https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 21:52:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873658 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 21:06:33 +0000 lyn* 873658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I asked my dad about this - because he's a former banker.</p> <p>He said I could buy a Burberry trench for $3000, or 10 $300 trenches, but every time I wore that Burberry I'd feel like I'd be worth $3000.</p> <p>:) Burberry, here I come... (jk! maybe next year!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873574 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:36:26 +0000 Anonymous 873574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion!</p> <p>Ummmm, what was the question? Sometimes I like to play the Dollar Cost Averaging game to make my numbers look better. Also, as they say in the construction industry, there are "show dollars", and those the items where you want to spend because it really shows (like fixtures and finishes). It makes sense to me to spend more on a statement piece--like those trousers--to get a lot of bang for your buck. Their CPW might not ever be impressive, but if you can swing it, and want to, they will elevate your style and the rest of your outfit for as long as you *do* have them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873571 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:29:59 +0000 Suz 873571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, that is what I was thinking. I was thinking that with your workplace, these would be extremely versatile pants for you (assuming you like how they look) and would easily earn their keep, just as a pair of jeans would quickly earn their keep for me, given my work at home life. I doubt I would wear the silk pants as much (they might feel too dressy for "at home" days) but even so, if I saw them and loved them I would strongly consider buying them. I like quality in an item that sort of defines my style for a season - if that makes any sense. In my game-changer items, I guess. SO, while I've ordered the Leith pants (through YLF channels, thank you MNSara!) and hope they work for me, I could also see going for the silk version if I love the cheaper ones. So how's that??? </p> <p>It's like "our" leather jacket. Mine was purchased on sale, so was the price of these EF trousers, but it is worth any amount to me, really, for the way it elevates every look and for how fab I feel when I wear it. </p> <p>In other words, I agree with BJ - it is worth a lot for what it adds to the wardrobe as a whole. BJ says: "it's the finisher piece for a whole lot of basics or a basic that works with many statement pieces," and that just about says it all. "Our" jacket is a piece of that kind -- it swings either way or both - being both an essential AND a statement -- and I think these pants could be similar in that way -- both essential and statement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873518 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:28:47 +0000 bj1111 873518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>the most interesting comment in this thread is that an expensive item can bring down the cost per wear of the other items in your closet by getting you to wear them. it's the finisher piece for a whole lot of basics or a basic that works with many statement pieces.</p> <p>as lyn* said a $300 item to last 3 times as long as a $100 item. BUT i don't expect it to and i don't buy the higher priced item with an expectation of longevity or durability. at this price point, what i am buying is the design or the luxurious feel of the fabric or supporting a particular fashion house/tradition/craft or happiness. all of which are not financial reasons. </p> <p>in fact, many of the items that i buy with this much differential is likely to be more delicate due to the workmanship or the fabric or the embellishments or the design itself. if the item is so memorable, i would wear it only a handful of times, have difficulty remixing it, find it orphaned in my closet AND STILL consider it money well spent.</p> <p>and yes, one of the most loved and most used and cheapest by cpw, is a dress that i acquired in 1988 that was bought at an outlandish price and tailored for even more money that the poor student's eyes watered. i wore it to every interview starting at grad school and for my next three jobs (which is how many i have had). i've worn it once a conference to every conference until i grew out of it and again when i grew back into it. and now it is more "trendy" than ever. </p> <p>i also bought lots of stuff that i wore only once, loved every minute of it and consider it (a lot of) money well spent. i also bought a lot of cheap stuff that i wore lots and made me miserable every freaking time.</p> <p>many of these questions remind me of the angels dancing on heads of pins questions. the answer is ultimately personal and if it helps you figure out the answer by having everyone chime in then great. for me, it's really my relationship with my pocketbook just like buying appliances or furniture or fancy dinners or any depreciating good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873378 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:51:03 +0000 Transcona Shannon 873378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have all given so much to think about. As you know, I'm not a huge one for analysis and absolutely dread "analysis paralysis" (as Angie puts it) but this is definitely making me think. </p> <p>Day Vies comment regarding seeing "style as an investment" has really resonated with me. It goes hand in hand with Ingunn's discussion of her husband's dilemma of spending on his trench versus spending on his hobby. What if fashion and style IS our hobby? As long as it's in the budget, my husband doesn't think twice about dropping $700 on a new camera lens for his photography hobby. And I think as women, overall we feel guilty when spending significant amounts on clothing for ourselves - it feels selfish. </p> <p>Love Shevia's comment "If the HPW is high your purchase may be more than worth it after a short time even if the CPW remains on the high side". I'm really starting to take Happiness Factor seriously when purchasing an item. I have definitely found that items in my closet that have high Happiness Factor get worn much more.