https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:27:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1009134 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 20:22:40 +0000 AnnieMouse 1009134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't really quantify terribly much in this way, because so much of my closet is from thrift shops and I tend to go for super-classic or intensely quirky -- I don't do much in the way of trends, as a rule.</p> <p>I have some things I've bought at retail that would fall into the lower end (F21, Wet Seal, Hot Topic, GoJane), and much in the range of mall quality (from&nbsp;Express to Banana Republic, with a little J. Crew/ DKNY-level stuff), and a wee bit of custom work from small unknown houses. When I am going to splurge on something expensive to me, I usually buy from an independant designer on etsy or similar. Probably 20/80/10, with about 85% across categories coming from thrifting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1009070 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:11:35 +0000 Beth Ann 1009070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh --- and I wear Target and T.J. Maxx all the time, but I try to avoid buying more just because it's cheap.&nbsp; I also make each item fit my style goals! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1009067 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:10:30 +0000 Beth Ann 1009067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a girl who knows quality, but would be jepoardizing my financial future and my kids' college fund if I purchased it often.&nbsp; I have noticed however, that durability is not directly linked to price or brand, particularly in knitwear.&nbsp; And some of my most durable pieces have been fast fashion pieces.</p> <p>Since I'm a lapsed sewist, raised among great seamstresses, I'm trying to renew my attention to fibers and fabrications and construction.&nbsp; I've been able to make better "predictions" about which garments are likely to last longer.&nbsp; Using this criteria, I find that difference between quality is most notable in footwear, bags, coats and tailored pieces like jackets.&nbsp; Lining a pant, for example, improves it's drape and allows the fabric to hold it's shape.&nbsp; However, I often want to change the styling before the garment wears out.&nbsp; A high quality wool coat, though, could be in my closet for ever.</p> <p>I'm feeling the clothes and looking at the seams before I check the label.&nbsp; I'm trying to upgrade footwear, bags and coats. &nbsp; Price still matters, though, particularly on trendy or casual summer items! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008987 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 16:40:26 +0000 Aziraphale 1008987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question. &nbsp;I haven't read anybody else's response yet, but here's what springs to my mind:</p> <p>I'm not sure I agree with your definitions of higher-end and fast fashion. &nbsp;For example, my&nbsp;Brooks Brothers shirts, for which I paid quite a bit less than $200,&nbsp;are very nice quality and not at all what I'd call fast fashion.&nbsp; They have classic styling, good quality fabric, great construction, and I bought them with the intention of wearing them for a long time. &nbsp;You certainly <i>can</i> spend more than $200 on a good shirt, but still. &nbsp;You don't need to. &nbsp;But on the other hand, for something like&nbsp;a blazer, you're certainly going to spend more than $200 for higher-end. &nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, let's forget about the dollar threshold for high-end for a sec. &nbsp;I think we can all agree that a $7 pair of pants from the Gap counts as fast fashion. &nbsp;Do I have anything like that in my closet? &nbsp;No. &nbsp;I expect my jeans to last. &nbsp;I've got lots -- they're important wardrobe staple for me.&nbsp;&nbsp;I don't consider any of my jeans fast fashion.</p> <p>I think, if we're looking at jeans, shoes, and coats and&nbsp;jackets, ALL my items qualify as higher-end (but not super-high end, designer wear). &nbsp;It always pays to spend more there (except maybe for jeans; you can probably get good ones for less than $100). &nbsp;With tops, it's more like 25% higher-end, 75% mid-range. &nbsp;I have nothing "cheap" at all, mainly because I'm too old to get away with cheap construction and flimsy fabrics, and also because I'm a careful, selective&nbsp;shopper. &nbsp;But I haven't had to replace an entire wardrobe all at once, like you do! &nbsp;To answer your question -- how to build an entirely new wardrobe by winter --&nbsp;I would recommend spending more on nice footwear and outerwear/jackets/blazers, and buying good-enough stuff for the rest, which can then slowly be replaced as you see fit.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008954 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 16:05:48 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1008954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The majority of my closet is mid range, mostly because these stores carry petite sizes (J Crew, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom Halogen, Banana Republic).&nbsp; I have 3 DVF wrap dresses, a Burburry trench coat, and a couple of designer brand blazers.&nbsp; That probably accounts for less than 5% of my wardrobe.