Sterling, I see what you mean - settling for meh no matter the price point is not a good long-term approach. When I spend more on items, it does sometimes feel like a treat or an indulgence, irrespective of the actual item and how it fits, looks, and fits into my wardrobe and style goals. Fortunately I usually give myself a cooling-off period before I take the tags off so the worst 'what was I thinking' offenders can go right back.

I couldn't agree more with your last comment Mo. It isn't so much about the price point it's about the making do factor. I seem(ed) to do this at the lower price points much more. I'm getting better & trying to remember that if I don't buy those three or four cheaper things I can have the dearer & better one.

Having said that I have a Target linen tee that cost me $12 & has lasted two summers & still looks good I also had a much more expensive one that lasted all of three months. There was no difference in the visual or tactile quality yet the Target is still going strong. I had another Target tee that lasted three washes!! It drives me nuts that I can't fast forward to see how the things will hold up. But that's another story.

Ooh, Caro, maybe we should start a thread here of the wardrobe wonders that stay with us season after season, wear after wear!
It's true that price alone can't be the deciding factor on quality, but oh, the settling is no good!