YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you prioritize items/spending ?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you prioritize items/spending ? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:42:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php anne on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending/page/2#post-1562774 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 07:08:02 +0000 anne 1562774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoes are my non-negotiable - just like you. Not only do I also prefer leather, (and I often buy orthotics shoes as well, which are pricey) they are also much more likely to actually wear out. Isabel on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending/page/2#post-1562011 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 22:42:39 +0000 Isabel 1562011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, I LOVE the term "non-negotiable".  Such better terminology for me to use :  a blazer is non-negotiable, a t shirt is negotiable.  Awesome !  I am going to use that term in my planning.  I actually prioritize my skincare stuff and make up. I often search for product "dupes" on the internet.  More often than not, there are dupes at reasonable prices. But if there is a color lipstick that I LOVE and there is no dupe, I gladly pay for it and skim the money off of something else.   Kerlyn, just because you are a bargain shopper doesn't mean that you don't make decisions on what you would rather spend a little more on vs. something else.  :  )   I don't do manis or pedis either but I like having a small "wardrobe" of nail polish.  Nowadays there are so many good products at great prices, it is incredible.  I am SO with you on looking good to exercise. It does build morale.  Anonymous on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1562006 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 22:36:13 +0000 Anonymous 1562006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Of course now I can't stop thinking about this. All of the other stuff I rambled on about aside, it all comes down to fabric quality and construction. If the details are there, the construction is good and the fabric has a good hand and feel, then cheaper things are just as good .  Doesn't often happen that way, but I'm open to when it does!  kerlyn on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1562003 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 22:33:41 +0000 kerlyn 1562003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Really interesting topic.  I guess I'm a bargain shopper in every sense of the word.  I have in the last year or two started to spend a bit more on skincare, and I've found some products I love.  My hair is really low maintenance...long, with long layers, and I can get away with trims every 3 months or so.  No hair color, no mani, pedis (in fact, I've never had either!), no massages, facials, etc.  I guess I sound really low maintenance, and I think I am to an extent.  However, I do enjoy makeup and doing my hair.  I guess I just don't want to spend a lot of money on it!   I enjoy clothes, and I've been working on improving my wardrobe.  But I've never bought premium, well, anything!  I love to shop, though, and I enjoy the challenge of creating a unique, pulled-together style on  my budget.  I have started to prioritize workout-wear more now than I used to.  I used to think I could throw on any baggy sweats and t-shirts.  But I've realized lately that I feel so much better when I go for a run in cute gear.  It gives me a bit of a boost.  And who doesn't need that boost when getting ready to work out? I think a couple new bras will be a priority going forward.  Desperately needed! Anonymous on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561996 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 22:13:00 +0000 Anonymous 1561996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a very interesting topic!  I'm not sure where I fall in line here- I am sort of an emotional /intuitive shopper and planner. If I have extra cash (my income varies a lot ) I spend it . If I don't have it, I don't spend it. I don't have a hierarchy of what I'll spend on and what I won't - but there are three categories that come to mind that I really don't spend much on if I can help it: 1. dresses and party clothes - I just can't do it on some dress that will get worn once to a wedding or holiday party.  2. lingerie - I love gorgeous lingerie as much as the  next person, but draw the line at a certain price point. I know the best bras are worth it $-wise, but if i buy one $200 bra a year I'm going nuts in my mind:) 3. jeans - I simply don't care (even though i wear them everyday) and have yet to be convinced that there are jeans out there that are better than what I have that require spending $250 on. Everything else I like to spend as much on as possible - lol.  Kidding.  Sweaters are becoming a big question mark. I have never yet  owned a super pricey one that was any better quality-wise than a mid-priced one (even cashmere). So I definitely have a cap on that dollar amount.  Non-negotiable?  Hair, skin care and most makeup.  