https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:12:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769400 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:14:19 +0000 Mo 769400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Rita - true, true, we all have our own viewpoints and experience we come here with! What is one's is not another's and neither is right nor wrong :)<br /> @ Rae - I think I may be Old Navy's fit model size small/4 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769392 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:05:06 +0000 rae 769392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to come back to say that spending more money is NOT a guaranteed way to end up with the perfect purchases. Also, saving time does NOT mean that you necessarily have to jump to a painful price point. </p> <p>At the end of the day, finding a great item comes down to knowing your style, colors, fit issues, etc. No matter how expensive the boutique, you have to look at the wares and try them on! The crux is in how long the looking takes you... if everything at Versace fits you, shopping will take no time at Versace. But the same goes for any other store, if everything they sell happens to fit perfectly because they use your body double for a fit model... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769383 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:50:09 +0000 modgrl 769383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am just shining a mirror on my own shopping habits - that's what was happening for me but obviously it is not the case for everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769374 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:38:58 +0000 catgirl 769374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, you are so right! I'd say I fall into all three categories - will shop alone, with friends for social reasons, love to hunt and gather but am also happy to splurge... yeah, you get the idea. :)</p> <p>Yikes - I guess there's a fourth group, people with an actual shopping problem. I don't think I'm there, but I know it's a real issue and I do have addictive tendencies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769371 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:35:58 +0000 Mo 769371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makes sense Rita - I just wanted to say that trading time for money didn't necessarily mean thrift store 'almosts'!<br /> I also think because I have been living between two radically different climates, buying 'off season' almost is a non issue anymore for me. I can only wear a certain portion of my clothes in either place, so whether I buy the shearling jacket in October or the blush leather jacket in July, I still can't wear either until at least Christmas (when I plan to leave FL) anyway lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769369 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:34:18 +0000 Gaylene 769369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, this is a fascinating discussion. It makes me wonder if we fall into groups when it comes to shopping. There are those of us (I'd put myself in this group) who don't care much for the actual shopping experience; we often shop alone in spurts, may use the services of personal shoppers, and tend to buy several items at a time, often paying full price. Another group enjoys the thrill of the hunt, so to speak; these are the ladies who feel good when they can find that perfect item at a reasonable price and willingly spend time on the internet, in stores, and at thrift shops to locate these treasures and bargains. Still another group see shopping as an enjoyable way to spend time, alone or with friends; these ladies are more likely to visit shops to just browse, check out trends, and experiment with new and different styles. They may also enjoy shopping events that let them connect with others who share their interest.</p> <p>I'm sure that there is lots of overlap, and probably other groups as well, but I'm finding it fascinating to see how we all try to accomplish the same goal--that perfect wardrobe--using such different approaches. Great thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769356 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:20:04 +0000 modgrl 769356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Mo, I think I could have bought some things on ebay or on sale... but I have crazy shoe and clothing sizes. if I wait for stuff to go on sale, it is gone. There are no 5.5W's or 2P/4P of anything good left at the end of the season. Also, I am getting better CPW if I buy something at the beginning of the season and wear it alot than if I wait until the end of the season and don't get to wear it that much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769351 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:12:48 +0000 catgirl 769351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, these are wonderful responses and resonate so much with me. We do not have a housecleaning service, something I'd like to do to free up my weekend time to play outside more - that's another time/money trade-off that seems worth it. I still very much enjoy hunting and gathering (pretty sure I had to be dragged away from combing the swap meet tables in CA!) when I allow myself the time. The interesting thing there is that with the luxury of a full weekend to shop, I was able to hunt to my heart's content and come home with less than I brought there to give away! As many of you mentioned, it's the balance that matters, and it's so hard to find!</p> <p>Shannon, I was exactly like you about thrifting - if I didn't go constantly, I'd worry about the crazy treasures I was missing. Now I'm the person who's dumping them there! I still go by now and then to keep my skills honed, but 95% of what's there can be eliminated right off the bat. We have pretty bad thrift stores here anyway.</p> <p>Rita, EXACTLY!</p> <p>Mo, yes, you are definitely at the opposite end of my life in terms of time to search out the bargains - although I did wait for the Muubaa to go on sale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769350 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:10:46 +0000 unfrumped 769350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very relevant concepts &amp; a good discussion. </p> <p>I return to basics here--the enemy of rational thought is all-or-none thinking. Balance time &amp; money. OK to buy full price and OK to watch for sales, all in the same person. Also, I think there is more than one question in your question. Time vs. money, but also focus--if you know what you like and what tends to fit you and you will wear AND you know where to find it, you may save both time and money by buying those things rather than random sale items.