https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 05:52:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality/page/2#post-175358 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:01:43 +0000 Steph 175358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have always preferred quality over quantity, even when I was just a teenager. I am now at the point where I have both, which is obviously a nice luxury. However, I also bargain shop a lot. I was looking at my shoe collection today and I think I have more than 40 pairs of shoes and boots, and at least 18 of them are by one designer. However, I probably bought at least half those shoes at half price, and of my 18 pairs of shoes by the same designer, I think I got about 3/4 of them at about 60-75% off. It's always nicest when you can get quality at a very low price. :)</p> <p>I also make a lot of my own jewelry, but even then I can't use glass or plastic beads. I only use real gemstones (mostly semi-precious, although I have worked with sapphires at times) and real pearls because I just like them so much better. Like Sveta, I also have to wear real metals (especially in my ears). Of course, being able to make my own jewelry does help to keep costs down, and if I ever do see an earring I love with wires that are made of a base metal, I can always swap those out for the real thing. I actually do this often for my mother, who has a lot of earrings with silvertone earwires. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality/page/2#post-175356 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 05:48:01 +0000 anne 175356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My personal taste runs towards quality rather than quantity, whether or not I actually do that depends on how you define quality. My sister, for instance buys lots of clothes, never spends more than $30 on any item and opshops a lot. Her wardrobe is packed and in a state of churn (ie lots in and lots out.) Compared to her I am a quality purchaser. ( I have bought items from target and Ezibuy this year for $50 and $60)</p> <p>But compared to many of you I would be a quantity one, for similar reasons that others have identified<br /> * as a SAHM I simply need a greater quantity of clothes because they get dirty quickly<br /> * there is a greater likelihood of spending money on something and it being ruined - so less incentive to spend a lot<br /> * it is hard to identify which items will be those ones that will give you great PPW. For instance about 8 years ago I bought a simple black dress that is still going strong now. It cost $40 and there was an almost identical dress, but in better fabric at $90 that I now wish I had got.</p> <p>My exception is shoe spending. Because I have orthotics, even prior to YLF I have spent more on shoes to get ones specially for them. Since YLF I have added 2 pairs of boots (justified) and one pair of sandals (PPW remains to be seen) at quite high prices for me - $200 give or take.</p> <p>I prefer cheaper jewelery. In an attempt by gift givers to give me real jewelery I have a couple of necklaces that are fine gold chains with a tiny pearl. Actually I prefer bigger, bolder black or colourful costume jewelry. Necklaces are lucky if they last a year with me though. I don't know if expensive ones would last longer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality/page/2#post-175349 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 05:30:02 +0000 Anonymous 175349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was younger, just out of college, I had very little in my wardrobe and what I had was pretty shoddy. I had neither quality OR quantity! Then, as my career developed and I was earning more, I started collecting some nice items for work....quality over quantity. I had a small but well-working wardrobe that I supplemented each season..thoughtfully planned out purchases. Then I retired to be a SAHM and things went terribly, terribly wrong. I had no idea how to dress casually. I started collecting all sorts of clothes and most of it was cheap and ill-fitting. I actually went to quantity over quality because I could not justify spending any real money on "just casual" clothes. </p> <p>I am actually back in my original mindset...quality over quantity. I am buying more thoughtfully and buying better quality items that round out my wardrobe. If there is a trend that looks appealing, I may try it in the lower end lines to see if I like it and if I do, then I may replace the cheaper item with a better quality version later on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality/page/2#post-175311 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:05:26 +0000 Refugee 175311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, to be honest, I'm not sure. I'm gonna ramble a bit so, hang with me. In my recent pre-YLF days I had just given up fashion-wise. A few cheap (in every sense of the word) items that looked awful, didn't fit right, worn until they fell apart. I hated shopping, and convinced myself I just didn't care. Fast forward to beginning to care, realizing that deserve to look nice and beginning to make small steps. I had the beginnings of a wardrobe but was still flailing horribly. I remember being on vacation in Moscow and throwing away a pair of shoes before we left for the airport to come home because the soles had split clean through after all of the walking we did. The shoes were only a couple of months old.