</p> <p>Suz - to answer your question about these silk pants in particular, yes they would be totally work appropriate for me so could get double wear time in both my work capsule and my casual capsule. At work with a nice blouse or tank, blazer and heels and then on weekends with flats or sandals and a semi tucked slouchy tee. If I'm doing the girl math, slouchy tees are on my spring shopping list so if I were to splurge on the trousers, the tees would then be on a lower cost point (I've been eyeing a silk-blend slouchy tee at Melanie Lynn for $89 but would switch to something from The Bay that I also like in the $25 range, for example).</p> <p>Much to think about. I thank you all for such an interesting conversation </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873273 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:31:52 +0000 Suz 873273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming back to say...obviously a lot of this will depend on our personal budget. As Louise suggests, if our budget is quite tight or we are building our wardrobe from the ground up, then of course we must reserve our big-ticket purchases to items we truly need. And we will probably avoid obvious trends in that case. But if our essentials are already met and we have more disposable income, it will seem easier to spend more on a trendy item that may or may not see a lot of wear. </p> <p>Are those silk pants not work appropriate for you, Shannon? I can see myself wearing them a lot in summer for going out and about (not so much at home). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873145 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 09:02:54 +0000 Louise 873145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me to spend a lot of money on an item I need it to last a long time. I couldn't spread mega money on a high fashion item. At the end of last year I spent *whispering* £230 (I still can't say it out loud) on a gear coat that doesn't look like gear. It's knee length down filled and truly waterproof. It's like a reverse puffer with the quilting on the inside. It's a perfect fit and I agonised over it for days. I eventually reconciled myself with the purchase because it'll get so much use, I've worn it pretty much daily since I bought it and its a classic cut so will hopefully last many years x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873140 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 08:23:02 +0000 jayne 873140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a going for a resounding 'yes!', to the question of whether it make sense to buy an expensive item you will wear to death for a short trend. Of course we should have fun with fashion and treat ourselves now and then to a wild item that we know will be used.</p> <p>The hard part is knowing you will actually use it and limiting yourself to 1-2 items like that per trend/season. Going overboard on those types of items means you cannot wear them all and also you are letting the trends live you and you are not living the trend!</p> <p>love the new HPW acronym! he he </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873137 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 07:49:09 +0000 Ingunn 873137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting question and discussion! I have no real answers, and I think there must be several, but here's my thought on why spend money on expensive clothing:</p> <p>It occurs to me that we often think of buying clothing beyond a reasonable amount as frivolous in a way. If the money were spent on something else (we didn't exactly need), we probably would have justified it easier. Example: DH bought cycle gear for quite a lot of money lately. He has a budget for this, and his hobby means a lot to him. Then he needed/wanted an expensive trench. He hasn't bought decent Spring outerwear in years, so it was a reasonable desire. The purchase would blow his clothing budget for a few months, but that's okay, too. The difference was that he didn't think twice about spending on cycle gear, but paying for a trench, that's another matter. How come? I think that an activity or hobby holds so many positive values in the society, that most people would think that spending in this area is a good and even necessary thing. Doing sport or hobbies keep you in shape, give you skills etc. If clothing are merely seen as functional, then splurging on very expensive clothing makes no sense. I think we all make similar distinctions (like Rachy mentioned) on some level.</p> <p>To me, and I suppose most of the YLF members, clothing are a lot more than functional items. They are bearers of ideas, hopes, dreams, values and how we see ourselves, or want to be perceived. That means, to me, that splurging on a trendy item that never will get a very low CPW is okay, occasionally. I think of clothes as an equivalent to a hobby. To keep up with trends is an expression for an interest in colors, shapes, textiles, and then it is more likely that we buy more, and more current trends.