https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 19:43:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold/page/2#post-157333 Sun, 16 May 2010 15:00:56 +0000 Mellllls 157333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It really depends on how much I need something. A few years ago I spent $60 for a denim pencil skirt which I felt was desperately needed for my casual Friday work environment in the summer. I haven't spent more than $20 on a skirt since then. I am desperately looking for a pair of flat sandals so would spend around $40 if I found a pair I liked but for any other shoes at the moment I would only pay around $30. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold/page/2#post-157332 Sun, 16 May 2010 15:00:49 +0000 shiny 157332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm afraid I'm not much of a frugalista, and it's all Angie's fault!! And everyone here... </p> <p>The more confident YLF has made me about clothes, the more I seem to be willing to pay for any particular item. For example, my metallic oxford pumps were $300 and not even on sale. GASP! But, the minute I saw them, I knew they were absolutely perfect and YLF would approve. I have worn those shoes to death for two years now (my fall and spring "go to" shoes), and expect I will be wearing them for years to come. They are very well made and still look brand new. On cost-per-wear basis, it'll eventually be reduced to pennies. </p> <p>Balancing it out, however, is the reality that I'm so petite my options are limited. For example, I would be willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a real leather moto jacket... but I never found one in my size. Instead, I found the AT cream pleather jacket and the F21 black moto... at much less cost. </p> <p>The only thing I get super frugal about is jewelry. It may be a confidence issue. With the exception of my wedding band, I'm not confident about dropping big money on jewelry, because my tastes change too easily. And also I tend to loose earrings too easily. I will never own real diamond studs for this reason! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold/page/2#post-157327 Sun, 16 May 2010 14:43:56 +0000 ladyjane 157327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun post which got me thinking about my budget. I work in a business casual setting -jeans on Fridays only.<br /> I have hit my forties and have a bit more disposable income than my younger years<br /> so have been spending more on clothing. Also finding this site has made me interested in shopping. I try to buy clothes on sale but will pay full price for shoes and pants. I have fussy feet and am hard to fit in pants as I have straight hips and can't fill out that area in most brands. I do have a hard time though paying full price for things and have given up items that I really later regret because they would have really filled a wardrobe void. I have splurged in areas for cocktail parties and weddings which I realize is not the way to go when you factor in the number of times it is worn,</p> <p>My work wardrobe I spend more money on because that is were I spend most of my time:<br /> dress pants- try t0 keep to $100.00 or less<br /> blouse-$60.00 or less<br /> knitwear- $70.00 or less<br /> skirts- $70.00 ore less<br /> jackets/blazers- $150.00 or less<br /> shoes $120.00 but I often end up spending more<br /> boots $200.00 -ouch I have yet to buy a classic black or brown pair can't seem to find anything thats comfy and meets this price.<br /> work dress $80-90 or less<br /> cocktail dress $200.00 -I'm rethinking this one because I don't get the wear out of these items<br /> winter and leather jackets, coats, outerwear $200,00 but I will be shopping for a classic wool coat and am prepared to spend up to $300.00 </p> <p>For casual days at home and out and about I'm spending a lot less<br /> going out jeans $100,00 or less<br /> t-shirts $20-30.00<br /> sticking around the house pants and jeans $40 or less bargain shopper here for sure. This is an area I get caught with nothing to wear if we are inviited out for casual entertaining. I'm taking a look at MOTG outfirts and did purchase a pencil denim skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold/page/2#post-157204 Sun, 16 May 2010 03:23:56 +0000 MNsara 157204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>pregnantmom - I think you are right -- that German (and most European) clothing is more expensive than in America. We seem to have more bargain brands and we seem to have WAY more sales/clearances constantly offered than most of western Europe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold/page/2#post-157188 Sun, 16 May 2010 02:44:56 +0000 JuliaInGermany 157188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Mac and Ele here. I don't like to go shopping, in fact it's a pain in the back for me. I always find fault with every piece. It's unbelievable. </p> <p>So when I do find something that I love I just pay the price if I have the money. I will not overdraw my account for clothing, but other than that there is no real limit I think. I have to say though that I only own a very tiny wardrobe and wear pieces to death. I wish I had more patience with shopping, it would make me more stylish, life easier and I could save money.