I stick to this one mantra: if it washes down the drain, it doesn't need to be expensive (bath foams and oils , conditioners, shampoo, face wash, etc. Yes, shampoo - I have short hair and it makes no difference to me).   Isabel on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561961 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 20:59:09 +0000 Isabel 1561961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How helpful and thought provoking.  Thank you everyone. Rachy, I don't line item each thing per se.  I have an overall budget and then I parse that out according to what I need or want.   Betty said it really well, " I have price points for everything I buy."    :  )  So if I "need" a blazer, I have a much higher upper limit than for a t shirt. I forgot to add that I include tailoring in my "stuff" budget.  That is a priority for me. I have even had the shafts on some high boots tightened and heels lowered.   Kari, I ALWAYS forget about glasses.  Something that Angie has also said is a priority for her.  I am very lucky with that since our insurance will pay for a pair once a year - with no limit so far.   Laura, what an interesting and relevant point about access. How true. I had never considered that.   Lavender Moon, you cracked me up. I can picture you in a bag with awesome hair and skin !  Your comment got me to thinking, if I had to imagine myself in a bag, I would also want a great handbag and shoes too.   Thistle, yes !!!  I often walk my mom's dog and I feel as if I am always looking out for shoes that I can wear running errands and then walking the dog.  But I think that I would still spend more on my blazer  !   :  ) Suz, great points.  It totally make sense regarding "trends" that are really your "core" look.  I feel this way this season. It is SOOOO up my alley : greens, berries, menswear...and I was totally unprepared.  I just didn't save during the year.  I learned to always have a budget in case a season ends up being my "thing".   Mary, considering your job, I think that you should spend a fortune on your hair.  As a stay at home mom, I just don't feel that pull.  But I think that if I went back to work, particularly in a city or somewhere more public that I would HAVE to upscale my hair.   Intresting about the gym clothes.  I have a nice little capsule. Some from Nordstrom Zella, some from Nike, some from Champion at target.  But the sneakers are important. If you run out of money for clothes, you can hide in your beautiful home and stick your lovely, coiffed head out the window.  : )  Deborah, interesting comment about layering tops.  I think that is how I feel too.  Except for my lightweight merino wool t shirts- those are so comfortable and warm without over heating , that I am not willing to cut back on those at all.  If it is under a blazer, I don't worry as much.   Sally, I won't spend too much on a party dress. I just don't "party" enough.  : )    But I do like having one nice black dress and one more colorful one "in case" .  But I find that a mid price, even low price with coupons from Macy's always does the trick.  KL your comment about CPW on something that you love becomes irrelevant, is a great thought !  Once I thought about it, I would have to agree. I spent more than I normally wood for a wedding last year of someone who is very special to me.  CPW stinks but the memories and love made up for it..and I felt GREAT !   Shev and Elly, that seems to be common too. Sort of a visceral awareness of what is going on financially :  as long as bills and savings are happening, you don't need to be so detailed.  Suze Orman once had a sheet that basically said just that.   That is NOT my personality.    :  )   so it doesn't work for me.     Plonkee, yes, I am in the same boat with jeans.  I find that Levi's and Lee's work really well too.  My first choice is NYDJ but the alternatives for me wouldn't be a "sacrifice" in anyway. I have a friend who buys very expensive clothes and shoes ( she can afford it) and wears Old Navy jeans.  She says they fit her better than anything else.  Jenn, that is such an awesome observation and example : it is prioritizing at its best, IMO.  And it speaks to Lavender Moon's comment :  She would be the blogger with the paper bag dress and Awesome, topnotch hair.  :  )  Jaileen, your point is so right on. I also find that what is available in thrifting is getting worst.  I think that so many people are selling and buying that it has really driven up the price of the nicer stuff. Smittie,if you don't overspend and can still meet your bills and savings, then I suppose that it may not be "too much" for your budget if you don't buy a lot often.   : )  Anonymous on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561953 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 20:13:57 +0000 Anonymous 1561953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I seem to have an upper limit of $600 for jackets and $350 for sweaters, $120 for jeans, $400 for shoes, $400 for handbags, and $60 for non-layering t-shirts, and $50 for bras. I think these are quite high prices relative to my disposable income, but I don't buy that much stuff (although I do keep making mistakes...sigh). I think the above amounts are in proportion to one another, as in, someone who pays $60 for a tshirt might also spend $600 on a winter coat. I don't spend any money on haircuts and makeup...my hair looks the same whether its newly cut or not, and my face doesn't take makeup very well. JAileen on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561941 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:08:00 +0000 JAileen 1561941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have a clothing budget per se. I do try to minimize my spending by combining new purchases at Nordstrom, Macy's, etc., with thrifting. Lately, though, I haven't found satisfactory items at the thrift stores and have had to buy retail. I've been concentrating on my outdoor hiking/birding wardrobe. I've been trying to get comfortable, functional items, that I can layer up or down depending on conditions. If I'm not cold, everyone is happy. Jenn on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561851 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 15:26:47 +0000 Jenn 1561851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was noticing the other day that the French blogger I love will regularly wear outfits consisting of something like a $20 top and $40 jeans... with $800 boots. I spend the most on bags and shoes as individual items, but I buy fewer of them than other things. I'm willing to spend a little more on natural fibers for tops. And I'm always more willing to pay for sustainable manufacturing. I don't spend on premium denim, because the thighs wear through just like regular denim does for me. Because of size shifts, I really never go above mid-range pricing for any clothing item.  I use a drugstore moisturizer, very little makeup (BB Cream, eyeliner, and mascara, and sometimes lip gloss) and stopped coloring my hair when I realized I could get the same richness just by using John Frieda's brunette shampoo.  Anonymous on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561774 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:28:01 +0000 Anonymous 1561774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not needing to build up my wardrobe this year (except for the formal capsule, which I had to do by necessity because of an upcoming event). I have price points for almost everything I buy, with shoes costing the most due to my fussy feet. I spend the least on haircuts because I have a great stylist at Supercuts. If she ever leaves that salon and goes to a more expensive one, I'll have to follow her and pay more. The places I shop at are mid-range prices, I think, and I shop the sales. I am learning, though, to shop at the beginning of the season to pick up one or two things that I really love and am going to wear a lot. The sales are for things I love but am not sure I'm going to get a high CPW out of. Dresses are a prime example. I don't see the point of paying full price for a dress, no matter how much I love it or how perfect it is. I just don't wear dresses enough. plonkee on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561706 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 07:55:01 +0000 plonkee 1561706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have price points for most clothing items which is probably low-mid range. I spend more on coats and shoes and bags, but I have few of each so it's not the biggest spend overall. I probably spend least on jeans, but that's mainly because I have found a cheap pair that really suit me. Elly on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561674 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 05:04:12 +0000 Elly 1561674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Firstly, I cover basic toiletry needs (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, lotion). Haircuts and work clothes are next, with shoes and bras being the highest area of spending. From there I expand my occasional and casual capsules, add to my work capsule beyond "make do", and buy items like makeup (concealer is my only must have), accessories, non-essential gear (new running shoes are a need, most other things can wait), and do things like get highlights or pedicures. Honestly, I have a low budget and don't spend much-- that said, so long as my accounts look healthy and I'm saving I don't sweat a little spending as I don't spend in other areas of my life much because of other circumstances. rachylou on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561669 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 04:43:12 +0000 rachylou 1561669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So I was just thinking as I was reading that I don't connect my clothing allowance with my price point. Or to put it another way, I don't have separate funds for separate categories of clothing. I'm not building up my wardrobe anymore tho. MsMary on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561667 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 04:27:38 +0000 MsMary 1561667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is so interesting! One thing I spend a fortune on is my hair -- I get it colored at the salon every three weeks, and cut every six weeks, and expensive highlights a couple of times a year. But my hair is unruly and I am a die-hard dyer so it's worth it to me. I used to get mani-pedis every couple of weeks but since my divorce