</p> <p>Thrift stores fall into a so-so category for me because it is more needle-in-haystack and therefore a whole lot of time for little return. I'm not a big e-bay shopper so miss that advantage, but it's an example of how one can search for specific items. Might not be there, but is not completely random. </p> <p>Sale items is a lot larger concept than thrifting alone or even the idea of, it it's not worth full price it's not worth it. It depends on how one is building a wardrobe. With wardrobe &amp; shopping goals &amp; focus, then maybe one idea is, I would like to add a gray cashmere V-neck sweater to my wardrobe, but it's not an emergency, so I'll look after January. This concept works best for classic items &amp; basics.<br /> Or finding a designer jacket that would fit your style but saying, it's okay if I get this this year or not, but I'll put it in wish list and see if it goes on sale. That is more like PPP and not going to after-holiday sales and buying something just because it's on sale.</p> <p>Your time &amp; money idea would be at one extreme if the goal is, every minute/hour spent shopping must result in a purchase or it's wasted time. That isn't realistic because again, if taken to extreme, you'd force yourself to buy something just because you had invested some time. What I hear you saying is you need a greater % return on your time and that is strategic, but has a range of how it can play out. </p> <p>Two things I'm doing more of that relate to the time &amp; effort and $ balance are:<br /> I think I need to buy more in-season or pre-season and not as much after season. That may mean more full-price. The reason is because I'm getting burned on being either more fickle myself, if something can't be used for 6 months, or I feel the classics aren't as classic. I'm more about buying a great summer blazer at the start of summer when I can play and remix and wear it, and not in December. Still balance is needed. I just bought a linen-y look , silky-feeling 100% wool T. Tahari jacket on sale because I really loved the fit and fabric, and hope it will still be what I want next spring and summer. It was 60% off and I don't think I would have bought it at full price.</p> <p>Second, my sizes seem to sell out and so if something is really great I do have to think about whether to plunge or wait. You may be saying as well, that you want to get what you want--"want' being interpreted in its best way, an item that will really be useful. That may mean you have to buy it when you first see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769247 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:02:33 +0000 Mo 769247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to add that you can have perfect clothes that are discounted or eBay bought. This is where the investment of time comes in, rather than money. I don't HAVE to spend retail to have my nice things. Case(s) in point - MuuBaa blush moto half price a year and a half after first spying it, Allsaints shearling leather via Rae, $185 instead of over $700 (over 3 weeks from her first spying it to having it in my hands), Frye boots via Amazon $235 instead of $400 because they weren't bought at the very start of the season. Oh, and the Willow &amp; Clay riding jacket I tried on at Nordstrom, but it was a size too small. Sold out in stores and online. Popped up on eBay a month later. So, these are my examples of taking time to get the right pieces at the right price. Not spending the big money does not necessarily mean one is stocking their closet with 'almosts' and "this will do's" And to be honest, I own exactly one thrift store item - a canvas belt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769245 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:02:03 +0000 Lisa 769245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am an inpatient shopper and as much as I admire thrift shopping, I always go to the mall where everything is higher priced, but I can get in and out much faster. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769234 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:55:45 +0000 modgrl 769234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have found that I am much more picky after YLF. When I was having fun shopping at thrift stores, it was always like this - this is almost my size, this is almost exactly what I was looking for, this is what I wanted just in a slightly different color. Now I realize that if I want to get the exact thing I was looking for, I NEED to BBQ at full price and DO NOT WAIT for it to go on sale or show up at the thrift store. Because it will not. It will sell out and it will be gone. Instead of having a closet full of ALMOST just right crap that I am not really happy with, I now have an expensive closet full of PERFECT clothes that I actually love, wear and appreciate. Honestly my CPW is better now than it was when I had a closet full of cheap junk. </p> <p>OLD ME: Ten pairs of $50 shoes that I only wore a couple of times because they hurt or aren't exactly right. </p> <p>NEW ME: one pair of perfect $500 shoes that I am wearing every day for the last month and loving and can foresee wearing for years to come. </p> <p>I would rather have a closet that works for me than a rummage sale full of almosts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769173 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:16:07 +0000 Isabel 769173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never been a "bargain" shopper. I just don't have the patience. I am usually pretty sure of what I want and I concentrate on finding it ....not on finding it and having it not be at full price. I also tailor a alot no matter where the item is from. I think that when we are younger it is also a matter of more experimentation and thrifting and sales allow for that very well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769150 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:04:32 +0000 Mo 769150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, this is sooooo variable in my life. More than probably anyone here. I have nothing but time when in FL, and we have plenty of $$$ while here as well. Win-win! But when I get home to CA, I work 2 jobs, and we make 1/4 of what we do here in FL. No time, little money.