https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 21:58:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying/page/2#post-787274 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 03:52:37 +0000 Anonymous 787274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is so interesting with such good comments. I know that quality fabrics make me feel special. Quality woolens and cashmere, silk ....so much better than acrylic and polyester and make such a difference. When I find the right piece I stop looking because I'm satisfied. If it's a wardrobe Basic, spending the most one can afford seems to make sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-787245 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 03:00:45 +0000 MNsara 787245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, Mo, Atlantia, Suz - I SO agree about high(er) quality being completely relative to where you are coming from. That's the beauty of it AND where drawing generalizations needs to become even more general. I can't but wonder if there's the $50K income equivalent for clothes. Like once you've reached a certain category of spending, it rarely brings in more satisfaction, or the increase doesn't match the addition money spent. . . </p> <p>I'm certainly no expert, but have tried on some luxury brands beyond my reach (like Armani, Jil Sanders, Stella McCartney, Lanvin) and not been impressed with my actual result. The fabrics can be awesome, the construction impeccable, but comfort? wearability? flattery? Not so good. (The actual fit issues would probably be resolved with alterations.)</p> <p>No worries, Una - I'm just wondering how your latest ventures into upping your ante will turn out CPW is definitely a good measurement.</p> <p>Gaylene - Maybe I'm ready for that minority too. . . ;-)</p> <p>Krish - interesting that once indoctrinated, you felt it when quality was missing! </p> <p>TraceyLiz - I like some variety too, but not TOO much, whatever that balance would be! </p> <p>Mary - I am impressed -- a blazer you've loved for almost 3 decades!! Have we seen this baby?</p> <p>kkards - I with 'inclined to shop' will shop Does your approach to shopping mean that you enjoy the experience, but hold off on the purchasing until the (hopefully) perfect piece is found?</p> <p>IK - I hope you can get your wardrobe back to that point - of satisfying enough that you lose interest in looking around :-)</p> <p>Makrame - your comment (in contrast to the 10-Item-wardrobe Jennifer who states she is neither a trend-setter nor fashionista, or somthing to that effect) makes me consider that if we want to include some on-trend, it requires some constant updating.</p> <p>Aww, MJP - your brand isn't making the same style any more? Bummer! I hear you on the disappointment when high-end (no matter what level that means to one) things fail. I think it happens more and more in these cost cutting days :-(</p> <p>JR - yes, finding the perfect jeans from scratch is a formidable task!</p> <p>Mandipa - interesting thought on US being more critical regarding quality when buying more expensive. Still love the food analogy </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786978 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 18:15:16 +0000 ManidipaM 786978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, for me (and my 'high-end' is somewhat similar to what Claire and Mo and Mochi have mentioned upthread, mutatis mutandis for my country's retail environment), I find that a better quality garment does seem more satisfying and for longer. That said, I think the causality of this goes both ways.</p> <p>On the one hand, a garment whose quality feels better to the hand and eye alike, which fits well, is comfy through the day, stays put the way it should, flatters the skin as well as the figure is... calming. It actually soothes me enough to stop me 'shopping for comfort'. If it's in a colour I enjoy that also looks good on me, it also stops me 'shopping for colour'---which is a variation of 'shopping for comfort' in that I can get moody about colour and can use colour to treat said moods too!</p> <p>On the other hand, since I do work with a very tight budget, even if I'm buying the better-quality garment at 50% off (there are one or two brands that are mainstays of my wardrobe that I do, however, buy almost exclusively on sale!), I'm still extra nitpicky about putting down the cash/card. Because it represents a larger outlay, I'm fussier about the returns. I'd not explore the fall and drape, the seams and *exact* shade of a cheaper T-shirt as much as the 'better' knit top. And this extra pickiness in turn almost guarantees extra satisfaction---which is not about the quality per se, but about how happy the garment makes me, how much more satisfying it is for my needs, lifestyle, style. It ends up more fulfilling.</p> <p>To approach the food analogy another way, the better quality garment is a more filling meal as well as one that satisfies the appetite (colour, texture, flavours=style) better.</p> <p>So yeah, I can skip the snack (cheap refills) or at least delay one longer...