and resulting reduced circumstances I am down to one every couple of months and do it myself in between. I buy expensive gym clothes and shoes but they last forever so it's worth it to me. I'm at the gym a lot and I just find the good stuff is so much nicer in every way. I bought a bunch of expensive underwear a while back and that was a real game-changer -- I am never going back! With clothing, shoes, and bags I'm all over the place. I'll spend a good amount on something really special but mainly I love to shop sales and find bargains. And with my ginormous expenditures on the house remodel in the past year, my fashion purchases have been cut back dramatically, which is a situation that will continue for a while -- at least until I figure out what my "new normal" budget is. I feel fortunate that I have a nice functioning wardrobe that is hanging in there without too many additions. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561666 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 04:16:34 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1561666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't track my spending on cosmetics, haircuts, etc., like I do my clothes. Maybe I should, but I'm not much of a splurger in that area so I just roll it into general household expenses. When I was getting my hair colored, highlighted, and cut at a nice salon a couple of years ago, the amount really added up, so I've gone to a less maintenance-heavy look (or gotten lazy, same diff). Stuff like massages, pedicures, facials, etc., all seem really expensive to me for what you get - you can buy a new outfit every month for the cost of a massage or a pedicure or two. Uncomfortable shoes are definitely out for me - in the past few years I've found myself spending more on shoes, but not a crazy amount more. The $20 cheapies are unlikely to be worth it, but I can still find plenty around the $50 mark that work, especially if I wait for sales. Besides spending more wisely in general, I think my budget has helped me be more particular. I'm less likely to keep something because it's too much of a bother to return it, or convince myself that it's marginally ok, because all those little purchases count against my budget for the season and mean I can't buy something else I might love. I've probably veered too much in this direction, actually, enabled by liberal return policies - I should probably learn to be more decisive when I'm in the store, but it's not my default approach anymore. The category that I have a hard time spending money on, and I really should buy more, is workout gear. It's just so expensive, and you don't wear it that much, and no one important really sees you... Sal on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561663 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 04:07:25 +0000 Sal 1561663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My top priority is my hair.  I spend on a regular cut and colour.  I use supermarket shampoo and conditioner usually. Skincare  and makeup - moderate.  I use a range of brands, with some things I am picky (sunscreen, foundation) and others not so much (eyeliner).  I do go through moisturiser and sunscreen quickly, the rest not so quickly. I do have some expensive items in the closet but in the most part I have not regretted the cost as they have had great longevity, such as special occasion dresses and boots.  I also have great success at times with thrift shopping.  Where I can struggle is with the mid range shops. I am prepared to spend on the following: - footwear - party dresses - jackets and blazers Things I can be a cheapskate on are casual tanks, shorts, knits and sadly coats.  I said it this winter that I would get a new coat, and kept an eye out for a bargain.  It did not eventuate so I am in the same position as last year and it is a gaping hole!! Deborah on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561648 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 03:26:28 +0000 Deborah 1561648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is good to think about Isabel. Costs associated with hair cuts and colour are separate to my clothing budget.  I have long felt that my hair was a strong part of my signature and who I am and is not a negotiable expense :) Over recent times, and definitely due to Angie and YLF's influence, my approach to spending has changed and I am spending more on things I once wouldn't have:) My wardrobe essentials are items that I view as the foundation of my wardrobe so I will spend on them. In these items I want quality, lovely fabrics and longevity because I will wear them frequently and I want them to last.   Footwear and hand bags are something I will spend on too.  I know it's a bit old fashioned but I tend to think that quality leather shoes and bags (or quality non leather bags) can elevate an outfit. I don't mind spending less on layering items, say tshirts, tops to wear under blazers etc but they do have to feel good and not look 'cheap'.   The reality for me right now is that I would much rather have less and have them be good quality items.  Once upon a time I would never spend much on a tshirt but last summer I bought a Metalicus hi low tee that was around $70.00.  