<br /> Fast forward again to coming here. I am learning things every day. I am trying different things. Not spending a lot of money because I am still trying to find my style. One of the big epiphanies has been that quality isn't always about money sometimes it's about fit, it's about not settling for less than exactly what I want. Also what I consider to be quality is still evolving. There is quality costume jewelry, and there is crap fine jewelry. I'm willing to settle for less quality in order to be able to try out a bunch of different items/looks right now. But when I feel like I've found something that works and is going to become a permanent part of my style, I start to look for quality pieces that will become part of my wardrobe. I have spent money to have a $30 altered to make me feel amazing. (Granted, this is one of the perks of living in the country, I have a fabulous tailor that can make a cheap dress fit perfectly for about $15). I still feel like I'm on my journey and am at a middle of the road spot between the two.<br /> Did any of that make sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality/page/2#post-175277 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 03:02:51 +0000 JewelryGirl 175277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting thread. It's definitely a mix for me. If I had to choose one over the other &amp; lost everything I would definitely go for Quality. </p> <p>I find that I steer to quality more often the older I get. However, it's not that I spend more. For me, I MUST have the quality in shoes, jewelry &amp; some basic workhorses in my wardrobe. Now that I have the room to see all of my clothes &amp; jewelry at one time in my closet/studio --- I'm finding that i put in a separate area those things I reach for ALL the time. It's the natural fibers, well made pieces with good structure, handcrafted jewelry with natural stones, etc. I love to thrift shop &amp; mix in some vintage pieces (mostly jewelry). Purses are more functional for me than anything &amp; I find I'm using a variety of cross body bags more than anything as they are completely functional for me. Putting those items I wear most often in a separate area is really helping me to see what is the excess that I can purge more easily. </p> <p>They say we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time --- the ironic thing is that I even notice it with my 16 yr. old. However, I think quantity is important as you are younger &amp; figuring out your personal style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality/page/2#post-175139 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:09:21 +0000 greenglove 175139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am edging towards quality but love variety which is why I thrift for all the supplemental accessories and unusual finds that I can afford to have fun with.<br /> As I get older I know what my style is and some things will never change. I have 2 leather jackets (quality) and invested in 2 pairs of Frye boots. I will wear these items forever. As an artist I can get away with less classic and expensive things. I find that if you mix and match quality items with lesser items, it can work. I cannot wear cheap shoes- I have to buy quality footwear as an older woman and would advise younger women to think about taking care of your feet. I cannot imagine wearing shoes from H&amp;M. There is no support at all.<br /> Jewelry- I am not a big fan of dainty pieces- they disappear on me.I do like quality costume. Sometimes the cheaper pieces look plastic and too young. I love handcrafted real jewelry with a dramatic flair and will invest more in that as I get older.<br /> I will also be wearing moto jackets and cons until I am 100!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality/page/2#post-175035 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:23:09 +0000 Ruchi 175035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since I have young kids,my clothes go through a lot of tugging and get stains.So I prefer quantity over quality for everyday clothes.I do buys a few good pairs of tops and bottoms for going out,when the hubby will be managing the kids.I would definitely spend more on pieces like winter coat,trench coat and shoes.Now that I am in my early thirties,I am definitely thinking about buying a few investment pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174931 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:17:00 +0000 crwilson 174931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would like to prefer quality over quantity, but I just don't. I can never tell how often I'll wear an item until I actually own it and wear it, which ends up meaning that I have some really cheap things that I've worn and worn and worn because they ended up being super-comfortable and practical, and then some expensive (for me) items that sit in my closet all by their little lonesome. </p> <p>Now that I'm at home with the kids, it makes even less sense to invest in quality pieces because I go through a lot of clothes and various gross things get on me on a daily basis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174927 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:08:48 +0000 Debbie 174927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quality but it hasn't always been that way. It has definitely been an age thing for me.