</p> <p>Of course, what exactly is a 'filling' quantity and how soon you can eat again is a very individual thing---depends on your physiology, right, even before taste and budget appear? Similarly, I suspect we all have a built-in comfort zone that is determined by wardrobe logistics, irrespective of style and budget. I'm not precisely a minimalist, and I do get easily bored---but I also get thoroughly irritable and overwhelmed when I have a huge bunch of quashed-together garments to choose from, and I certainly don't mind wearing my favourite outfits ad nauseam (from other folks' perspective).</p> <p>This, however, means extra wear and tear, hence quicker replacement of favourites than if I had several nearly-as-nice pieces. Because not only does wear spread over more items, but also the nearly-as nice is not reached for as often as the favourites.</p> <p>I find the boredom, in my case, is more easily and manageably---both from space and budget perspectives---alleviated by accessories, especially physically smaller ones, than a whole bunch of garments. So scarves and earrings are things I keep looking out for (though in recent years I've gotten pickier and less frequent in shopping for those too). But I can now do with fewer shoes, jeans, T-shirts than I used to. I find a 'louder' (better) bang for my buck means I don't need as *many* bangs for my buck! </p> <p>I do repeat purchases of similar items if they are frequent elements of my outfits---jeans (different styles), skirts (several different colours, similar style and fabric), closed neutral flat shoes. But I still find I can pass up the back-up item when the one great item that nearly maxes my budget also yet looks and feels great on. Case in point: the red skinnies I bought this year which I'd have loved to duplicate in blue, budget allowing. Yet I found I could pass the blue up because the red ones were so close to perfect for my needs that it just felt... so vastly satisfying that even double the satisfaction did not tempt me to overspend! It's like being lulled into a soporific state after a HUGE meal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786972 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:53:19 +0000 JR 786972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am really curious to find out where I will end up. I spent years buying as cheaply and as little as possible for a number of reasons, and I had so much on the go that thinking about clothing was not much of a priority.</p> <p>Now, I'm approaching consumer fatigue. I've had to buy so many new clothes, that the realization I need to go find new jeans - again - felt like more of a burden than a joy. I am also like Gaylene, in that I find too many choices overwhelming. I never thrive in a cluttered environment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786954 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:23:47 +0000 ironkurtin 786954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MPJ, amen!</p> <p>I had my "perfect" straight legs and bootcuts, and then I lost weight, and they didn't fit, and I am ALL OVER EBAY trying to find them because 7FAM doesn't make that cut in that denim anymore. No luck yet. But I did find I wanted at least 2 pairs of each because I wore them A LOT, and I needed one hemmed for flats and one for boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786951 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:21:29 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 786951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I found my "perfect" pair of straight leg jeans that happens to be premium denim. I'm not satisfied with just the one pair, and I'm so bummed that they discontinued the style, so I can't triplicate. I guess it depends on whether the item is a basic or a showstopper. For me, jeans are basic, blue denim straights are probably the most basic iteration of that particular basic, and I need more than one pair.</p> <p>However, my disappointment in higher end items that fail is greater than if a TJ Maxx buy doesn't make it through the season. Higher price does not equal perfection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786945 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:15:51 +0000 Makrame 786945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it depends a bit on the type of item. For example, I was nodding along to Mo's statement about premium denim - I bought one pair of premium bootcut jeans (dark wash, about $100) a little over a year ago, which replaced a few pairs of random boot cuts in the $20-30 price range. I have not felt any urge to shop for more blue bootcut jeans - this pair fits me perfectly so why try to change? I also bought a Brooks Brothers non-iron dress shirt that I love - I am not really shopping for more button down shirts since this one works really well and anything else would be a letdown. These pieces also provide great return on the money because they can be worn often.</p> <p>On the other hand, I love colored denim and it is difficult to say No to a fun new color. DH bought me two nice pairs of colored denim at premium prices, and I am said to say the CPW is still pretty high because it is a lot more difficult to wear these distinctive colors often.