</p> <p>I think it is obvious that paying more for staples and essentials is sound economy. But if the answer to the questions 'Do I love it?' 'Do I have the money?' 'Does it play with other things in my closet?' is yes, then splurging - within reasons, of course, is not only okay, but desirable, even if the CPW never whittles down all that much. Clothing are not only covers. What *your* answer to this is, is probably depending on how much you value the art of self-expression. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873131 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 06:56:51 +0000 CocoLion 873131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of many things when considering a purchase, in my own personal sequence:<br /> - do I love it<br /> - will I get to wear it (realistic for my lifestyle)<br /> - does it fit/flatter<br /> - do I feel like spending the money on it right now<br /> - can I EASILY return it if I change my mind<br /> - will it hold up or fall apart with washing / does it need dry cleaning<br /> - does the item have potential resale value if I tire of it-<br /> - does it need alterations<br /> - does it fill a wardrobe need/hole<br /> - is it possibly a duplication?</p> <p>I really don't think about CPW. I am satisfied if my purchase comes up favorably in the above calculations and if the item gets worn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873062 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:53:24 +0000 rae 873062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if I even have a right to comment on this, because I have a strange budgeting system to begin with and don't find CPW relevant - I don't look at clothes as outright expenditures, but as assets that can be liquidated later. So I personally look at how well the item holds its value at Ebay or consignment, and I also think of what I could "trade in" for the item... basically high-level girl math, lol. </p> <p>But getting back to your point... $ and longevity are *not* the only items on my rubric. Happiness, the "game changer" factor/style quotient, artistic value, and crossover value, often factor in. I *collect* boots almost like art, so the happiness of looking at them matters as much as the CPW. A wedding dress is only worn once, most of the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873057 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:35:12 +0000 Mo 873057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I skimmed, but can say that the first thing that came to mind for me was the beautiful silk Emilio Pucci dress I did *not* buy 2 years ago. My thought was 3 months of clothing budget on one dress might not be worth it. Now, I totally regret it. I've searched for the dress every few months or so since The CPW may not have been lower than $50 or $25 per wear, but the happiness factor would have been 11.<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/testing-yay-or-nay-feature" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ay-feature</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873040 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:01:50 +0000 Suz 873040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really liked what Day Vies said -- that style is an investment. I never really thought of it that way, but it makes sense. And it's not about buying up all the latest trends (unless that fits your style persona). But it *is* about trying the trends that strongly appeal to you -- at whatever price point feels comfortable. We often talk about individual items being investments and then feel frustrated with ourselves if our tastes change or the item turns out to be poorer quality than we supposed. But perhaps if we looked on our *overall* style as the investment we would worry less about what we paid for individual pieces (always assuming we were staying within our own budget, of course -- whatever that might be). </p> <p>Of course, it is always going to be a personal decision, but for me, happiness factor is so important. I would not get a high happiness factor from just any trend. There are certain ones, though that would shoot my happiness through the roof. And the only way to know, really, is to experiment by trying the items on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873018 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 02:09:35 +0000 Jaime 873018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fascinating thread! There are a lot things that really resonate with me. CPW is only one measure that has to be factored somehow with H(appiness)PW. If the HPW is high your purchase may be more than worth it after a short time even if the CPW remains on the high side, or the item does not last for years. I also relate to Anna and others' point about buying around what you really want - I have done this too and end up spending as much as the original cost of the item trying to find cheaper substitutes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873011 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:53:33 +0000 Echo 873011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Day Vies makes an excellent point that sometimes there is an investment in being fashionable.</p> <p>However, on the whole, everyone has their "thing". I doubt the people interested in technology wonder if they have brought cost per use down far enough on their iphone or ipad to warrant investing in the new one just released. Many people trade their cars in every 2 years regardless of wear or miles driven. People who collect unusual things jump at the opportunity to buy a coveted part of their collection. </p> <p>I would argue that happiness is far more important than CPW, which is why it makes more sense to me to purchase fewer items that I truly love - even at high price points - than more items I don't or lower cost substitutes that will never truly fill the hole left by what I wanted in the first place. If you have the money, you don't have to justify the cost of an item to anyone - not even yourself (as we are often our own worst critics). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873009 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:50:44 +0000 unfrumped 873009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right on about refreshing. When Angus said something like that could change the landscape of your wardrobe,I hoped it.might.mean not just that you headed off in A new direction and bought all new stuff, but that your old stuff loosened again. So you are right that with a bit of girl math one might end up spending less or getting more life out of your existing items.</p> <p>This is something I'm trying to do more of. I don't want to turnover lots of wardrobe items so frequently. I like the thrill of wearing quite a few of the same pieces but maybe in combinations you never thought of because a new item creates a kind of bridge or new translation of the older.one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity/page/2#post-873003 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:38:52 +0000 Kalli 873003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thought I'd mix it up and chime in too. </p> <p>It's all a matter of how you think about your own money and your own comfort level of spending. </p> <p>$300 dollars should mean that it's money spent well either in terms of happiness or CPW for me. I could easily spend $300 on a frivolous knickknack for my mother or a dinner with friends. When I spend it on myself I tend to be more calculating, it's really about love of an item then and in that case I considered these pants against my style goals.</p> <p>Could I afford it was the question I asked myself and if I didn't buy these pants what else could I spend that $300 on that would make me happier, if there isn't anything else on my list (there are too many) then I just pass them up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872991 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:24:26 +0000 Transcona Shannon 872991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - so, so many thought provoking responses and comments here. Thank you for your replies.</p> <p>AJ has really hit the nail on head with her question "Is it worth it to spend money on a quality, trendy item that has a high happiness factor?" It's almost a question of WHAT COUNTS FOR MORE IN A PURCHASE - LONGEVITY OR HAPPINESS? Of course, most of the time, we'd like both.</p> <p>I also am struck by Caro's comment "Sometimes something like these trousers makes everything else we wear seem modern &amp; a little different &amp; I think that's a good thing." Maybe the cost of a pricey item is justified by the way it makes you wear your current closet items. The quantity of items you purchase decreases BECAUSE of the one pricey item you bought and so overall, your budget remains intact but your wardrobe has been refreshed.</p> <p>Anna has also made an extremely poignant comment "One thing I discovered when I lust after a particular item that is expensive, I have a habit of shopping around it. Often times I end up spending more money than the original item." I've done that and you end up broker and still unhappy because you don't have the item you fell in love with.</p> <p>I am not one who has ever tracked CPW, other than loosely in my head from time to time. I know this works very well for many YLFers and I'm always in awe of those who actually calculate it. But as everyone knows and Angie has pointed out, I shop and dress with emotion and from the heart so I suspect CPW wouldn't work for me at all.</p> <p>I'm not sure I'm going to get the pants, although I'm going to go to the local boutique that I found in my home town that carries Eileen Fisher and see if they have them to try on. I have the feeling my shopping habits are changing significantly - I thrift much less than I used to and even there, have become much more discriminating about what comes home with me. I'm not going to go crazy and pay exorbitant prices for things that I can get for less with equal quality. But at the same time I'm realizing there are things I am willing to pay more for if it is the right item.</p> <p>Going back to read your replies again and do some more thinking... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872958 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 00:00:03 +0000 Sheila 872958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion here! Just mulling this over myself...thinking that the most expensive item most of us buy is a wedding dress, yet the CPW is ordinarily not a factor in this purchase. So somewhere between that purchase and the clothing we obtain for low cost (or maybe even for free, say as a gift or hand-me-down), I believe there is a personal value that each one of us places on what is reasonable and acceptable to spend on that item.