&nbsp;For the most part, I don't buy high end items because they don't fit me - I'd have to have major alterations done on top of the premium prices.&nbsp;I do have things altered, but within reason.&nbsp; If I can find something I love&nbsp;that fits perfectly off the rack, why get a designer version of the item and get it altered? The jeans that fit me best are Levi's Curve ID - I'm not opposed to buying designer jeans, but they don't fit my small waist,&nbsp;muscular thighs. &nbsp;I have very&nbsp;few low end items - most of the stores that I consider "low end" either&nbsp;don't appeal to me - mostly due to the fabrics - or they don't carry petite sizes.&nbsp; Basically, I'm looking at fit and fabric and do I love it over price and most of the things that fit my criteria fall into the mid price range. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008863 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:28:03 +0000 Elly 1008863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you should keep in mind that even if your weight stays the same, if you continue to work out your body composition will change, which will effect your size and shape. So I agree with the many others, now may not be the best time to start "investing" in clothes. That doesn't mean you have to stick to entirely fast-fashion though, as many mid-level brands can be resold in good shape. Shopping consignment could also be a good way to pick up those things you want to wear to the office, since you want to look professional but that isn't the everyday for you. If you'd really like to invest in premium denim but don't want to pay $200 a pair for jeans that might not fit as you change, many ladies here find out what styles and fits and sizes suit them and then buy when they find a deal at places like the Rack or Ebay. It seems like you already know that quality shoes are a good value for you.</p> <p>Most of my wardrobe is fairly inexpensive. I live a casual lifestyle and am working hard to establish myself in my career (and my budget tends to reflect that I am not yet truly established). I wear a lot of GAP, LOFT, middle of the road stuff bought at the Rack/Ross/Marshalls/Outlets and then some really inexpensive things. Still, I'm a stickler for nice fabrics and good fit, and will tailor if necessary. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008833 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 13:45:53 +0000 Karie 1008833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If the definition of high-end fashion is $200+, then I might have one item - but then I bought it as a "second," so I paid much less. I used to buy a lot of fast fashion, but since joining YLF I have been concentrating on fit, fabrication, and styles that compliment my body type. I find that most&nbsp;of&nbsp;my purchases have now gravitated into the mid-range stores and price points, but I do still shop at stores like&nbsp;Target and Old Navy.&nbsp;And like most DIYers, I will often see expensive items and say, "I could make that!" Also like most DIYers, I never get around to actually making it!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008804 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 13:15:59 +0000 amiable 1008804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm... If you count actually-paid costs, I own nothing high-end. &nbsp;However, I have a few really good quality pieces (in general, that I bought used). &nbsp;Right now I'm working toward getting pickier about fit and fabrication with everything (no matter what I paid or think it's worth). &nbsp;I'm developing my eye for what fits me and for what I like. &nbsp;So I'm not to the point of making major investments yet. &nbsp;And even when I am, I think I'll prefer to buy most things used.</p> <p>Great conversation! &nbsp;It's fun to read! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008796 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 12:53:20 +0000 Betti 1008796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whew, so glad I read this thread. Sometimes when I'm reading the posts here I feel like I'm the only one shopping at Target and Marshals. I'd love to shop for most of my clothes at high-end stores but at this stage in my life I have more important priorities (2 kids in college, a house that has been under construction for 10 years, etc). Plus, my lifestyle right now is 99% casual. Dress to impress? That would be my husband, kids, grocery store and Home Depot people. Oh, and the UPS guy, lol.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008760 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 09:49:56 +0000 lyn* 1008760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rarely -actually- spend over $100 on a fashion item, but the retail prices are usually over $100, so I guess I have a fast fashion budget and a high end style? :p But I usually get all my anthro on second cut or third cut; or I buy used!</p> <p>I have maybe 10 to 20% of my closet is truly regular price &lt; $50 stuff. Maybe a few tops? T-shirts? Scarves?&nbsp;</p> <p>My &gt;$100 pieces that I actually paid that much for include my Theory shirt dress, my black leather jacket, my brown leather boots and that's it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008759 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 09:38:34 +0000 rute 1008759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This ratio decreased with my age eh eh<br />We learn a lot and I used to be a good&nbsp;fast fashion good client but those items last no more than a season (the quality is poor also, they don't survive the washing machine)&nbsp;and I've learned that I prefer good basics:<br />A Karen Millen black pencil skirt<br />a Tahari black dress<br />a Burberry camel coat<br />I can always add statement fashion acessories like bold jewelery and a fast fashion top or two.