</p> <p>In general, my feeling is that if there is a specific "hole" or "ecological niche" in the wardrobe, such as "blue jeans in a dark wash" or "charcoal blazer" or "navy cashmere sweater", it can be best satisfied by a great quality item because if the fit and quality are perfect, it is easy to stop looking. It is the more "fringe" items, such as jeans in fun colors or textures, that can be harder to stop looking at. I also find it difficult to decide whether it is worth spending money on clothes that may be in fashion for just a year or two or if it is better to just buy a fast-fashion version (I can argue both ways ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786926 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:00:55 +0000 ironkurtin 786926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have yet to find anything that makes me stop looking.</p> <p>OTOH, I was very satisfied w my wardrobe and ready to stop shopping when I found my pants didn't fit right anymore, which kicked it all off again.</p> <p>I think if you like to shop, there is no magic item. Maybe just a series of covets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786911 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:42:39 +0000 Suz 786911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was nodding along with Mo....even though I got bored with my 6 week capsule (Gaylene is right about that) and so perhaps fall into the category of those who like a bit of variety and want to dress for creative expression, I also can't see buying repeats of black pumps, or jeans, etc.....unless one is showing wear or for some other reason ready to retire. If I have a really good quality black pump, I don't need another one, unless it really is quite different (e.g. a flat vs. a heel). </p> <p>I also agree with those who are noting that quality is perhaps relative and we have a scale. Krish, what an amazing story about your teen wardrobe....that would be so tough to come down from!! I think I learned my love of quality in two places....first, from some of my mother's clothes that were in my dress-up trunk; she had actually inherited these clothes from a wealthy English friend. The fabrics and construction were so beautiful. Even as a small child I could feel the difference. Oh, I loved those clothes...</p> <p>And then later, as a young adult, I worked as a waitress for a while and my friend at the restaurant was a gay man with impeccable taste; we used to go browsing at Holt Renfrew....once or twice I even bought something on deep discount; in particular I remember a silk shirtwaist dress, probably Holt's house brand, so nothing hugely special but to me, a dream come true....</p> <p>None of that is to say that one can't find great quality items at a lower price point. I happen to think BR stuff is typically pretty decent quality for the money...particularly if you get it on sale. And my Old Navy white denim jacket is just as nice (if not nicer) than many I have seen elsewhere. From the kids' department, no less....a mere $15. </p> <p>Back to the question, though....I don't think a high quality wardrobe necessarily means a small wardrobe. Gaylene is right; we seem to differ in our need for variety; also our lives differ, too, which means our needs differ. </p> <p>Attracted to minimalism as I am, however, I would like to work out what is the reasonable number of high quality essentials I need and then work out a plan to purchase those. What would MY "magnificent 5" or "10 (or 14) item wardrobe" be? The issue is that none of the formulas I have come upon have really spoken to me at the time I have read them (perhaps I wasn't ready to fully understand them; I'm not sure). You know...they either list by specific garment (LBD, blazer, pumps, etc.) and those garments are not the ones that I particularly need or use, OR they list some arbitrary number with no logic behind it (why 10? WHAT 10??), or they say: 7 tops, 7 bottoms (i.e. one per week)...which makes a bit more sense, but then there is the casual vs. dressy issue, the seasonal changes to consider...and so on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786851 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:41:01 +0000 kkards 786851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>interesting topic.<br /> i think the premise of the question is, will a having a high quality wardrobe leads to having a smaller wardrobe? i think if you are inclined to shop, you are inclined to shop, and the important thing is not what you spent one a single item, but what your total budget is. i enjoy the act of shopping, seeing and feeling the texture of fabrics, colors and silhouettes. i try to separate quality and price, and aim to buy the piece that i think will be the best value. for me, i know what i am willing to spend more on, and what i deem not worthy, and work from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786829 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:23:05 +0000 Atlantia 786829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire's comment about her "high end" being like others' "low end" really resonated with me. For me, shopping at BR is a bit of a dream, and Nordstrom Rack is about as high end as I get, and even then, not often.<br /> BUT...I do completely adore my Kut jacket from the Rack. I wear it every chance I get, and I cry thinking of the day it will finally give up the ghost. So I would say yes, I do get more satisfaction from my high end pieces. I guess everyone just has their own scale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786828 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:22:45 +0000 bj1111 786828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>mo, i think we drank the same kool-aid! this is the second time in two days that i find myself nodding at your fashion philosophy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786823 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:14:30 +0000 Mo 786823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Claire's point about happiness scale and income topping out around $50,000. I have been on both sides of that number (income changes when in FL or CA) so I can attest to it.