<br /> Jewelry is different though. I have fine jewelry but I LOVE junk jewelry. The more the better. I am on a self imposed ban until I go through my jewelry because honestly I have way too much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174908 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:34:19 +0000 Vix 174908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Louise/Theresa -- </p> <p>The first time I heard the champagne taste/beer budget thing I was a 16 y.o. shopgirl...my boss saw me mooning over some of the expensive stuff we sold (not clothes!) and drawled it out in her raspy, Danny DeVito-y voice. </p> <p>Guess some things never change! </p> <p>And Theresa, I've used the "beer" money to buy some custom pieces. [Not couture, ha ha...price point about that of non-sale Nordstrom/J Crew, B. Republic etc.] </p> <p>No REAL regrets but as you can guess -- and to beat the analogy to death -- the problem happens when the beer money is gone but the thirst for champagne is fierce! I suppose I need to learn to brew my own stuff, sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174899 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:14:29 +0000 Lisa 174899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a quantity girl who is now heading towards quality. There is definitely a difference between the materials of my horseback riding jeans which take a beating (Levis) and the premium denim brands for everyday wear to work that I have been trying out lately (Joe's or COH) and I'm willing to pay more for a piece that I will have for a long time and use often. And I’ve always been a fan of more expensive shoes and handbags. I’m a sucker for a good material in those departments. </p> <p>But there are items that I don't think it pays to spend a lot on, such as layering basics like t-shirts or summer shorts that are only worn two days a week for a couple months of the year. So in the end for me it depends on how often the items will be worn, the higher the frequency the more I am willing to pay for it. I’ve only recently started adding costume jewelry to the mix. I think you can have more fun and better “punch up” an outfit with those pieces compared to fine jewelry. Especially since fine jewelry also tends to be small in size. The only jewelry pieces I don’t mix up daily are my wedding band and an heirloom watch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174871 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:09:20 +0000 AJ 174871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since I'm a SAHM and my style is casual, I go for quantity. I do pay attention more to fit and finding nicer details, but I still can't get myself to buy premium jeans or high end quality items.</p> <p>Have tons of costume jewelry and faux leather purses.</p> <p>I'm rethinking the shoes. It pains me to buy shoes over $50 but I'm thinking shoes are probably the more practical item to buy quality. So I'm starting a shoe fund and currently looking for a summer sandal that has great high arch support. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174833 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:23:45 +0000 Kristen 174833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like both quality and quantity, but I can't afford both. So in terms of jewelry and handbags, for instance, I have acquired a good "base" collection of the better stuff, and then I supplement that with the fun, cheaper items. For instance, I have a few necklaces -- beautiful everyday silver delicate piece, chocolate and grey pearls, and one funky stone piece -- that I bought at a real jeweler and that serve as my base. I had been buying the cheap silver necklaces from Kohls and they lasted 3 months. This silver one I have had for 2 years now and it is as good as it was when I bought it. </p> <p>But then I buy tons of costume necklaces at Loft, Kohls, Old Navy, wherever. I have a few white pearls strands but I need to get a really great set: I just can't decide if I should go for the high-end or the low-end for those, you know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174832 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:18:38 +0000 stringy 174832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm finally at a stage in my life where I can afford quality stuff, and it's such a relief. I never really fall in love with clothes or accessories until after I've had them for a while and gotten used to them, and when they fall apart it breaks my heart. Which meant that every cheap knit that pilled or handbag with flaking trim made me feel really sad!</p> <p>Now I'm (slowly) building up a range of quality items and it's just wonderful to know I can count on them. I still can't bring myself to spend a lot on jewellery though - I don't wear classic styles so cheap trendy stuff from Diva or Equip suits me just fine </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174821 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:53:42 +0000 Theresa 174821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting replies ladies - I've really enjoyed reading!!</p> <p>I was thinking later today that if I could afford it I would probably buy quantities of hand made/custom made quality items... but of course my "very cheap beer" budget means that's not really possible LOL</p> <p>Angie that "change" you speak of - I think I might be heading there with clothes, but accessories not so much yet!