe. BUT, I must say that jacket is the BEST on you! I hope you wear it in health for many years! You are already enjoying it, Kudos!

Gryffin/Retailgirl... Like Janet said.....your gateway drug was SW's! Gryffin, I always love hearing your stories. Retailgirl, I'm not doing the math, but let's just say your CPW on the Rolex is very low. Way to go!

LynD....Love the vest! I totally get what you are saying about how this purchase slowed down your shopping.

NDMom

Gigi, Aquamarine, JayS....Designer Denim must be another item that breaks down that threshold. Great testimonies on the benefits of these jeans. I may have to break down one day....

Gigi....I have to add that I TOTALLY get what you are saying about being content once you get just an item right. When that happens, I am no longer wondering if there is something better out there.

Thanks again.....love reading everyone's comments!

rabbit

Veteran

That's a great story LACeleste. So many interesting memories in this thread.

It kind of underscores for me that ultimately a thing is just a thing. The value is what we assign to it. I tell myself this as consolation when a $5,000 artwork breaks during shipping ): . It doesn't mean the value we assign isn't important, it's really what is most important. I'm very attached to my 30$ wedding ring for example.

But is it that a perspective shift happens when we make these investment purchases that then colors the way we feel about wearing the item and amps their personal 'happiness factor'?

I relate to what Mo says about buying on discount, but it being the actual paid price which sticks in our minds and is related to our limits. It's interesting how looking in my closet I have at least two pairs of shoes that I bought new but on clearance/resale that retailed for around 220-250$. But in my mind they are 20-25$ shoes because that's what I paid for them. Yes, they are comfortable, yes I try to care for them and appreciate them, but will they last longer in my closet than a shoe that retailed for 100$? Only time and chance will tell.

I also relate to what IK said about how it feels to be able to afford something you were denied. For me it's dining out. I'm happy to spend something eating out with my husband that I'd agonize about spending on shoes. It's kind of ironic because theoretically one only lasts for an hour or two and the other could be useful for years. But I remember the experience and the taste, and it's something I'm sharing with someone I love.

So I think it's about finding the sweet spot. The spot where the item or experience's happiness factor balances out the labor and time required to earn the money to pay for it. Like others have pointed out, I think having too many things at low cost and low happiness factor isn't it either.

zinnia123

One of my hobbies is hiking. My first pair of boots were made by Columbia. I got lucky at a re-sale shop and bought them for $20. I found out I love hiking and after a few years they needed replacing. I did research and chose a beautiful pair of gray goretex boots with sky blue laces and detailing by an Italian company called AKU. They are brand new. I bought them with my Christmas money and am so happy with them! They feel amazing and sky blue is my favorite color. I love their form and function. They cost way more than my starter boots and I had to take a deep breath before I pressed the "place order" button. I'm glad I did because I am enjoying owning something so nice.

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