<br /> Also, I'm not sure I subscribe to the 2 camps Gaylene describes. I feel I wear my clothes to express myself, and not just look decently pulled together. But I can't imagine why I'd want or need more than one pair of black pumps (or black skinny jeans). Maybe blue, and red (in either jeans or pumps) - but not 5 black. I don't think that lends one more creativity. I think that's more a habit of acquiring pretty things. Just my opinion of course.<br /> I think quality provides us with better feel, fit, and often drape. When the item is a joy to wear I believe it quenches your desires, at least mine.<br /> I am also closer to Claire's level of quality. My designer pieces right now are my 2 leather jackets (MuuBaa and Allsaints), Frye boots, and True Religion and J Brand jeans. All bought on DEEP discount, like 50% off. Oh, and my Tse cashmere sweaters. To me, my Fossil purse and Michael Michael Kors platform clogs are higher end. That's okay, we all have a different place we are coming from. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786813 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:01:22 +0000 Anonymous 786813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great thread! As you know, this has been on my mind a lot lately. </p> <p>First of all let me mention that my "high end" is most people's "lower end". If I can find something from Gap, BR or J. Crew I am jumping up and down happy. When I buy a top that's long enough, fits right in the neckline and doesn't twist out of shape right away it makes such a difference as I'm wearing it and going about my day. </p> <p>For my upcoming birthday DH and I just ordered the striped Banana Republic sweater from Angie's store. (P.S. BR has 40% off full priced sweaters today, Dec. 2) and if it works out, it will not only replace the thin, too short Breton T that I have now, but mitigate much of the frustration I've felt trying to make an inferior item work. </p> <p>So to answer your question, I suspect that there is a happiness scale for high end items and as you get better clothing, you are happier with it *to a point*. For the income scale, they say your happiness increases exponentially until you get up to about $50K (in the US) and then after that it tapers off. Wearing clothes that are soft, fit well, don't ride up, camouflage your trouble spots, are in colors that make you happy and are in harmony with your style preferences would be pretty awesome. After that, it's all just gravy, as my husband likes to say. Just keep me away from the high-end designer stuff. I'll never know what I'm missing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786785 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 14:24:22 +0000 Anonymous 786785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. From my experience, there is a huge difference between higher quality items and lower quality, fast fashion, items. If I find the perfect high quality garment, I do not feel the need to continue to shop for that item and I can happily wear it for decades. I have a black wool blazer that I purchased in November of 1983. It is still my favorite go-to piece during fall/winter months. I admit that it now shows some fraying along the edges, but I still love it. </p> <p>I feel the same way about my more expensive slacks and blouses. They seem to "drape" ever so much better. The blouses never seem to go out of fashion. Sadly, the slacks do feel dated and I am always on the hunt to replace them. I think that is just me though. I never feel I have enough slacks and I love shopping for them. </p> <p>My personal wardrobe goal is to buy higher quality items that will satisfy me for years to come. My challenge is finding that perfection. I find that most pieces miss the mark and that is why I keep shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786766 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:49:54 +0000 TraceyLiz65 786766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Gaylene nailed it when she said that there are two different types. As one who falls into the creative category, I would feel suffocated my minimalism. I know that during my weight gain I did the minimalist thing not wanting to buy too much as I knew that time was around the corner to my shedding the weight. Those 5 years of minimalism really were horrible for me and now I am much happier with more choices to play with...I wouldn't dream of going back and love creating a wardrobe that no matter what occasion or trip comes up, that I can just go to my closet, not have to run out last minute trying to find the right items, which was always a nightmare and not fun way to do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786765 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:39:00 +0000 krishnidoux 786765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An EXCELLENT question. I have noticed for my part that a higher end