Hanging on to stuff just because it's expensive...

Sometimes I think Angie has ESP because her blog posts seem to address issues on my mind... Today's post on things we don't wear but keep dovetails with something I've been debating:

I have some designer dresses that are nice but outside my (current) declared style. They're definitely nice and finding a way to wear them is not an issue, but it's a style deviation when I wear them. I rather think I hold onto them just because they're designer pieces. It's complicated a little further because the silhouettes are right, but it's the patterns that are off. They're kind of mod and I'm off mod, but forever appreciate it...

...And yet I don't have quite the same love for them as I do other things - like my blue plaid princess coat which I currently have no occasion to wear but is definitely all me. And they don't serve as a special purpose capsule...

I'm very on the fence about it. In fact, I'm having a sense of déjà vu, like I've posted about this before... I mean, I've been debating this for years now. Lol.

10 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

When was the last item you wore them? Do you honestly think you will wear them again?

It really sounds to me like you are keeping them because of the designer label rather than because you love them or want to wear them. Might be a good item to consign or eBay and use the proceeds to buy something you love right now.

rachylou

Well, I do wear them because I have a forced rotation policy. They also come out a lot more the further we get into summer because they keep me warm without needing a coat (I note that designer things are *always* so heavy, what with their linings, etc.).

They'd be straight donations. I don't consign or sell on eBay. eBay intimidates me (estimating shipping for people, getting to the post in a timely manner), and just have no luck consigning. I think I'm too out there in taste for consignment... I wish I did have more success in this area!

Suja

Hmm... as someone who as over purged and regretted it once or twice, I can understand this feeling. I guess I would give it a time horizon, 2 years, 4 years? and see how you feel then. I would caution that keeping expensive items that you don't wear for whatever reason is one of the most common closet pitfalls.

Also, did you see NDMom's post about the Nordstrom Fashion Project?

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....on-project

MIght be another option for you.

Anonymous

Hmmm, I'd think there'd be a market for a mod designer dress. Though, like you, I haven't taken the trouble to learn Ebay. It seems whenever I think I can get some decent money for something, it's easier to part with it. However, I'm usually disappointed when I get it to the consignment store and find out how little they'll give me. At that point, I've cleaned it, pressed it and schlepped it all the way across town and I just want to be rid of it so I just sign on the dotted line.
I'd say cull your dresses unless you can see yourself, a decade older, trotting them out again (which actually might be a good look then, you never know).

Peri

I don't see a problem keeping them if they have some use. Sounds like you like them, just don't love them. How hard would it be to find replacements for similar types of occasion that you would completely love? If easy, maybe part with them. If difficult, I'd keep. I think like is sometimes good enough if something is for occasional use.

Peri - That's an interesting question, as to what I'd replace them with. I have to think about that. I wonder if I could find something of the same quality and functionality more my style. May not be out there, to be quite honest. Really have to think.

Claire - I have to say, that's a fabulous test: If I can't see myself a decade older trotting them out... vamoose! In which case, I might keep one and let this other one other go.

Caro in Oz

I say keep the very best one & let the others go. BUT that's me if I don't love it, it's out the door

shedev

I can totally relate. I have the $37 Spiegal lemming and a $400 BEBE leather. The BEBE is a gorgeous jacket. The Spiegal is much more my current style. I think of the BEBE as my dress jacket, Since my life is much more casual, I can justify the lack of wears for the BEBE. But that could be just because of the amount I paid.

abc

Guilty as charged. Price is a factor in purge or keep decisions for me. Just commiserating.

annagybe

(website)

My Marni dropped waist pleated skirt dusty rose dress. I tried to consign it with the tags still on. Didn't sell. I wore it once to the opera. Still hanging my closet.

Marlene

Well, I don't buy expensive clothes and so have no problem passing things on once its expired. I don't even have stuff I'm sentimental over. Don't get me wrong....I like my wardrobe. Just not overly attached to any one piece.

That being said, I have been more selective in the past year or so and willing to drop a few more pennies on just the right thing. And those items I put more thought and consideration into choosing, I tend to hang onto longer. I still have not ventured into "designer" land so I can't relate to the feeling of hanging onto something just because of what I paid for it. I get bored of things easily and so I like to move things along once I am done.

Jaime

Designer dresses are one of my weak spots as I mentioned in my comment (I think). I can't even explain why. Especially if they have sleeves, or have been complimented once, or are pretty much irreplaceable. I am not helping.

crutcher

No help here...I can't get rid of my 3rd grade spelling test...Just to let you know I do understand...

What about packing them up for 6-12 months then revisiting? This can help break any emotional connection you have to the item and then you can se it more realistically in terms of style, usefulness, etc. How do you feel when you wear them? Sounds like you may be forcing yourself to wear them because they are there and they cost X amount, but it doesn't seem like they bring you that much joy. In economic terms, they are a "sunk cost" so unless you love them, really think they'll come back into style, or are saving them for someone, I would pass them on (or at least stash them somewhere for a while).

Beth Ann

"Forced Rotation Policy," sounds like some horrible government program! Free yourself! Life is too short to wear things that don't make you happy!

As for these special items, I think they can be in a holding area or a separate closet, as long as you have room and they don't clause too much clutter. You enjoy a wide variety of clothing, and it seems like a mode of self-expression for you. I don't think the designer dresses are likely to through you off your stye game -- if you're like me, it's something like the dozen black tee shirts, each slightly different, but none a true "10" that cause closet mayhem!

jackiec

I TOTALLY do this. yes.yes.yes.

So hard to purge something when it's expensive - OR - it is an expensive brand but I got SUCH a good deal on it. That's almost even harder!!!

Good topic. I have nothing to add except "sheepishly raising my hand..."

Lisa

It's tough to purge something when it has a high price tag. I'm guilty of a few pieces in my closet because of the label and not my love of the style. No advice here, just letting you know you are not alone.

Category