https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 04:11:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade/page/2#post-705876 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:02:14 +0000 ironkurtin 705876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to fashion - I guess I'm always left blank by cost per wear. I invest more emotion in my wardrobe than just utility, and I love beautiful craftsmanship. So a simple breakdown of uses to initial cost doesn't really compute with me. If that's your gig, great, but I woudn't be looking at "must buy" lists like this for CPW guidance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705817 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:44:22 +0000 Mo 705817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! I didn't get riled, but just have zero interest in the items they listed. But when you start to talk about the housing, I do get heated. We move 3,000 miles to a place we hate to work to make good money to afford the house we have in the place we love. Others just went traveling using their second and third mortgages and then got excused for the debt when they let the house go. People we know. Frustrating and unfair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705735 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:35:16 +0000 rachylou 705735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We-ell, I have to say that I have stopped reading Vogue. I think there's a plot afoot to acclimate people to silly prices. Two words: housing bubble. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705583 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:20:38 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 705583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ruth - I hear you. I certainly couldn't afford any of the "investment" pieces pictured in the article...but that's just fantasy life stuff. So much of shopping is aspirational, I think, so they're going to showcase the high-end stuff. I guess my takeaway from reading the copy of the article was that "investment" pieces are relative to your budget. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705573 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:16:19 +0000 Anonymous 705573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't feel the least bit insulted or annoyed. I just think it's funny how people figure out ways to justify spending so much money on "investment" pieces. You'd have to wear or use an expensive item for years and years for it to even come close to having a reasonable cost per wear. I personally have better ways to spend my money, but I don't presume to tell others how to spend their money. To each his/her own. Just don't expect me to bail them out when they fall on hard times. That's what's wrong with the U.S. economy right now. People and the government have been spending money they don't have, and now we're in deep financial trouble. My "must have" list contains items that cost a lot less, and I can sleep at night knowing I haven't overspent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705527 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:33:42 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 705527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ik - I'm a bit surprised at mock outrage. The photos may have shown "fantasy life items" but the text was more along the lines of "no matter how much you spend on [a handbag], make sure it's something that you can take on interviews and out on the weekends," not, BUY A BIRKIN, you FASHION SLAVE.</p> <p>I thoroughly enjoyed the piece, though many of the items shown in the picture were either not in my budget or not to my taste, or both. I liked the gist of the piece, and I mean, they distilled the "must haves" down to 3 items/decade. I don't fault them for not listing "great fitting pair of jeans" for every decade - that's a must-have for me, but it would make for a pretty boring article. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705524 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:30:20 +0000 ironkurtin 705524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I had that kind of disposable income, I wouldn't even look at the price tags of things I liked. Wouldn't that be fun! </p> <p>I'm a bit surprised at how irked so many of you about at this list. . . if it isn't aimed at you, surely it's OK as a bit of light reading? I mean, my idea of an investment bag in my twenties was a large green leather Coach backpack, and I managed to scrounge and get one, and trust me, I wore that thing OUT. So the term "investment" is all relative, considering I made less than $30K at the time.</p> <p>Do you all get equally peevish at every issue of Vogue? Because that kind of fantasy lifestyle is on every page. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705519 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:24:31 +0000 lyn* 705519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Kristin - how dare you want to eat and pay rent and bills :O YOU HAVE A WATCH AND JEANS TO BUY, GIRL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705517 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:23:59 +0000 Anonymous 705517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@rachylou: I still wear a wristwatch; feel naked without it.</p> <p>@Kristin: Yes, it's nice to be able to eat. Every time I buy groceries, I think about how rich I'd be if I didn't have to eat, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705515 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:15:23 +0000 Kristin L 705515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Laurinda and Lyn* - My thoughts exactly! Over a 1,000 for a handbag (or that much for jeans) is a bit out of my price range considering I like to do a few little things. Ya know, pay rent and bills, eat... and that's a shade less than what I bring home every month. Goodness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705474 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:48:51 +0000 rachylou 705474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amen, Ruth. Your husband is right.</p> <p>****<br /> Also, I have to agree: The Birkin is so aging. It is, indeed, something that can only be carried by young women.</p> <p>****<br /> That watch was $24K? Seriously? People don't even use watches anymore. They look at their cell phones. It's why I can now no longer find a stupid wristband for my Timex. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705236 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 12:53:59 +0000 Anonymous 705236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get tickled at so-called "investment" pieces. My DH, who is an economist, argues the point that an item is not an investment if it doesn't make you money. That includes your house. I'm sure there are realtors who would not want me to say this, but it's the truth. An investment is something that turns a profit. If it doesn't, it's not an investment. It's that simple.</p> <p>If you want to say it's more economical to spend more money on a garment that you will wear a lot and keep for a decade, that's fine. I totally get the cost per wear argument. But that still doesn't make it an investment unless that particular garment helps you make more money.