quality items calms the need to shop for longer than cheaper items, but not forever. However, it certainly calms it for a season or two. </p> <p>I like Donna's analogy with food, especially in trying to avoid junk food. We try to avoid looking cheap, even if we have to buy cheap things. </p> <p>For a (too brief) period in my late teens, my fashion-loving Mom got an important job promotion and topped her already well garnished designer suit collection. In the same wave she brought me to her stores and dressed me, buying me things that a teen could never afford. At 18, I suddenly found myself with a couple of very well cut pencil skirts, one of which was electric neon green, I remember (with its matching harlequin print twin set tops) . Decent jackets, a cozy *perfect* white angora cardi, a full suit (tangerine shorts and short sleeves jacket with flower print sleeveless shirt... sigh). Oh, my. It infected me with the taste for high end items. After knowing something like this, how can you go back to "Garage" or "Le Château"? I kept these items as long as I decently could.</p> <p>When I had them, I didn't feel the need to buy and buy. This came after, from the void created by not being able to replace them. I ventured in Gap and Guess and BR, or also Suzy Sheer and Smart Set, desperately looking for something one could only find in Courrèges, Holt Renfrew or Rodier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786679 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:48:17 +0000 Gaylene 786679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I think wardrobe size depends more on the person's attitude and approach to fashion than on the cost or quality of the clothes within it. I have a friend who is financially able to buy high-end, designer clothes with a closet the size of a small house. Her love of shopping and following fashion trends means she is definitely not satisfied with a a single perfect item. For example, she just bought a gorgeous pair of Lanvin black pumps (around $900) to put next to four or five other pairs of gorgeous black pumps. And, I know there will be many more black pumps in her future. But she enjoys her collection of beautiful clothes and regularly consigns items to stores, making others happy too, I suspect.</p> <p>I'm beginning to think that the biggest factor is the divide between those who view what they wear as a creative means of personal expression and those who just want to look presentable. It makes sense that the first group would want more innovation and excitement in their wardrobes, along with more items to play with, than the second group. Having only a few pieces, even if they were of fantastic quality, probably wouldn't be very satisfying to these creative dressers.</p> <p>I found Suz's comment about how she was getting quite tired of her travel wardrobe by the end of her trip interesting because it was almost the exact opposite of my feelings at the end of a six-week trip. Since I just took a carry-on, my only clothes were a skirt, a couple of pairs of pants, a cardigan, a few tops, and a trench, with almost everything in black. Getting dressed every day took just seconds with that wardrobe. When I came home to my full closet, my first reaction the morning after I returned was a sense of dismay at having to think about what to wear. It was a weird feeling, but it made me realize that I really could exist quite happily in my four-season climate with a very small, high-quality wardrobe-- maybe not just 10 pieces, but 15 or 20? I realize many people on this forum would find that kind of wardrobe utterly boring, but to me it would seem almost liberating. </p> <p>So, for me, the answer to your question would be yes, but I suspect I'm in the minority. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786672 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:20:15 +0000 bj1111 786672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>well, then, minimalism is the bomb...shake a leg, the train is leaving the station!</p> <p>;-)))) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786604 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:37:35 +0000 catgirl 786604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack, I'm a test group!? I can tell you honestly that pre-YLF I was strictly a thrift store gal, even for work clothes. Maybe it will average out to normal spending over my lifetime... </p> <p>I'm pretty sure the boots are going to be a lifetime love, along with the B coat. We'll see - I am tracking CPW on both. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786603 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:35:34 +0000 MNsara 786603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>shevia - a little disappointing as I was hoping uber quality WOULD indeed preclude the desire for more things</p> <p>bj - lol at your "minimalism is overrated if it's not your bag" Thing is, it used to be my bag and I feel the pull toward that again. . .and I hear you on the shoe comfort being a top requirement</p> <p>DonnaF - I like the food analogy and love the avoidance of high-fructose-corn-syrup clothes :-)</p> <p>Suz - "If I am happy with what I have, there is no need. Except...well, when there IS a need...either because it is worn out, or because I am worn out, and need a change." Sounds reasonable, and I'd like to have some sort of litmus test for when a change is valid.