https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:44:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/5#post-2213530 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 20:08:25 +0000 Jenn 2213530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found that old thread, just in case anyone wants to see.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nothing-under-150">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-under-150</a></p> <p>From way back in 2015! It was a really interesting and thoughtful conversation.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/5#post-2213147 Sun, 01 Aug 2021 09:03:53 +0000 Jenni NZ 2213147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have just re-read this thread for about the fourth time.<br /> Partway through, Shevia asked if someone had once had a thread about having a minimum price for what you bought, and the answer is yes, Jenn did, and she has linked here up-thread to the article that prompted it, her first link about having a minimum of $150 as a price point, enough to make the writer think about how much he really needed the item- in regards to sustainability.<br /> Interesting to re-read that.<br /> I still think for me it may be love of the item that may make me go higher, but on a rare occasion and carefully considered, if I just can’t get the item out of my head. And even then that’s only to try it on! I would really have to know it would get worn again and again to go above my self-imposed limits, since I so want to wear everything lots of times, hopefully for several years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/5#post-2213108 Sat, 31 Jul 2021 23:09:39 +0000 Jules 2213108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI, the pockets are just an example of what happens when cheap, thin nylon starts to wear. I put up with the pockets per se then the following year the entire lining would be ripping (as an example). I once took a wool coat to be relined at a very reputable but somewhat cantankerous local tailor and was basically told the quality of the coat did not warrant the work. Along with a lot of faces made about my coat! But she had a point when I compared it to a proper menswear lining… even though the coat was Club Monaco and this was about 20<br /> years ago before quality declined quite so much overall. So point being I guess I internalized the idea that most of my stuff was not repair level quality, which is still the case. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/5#post-2213088 Sat, 31 Jul 2021 21:32:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2213088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, so you were getting new puffers because the pockets ripped in the earlier ones? I don’t understand that. Isn’t finding a new one more of a pain than fixing the one you have/getting it fixed?<br /> I think this is getting close to a difference between my son and me if we have an inexpensive thing that’s starting to wear out; my attitude is to baby it, try to help it last as long as possible. He tends to assume a thing is trash as soon as the first cracks show up. By refusing to be extra careful, he has sent many items to an early (IMO) grave. Some people are more gentle with expensive items; I almost think that’s reversed for me.<br /> I’ve just had linings repaired in both my leather jackets, from the 80s 90s,, and plan to sew up the pocket in my red puffer, which is nearly 3 years old. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/5#post-2213079 Sat, 31 Jul 2021 20:35:40 +0000 Jenni NZ 2213079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I don’t look for a “perfect” item like some of you do- I am thinking of Gryffin and Nemosmom here. My own psychology doesn’t really “get” that. I suspect it’s because I am not a classic dresser. My tastes are eclectic and to a certain extent for me there will always be another piece of clothing. I have learned to have less FOMO myself over time.<br /> So I think I have learned to go over my price point occasionally mainly for love of the item, and also for the likelihood of lots of wears because it suits my wardrobe so well- a HEWI, if you will. But because my wardrobe is still pretty large, and the most sustainable item to wear is something I already own, then that will be a rare case. Maybe that *is* what Gryffin and Nemosmom are doing too, but the thought process appears different to my mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/5#post-2213032 Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:57:18 +0000 Jules 2213032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This applies to my Lole puffer as well - I had been in the habit of buying fast fashion puffers for around $100 that were lasting me two years, and even being a bit sad/falling part the second year (non visible things like pockets ripping). I basically just got tired of the churn and decided to ‘invest’ in something better, which ended up being a Lole puffer for around $400. It’s going strong after 4 years or so and really has no signs of wear. I don’t count wears but subjectively, I like it enough and find it appropriate for wider weather conditions and situations such that I actually wear it more than my previous puffers too. But I have many previous ‘investments’ that didn’t work out so well. It’s my own taste that I doubt will last. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/5#post-2212998 Sat, 31 Jul 2021 12:54:14 +0000 nemosmom 2212998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Gryffin! “ I am better served by getting the one thing I will enjoy them a more reasonable alternative that does not compare.”</p> <p>I know the guilt-inducing churn that can come from settling for a piece… it’s actually how I arrived at the Babaton coat. It ticked all my boxes. I had purchased TWO other camel coats, before I landed on this one. Even though I have sold both, it cost me more energy and money in the long run; I would have been better off just getting the right piece the first time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212967 Sat, 31 Jul 2021 02:22:41 +0000 rachylou 2212967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with that Jenn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212964 Sat, 31 Jul 2021 01:28:32 +0000 Jules 2212964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post Jenn, definite food for thought! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212960 Fri, 30 Jul 2021 23:53:18 +0000 Carla 2212960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m glad you chimed in Jenn. &nbsp;‘My budget hasn’t gone up as my price point has’. &nbsp;<i>That&nbsp;</i>is where I want to go. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212958 Fri, 30 Jul 2021 23:42:00 +0000 Jenn 2212958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread got started while I was on vacation, and I haven't read all the replies, so apologies if my response is repetitive or not very nuanced.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm someone whose price point has increased somewhat significantly in the decade or so since I started reading YLF. Some of that is certainly due to income and circumstances, but I also buy a lot fewer items per year than I used to, so my budget hasn't gone up as significantly as my price point has.</p> <p>Along with a lot of books/articles on the issues with fast fashion and the challenges of sustainable manufacturing, two articles have impacted my thinking on price recently. The first was <a rel="nofollow" href="https://qz.com/507904/your-next-item-of-clothing-should-be-so-expensive-it-hurts/">this one about having a minimum price point</a>, which I started a thread about here eons ago. This argument resonated with me, "Our brain weighs the pleasure of acquiring against the pain of paying. As clothing prices decline, that pain does too, making shopping easy entertainment, disconnecting it from our actual clothing needs. [...]To restore that balance, the price of the clothing we consider purchasing should be high enough that it “hurts” at least a little." </p> <p>Shopping at a higher price point became a psychological trick I played on myself as a way of forcing myself to make more considered purchases.</p> <p>That led to a discovery that many of my more considered, higher-priced purchases fit better, hung better, looked better, and felt better than lower-priced purchases. They did NOT always last longer. It <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reaktor.com/blog/why-ive-tracked-every-single-piece-of-clothing-ive-worn-for-three-years/">made parts of this second article</a>&nbsp;about wardrobe tracking speak to me, specifically the authors realization about what quality meant to him: <br />"This brings up the obvious point that quality is not limited to, and cannot be measured solely by, durability. In my personal view, the expensive shirts are of higher quality in many regards. This means each wear provides a more valuable subjective experience (better materials, style and cut, details, brand, etc.), which may justify the difference in CPW. [...]&nbsp;I now know the monetary cost of my preference for quality, and I am happy to pay it."</p> <p>I'm settling into the notion that, while paying a higher price very well may decrease my cost-per-wear, it might not, and there are other factors (fabric quality/drape/handfeel, sustainable manufacture, fit, finish, etc) that make higher-priced garments feel worth it.</p> <p>So to summarize...I pay a lot more per item now than I did when starting YLF. Though that started from a baseline of wanting to consume less but not needing to change my budget, paying more led me to discovering the benefits of higher-priced purchases. I'm now thrilled that my altered price-point allows me to access a wider range of sustainable, quality garments than I was able to consider when spending less per piece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212956 Fri, 30 Jul 2021 23:17:34 +0000 annagybe 2212956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a sometimes big spender, I have a tendency to fall for design, as in the actual visual aesthetic.&nbsp;<br />So yeah I've spent some big bucks. But like some above (lost track of who said what), those that I sold (due to weight gain) I was able to recoup some of the money.&nbsp;<br />Now, I try to look towards smaller designers, or at least the ones that are size inclusive. I'm very happy with my Rachel Comey shorts, which are well made and made in NYC.<br />But overall my shopping has decreased significantly due to pandemic and taking care of Dad. I have almost no reason to dress up at all now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212732 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:21:23 +0000 Preppy Pear 2212732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to Runcarla for starting this thread and to everyone for the thoughtful replies. It was well worth reading them.</p> <p>I think my answer is definitely about pleasure, like Gaylene’s response, but perhaps more self-centered, if I’m honest. I budget a lot for clothing for someone who already has what she needs - shopping and fashion are about feeling good. </p> <p>So I don’t have a limit (IF it fits in the overall budget) for particular items. I can see spending quite a lot on a t-shirt or buying premium denim, if it makes me feel fantastic, for example. It’s more of a, do I love this enough to use up my clothing budget equation. </p> <p>Feeling great in my clothes, like quality, doesn’t always correspond with price, however. And I don’t need the best quality to feel good (though very cheaply made clothes don’t do it for me). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212730 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:37:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2212730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got my desigual backpack to test out whether I actually like carrying one as much as I expected before spending big (for me) on the Kate Spade one I’d fallen in love with. I did indeed enjoy it, so Santa dropped off the KS. Surprisingly, I carried on with the desigual, using it more than the KS for the first year. These days I probably carry them equally, according to mood. The new backpack for my birthday, that attaches to a bike rack, is bigger than the first two, and close to the desigual in price. In short, buying a less expensive option isn’t always “settling” and can work out quite well. But if I don’t feel completely at home in a thing, at any price point, I don’t think it’s a good deal. </p> <p>Iow, for me, a better fit—in all ways, including colors, materials, how well made a thing is, etc—can justify a higher price, but a lower price doesn’t justify a reduction in fit. If I can’t find what I want at a lower price—organic cotton, for example—I accept that I may need to look at more expensive items. I keep a large enough wardrobe that I won’t go naked while I’m looking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212729 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:27:23 +0000 gryffin 2212729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger I so agree.