</p> <p> We all normally have a budget of some sort -- (I would bet even Melinda Gates thinks about how much she is spending on her wardrobe) -- and it varies so much from person to person that all I can truly offer is to be true to yourself and your own values. If you can afford it and justify it within the constraints of your own financial circumstances, then go for it and enjoy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872950 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:29:22 +0000 Day Vies 872950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting post Shannon. I think it depends on how you personally value the happiness of being on trend and super stylish for a short period of time. Style in and of itself is an investment. Not all investments have to be long term. Also if the silhouette is flattering on you, you could continue wearing the piece after the trend has moved on simply because it works so well for you. I think that's what gives each one of us our personal style. Elements of everyone's style seems to be "on trend" every few months these days. I don't know if I have really answered your question as much as I have provided an approach. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872936 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:59:46 +0000 unfrumped 872936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it also helps.to tell.lust from love. Sometimes that is hard. Easy ordering makes lust easier. Easy returns and using your own mirror help identify true love.<br /> Forme to experiment more, and find those occasional pieces that may really make a fun and useful difference, I have to go beyond the available B&amp;M stores here but have to be careful about keeping whims. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872922 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:40:24 +0000 Suz 872922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Team Parsley here! </p> <p>CPW isn't really relevant to me. My CPW on some of my thrifted and gifted items is negative. So (using girl math) for me, that balances out the higher CPW on some items in my "appearances" capsule. </p> <p>Quite seriously -- some of my clothes are worn so often it's amazing I get through a season in them, and they are not always the super expensive items, either. Right now I am wearing my LLBean striped French sailor's sweater (inexpensive), my Bleulab skinnies (bought on sale, CPW probably about $1 by now), a BR scarf (also bought on sale) and my Sam Edelman booties (ALSO bought on sale). This sounds like a brief for sale items - but it's not. It's just to say that I do make some purchases that bring down the overall wardrobe cost. So I figure if there is something I have a strong hankering for and I feel as the happiness factor will be high - well - why not go for it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872904 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:09:22 +0000 unfrumped 872904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was also going to add, it is all relative and fits in to, is it any " better"to buy lots of smaller items? And getting some great bargains here or there give budget room for occasional trendy splurges. So I am constantly reminded that if it's in the budget, only the individual can decide the value. You can't build a wardrobe if too much is put to short term items ,but at some point, if you accept a smaller core wardrobe, there is more $$ for experimentation.<br /> So what I have been learning is to focus on the 2ends of the spectrum.for.me-- adequate but not too many very good classic pieces, and more experimentation. Instead I was buying lots of middle of the road items.<br /> On.my trip to CA I dropped in to Neiman' s and a few boutiques, and it was clear to me that no $1200 blouses or .jackets would ever make.my comfort zone! Love has a price point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872901 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:06:40 +0000 kkards 872901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually expect that if I spend more Money on something, it should be something that will work over multiple seasons/years.<br /> That being said, I always ask myself the same question, do I love it $xxx worth? It's a highly subjective and totally personal question. But it helps me to make a decision. If I hesitate then I know it's a not worth it to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872896 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:56:26 +0000 Parsley 872896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent question, Shannon!<br /> I've never really gotten into the whole cost per wear thing, because it's so variable depending on the type of item. I mean, a special occasion dress will never approach the CPW of a pair of jeans, for example.</p> <p>But I know I have fallen into the trap of buying 4 jackets that are inexpensive and that I don't really love instead of buying the one that's more expensive that makes me feel fabulous when I'm wearing it. Those inexpensive items don't turn out to be a bargain after all.<br /> So right now I've started an initiative to only buy fabulous pieces. I'm not allowing myself to buy anything that's just OK. I'm hoping that this will mean buying fewer things but enjoying them more- we'll see!</p> <p>Of course I would love to find some fabulous pieces that are inexpensive, but the reality is that I may pay more for most of my items than I had before. I hope that by having fewer things and wearing them more the cost per wear won't be too high. And even if I don't wear something for more than a few seasons but I feel great in it I think it's worth it (within reason!).</p> <p>And of course one's individual budget needs to be taken into consideration. If one item blows your whole budget for the season it's probably not worth it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872890 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:52:27 +0000 unfrumped 872890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think about this a lot a n alluded to it regarding dresses and dressy capsule where the CPW is likely to always be high unless I find something for a steal.. once in awhile over years I've come across something but never consistently enough to feel secure in having something to wear. I've waffled on whether to " make do" for dressy occasions or just keep a capsule of items I love and feel well dressed in, and hang the CPW.