</p> <p>I am really impressed at how well you all dress while spending comparatively little on each item. I'm not sure but I think that in Germany clothes might simply be more expensive than in America. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156900 Sat, 15 May 2010 01:49:27 +0000 April 156900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Isabel in that pieces that will be worn for a long time (i.e., things that are non-trendy will be used constantly for such events as going to work) get a much higher threshold than trendy pieces, no matter how beautiful those pieces may be. I have zero interest in spending a lot of money on something that is completely of the moment, but I will spend for things that I'll have for a long time.</p> <p>I also have rather a low price threshold for jewelry, since I'm not at all interested in "fine" jewelry and prefer to have attractive yet inexpensive, up-to-date pieces.</p> <p>Hmm. If you had asked me if I had a philosophy about this I would have said no, but apparently I do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156882 Sat, 15 May 2010 00:53:02 +0000 taylor 156882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, Believe me, I have been on your budget and most probably much, much less. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156849 Fri, 14 May 2010 22:25:40 +0000 Kristine 156849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live in a very cold winter climate and I'm outside a lot, so gear and outwear is important. It's probably what I spend the most on. I'll pay up to $400 for the right winter coat or over $100 for good winter boots. But I'm more frugal when it comes to fashion. </p> <p>For regular clothing, my limits would be roughly...</p> <p>$30-40 dress shirts or blouses<br /> $50-60 jeans or pants<br /> $40 skirt<br /> $40 cheapie sweater for a season or two<br /> $100 investment sweater<br /> $50 daytime dress<br /> $100 formal dress<br /> $30-40 ballet flats or casual shoes<br /> $80-100 dress or gear shoes (but I like good shoes so this isn't definite)<br /> $100+ boots<br /> $60 carryall bag<br /> $30 purse </p> <p>I shop thrift stores or sales when I can. Today I found two nice pairs of pants (Express and Merona) for $3.99 each! An H&amp;M jacket I wear all the time was $6.99! I'm getting back into thrift stores, but I've learned to be selective about what I buy there (usually). </p> <p>So I'm willing to spend more for the right item, but I think you can dress nicely on a tight budget. It takes more patience and planning than shopping at full price. Accessories can really stretch a small wardrobe too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156847 Fri, 14 May 2010 22:14:08 +0000 Beth 156847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear. My threshold depends on how much looove the item. The most I've ever paid for shoes were my Frye boots this winter and my COH Elsons are definitely the most I've ever paid for jeans.</p> <p>Usually my range goes as follows:<br /> shoes - 125 or less<br /> sweaters - 100 or less<br /> dress pants - 120 or less<br /> woven shirts - 60 or less<br /> purses - 150 or less<br /> winter coats - 300 or less</p> <p>Of course, a lot of my wardrobe is much less. I tend to spend more on winter clothes because I expect them to last longer and they tend to be my work clothes. I'm off in the summers, so much of my summer clothes are less expensive and much more casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156845 Fri, 14 May 2010 22:05:14 +0000 Becky 156845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, the frugalista in me loves this thread! I do a lot of consignment and ebay shopping, so what I will spend routinely tends to be less. However, if I really need a certain item for a season go-to piece or to make numerous other items work, I have to be willing to shell out a bit more. I wear a specialty shoe size, so sales are virtually nonexistent, and I have to accept that quality shoes will cost me $70-$90. For boots, we're looking at $120+.</p> <p>Otherwise, here are prices I feel comfortable with:<br /> Layering tees -- $15 or less<br /> Tops/blouses -- $30 or less<br /> Sweaters -- $40 or less<br /> Jeans -- I get the brand/size/style I like on ebay for usually about $25, including shipping.