&nbsp; The JCrew Jackie shell, danskin or Nirlon leggings are best in class but inexpensive especially one sale.&nbsp; But nothing is a bargain if you don't love it and feel you've settled.&nbsp; I agree splurge doesn't guarantee value.&nbsp; But when it's perfect and exactly the right piece, but at a higher price point that we might want to pay, sometimes that can be the better choice.&nbsp; Yes Lisa don't she look fabulous.&nbsp; I love her style and her attitude.&nbsp; Runcarla I think that's exactly the same place I'm at now mentally.&nbsp; You just want to make sure the money is well spent for value, function, aesthetic and joy, that's the tricky part. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212719 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:48:19 +0000 Anonymous 2212719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes sometimes it's better to buy just the right thing the first time, sticker shock or no, for that reason.<br /> But I've also bought my share of high-to-me things (not just clothes) and they don't always work out right in the long term.<br /> A really good purchase can be "cheap as chips" or splurge, or anything in between. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212718 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:47:06 +0000 Anonymous 2212718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - gryffin - thanks for the intro to an interesting blog/instagram ! &nbsp;I love her aesthetic - and also her point about not settling .&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212715 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:40:51 +0000 Carla 2212715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ gryffin -&nbsp;<i>that&nbsp;</i>coat (actually a new winter dress coat) is&nbsp;<i>exactly&nbsp;</i>the reason I started this thread. &nbsp;The article you linked too articulates 100% what I’m going through. &nbsp;Thanks for the link! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2212711 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:29:56 +0000 gryffin 2212711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://carmeonhamilton.com/blog/the-camel-coat-all-dressed-up">https://carmeonhamilton.com/bl.....dressed-up</a></p> <p>I was searching for reviews on the aritizia babaton coat when I came across this article.&nbsp; Her comments on decision making/price point really resonate with me.&nbsp; I have found, what I thought was the perfect item usually a HEWI, and balked at the cost even if it ticked off every box.&nbsp; On many ocassions I bought a lesser item, was unhappy, only to eventually cave and buy the item I really wanted or live with regret.&nbsp; I found settling, because I keepy my things for a long, long time, is not always the most cost effective strategy.&nbsp; OTOH there are things I adore and covet which I would either not be comfortable owning or are simply out of my price range.&nbsp; On those, I've typically decided not to try and reference at a lower price point because I tend not to be happy.&nbsp; It's always second rate.&nbsp; I try and find an item, I can afford, that ticks the boxes completely albeit in a different way (I'm looking at you Chanel Boy Bag - I'm simply a Coach girl.&nbsp; But I can admire from afar)&nbsp; But I agree, for me, if the perfect item is available even if I must save and plan for it, I am better served by getting the one thing I will enjoy them a more reasonable alternative that does not compare. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211882 Sat, 24 Jul 2021 21:10:38 +0000 Aquamarine 2211882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread. For shoes, I go over my price point for supreme comfort plus style because my feet are so, so picky. So I guess that means my price point has risen?</p> <p>For anything else, if I know it’s made well (construction, nice fabric, etc.) and that I will keep it for years, I would be motivated to go higher than normal. Also, at this point in my life, the item would have to be able to accommodate weight fluctuations.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211767 Sat, 24 Jul 2021 01:45:25 +0000 judy 2211767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina your post about white shirts in another thread made me remember the brand I bought the one and only white shirt I have from.&nbsp; I tend to have a soft spot for these artisanal brands.&nbsp; The fact that they use quality fabrics and hopefully pay their local sewers a living wage, I am willing to splurge a little, so putting it in this thread about price points and why we sometimes pay a bit more.&nbsp; The white cotton shirt I bought from them about 6 or so years ago...?... is going strong, I just love it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tenderstores.com/">https://www.tenderstores.com/</a>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211642 Fri, 23 Jul 2021 14:58:48 +0000 Irina 2211642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I have to admit that it might be a brand recognition for me. I’m more inclined to pay higher price for a brand whose quality I know from my positive experience with them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211638 Fri, 23 Jul 2021 14:30:23 +0000 nemosmom 2211638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Tangible things for me that might warrant a higher price point would include:</div><div> <ul> <li><u>design and construction</u> - great, tight, straight, tonal stitching, with no loose threads... interior pockets on outerwear or skirts; </li> <li><u>fabric composition</u> - preference for natural fabrics over synthetics so I don't add pollution to the water when I wash; </li> <li><u>fabric source</u> - organic cotton or sustainably and ethically sourced fibres (e.g., recycled PET shoes or mulesing-free wool);</li> <li><u>repairability</u> - can a shoe be re-soled or can a piece of knitwear darned or de-pilled;</li> <li><u>warrantied</u> - does the maker offer any kind of quality assurance? E.g., Darn Tough socks and Sheep, Inc. sweaters are guaranteed against wear for life. If they get holes, the company offers to replace them.