<br /> OTOH , I could pay a fair amount for work trousers which I might wear 40x a year for 3 years.<br /> The track pants are interesting to me because I won't wear them to work, but I think I'll get my $$ worth in 2 ways. One is that they were a high fun-factor purchase. The second is that they are fairly practical and not fussy. I wore them on the plane, to a casual dinner, and on plane home. They are so easy to wear and seem relatively versatile for my types of non- work activities, and the slight sportiness is what make me feel comfortable " stylin'" amongst some of my friends who aren't in to that. And they're machine washable!</p> <p>I.may try the EF silk pants.. but they will give me fits if I like them, because they will also not be work pants. They could be in a dressy pant capsule but if they're " out" in a year then I won't get to wear them much. Whereas if I had some classic silk trousers that last for 5 years and built a dressy capsule around that,that would.be smarter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872885 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:48:38 +0000 Deborah 872885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon this is Avery good question and I guess the answer is different for all of us depending on a number of factors. If I pay a lot of money for something, I do expect longevity. This is primarily due to my budget being modest. Spending, for example, $300 on an item is not the norm for me so I would view this as an investment, I would have to love it, see fitting my style goals AND I would view it as being part of my closet for some time. The fact that I err on the side of classic factors as well, suggesting that I am more likely to pay $$$ for a more classic as opposed to a trendy item which would have a shorter life span in my closet. FYI I am passionately in love with a garment from Rick Owens and his peices are pricey. I am currently processing the value (to me) of said garment. I cannot find a similar (copy) garment any where and I think I would easily become a staple piece in my wardrobe...so I would definitely consider a large outlay for a piece of clothing but would have to be 99% of the value it would add to my wardrobe </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872882 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:43:08 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 872882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very good question - and one I cannot answer. Or rather, I have two answers. The artistic heart of me says that if you love the item, then a few months of wear, versus years of wear, is immaterial. Rather like a splurge at a fantastic restaurant, or a night at the theatre, seeing a show you've always wanted to see. Or a knockout dress for a landmark occasion, like a wedding or gala event.</p> <p>The practical side of me says that if you or I looks at a price tag and says 'that is expensive for me', that your timeline for usage should be 'years', not 'months'.</p> <p>When I cannot decide on something, I sometimes pause to think, "do I want this badly enough to spend this money, more than saving that money towards &lt;dream item X&gt;? (In my case, a Herve Leger bandage dress, a planned eventual shopping trip at the Wolford outlet in Orlando, and a pair of nude Louboutin pumps) </p> <p>I think that, regardless of whether you think with your heart, or your practical nature, if guilt enters into the equation at all, you should forego the pants for something that REALLY speaks to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872878 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:34:44 +0000 Jules 872878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It really depends. I'm very cheap: I shop at Old Navy, Joe and H&amp;M and think the Gap is too expensive for the quality (I've had bad experiences!). Cleo is my high end I haven't found that pricier items necessarily get worn more or last better, so I don't personally use CPW to justify paying more. But, if I really fall in love with something, I will pay several times my usual threshold, and I don't really care about CPW in these cases. My indulgences are rare and I don't justify them. They're not usually super trendy, but I don't necessarily wear them that often either because they tend to be "special" in some way and might not play that well with my every day style, or be statement items that I just don't want to wear that often, but I love them when I do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cost-of-an-item-connected-to-longevity#post-872868 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:27:13 +0000 Gaylene 872868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Doesn't it depend on why you bought the item in the first place? If you are OK with buying something at a particular price point because you want/need the item for a particular purpose--a wardrobe refresh, your wedding day, a Oscar nomination party, a pick-me-up because you're feeling blue, or whatever--then why would it matter how often you wore it as long as the item satisfied your purpose for buying it?</p> <p>It seems to me that CPW here is just an attempt to quantify and rationalize an intangible desire. I think AJ's rephrasing the question as "Is it worth it to spend money on a quality, trendy item that has a high happiness factor?" nails the real issue. And there is no single, "right" answer to that question. </p>