<br /> Pants -- $40 or less<br /> Dresses -- $50 or less<br /> Outerwear -- Who knows? This area needs some serious attention in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156822 Fri, 14 May 2010 21:00:19 +0000 MNsara 156822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thresholds? Hmmm, I should really set some ;-)</p> <p>I am a numbers person at heart and that seems to make me inherently frugal (i.e. save $4 here and that pays for my next large white mocha. . .)</p> <p>I have also found that when I splurge in any area, then I have somehow raised my limit, and the next time that splurge doesn't require so much rationalization.</p> <p>Overall, I look for significant discounts on high quality items and over these past 1-2 recessionary years have come to expect no less than 50% off and often a short wait nets 70-80% off (thank you, Macy's). I can be patient when I need to be and that saves A LOT of $$. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156820 Fri, 14 May 2010 20:55:37 +0000 cciele 156820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For being polished on a budget, perhaps what I think of as the French method? Save up for a few investment, classic pieces and make abundant use of accessories. Maybe a few cheaper trendy pieces each year to update wardrobe. Also, designer consignment shops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156791 Fri, 14 May 2010 18:29:57 +0000 Isabel 156791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, have you ever read "the Millionaire Next Door" ? The authors describe how lawyers or Wall Street guys have a harder time managing money because they are "expected" to look a certain way and to wear certain brands. It is easier to accumulate money if you are a plumber ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156782 Fri, 14 May 2010 18:12:22 +0000 Maya 156782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always been curious as to what people like Angie and Taylor would do and buy *for themselves* if forced into my budget. It's easy for me to be on my budget since I don't need to be polished and can get away with a little scruff. But what if I were more dressy and polished? Food for thought </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156761 Fri, 14 May 2010 17:44:03 +0000 Isabel 156761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread !! I have thresholds for no particular reason. I break down into two segments : Something that I want to last for years and stuff that is fun/for now. Most of my summer stuff is not top quality. I tend to spend more per winter items. I also don't pay alot for white clothing because I wash it so much and I don't like bleach for environmental reasons. The more expensive stuff I will wear/use for a very, very long time. Here is a slight breakdown :</p> <p>A pair of comfy, waterproof boots : $170<br /> A warm winter coat : $150<br /> plain t-shirts : $20<br /> blazer : $150<br /> basic wool classic trousers : $100<br /> summer, lightweight dress : $30 - 40<br /> good pumps : $80<br /> putz around sandals ( that I don't have to stand for long hours in ): $30<br /> nice jeans : $80<br /> evening, strappy shoes : $40<br /> pocketbook : $150<br /> woven shirts : $40</p> <p>I give myself a budget for the year and if means I buy two things, then that is it. The rest of the money goes to fill absolute holes - like camis or something on the cheap. I have very little patience for shopping, like Mac.</p> <p>I do always look for alternatives - the same look, but better price. For example, I got a beautifully made pinstripe wool blazer at Gap for $21. I really need to learn how to thrift, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156697 Fri, 14 May 2010 15:48:21 +0000 LisaP 156697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, I so agree that my fashion spending does not equate to the rest of my life. </p> <p>I would never spent $4 on a coffee when I can get a large green tea for $2 and although I love wine, I frequent a store that specializes in bottles less than $10.</p> <p>I love clothes and when I find some that love me back, money is not an issue </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156621 Fri, 14 May 2010 11:55:03 +0000 Laura 156621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My threshhold is getting higher by the moment :)</p> <p>Except for handbags. Why am I so cheap when it comes to bags? KristenKP and her friend, a former Coach employee, were trying to convince me of the benefit of buying one or two amazing (but not overly trendy) bags in neutral colors that will be killer for a long time. I like the idea in theory but am not sure I can ever put it into practice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156604 Fri, 14 May 2010 08:57:42 +0000 B 156604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello<br /> My threshold depends of use. For instance, a simple dress