&nbsp; </li> <li><u>hardware</u> - things like sturdy zippers in a finish that won't peel off... feet on the bottom of a tote bag... or included "extras" like extra yarn for repairing sweater... extra buttons included with a jacket...&nbsp; </li> </ul> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211590 Fri, 23 Jul 2021 08:20:48 +0000 Sally 2211590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remembered paying over $300 (NZ) for a dress once.&nbsp; It was when returning to work and it was an organic merino dress that I thought would last me through seasons and sizes.&nbsp; So I will go over my price point if I think I have found a workhorse that will take the place of others ....like fulfill many places in the wardrobe.&nbsp; It wasn't as versatile as I imagined but I did wear it for a while.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211578 Fri, 23 Jul 2021 05:02:13 +0000 rachylou 2211578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah. In that case, Carla, my answer is Thoughtfulness of Construction. I say this rather than quality or durability or refinement or fineness or design for a variety of reasons. Beauty and utility *to me* are also requirements, but it’s Thoughtfulness that I believe, upon reflection, is what will push me past my norm. Little details that make something more comfortable, more durable, more fine, more respectful of what the materials can and cannot do, etc. There’s a three hundred dollar rolling pin at the bakery - an astounding price for plastic - that everyone fights over … it’s quite long and quite hefty and easier to clean. Unusually well considered. Makes the perfect croissant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211549 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 23:49:37 +0000 Carla 2211549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Jenni NZ - I&nbsp;<i>have&nbsp;</i>enough feedback to help me with my decisions about price points, &nbsp;but I will need to stew on it a little longer. &nbsp;I was actually looking for suggestions that were tangible or ‘measurable’ in some way - along the lines of what constitutes quality, sustainability, etc vs things that are more subjective such as ‘am I worth it.’ &nbsp;<b>@ Sloper&nbsp;</b>has it right in her post 4 hrs ago - what would motivate you to go above your &nbsp;price point for any item (vs what your actual price points&nbsp;<i>are.) &nbsp;</i>It’s a tricky topic. &nbsp;</p> <p>No worries, and lots of interesting food for thought.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211542 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 23:06:07 +0000 Sal 2211542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would like to apologise for talking numbers - I was the first to do so. And my numbers don’t mean anything to most anyway because of my location. I think it was unnecessary - I could have made my point another way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211531 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 22:41:11 +0000 Irina 2211531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was hoping that we all will stay away from articulating amounts of money, from an actual number one pays for x item. I understood the intention as more of an analytical nature, more about one’s approach to a price point. This way we all can discuss our individual opinions without guilt/envy or feeling appalled or uncomfortable.<br />Environmental and social concerns motivate us to re-think our price points as much as geography, economic stability and employment.<br />I would love to hear forum members’ thoughts on sustainability in fashion but it might be a topic for another post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211518 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 21:43:37 +0000 Sal 2211518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni- I think you are right. We probably don’t change our minds easily - and I am sure some people could read this thread and be frustrated by a $300 item and the privilege of this, or the time to secure special pieces. Conversely others may see ongoing $30 purchases as not ideal either. </p> <p>I am okay with veering into slightly uncomfortable topics because it makes me more open minded, and I like to see perspectives from others younger, older, with different cultures and interests. And people here communicate clearly and almost always respectfully. </p> <p>We are all different - and that is what I like about a forum. </p> <p>Topics about money are sensitive - and I think the thread has gone in various directions away from Carla’s original question (as they do!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sticker-shockprice-point---figuring-out-what-to-pay/page/4#post-2211517 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 21:42:58 +0000 Gaylene 2211517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoops, I didn’t intend to send this thread off the rails!</p> <p>I just thought that Cline’s perspective on price points was interesting in the context of her thinking about ethical, sustainable fashion. I think we all agree that that price points, wardrobe sizes, and ethical positions are totally up to the individual. What Cline’s book is doing for me is making me think about my own ways of accumulating—and, more importantly, disposing—of my clothes.&nbsp; </p> <p><b>Addendum</b>:</p> <p>Carla’s original question was</p> <p><i>Do you take a ‘pass’ on an item if the price is beyond a certain price point? What would motivate you to move your price point? What would inspire you to ‘splurge’ on something?</i></p> <p><i></i>I will admit that&nbsp;<i></i>Cline’s book is now making me think harder about price points in the context of sustainability instead of just taking an automatic negative pass when I see a higher price tag. Environmental and social concerns about the fashion industry could motivate me to move my price point.&nbsp;<i></i></p>