<br /> So that is why I tend to shop more when here. It's the trade off, I feel, for putting my life back home on hold. Still, I spend way less than the 4% that many quote as an appropriate clothing budget. I think it's because I know I won't suddenly stop shopping when back home, and I want to kind of balance it all out. I'm sure I spend more than that 4% relative to our take home pay back in Tahoe.<br /> Either place, I take the time rather than spend the money. It's very rare that I pay full retail. I'm willing to stalk and hunt and search and wait to find that 40% off, even on high ticket items (I'm looking at you, Frye boots!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-769083 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:29:26 +0000 Transcona Shannon 769083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread Una and I'm finding all the responses thus far to be fascinating.</p> <p>I have also spent more (on individual items and as a whole) on my wardrobe since joining YLF than previously, even though our household income has not increased. I do not regret this ONE DARNED BIT!</p> <p>Learning what works for my body type, focusing much more on fit and quality - these have become of utmost importance for my wardrobe shopping needs. This can't always be found through thrifting as we know. </p> <p>I have also become much more protective of my spare time, which is limited. Between full time work, having a family, caring for MIL and wanting to carve out a little bit of time for myself, I'm no longer willing to comb the aisles of Value Village for hours on end. Sure, I still thrift, but not with the frequency or length of time that I used to. </p> <p>I also found that thrifting had become more of a hobby for me than I think was healthy - shoot, I would get down right twitchy if I couldn't go look at least once per week. Then I'm just buying crap 'cause it's there. Not doing that anymore.</p> <p>I always say that my time is worth something too and as I'm getting older, this is becoming more and more obvious and important to me. I think the route you are taking is fantastic - you have purchased some positively stellar items and have really carved yourself a wonderful personal style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768999 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:16:26 +0000 Suz 768999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Jules has really hit on something. All the money in the world wouldn't help you be an intentional shopper if you hadn't spent time figuring out your style. It was time well spent!! </p> <p>I'm not spending more because I have less time. My time has always been at a premium, it seems. I'm spending more because I have a bit more than I've had in many, many years (maybe forever). And because I feel a bit more confident in my purchases (thanks to YLF.) </p> <p>I have always appreciated quality. But as Jules said, I didn't have the income to indulge and so I had to "settle." It's not that every low-cost item is inferior; that's not true (thank heavens!) and I still enjoy my inexpensive yet well-made items. For instance, the white denim jacket I got in the kids' department of Old Navy is every bit as high a quality as many designer versions I have seen. So why pay more? </p> <p>Well...to your point, Una, I guess the main reason to pay more is to save time. A person might buy everything in one store (regardless of cost) rather than shopping around. </p> <p>So have I come full circle? </p> <p>Truly, in my case, I am buying a few more expensive items because I love them. And I plan to wear the heck out of them, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768996 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:06:57 +0000 anne 768996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is a balancing act with me too. I don't enjoy thrift shopping all that much and until recently, it has been just too hard to go with the kids. I only get a few days a year, when I visit a big city, when I can devote my time to shopping with a reasonable range of shops - and I don't enjoy shopping as much as other leisure pursuits.</p> <p>Sometimes I feel guilty for not buying the majority of my clothes at thrift shops becuase I just prefer the convenience of walking into a nicely set out shop, with a range of sizes etc. And even if they are cheap shops, I'll spend more</p> <p>And I hate wardrobe churn too. I like a slowly changing wardrobe.</p> <p>I am not really in a place where I can spend hugely on my wardrobe and not sure that I will ever feel comfortable doing so. But if I was, I would love to pay Angie to do it for me!!</p> <p>I don't know how those of you who have kids and work as well manage to be active on the forum and do all the other things you do! Time allocation is a constant struggle with me and I don't work outside the home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768990 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:59:03 +0000 Raisin 768990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get what you're saying totally. There's not much time for anything these days in my life, much less clothes shopping. I think I tend to get mine done in spurts. I'm in one now for sure. But usually after getting a bunch at once, I'm done and tired of it for months. I rarely buy anything at the mall because I just don't have the time or patience to shop and try things on. Kids are a time buster! Funny enough though, I think for me I will have more time later on in life, but I doubt I will naturally turn into a shopper, as I'm not one right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768951 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:53:53 +0000 RoseandJoan 768951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I view this slightly differently Una.</p> <p>You previously invested your time, learning about fit, quality and personal style and now you are reaping the dividends. Your change in budget would mean nothing without the knowledge you have acquired along the way.</p> <p>I do think a larger budget allows consumers to cherry pick the best (whether Burberry or Zara) without compromise. I feel shopping on a smaller budget always involves a settlement of sorts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768942 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:51:48 +0000 rute 768942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is so interesting! I feel I'm on a stage I prefer also quality. I'm older, I know my style, I know the pieces I'll wear for a long time and I prefer to invest on quality.