that I can dress up or down, that I can change with accessories, in good material, will have a limit of 90€. But a trendy piece for just one season must be really affordable. My highest buy was a CH bag. It was a Christmas and birthday gift (too expensive), it’s was on sale and I wear it all winter. It has 2 winter now and still rocks. So the bottom line is: the price must be take in consideration depending of the use I will give it, the number of seasons the item will still be in fashion and finally, if it makes my heart sing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156601 Fri, 14 May 2010 08:37:59 +0000 stringy 156601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm for quality over quantity, and I've got fussy feet, so I've got no limit on what I'll pay for shoes. The most I've paid so far is $160 for tall black boots, but I would have paid more for them if I'd had to. This is in Aussie dollars, I'm not sure how that compares to $US at the moment. </p> <p>Denim: maybe $90 maximum<br /> Tops of any sort: max $50 most of the time, but have been known to go as high as $70 for something really awesome.<br /> Dresses: $70-$90. I did pay $110 for a great LBD this summer though.</p> <p>I get very annoyed with cheap clothes that wear out quickly or won't sit right, but I'm often too shy or feeling too unstylish to go into places that look expensive. I'm working on getting over that, though </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156594 Fri, 14 May 2010 06:59:20 +0000 Ele 156594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha, Mac- I'm like you! When I opened this thread I was sure it was going to be about shopping (the act) rather than spending. I like to shop but after three to four hours of crowds and noise I'm ready to lie down in a dark room somewhere! </p> <p>As for money, it varies. Shoes, denim and outerwear have a higher threshold. I don't see anything wrong with spending $200 on a pair of premium jeans, and higher on a good winter coat or trench. Tops, dresses and so on are much lower on the list. I will say that I shop MUCH less often than many women on YLF, so I'm firmly in the "spend more on fewer pieces" camp. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156584 Fri, 14 May 2010 05:57:25 +0000 Angie 156584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My threshold is high and varied. I have zero tolerance for bad quality and shoe discomfort, so I'm happy to pay what I need to pay for that side of my style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156583 Fri, 14 May 2010 05:55:20 +0000 taylor 156583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With Lisa and Mac on this. I have been known to pay what I must to get what I must have.</p> <p>I have rather frugal limits on non fashion items.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156571 Fri, 14 May 2010 05:19:44 +0000 Mac 156571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My price limit is fairly high but - man! - my Time &amp; Patience Threshold for shopping is looooow. I find that I just get fed up very easily with tiny dressing rooms, stores that don't carry items in my size, inept salespeople. I think this is why I prefer to shop online. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156540 Fri, 14 May 2010 03:20:13 +0000 Jill 156540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading all this reminds me of the time I bought a grey thick cardigan for about $70. I stood in the dressing room a loooong time deciding whether I should get it or not. I loved it, but at the same time....$70. That's a lot of money if you ask me.</p> <p>Well, I had money at the time and I'm sure there was a sale involved such as buy one, get something half off. The cardigan is cute and still hangs in my closet but doesn't see as much use as I thought it would. It's been at least two years since I bought it, but I still have some buyer's remorse. All this boils down to: I need to place a lot more thought into how I spend.</p> <p>Now that I've found high end thrift stores and the joys of outlets, I'm readjusting just how much I will pay for an item. </p> <p>Jeans: up to $25</p> <p>Shirt/Blouse/Sweater/Cardigan/Jackets: up to $40 but that's pushing it</p> <p>Work Pant: Whatever the Express Editor is hopefully with a sale (the most perfect pant for me - I will wear this pant til it falls apart, and have!)</p> <p>Shoes: past and currently up to $40, but I have broken this little rule before. I know I will need to go higher for quality boots come winter.</p> <p>Purse/Handbag: Not sure. I've been spoiled with a Coach bag that was about $100 from an outlet store and I love it. But, I use it everyday. I don't switch out purses really. I also have a hand me down Brighton purse from my mother in law. I don't think I could go over $100 for a purse.