I kind of surprised myself, but I have worn it so much, it's a lovely fabric, washes well, survived an accident with some Diet Coke and I can wear it for casual or dressed up for work. One thing I haven't yet splurged on and will probably always struggle to splurge on are jeans.  I don't wear them very much and I find I can get a good quality skinny jean, or jegging from Target for a very reasonable price. With Skin care and beauty, my skin care products are part of our household budget, I don't buy lots of makeup but am happy to spend on a good lipstick and I do my own nails and find that a less expensive Rimmel nailpolish is just as good as a more expensive OPI polish :) shedev on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561599 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 01:45:04 +0000 shedev 1561599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have a set budget for clothing. My income is highly variable, and as long as I'm saving ( I saved 1/3 of my after tax income this year) I don't worry about budgeting and don't carry a lot of debt. If I feel like I've been spending too much, I'll taper back a bit. Hair product and makeup are just bought as needed, mostly hair product. For wardrobe items, I'll spend for footwear. Jeans and toppers are both premium and low end, and tops are where I save $. I'm really hard on them and I cover them up a lot. Anonymous on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561580 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 01:14:41 +0000 Anonymous 1561580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hair and skincare are my main obsessions.  Clothes come second.  If it came down to it, I'd wear a cardboard box so I could splurge on my hair and skin.  Fortunately, it hasn't come to that yet and I can indulge in both.  Kari on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561568 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 01:00:25 +0000 Kari 1561568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, and some things I spend no money on: manicures or pedicures. I keep my hands and nails moisturized and maintained at home, and I'm not a fan of having my nails painted. I do budget for a haircut every 6-7 weeks. I've been doing my own color but I am going to try having it done at the salon a couple times a year and touch it up on my own in between visits. I used to go for facials but haven't for a couple years, since I moved so far away from my old salon. I'd like to go again. I find facials soooo much more relaxing and pleasurable than massages or pedicures, which stress me out! Kari on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561560 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:54:18 +0000 Kari 1561560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prioritize specs (very pricey but I've only been buying them every 4 years), bras (hard to find size and needing good support; I wait for sales and get them tailored as needed so 3-4 daily bras last me a year) and good shoes (though I'm diligent about finding sales.) I'm not willing to spend a great deal on tops, knit or blouses or knitwear, activewear shorts or knit skirts because they are the easiest things for me to find and fit. Those are on the frugal end of my clothing spectrum. Jeans/pants are not easy for me to fit but still relatively easy to find on sale, so I am not compelled to drop a bundle on them either. I don't even buy jewelry or scarves now; I have so many and they are common gifts. I've splurged a couple times on nice jackets/coats that I know will get a lot of wear, and on a nice purse every couple of years. Dresses and pumps are kind of in the middle; I am particular about them but they aren't at the top of my budget list. As far as skin care, makeup, and hair care, I'm very much about quality over quantity. I have a small amount of supplies that are easy to travel with; no hair dryer, one straighener. I use a limited amount of products that are somewhat expensive, last a very long time, and are gentle on my skin and hair (Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Pureology) and are simple to use. Aida on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561554 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:31:25 +0000 Aida 1561554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laura, that's an excellent point about ease of finding. My bra size is NOT easy to find, therefore I have to spend more on them. Pants on the other hand, are much easier so I have waaaay more options and can therefore decide whether or not to spend. It definitely factors in! Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561552 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:28:26 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1561552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In my experience, price doesn't correlate with value/quality (I kinda wish it did; things would be so much more straightforward) so I can't just spend more on things I know I'll wear a lot or that really suit my style. I think it's more about time than money - I spend more time searching for the items I wear often and that are the linchpins of my style. I may end up spending more for them, or I may not, if I happen to find a nice sale or an inexpensive item that otherwise meets my criteria. My wardrobe budget/spending file has a list of items I need to replace or upgrade, and I try to prioritize them first when I go shopping. But I try to be pretty flexible, too, because sometimes what's available at retail just doesn't fit your precise notions of what you're looking for. Ease of finding is a big thing too - I can fit a bra available at Kohl's, so if I play my sales right like I did last week and buy multiples, I don't have to spend a ton per bra. I used to have a hard time finding pants/jeans, and needed dress slacks for work, so I spent both a lot of time and a lot of money on ones that fit. Now I work at home and I've gotten good at knowing what brands fit me, so I'm faster and can wait for bargains. I'm pretty low-maintenance as far as beauty goes, just haircuts and the occasional eyebrow wax. I have started buying higher-end makeup and toiletries, but cautiously and after reading reviews. Keix on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561545 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:11:10 +0000 Keix 1561545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am trying to prioritize shoes above all else--leather, preferably also leather lining, and COMFORTABLE. I wear a specialty size so I mostly shop the mid-range brands at Nordstrom and Zappos.  In terms of clothes, I will spend on jeans because I can wear them daily (jeans are closer to my workplace norm than dresses, as much as I love the latter) and I've been so much happier with premium denim. Aside from Lucky Brand, which works well for my body, I haven't found many non-premium brands with low-rise options at present. I have had Target jeans that I adored for their style and fit, but they weren't quite as comfortable and the quality definitely didn't compare. I also spend on dresses despite higher CPW because well-fitting, uniquely patterned/designed dresses just don't appear at lower price points. OTOH, I try to save on tops, with a preference for machine-washable stuff unless it's really unique, and pricey toppers like well-made blazers don't really fit into my lifestyle. Now that I live in California, I also don't need cashmere sweaters or good coats (beyond what I already invested in from East Coast life). I'm lucky to be a standard bra size and am perfectly happy buying Natori Feathers bras every year from NAS for $40 each. Hair and makeup is where I save a ton, I think. My hair is naturally quite low-maintenance, twice-weekly wash and wear; in the past I've worn it long, but even at a mid-length I only need a Chinatown cut every couple of months. I don't wear makeup and am lazy about skincare; Japanese sunscreen (surprisingly inexpensive off Amazon or eBay) and a weakness for department store lipsticks are the extent of it.  Suz on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561540 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:08:28 +0000 Suz 1561540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love what Aida said -- I tend to pay top dollar for "essentials" and necessary upgrades on core items like coats or bras. (Though I do look for sales for those items, also. One thing about an upgrade -- you rarely need it RIGHT THIS MINUTE, so that means you can stalk the perfect replacement at a better price point -- and I do.) I'll also spend on trends that I know I'll wear beyond the trend. (Often that means classic items that are enjoying a sudden vogue, e.g. cognac accessories.) I cheap out on trends that I just want to try -- or on colour additions, e.g. a scarf or top to complete an outfit.  My main, almost my only, grooming expense is regular haircuts at a not-cheap salon, and colour. I don't wear much makeup and what I wear I buy less than once a year. I use drugstore brand moisturizers, etc. This year I splurged on a Clarisonic and I am really enjoying it. But I won't have to replace it for a long time.  Thistle on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561529 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 23:45:25 +0000 Thistle 1561529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoes - they must be comfortable and fashionable. My empire for cute "walk the dog" comfortable shoes!!! Isabel on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561526 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 23:44:35 +0000 Isabel 1561526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ aida, yes, the hair ! Your hair is such a huge part of you "style" that I understand it's priority. And yes, I live in jeans now. My favorites are NYDJ. But I would by Levi's or Lee's at the outlet and cut the cost by 2/3 if I needed money for blazers or outerwear. Your post made realize that it is really what Angie has talked about. when I was younger my skincare was Noxema, oil of Olay, and cheap sunscreen. And any moisturizing body lotion. As I have gotten older my priority and specs for skin have changed. As has the budget for it. Tracey, that is interesting. I have heard great things about DG jeans. They have a cult following. I am going to pin them to my board of brands to remember so I can try them. Thanks. Sterling, I LOVE the idea of doing a capsule every year. I am going to start doing to start doing that. Thank you ! I got a chuckle out of "pharmaceuticals" . I found that since these things are strictly for me, I needed a me line item. Then I work accordingly. I would rather have my retinol that a $50 t shirt. Anonymous on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561506 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:58:41 +0000 Anonymous 1561506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent question.   