</p> <p>I'm so thankful I work in a more down-to-earth profession where I'm not around people who think you have to wear such expensive clothing! I could never bring myself to spend that much, even if I had the disposable income to do that. I'd want to make better use of my money, ya know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705075 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:54:44 +0000 Brain of Jen 705075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't imagine spending more on any fashion accessory than I did on my car. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-705036 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 03:23:38 +0000 JAileen 705036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Instead of a $24,000 watch ( which I'm sure is a very fine timepiece) we spent the money on college for our son. So I try to "make it work" with clothes from the thrift store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704925 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:04:48 +0000 lyn* 704925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dunno any 20 year olds who can afford a $1000 statement bag :p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704918 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:02:28 +0000 Laurinda 704918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my 20s my statement bag was a backpack from North Face, my everyday jewelry was from Cost Plus Imports and my jeans were 2nd hand. The bag and jewelry must have been good investment pieces, because 20 years later I still use them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704903 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:48:21 +0000 JR 704903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL @ Rae. You can tell you worked in a bank. And it makes absolutely perfect sense. Of course, you could always bequeath those overly pricey items... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704865 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:19:18 +0000 ironkurtin 704865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought this list was pretty fun. The categories were amusing, even if I wouldn't buy what was pictured. No need to take it seriously!</p> <p>@Joy - I love duster coats! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704862 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:14:37 +0000 Anonymous 704862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm heading into my 50s. I gave up most costum jewelry years ago and now I'm supposed to pile it on- don't think so. Sounds to me they think one should be a bit eccentric as you age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704856 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:10:13 +0000 rae 704856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All I could think is that it doesn't make sense to buy the most expensive "investment" pieces so much later in life... not to be morbid, but doesn't that pretty much ensure that your cost per wear is much higher than it could be? Sorry, I've had a rough day... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704845 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:03:00 +0000 K. Period. 704845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a real laugh over this too, Anna. When I got to the Birkin, I was rolling. I agree with some of the things they listed in concept, but I kept thinking, "Or maybe you should put that in your 401k so that you have something to retire with!" Honestly, I hate seeing items on these lists that equal essentially a large chunk of what someone would pay for a home. A good bag that is good quality and makes a real statement about you? Absolutely. A designer bag because you are a certain age (and destined for bankruptcy unless you are extremely affluent)? Naaah. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704842 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:01:45 +0000 rachylou 704842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did not realise a Birkin was $64K. Um... that's sad and embarrassing. I would so not want to be the girl - or old lady - caught with one on my arm. People will want to sell me land in Florida and bridges in Brooklyn. </p> <p>Anyways, though, rich men don't like women who carry Birkins; the Birkin is the kiss of death to the aspiring gold digger - and I've always aspired to be an aspiring gold digger.</p> <p>But back to the topic. No, I don't think I agree with the list. It's not the advice I'd give for growing old with dignity. Although I think by 50 it would be natural to get tired of spendy jewelry. I think I got tired of it at 35. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704819 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:53:24 +0000 Caro in Oz 704819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear, they love the Advanced Style blog but they obviously don't get it!!! Call me cynical but I wonder how much labels pay to get on these lists? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704751 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:04:20 +0000 cciele 704751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, what's the audience for these lists? Seems far removed from reality.</p> <p>I agree with anna -- well-fitting jeans are a must. But not only in the 20s--through all decades! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704730 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:55:15 +0000 Vildy 704730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It interested me that the handbags cost a fortune but the fur coat, practically nothing in comparison. Sure wouldn't have been true once upon a time.<br /> I thought the article was repugnant.<br /> ETA : only at 70 they wouldn't presume to tell you what to wear? I think that's because they're mostly telling you how to feel about your life and they figure that past 70 you must be on borrowed time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704729 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:54:59 +0000 Mo 704729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lists schmists. I would argue your station in life has so much more to do with what to wear than how old you are. And, yeah, even if I had 4 million dollars I would not buy a Birkin bag. No. interest. whatsoever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704718 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:51:24 +0000 Janet 704718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Who comes up with these things? </p> <p>Pardon me while I go put on my Lanvin gown to go grab some sushi with hubs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704706 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:44:18 +0000 Isabel 704706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These list are almost comical sometimes. Nina Garcia's top 100 was like that for me. She had Birkin, Burberry, Chanel. Do the authors really think that this is a "general" list for the "average" American woman...or any woman ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704694 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:35:26 +0000 Anonymous 704694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't even know how to wear a duster coat. Who wears such things? it looks like a bathrobe.<br /> Those prices were outrageous! You'd better really love it forever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-you-should-buy-by-decade#post-704689 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:32:20 +0000 MsMary 704689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Obviously I don't live on the same planet as people who spend $735 for flashy OTT costume jewelry and $64,000 for a purse.</p> <p>And I thought the suggestions for the 50s were particularly horrifying!! </p>