</p> <p>And when is your birthday Angie???? Its exactly 1 month until I'm 31 and my big girls birthday is in 3 weeks - so are you a fellow July birthday girl? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174818 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:33:43 +0000 Louise 174818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hehe Vix I love your champagne taste beer budget analogy, though I'd rather have lots of cheap stuff I do get bored easily and love trying new trends which I couldn't afford to do unless I bought them cheaply. I love cheap jewellery again it only lasts a few seasons but that's fine with me x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174761 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:13:24 +0000 yublocka 174761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few weeks hey Angie - exciting! Do you have a big celebration planned?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174752 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:07:31 +0000 Rosie 174752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A mix for me. In terms of clothes, shoes and bags, my quality items are usually my favorites because of the design and fit. Some items, though, are better at a lower price point if it is a really trendy item or a tee that just won't last no matter what! I love costume jewelry but I have some real pieces that I also really love because, apart from being gorgeous, they hold sentimental value. I like mixing up different kinds of jewelry. </p> <p>What I get tired of is medium-priced items that have low-quality. I'd rather buy something cheap and not feel badly when it doesn't last, or something twice as much that lasts a long time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174746 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:00:46 +0000 Angie 174746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Taylor said. </p> <p>When you are younger - by all means go for quantity. I did! And loved every second of it. My style was different in my 20's and early 30's. I would absolutely encourage all youngsters to NOT invest in quality pieces. Have a ball experimenting and wearing whatever you can afford, and as much of it as possible. </p> <p>Then things changed as I got older. For me that was at 35 and I started to slowly make the shift. At 37, my shift was firmly planted. Now, a few weeks away from 40 I am 100% about less is more. I am BIG on fabulous quality. And will pay for it. But I still shop at H&amp;M or Zara for the odd bit of fun. Totally! And hopefully will until I'm 70. I'm also going to wear Converse till I'm 100 - along with my Valentino handbag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174690 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:09:33 +0000 Carole 174690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like quality for basics and wardrobe workhorses, shoes and handbags. But like having lots of bangles, earrings and necklaces to be creative with and those can be had for a song. I have fine jewelry that I rarely wear, I know that my husband is disappointed and will probably never buy me jewelry again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174688 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:08:35 +0000 Vix 174688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In general I have champagne taste and a beer budget, but luckily there are some things I don't car about at all! cough CARS cough</p> <p>I like inexpensive (under $50) but funky bags and jewelry. Wouldn't turn down some amazing spendy vintage costume jewelry, though. </p> <p>I did accumulate some semi-precious necklaces a few years ago when I was trying to jazzify my wardrobe of solids, and though I wear them with Ts I do feel they up my fancyness quotient when worn with work/dressed-up clothes.</p> <p>Wish I could cheap out on shoes as I'm not a shoe person! Usually go as cheap as I can in the decent comfort brands.</p> <p>Tacile person + aging body + more classic dresser = will take fewer, better-made or -tailored clothes in fabrics that feel good to the touch and good to move in plus drape the way I want them to. </p> <p>[Though I cheap out on Ts and probably other things I can't think of right now!] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174654 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:30:14 +0000 marianna 174654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Anne... I strive for a happy medium between the two. But if I could, I would choose quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174632 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:10:57 +0000 Michelle 174632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have expensive taste that I can't always indulge. I am drawn like a magnet to better-quality fabrics and am almost actively repulsed by things that feel cheap. I will jump all over a bargain, i.e. something that feels good and is well-priced, but I have to look for it. I cannot handle pleather at all and absolutely love the smell and feel of the real deal , which is most unfortunate for my wallet (except at Nas time). That said, my body image issues play havoc with me some times and I like having a variety of pieces available to me, though lately I've been enjoying the perks of a smaller wardrobe. I'm absolutely content to wear costume jewelry as long as it doesn't feel too light and flimsy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174625 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:07:38 +0000 Anonymous 174625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm striving for a happy medium between the two. I buy the best I can afford. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174610 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:57:22 +0000 yublocka 174610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Tanya it depends on the item really.</p> <p>Some things I dont go for quality in are smaller, more "accessory" items like jewellery, scarves, tops and bags. Although recently I am wondering if this is why I hate top shopping, since I always go for cheaper tops.</p> <p>Some things I want quality in are shoes, coats, pants, skirts and dresses. I would love to get a good quality new handbag as well, but need to search for the perfect one!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174601 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:53:31 +0000 ladyjane 174601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree it's an age thing. I'm in my forties and have been focusing on quality especially with items that I'm going to wear alot. Exception are jewelry, accessories, and white clothes (I'm a clutz). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174598 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:51:02 +0000 Tanya 174598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A really tough one. I used to be quantity all the way. Now I am more and more moving towards quality end. The trouble is, right now I want quality items in good quantity </p> <p>Joke aside, I find it easier to answer this based on the type of item. Things like jeans, bras, outerwear, boots - quality only. Trendy tops and jewelry, flimsy summer items - quantity matters more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174589 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:46:56 +0000 Sveta 174589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was on the quantity before but then I realized that better quality things give me much more pleasure of wearing them than the cheap stuff. And "cheap" does not mean the price. Some very expensive items I have seen were of not the greatest quality at all. I think it is OK to get super trendy items on the cheap if you are going to use them for one season only.</p> <p>I am torn on jewelery issue. On one hand I like statement pieces - they look much better on my tall large frame than delicate expensive ones. On other hand I really enjoy real stones - they just look differently from plastic of regular glass. Oh, and non-silver or gold earrings give me an infection :-(<br /> So I have found a solution for myself: I buy jewelery in sterling silver and/or semi-precious stones. I have found the place where I can buy these - Winners (Canadian store where they sell overstock from expensive stores with huge discount)<br /> Honestly, jewelery does not cost much more there than the fake from other stores but feels much better! I have bought 2 very long (3 loops around my neck) strands of freshwater pearls there for $20 each and love them. I have looked at the fake ones as well but they just say FAKE to me...<br /> The same for shoes. I was buying cheap shoes before but they just did not feel right to me: I did not enjoy wearing them. Then I switched to better shoes and love it more.<br /> I also like nice fabrics against my skin.. and the feel of good leather...I would rather hunt for a perfect silk blouse in the thrift store than to buy this slippery polyester thing.</p> <p>Hmm, maybe Taylor is right and this is an age thing but really you can find better quality things for less - just need to spend more time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174562 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:22:31 +0000 Queen Mum 174562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you Frances and Maya-- I have no need for fine jewelry. My wedding ring and another ring I have are the extent of my fine jewelry collection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quantity-over-quality#post-174561 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:21:51 +0000 Kristine 174561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I stopped to think about it and realized that before YLF I didn't really have either! I had cheap clothes and not many of them! Ouch! </p> <p>Now I'm probably quantity working on quality. I'm getting to know my taste and I'm hoping to move along in my career, so I'd like some nice clothes which will last and are a little more refined. Today for example I wore a long strand of pearls (imitation, from the thrift store) and thought, wouldn't it be nice if they were real? I'd have them for the rest of my life. How can you go wrong with an investment like that? I'm not a fine jewelry person either, I don't have any, but I'm starting to think I'd like one or two pieces.</p> <p>I'm also really attracted to the idea of a micro wardrobe that can be changed up with accessories- I like the simplicity, it suits my closet size and lifestyle. But old habits die hard and it's very tempting to buy quantity especially when almost everything looks good new on the hanger. </p>