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008753 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:26:51 +0000 Hil 1008753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting conversation!</p> <p>My wardrobe is mostly low - mid range and I will admit that what I thought of as high end really fits into your mid-range in terms of $$ but that is just my skew perceptions :)</p> <p>My weight has been a huge factor in all of this too - I am always hoping to be smaller by next season.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I am trying to move to a more mid-range wardrobe as I learn more about fashion and define my style and accept my body&nbsp;but there are some things where I just don't see the point in paying top money.&nbsp;I guess it depends on the item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008746 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 06:02:41 +0000 goldenpig 1008746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, I always thought of fast fashion as trendy stuff you wouldn't plan on wearing more than a season or two, so in that sense I feel like I own very little fast fashion because I like to keep my things as long as I can if I love them (I still love and wear most of the stuff I bought two years ago when I joined YLF). And in my previous wardrobe I kept things way past the freshness date because I had a poor filter for datedness. But if you are going by your price definition, then I do own a lot of fast fashion. Maybe 40%&nbsp;if I had to guess? And 50% mid-range and 10% high-end. My designer/expensive purchases have been pretty much all boots/shoes, purses and coats: Frye boots x2, Aquatalia and La Canadienne boots,&nbsp;Chie Mihara heels x2, Dooney &amp; Bourke purse, Ms. Scarlet, Kate Spade trenches x2, Lafayette 148 leather jacket x2. I have two Kate Spade dresses that were around $200 and a few&nbsp;Kate Spade purses that were less than $200 on sale. Otherwise, most of my (admittedly huge) wardrobe was less than $200 per item. I don't really pay attention to price in determining closet longevity&nbsp;as much as I do happiness factor. Some of my most favorite bracelets are from Forever 21 and cost less than $10. Congrats on the weight loss and I would look at all places for your new wardrobe...I shop a lot at H&amp;M, TJ Maxx, etc. If you are still losing weight, save your high end dollars for things like shoes and purses for now until your weight settles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs/page/2#post-1008739 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 05:09:15 +0000 jennifer 1008739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my closet is low -midrange level . I do go for a lot of fast fashion and try to choose better quality when availiable. I thrift quite a bit( third generation thrift shopper) and have scored some exceptional deals at times($1 leather jacket). Also working in a retail environment I get a (30-60%)discount on my purchases (original price usually $20-$150).<br /> I'm learning to put more $$ towards the serious support stuff -Bras,shoes,and boots as finding my size in this area is difficult (40h bra,10ww-11w shoes,xxl calf&amp;ankles). Coats are a good investment depending on climate (I grew up in the SeaTac area and relocated to Alabama when Dad got stationed here-Massive climate shift/dominant season! Must fight the urge to nab quality sweaters/blazers/coats at thriftstores . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008675 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 02:35:23 +0000 Jaime 1008675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my closet is high end designer, local designer and Zara/Gap. I rarely pay more than Zara prices for anything and often much less, but most of my stuff is second hand. While losing weight, and really any time, I think shoes and bags are the best investment in terms of style for your money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008661 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 01:58:53 +0000 DonnaF 1008661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So do your $50 and $200 marks refer to the price paid or to the MSRP/original price?&nbsp; I don't think I've paid over $200 for anything, but I know I've purchased items that were originally over $200 -- and then I returned them because for some reason I felt they were not 10/10s.</p> <p>I only have a couple of items I would call fast fashion, meaning they came from F21, H&amp;M, or Target.&nbsp; I rather dislike my Target tank tops because they still don't hit me at the right place even after I took them up at the shoulders.&nbsp; I've decided to use them as a layering piece when I exercise walk.&nbsp; I would probably have more fast fashion if I could get a good fit.</p> <p>At this point, most of my wardrobe comes from Nordstrom, specifically Nordstrom's petite department, so it is mid-range.&nbsp; Luckily, the expensive stuff doesn't fit me!&nbsp; My big splurge is the Nic &amp; Zoe tank top that I am wearing at this very moment:&nbsp; Originally $44, and I bought it last week for $29.