</p> <p>caro - agree on their worth, just wondering if those extra $$ will help me feel sartorially satiated. And those extra $$ can be relative, like Ann Taylor instead of Target, or Eileen Fisher instead of Jones New York, or kate spade instead of Halogen, etc.</p> <p>Una - you're the test group for this question, as you've recently been willing to spend those relative extra $$ to get the 'perfect' coat and boots (and this new item which I'm eager to see I suppose you can't predict the next couple years to see if these hold your love and keep you satisfied still? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786583 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:15:13 +0000 catgirl 786583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my case, the joy of high end items has created a taste for more high end items! But yes, I do think one perfect thing is better than a lot of compromises. M Gidigio boots have stopped me from looking at any other tall black boots completely. It's like falling in love. On the other hand, I'm still eying other boots - brown, ankle, etc. </p> <p>I've found great pieces at low end prices too - either just lucky finds, or consignment/thrift store scores, or sales. </p> <p>I'm more willing to spend now that I'm more sure of my style, and the latter is really what has curtailed a lot of my formerly spontaneous purchases. On that note, I'm about to post a K/R for what I'm hoping will be my last major purchase for a while, and it was pricey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786581 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:10:13 +0000 Caro in Oz 786581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Mo it isn't always to do with designer or price. Quality items that are beautifully designed, fit well &amp; have been made well are well worth the price tags imo. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786575 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:04:03 +0000 Suz 786575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chuckling, Shevia....when you find them, will you please let me know? </p> <p>Quality DOES make a difference to me. And does, to a large degree, eliminate my desire to stockpile more items. If I am happy with what I have, there is no need. Except...well, when there IS a need...either because it is worn out, or because I am worn out, and need a change. </p> <p>I am not sure this 10 item wardrobe is do-able. But let's say it is...even the author of that book is talking about 10 items per season. For the sake of argument, let's say you have four seasons. That means 40 items, not 10. True, there might be some overlap between seasons, but let's say they are mostly distinct. </p> <p>If you were to refresh/ replenish 1/3 of those per year, that would be 12 or 13 new items. Even if there were considerable overlap you would be permitted to buy at least 5 or 6 base essentials per year new. Recall....on this system, at least, we are talking about BASE items, not the jackets, cardigans, coats, scarves, layering Ts, shoes, bags, jewellery, and belts that actually account for a LOT of our purchases (and, I would argue, a lot of our wardrobe...but I guess that is an issue of semantics and my slight irritation that somebody actually got a BOOK deal out of this hare-brained idea! </p> <p>In other words, I don't think our shopping would in fact be terribly restricted after all. </p> <p>Ummm....back to your question about quality. If my wardrobe consisted of a core of high quality essentials, about 40 of them...That core would keep me pretty happy, yeah. But like Shevia, I think I would still be wanting to switch things out to stay current and fresh. </p> <p>What would change, if I had that mythical set of essential, high quality items? I think it would lend me a certain feeling of fashion security and preparedness that I still, to some extent, lack. I would feel better able to face any eventuality - a trip at a moment's notice, a last minute speaking engagement, and even my day to day. I would feel...I don't know how to put it....more put-together! Which would be literally true, I guess. I would also just plain enjoy the luxury of the fabrics.</p> <p>ETA: Agree with Bj--- it's all good whatever works for you, personally...and with Donna - the food analogy is great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786570 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:57:10 +0000 DonnaF 786570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about a food analogy? Something made with high quality butter, cream, and chocolate is more satisfying than a similar treat full of fake, low quality ingredients which never quite fulfill the desire. Yet we still seek new culinary adventures. . . .</p> <p>For me, I don't really have the budget to afford top quality/Michelin league. But I really, really want to avoid Burger King/Jack-in-the-Box/high fructose corn syrup clothing as much as I can, especially the shoes. With restaurants, as with clothing brands/stores, sometimes you are overpaying just for the name since the quality may have fallen over the years. The trick is to discover the little known gems! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786567 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:53:37 +0000 bj1111 786567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i think like mo when it comes to a lot of my items. i have the perfect black, blue and waxed burgundy jeans. so between those, i need no more jeans. in fact i got a pair of more expensive waxed burgundy jeans that turned out not to be the perfect color not the perfect fit before i found THE pair, because i got tired of looking. i also have a moratorium on sweaters, except for finding the right twinset in burgundy, as brooks brothers are not offering this color this season.</p> <p>on the other hand, i love jackets. so i have the perfect ______ jacket from across the price spectrum and still i am shopping for more. ditto, shoes. for these, i have to remind myself not to duplicate styles and try other shades like navy and charcoal or *gasp* a color. also with shoes, my mantra is spend more for comfort. so i am trying more chies, agls, tsubos. but *whispers* i'm not as drawn to their "funky" style as i am a straight up stiletto wearing gal.</p> <p>i've also learned which brands fit me for many things. i am trying to become a brand buyer while avoiding sale and designer goggles.</p> <p>anyhoo, minimalism is overrated if it's not your bag. really, everything is arbitrary...the number of items, the need for a specific item, the need for turning over some arbitrary number of items. really, your closet or the process of shopping and dressing should be sources of satisfaction or at least not causes of stress. so fill the closet, empty the closet, buy one perfect jacket that you replace every year or every decade. </p> <p>it's all good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786552 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:37:27 +0000 Jaime 786552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is a big difference with quality items AND that this does not preclude the desire for more things. Just, maybe, the desire for more of that very thing. So once I have the perfect skinny black jeans I don't need another pair of black skinny jeans, but still will hunt for the perfect burgundy ones (not yet found, btw)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786546 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:31:23 +0000 MNsara 786546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mochi - I totally agree on the 'feel' of quality. For instance, it's been decades since I've worn Target shoes because they always hurt my feet. But it also took me decades to try better quality shoes, feel the difference, and not look back ;-)</p> <p>Mo - "If you have the perfect black skinnies there is no need for a second pair." That's my question (or problem?). Is there no need for a second pair, or for a brown pair, or for a brocade pair, or for a burgundy pair? You are VERY disciplined about your purchases. Am I not because I haven't found my 'perfect' item, or because I can't be (scary thought!)? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786540 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:22:48 +0000 Mo 786540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think to some degree, yes. I know that my few premium denim I have that fit great make me feel great and I don't have the desire to duplicate any of those silhouettes or colors. If you have the perfect black skinnies there is no need for a second pair. By contrast, I have a few versions of basic blue skinnies, and none seems just right. That's probably why I have several 'almosts'. When you find the just right item, the need for another disappears.<br /> I don't have that many high quality items so the few I have are like treasures that I tend to dole out sparingly to enjoy. I hope to break them out more regularly as I attain a higher ratio of quality items.<br /> But I think there is a place for those 'consumables' as Mary K calls them. My white tee from Old Navy for $5 is every bit as good as a James Perse $100 version. I actually love that shirt and consider it one of my treasures despite the $5 price tag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-hightop-quality-wardrobe-items-so-much-more-satisfying#post-786539 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:17:11 +0000 Mochi 786539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure I'm talking about high-end, status-y designers. BUT I do really appreciate the difference in something that's extremely well-made (craftsmanship) with great materials, and the design is better, even if the difference is subtle. Overall, I want the jacket or shoe or dress to feel substantial to the touch, NOT like it's made of flimsy materials. Whether you get all of this by buying a designer brand, I have no idea, but that's gotten to be more and more of a priority. But then again, for me it pertains much more to some items than others. Bags I would like to be high-end if I could afford them, but that's not realistic. I would like to have well-made shoes that are nice to look at, though I don't need top of the line--but I'd pay more for something long-lasting, especially if it's an investment item like a great boot. I am not thinking I would spend a lot on jeans, partly because I wear them down quickly and also, maybe because I don't have such a problem fitting them? I would definitely pay a lot more for a jacket, but it would have to be a perfect jacket. I'm not sure if I answered your question...but I am defintely shifting over to a quality over quantity mindset. </p>