</p> <p>Dress: I have no idea. I only have one dress in my closet from J Crew that was a little over $100 I would say. It's my go to little black dress for weddings and funerals really. A high quality classic wool piece that won't go out of style. But for everyday dresses, well, I don't really wear any....yet....so I'm not sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156538 Fri, 14 May 2010 03:05:26 +0000 Maya 156538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just noticed that I never really hit my limits, so maybe my threshold isn't as high as I think it is. I imagine I'd be willing to spend those amounts for the perfect piece, but I rarely do spend that much. Maybe I just never find the perfect pieces? Or I find them for less?</p> <p>I spend more on footwear because of my fussy foot issues, and coats because they are investment pieces that I keep for years and they have to go the distance during nasty NY winters. </p> <p>Bags are something I haven't even considered. They are usually cheap since I don't wear leather. But this one isn't leather and if I could afford it, it would be mine:</p> <p><a href="http://www.kiitosmarimekko.com/sulkahandbag.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.kiitosmarimekko.com/sulkahandbag.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156537 Fri, 14 May 2010 02:58:07 +0000 stylemama 156537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tees/Tanks - up to $20.<br /> Blouses - $25 to $30 - hard to say as I have virtually none. I live in knits/cardi's/jackets.<br /> Cardis- $35<br /> Jeans - $40<br /> Dresses - $15 - I know - very low, but I wear them so rarely that I tend to buy them only on super-clearance. Trying to break out of that rut.<br /> Shoes - up to $60 - more for boots, less for sandals.<br /> Handbags - very little. I love them, but hate spending $$ on them.</p> <p>Have to say - I'm even more impressed with all of your outfits now that I see your thresholds. Excellent bargain shoppers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156459 Fri, 14 May 2010 00:18:22 +0000 Queen Mum 156459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cathy- that is so true... there was a day that I would have had an apoplexy at the thought of spending $50 on a pair of shoes (I was a Payless junkie) My first pair of "expensive" shoes was $60 and now I see that as a bargain... LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156456 Fri, 14 May 2010 00:13:04 +0000 cciele 156456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I spend the most on shoes and handbags. Those Frye boots ain't cheap </p> <p>For handbags, I have a disturbing trend. I have a threshold, and once I cross it the next one is not far behind: $50 ... $100 ... $200 ... $300 ... (ok, haven't gotten that far yet but see it coming)</p> <p>Everyday dresses, I prefer to keep it under $30. Special occasion ones I will splurge, even though the cost per wear will be higher.</p> <p>Jeans, I would say $100 for a premium pair.</p> <p>Socks and hose, I really don't want to spend more than $10 :)</p> <p>Other items like coats, tops, sweaters -- there's such a wide range depending on fabrication and function, I have to consider each one individually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156455 Fri, 14 May 2010 00:11:51 +0000 chewyspaghetti 156455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mind you, I'm still in a transitional stage with my wardrobe because I still have a lot of weight to loose; but here's my current budget.<br /> winter coat- $125<br /> shoes- $75<br /> pants/jeans- $35<br /> Dresses/skirts- $25<br /> Jackets/sweaters-$25<br /> Tops/Blouses- $20<br /> Layering tops- $8<br /> Accessories-$15</p> <p>Of course, that's just a general guideline. Yes, I'm a cheapscate </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-shopping-threshold#post-156450 Thu, 13 May 2010 23:58:48 +0000 Sarah Baker 156450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my clothes come from thrift stores, because I love the hunt for treasures. So at a thrift store, paying $10 for a dress is like, "whoa, slow down there."</p> <p>But I spare no expense when it comes to shoes and handbags. I have small but wide feet and most shoes simply don't fit right, so I have to go to a speciality store to get shoes (Wide Shoe Warehouse in Smithfield, holla!) but it's worth every dime.</p> <p>I am a handbag junkie and love Lulu Guinness and Coach. I will happily spend several hundred dollars for a purse, but it's a considered purchase and I make sure it will last for years to come.</p> <p>The most expensive item I have ever purchased on impulse was a $200 vintage Hermes scarf in mint condition at a thrift store. The charity got the money and I got the scarf of a lifetime.</p> <p>If I could I would also spend a fortune on a Cartier love bracelet. </p>