&nbsp; It is the nicest, most flattering tank top I have ever put on my body.&nbsp; Well, at that price it better be!!!</p> <p>I would consider spending big bucks (for me) on a bag, but I haven't so far.&nbsp; The most expensive bags I've had (blue Hobo Int'l &amp; Coach) looked terrible after a short time so I'm a bit wary.&nbsp; Angie has said that expensive sweaters aren't necessarily immune from pilling, so I guess if I were to risk buying one I would get it at Nordstrom due to their return policy.</p> <p>One last thing, or at least it happened to me:&nbsp; My body redistributed for awhile after I lost weight, so for me it was good to wait awhile until everything settled down and settled in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008571 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 23:01:41 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1008571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am on a very strict budget, so shoes/boots are&nbsp;the only items I spend more than $40 on. I have fussy feet, and I need comfort. I get a lot of my shoes on ebay or on ultra-sale, though. </p> <p>Also, I think you can get quality on a tight budget (at least to some extent), but it takes a lot more time. I spend hours scouring clearance racks, searching ebay, thrifting, and waiting for sales/coupons. So I do have a lot of items that were tagged $80 that I got for $12, but it's definitely harder to build a wardrobe that way. I value quality where I can get it though. And when I can't, I feel no qualms about buying fast fashion. I JUST came home from a shopping trip and brought back 2 Target tube skirts for $10 a piece, vs the $70 I had been saving up to spend on some VC skirts. I know the quality isn't comparable, but now I might be able to afford a new&nbsp;pair of boots for winter, so I feel it was a good buy. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>I think my closet is about 50/50 fast fashion and mid range.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008568 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 22:40:29 +0000 Lyn D. 1008568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At the moment my 'high-end' pieces are probably less than a handful amongst around 120 items in total.<br />I am lucky to be able to buy medium quality shoes at less than $50 here.<br />My standard size means that I can buy Target jeans and they usually fit O.K.<br />In the future I will probably spend $ on one or two leather jackets, but other than that I am only prepared to buy high quality on sale or not at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008559 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:44:41 +0000 rae 1008559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny, I have never thought about this question before... I don't have a lot of time here, but I agree with Suz to go for lower prices while experimenting. After that, I think I pay more for hard to find or hard to fit items... Comfy shoes and functional coats are examples for me. Jeans ate easy to fit for me, so I get em at gap or ebay or whatever. Unless they are distressed, in which case I am very picky and got my True Religions new. Basically, if it neeeeeeds to last a long time because I may not find another soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008549 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:10:05 +0000 Gaylene 1008549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*laughing with Suz, Ingunn, and Jayne* <br />Put me down as another northerner who, for years, also thought owning more than one winter coat was extravagant.</p> <p>I want to chime in here again, though, about our fast-fashion/high-end ratios. My current wardrobe obviously skews much more towards the high end probably because of my age, as much as anything else. At 64, although I weigh less and am in better shape than I was in my 40s, I now find that the cut and drape of more expensive items just looks better on my mature body. Better fabric, a more complex cut and drape, and a richer color make me look my best. A pricier shoe offers me style, but with the necessary comfort, so I can wear the shoe for hours instead of minutes with my arthritic knees. I can also wear trendier or edgier looks without looking like MDL because the cut and design of the higher-end clothes is often more sophisticated. And, finally, I no longer need to worry about sticky, little fingers clutching onto my silk shirts--unless I'm spending time with the grandchildren.</p> <p>I sometimes envy the younger YLFers who can make a $25 jacket from Target look super stylish, because, on me, that same jacket often looks tired and dumpy. Being able to afford a Burberry if I want one is definitely a perk of being older, but it is also nice to remember a time when I could just throw on an inexpensive sweater, a pair of jeans, and a swipe of lipstick to look good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008523 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 20:33:32 +0000 Ingunn 1008523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We must be, Suz, because it really doesn't make sense to have only one coat when one's closet is filled to the brim&nbsp;with all kinds of nonsense. Not <i>your </i>closet, or Jayne's, or mine, of course, but our pre-YLF closets, perhaps! I suppose the frugality is a heritage from times long gone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008516 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 20:21:00 +0000 Suz 1008516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is it with us northern girls, Jayne and Ingunn? We come of frugal stock, it would seem.