<br /> Well I do still buy a trendy piece or two at zara sales, but now I have a better ideia of want I want of my wardrobe as an whole and not just a big pile of bargains! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768938 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:47:59 +0000 Deborah 768938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy shopping and browsing, both instore and online, however time is precious and like Una, I work, have a young child and have a variety of community involvements so I need my wardrobe to really work for me and the truth is I don't have time to be fussing around (too much). Having said that, in reality my needs (wardrobe wise) are few so I can afford the time it might take to seek out the garment I want at the price point I want, ie there is rarely any urgency for acquiring a certain garment (aside from want) I do a lot of the searching on line with a follow up visit to the store to try on. I usually go in store knowing exactly what I want to look at and try on. I still love thrift shopping and often allocate a couple of hours every couple of weeks to go thrifting alone or with one of my girlfriends. Generally I find I am much more intentional with my shopping these days:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768927 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:56:18 +0000 Kristin SF 768927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing that saves me major time is the personal shopping/stylist service at Nordstrom. I'm sure lots of folks on here are already fans, but I just discovered this service and I think it's truly fabulous. </p> <p>So far, I've used this service to find black trousers, jeans, and some jackets. I email the stylist in advance, tell her what I'm looking for (even include links to specific items!) and she can have 10 items ready for me in a dressing room - all in my size - whenever I can get away from the office for a bit. </p> <p>This means I can do some seriously productive shopping in about an hour during the week - which means fewer crowds, more attention from the stylist, and weekends free to spend with my husband and kids!</p> <p>So yes - more items full price, but I consider the time I gain to be priceless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768926 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:47:48 +0000 lyn* 768926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am starting to get to t his point too; I really really hate pursuing things to have them sell out too. Frustrating! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768924 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:34:51 +0000 Caro in Oz 768924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it has been more of a change in emphasis. I want fewer things &amp; more experiences. Somehow this translates into spending more on those (fewer) things, not sure why. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768922 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:21:30 +0000 Gaylene 768922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While fashion is a passion for some people, for others, like me, it's just one of many interests. I admire people who find great bargains and treasures in thrift shops, but that's not where I chose to spend my free time so I usually pay full price in a few trusted boutiques when I find something that I like.</p> <p>Buying at a higher price point also seems to work better for me because I like to get dressed quickly in the morning and hate spending time trying to use accessories to create an outfit. Spending more money usually means I can find an more interesting cut or fabrication so the item can stand alone. I also find better quality usually means more comfort--something that is important to me.</p> <p>At this point in my life, I'm more than willing to spend the extra dollars if it makes my life easier or if I get to spend more time on things that are important to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768914 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:24:40 +0000 cciele 768914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup, I'm totally with you Una! I've found that's been my MO recently too, for much the same reasons you mention. I used to never buy things at full price, and here I am shopping at small boutiques! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768903 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:55:15 +0000 rae 768903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting topic! This post struck a chord because I have recently given up a lot of money in order to spend my time doing what I love. I don't regret any of it, though, because time is one thing that gets spent with or without our say... we can't hoard and save it, but can only spend it wisely. If combing through the thrift racks isn't your ideal activity ATM, then by all means "buy more time" by shopping at a higher price point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768891 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:31:09 +0000 Anonymous 768891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting question. What seems like the perfect solution would be to go shopping with Angie twice a year. It would be time and money well spent with the result being a stylish wardrobe that works and flatters.<br /> To save time the Internet helps to locate what might work. I now hope to make fewer shopping mistakes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-and-time-vs-money#post-768884 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:17:09 +0000 catgirl 768884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've realized recently that one reason I'm spending more, both on individual items and as a whole, is that I no longer have the time or will to search endlessly when I want something. Having a kid and working full-time has made me just want to get things DONE and checked off my list - be it cleaning the house, changing out the car tires, or filling a need in my closet. I used to enjoy spending a weekend in thrift stores, but now I'm necessarily more about efficiency, plus I have a larger budget than I did 15 years ago.</p> <p>I'm don't know if I'm more willing to spend money to save time BECAUSE I have the funds, or whether it's really just a trade-off that I'm willing to make at this phase in my life no matter what. I still do love bargain hunting, but I also have higher standards and am more focused since joining YLF which make me less willing to collect lots of cheap experiments.</p> <p>What are your thoughts and what's your approach to balancing time vs. money? </p>