I think this is a hard for me to answer because I have a clothing budget, a hair budget, and what I call pharmaceutical budget.  Make up gets lumped into pharmaceutical.  Since each budget get its own allowance, I don't have to prioritize among clothing, hair, or makeup.    I think what you are asking is how do I prioritize among clothing.  I have an internal hierarchy that rules.  First, work clothing.  So anything that would be designated as "work" get top money and top priority.  Second, I guess is "everything else."   I focus on capsule building.  I pick one capsule each year and devote all my time and money that capsule.  When I am satisfied, I move on to the next one.   For example, in 2014, I devoted all my energy/money to building my sleepwear capsule.   It is 2015 and I have not had to add or change a single thing.  I am starting to work on my lounging capsule.  That means I will do some research to figure what I mean when I say "lounging" and then I will literally scour the malls/internet looking for those pieces.  That will be my top priority.   So I guess I am very single minded when it comes to spending money on clothing.  That said, anytime my work capsule needs to be updated, it takes top priority.  Nothing else matters to me.  But those are single pieces bought to complement already existing capsules.   BTW.  I love blazers and will spend top dollar on them.  I buy my tee shirts from Old Navy and I have to replace them often because they just don't hold up.   One last thing.  My budget is an annual budget.  So I can spend it in a single day or throughout the year.  Typically, it gets spent throughout the year, but some months are much more expensive then others.  That is allowable because my life is not predictable.   TraceyLiz65 on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561505 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:52:57 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1561505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My priorities are skin care make up, my Wen hair care and my hair salon visits above all else. Then good shoes next. I will spend more on classics like trench coats and my love of Diane Gilman jeans. Every thing else can wait for funds or be found on clearance. Aida on "How do you prioritize items/spending ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-prioritize-spending#post-1561503 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:49:31 +0000 Aida 1561503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isabel it sounds like you've got a good idea about where you want to put your money already! I am a little surprised at the jeans though, don't you wear them a lot? I would think that fewer better quality pairs would be good for you, but of course there are more and more mid-range denim that seems to be just as good quality as some of the premium these days. I budget all the grooming stuff separate, out of living expenses; my "wardrobe" budget is for clothing and basics only. As for what I spend on, it kind of runs the board. I have premium denim... but also Target denim. It's that way across all categories really (except for bras, those are spendy -_-). That said shoes and coats often get more of the budget, and I do like to purchase one cashmere sweater each winter. Generally speaking I am more willing to spend more on things that I count as one of my style essentials (per Angie's description <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/30/identify-your-personal-wardrobe-basics/" rel="nofollow">here</a>, <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/08/29/revisiting-your-personal-wardrobe-essentials/" rel="nofollow">here</a> and <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2014/10/16/updating-your-wardrobe-essentials/" rel="nofollow">here</a>), a wardrobe need (like your winter coat, for example), OR a very specific trend that I'm considering an essential refresher (seems to manifest most as pants...). EDIT: As far as planning goes, I do keep a shopping list per season that's divided into sections from most to least important: holes, things I'd like to upgrade, key trends/refreshers I'm interested in, trends that would be nice to have but not a priority, and additional seasonal wants. I'm fairly disciplined about sticking to this list, though if something amazing comes along that I loooove I won't pass on it simply because it's not on the list. The whole list is rarely "completed"; I do focus most heavily on the first three sections. Grooming wise, I think most of my budget goes to hair -- cut and products (and time ). Skincare is next. Makeup is last since I barely wear any of it. I'm so minimal with skin/makeup that I don't think I would be willing to cut anything out. I could probably spend less on my hair, but, well, you know.