&nbsp;I, too, had to learn that it was okay to own more than one coat! :-)</p> <p>Pastrygirl -- it makes sense to wait until you feel confident that your&nbsp;weight is stable before buying high ticket items.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008501 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 20:01:59 +0000 jayne 1008501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, too funny about 'owning more than one coat'...I had that discovery also last year!&nbsp; </p> <p>Pastrygirl, <br />I feel I am very much trying to do what you are, bring better quality to my clothes/wardrobe.&nbsp; I am not that driven by wanting the things to last, as a shopoholic, I cannot imagine NOT wanting a new version in 2 years or so, BUT I do want the items I buy to make me feel fabulous.&nbsp; And whether the perfect item is 50 or 100 or 400 is not what makes it perfect, it is the way it feels and looks on me.&nbsp; </p> <p>My examples are about trading up.&nbsp; I traded up 2 ok leopard polyester blouses for one FAB silk leopard blouse.&nbsp; It is perfect</p> <p>I traded out 3 black blazers, in bleah material for one 'to die for' tux version in a material that makes me have to stop and pet it.&nbsp; </p> <p>and so on.&nbsp; In some cases the new item was&nbsp; in the 200+ range.&nbsp; But in some cases, like with my favorite turtleneck, it was trading up for better quality at only a slightly higher cost.&nbsp; </p> <p>I think you will to have to experiment a little with this.&nbsp; Figuring out what items you want to wear to create a look, that you perhaps already have, and letting yourself trade up when you know you like the look but not the quality.&nbsp; I suspect those GAPs might fill the bill for a while but you might find that in a few wearing you wish they don't stretch so much, or the color was a little different, and then you might be willing to cash out for the burberry!&nbsp; </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008493 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 19:29:36 +0000 Ingunn 1008493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting thread! I am always pondering on these thoughts myself. What will be worth an investment, what is not? To me, boots and outerwear are equally important in regards of quality, comfort and fit. I live in a cold climate and need really warm outerwear for 5-6 months of the year. I never buy fast fashion pieces here, but I try to pick up a bargain or two on the sales in addition to one or two bigger investments per season.&nbsp;After joining YLF, it has dawned on me that I'm allowed to own more than one coat ;)</p> <p>I buy most of my pieces in the middle spectrum of your suggested&nbsp;price range. The occasional fun top might get picked up at H&amp;M, but it happens far less now than it used to. I've become better at thrifting classic high(er) end pieces, and sometimes I buy them at full price, too. What I typically will splurge on is a classic silk blouse, a suit, an LBD and so on. Recently I replenished my worn out/discolored cream silk blouse (bought in 2010) with a new similar one. At the same time I got rid of a polyester blouse I bought last year that supposedly should act as a stand in for the real thing. Lesson learned: I never really liked the polyester, and should have saved my money and waited until I could buy a real silk blouse, because eventually I'll buy one anyway.</p> <p>I don't spend much on t-shirts, sleepwear and such, or heels (not low enough CPW). I do, however, always buy cotton, silk and wool when I can, and prefer these materials to manmade. LIke DV, I value the cut, the quality and the fit of a garment above brand, designer etc. All my favorites are made of natural fibers, and they are from the middle (mostly)&nbsp;or higher end of the spectrum, or thrifted. Lately, I've scored a couple of excellent pieces on ebay, and that's great fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008466 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 18:07:53 +0000 christieanne 1008466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thoughts. For me, a higher price certainly makes me think about the cost per wear, practicality of an item and long term investment but just because an item has an initial lower cost does not mean it's "fast fashion" for me. <br />I think understanding what I really need to tie outfits together (like a simple black merino wool sweater for Fall) and then looking for the best quality and fit I can find is my preference. I have had a Michael Kors sweater (bought at high end discount store Jeremy's in SF for $8) for over ten years. It was the deal of a century as far as cost per wear. At the time, I wasn't looking for such a basic (it's creamy beige) but jumped on it. <br />For trends, than fast is the way to go for me. Target or other inexpensive places are good for that and easily accessible. <br />Quality is an issue for me - I have wasted $ even at Nordstrom by not thinking about the quality of an item. Some of my Gap/BR pieces have held up beautifully through the years. </p> <p>Best wishes on your style journey - it's good to be thoughtful when you are remaking your whole closet and I hope yo have fun too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008446 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 17:40:02 +0000 Mo 1008446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few years ago I had nothing over $100 save for some TR jeans bought with gift money. &nbsp;Now I only have maybe 4 more items over that mark, but I love them all. &nbsp;Leather jackets and boots are the category that hit the top $$$ amounts, not surprisingly. &nbsp;Most of my wardrobe is low to middle range (Target, Gap, etc) and only maybe 10% is designer (DVF, Allsaints, AG, TR, Frye). &nbsp;I'm happy with both my closet and my budget to get there. &nbsp;<br />I have a midsized wardrobe (between 100 - 150 pieces, shoes and jackets included). &nbsp;I should add that I have been building a better cohesive wardrobe on about a $1500/year budget for the last 2 - 3 years. &nbsp;Luckily, I am a constant size, so it's updating that's more the issue. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008445 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 17:39:49 +0000 Day Vies 1008445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the combination you have pictured. That shade of green is one of my favorites. </p> <p>To answer your question. My closet is probably 2% fast fashion. I am generally not an early adopter unless it already fits with in my personal style (which has come into sharp focus since joining the forum).&nbsp; </p> <p>I rarely spend more than $200 on any one single item unless it's a suit. I just don't find value in spending more (with women's clothes). (Designer labels mean nothing to me if the suit jackets or pants are unlined or partially lined.) My strict requirements are that a piece fits well and is made well and that can be found at many price points. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008444 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 17:37:46 +0000 Wendi1984 1008444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My closet is definitely not high-end. I own no designer clothes. My most expensive pair of shoes is my cowboy boots, which I wore when I took riding lessons and can still wear for fashion. They are super comfy. They cost $150.</p> <p>I am another who is going through weight loss and at the same time experimenting with fashion and developing my style. I have another 15+ pounds to lose, which will probably put me one pant size smaller, possibly two.</p> <p>I spend an average of $30 per item right now. I'm building a wardrobe that works well together, trying new styles, and enjoying myself. I figure when I have reached and maintained my new weight, I will want to start buying premium denim and more "middle-end" stuff. Eventually I may want a few designer items, but it's hard to imagine that right now, given that I have never budgeted that much for clothing items. I can definitely see splurging on $200 boots, or a $100 bathing suit, though.</p> <p>I am looking for shoes right now, and it's frustrating for me because I want to try some new styles (oxfords, for example), but I don't want to invest in an expensive pair before I know I'll wear them. Yet cheap shoes can be so uncomfortable! I have gotten lucky and found some good shoe deals at Famous Footwear, Ross, and DSW lately. They are not high-end, but good brands (Aerosoles, Naturalizer, Seychelles).</p> <p>I shop at Downeast Basics, Nordstrom Rack, Target, Old Navy, Gap, Kohl's, DSW, Ross, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008442 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 17:24:52 +0000 Gaylene 1008442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess most of my wardrobe is mid-range to high-range, if you go by these numbers ($200 and over = high, $50 and under = fast fashion). Most of my mid-range pants, skirts, and sweaters come from stores like J Crew, BR, and Nordies. My coats and handbags are definitely high-end because I have no problem paying into four figures for something that I know I'll use for years. Jackets are almost always mid- to high-range because I just don't like the fit, fabric, and construction that is usually found in fast fashion for these items. Shoes are another area where I consider an inexpensive pair to be anything that is under $100--most of mine are around $200-$500. And bras are another place where I spend money because I detest molded bras and find that a well-constructed bra makes a huge difference in both my comfort and my appearance.</p> <p>The one area where I definitely prefer fast fashion is with T's, summer skirts, and nightwear. My basic Joe Fresh $8 T's fit just as nicely as any of the pricier ones that I've tried on and they last through an entire summer's worth of laundering. The same goes for their nightwear and summer skirts. It's fun to pick up these items up in the season's current colors, wear them constantly, and then use them as rags at the end of the season.</p> <p>So my summer wardrobe is probably 50-50 fast fashion vs. better quality, but, for the rest of the time, my closet definitely skews towards the mid- to high-end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-ratio-of-fast-fashion-vs#post-1008439 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 17:19:53 +0000 Suz 1008439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never dry my sweaters (of any fabrication) in the dryer. I lay them flat to dry. The dryer will definitely fade the dyes in cotton, or at least that has been my experience.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>