How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring. - YouLookFab Forum

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How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring.

Anonymous

Just spent an hour chatting with my favourite boutique owner yesterday (ok, I also bought 2 Skull 360 tops too ) about labels, what's hot, and what is happening with prices of the key American labels she is bringing in to her store. To say it was sobering and even depressing is an understatement. Current Elliot, Rag & Bone, Rebecca Minkoff, 360 Cashmere, Vince, CHRLDR, Zadig & Voltaire , Bailey - most of them are sold here in Canada through one distributor who absorbs the import costs and adjusts the wholesale price to the stores accordingly. As a distributor of many lines, that company can take advantage (to some extent, anyways) of the economies of scale and keep the import costs to a minimum, but there is only so much they can do, and retail prices are now soaring.

Current Elliot t-shirts and tanks, a staple of mine , have now jumped up $20 Cdn dollars at retail. From $110 ish to now $130, which is bordering on craziness. Rebecca Minkoff silk blouses - and there was the PRETTIEST , most beautiful floral I have ever seen , are now $348 Cdn. Vince pants : $450 Cdn. Z & V blazers? $500. An Iro t-shirt that had my name all over it.....$250. Skull Cashmere - I think I was in denial and frustrated over not being able to find clothing I like this spring , but still bit the bullet anyways and threw my card down for two tops , which in the sober light of morning, I should not have bought. I can't keep up with this anymore - the Cdn dollar is stuck, and clothing prices are now being hit pretty dramatically.

I can honestly say that this is the first time I've felt the impact of the economy on clothing prices, and it's causing me to rethink my priorities now. All of those $20-$75 price increases per piece can add up . And I'm not sure I am going to continue to buy in this price range anymore. I have always been a high /low shopper and mixer, but my highs are going to have to be curbed. The kicker was the Spring line of Vince shoes. Great mules with a geometric wooden heel - $500. What?

Not feeling very Springy at the moment.

Shopping

33 replies

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Elizabeth P

Veteran

Not sure what to say, just a big

I generally don't shop in this price range, myself. But I have been edging upwards, as I've been discovering the things that really work, and that I know will work for a while. I guess I've been starting to "invest".

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Being in the UK I can sympathise, I hope you can find some killer homegrown brands to compensate.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Commiserations. I've never had much of a budget for the high end stuff at full price, so I'm a shameless trawler of the sale rails and consignment shops. It's harder to find things but so very satisfying when you do. Even if I had the budget, I doubt I'd stop with my current strategy. I've come to regard shopping as something of a sport.

I'm also of the opinion that many of the so-called luxury brands skimp on quality and trade on the brand identity, so to speak. By contrast, I've noticed smaller independent brands often have more invested in delivering excellence and are less likely to charge a massive premium for it. Maybe now would be a good time to hunt down your local atelier?

Roxanna

Veteran

I TOTALLY hear you and have been feeling the same frustration. I have been shopping more at chain stores for my spring wardrobe refresh because the economies of scale mean that the price difference is less drastic - but I prefer boutique brands for their uniqueness and quality, so I am sad about this change.
It also means that I now can't justify ordering from US sites at all, which means Nordstrom, shopbop, the outnet etc are all out of my choice set now. I have to go more mainstream, which is depressing, but really the only option right now.

Anonymous

This is a first world problem, for sure, and I don't mean to sound like a label snob. I spend more on clothes than I should and have to remind myself fairly regularly that my income doesn't always justify that expense. I don't buy a ton of stuff at all, but when I do buy something, I gravitate toward the best I can manage . That selective process is going to have to be even moreso.

I think I'm also frustrated that because my wardrobe is a bit on the small side at the moment, I'm wanting to replace things but can't find what I want at the price level I can afford.

Gaylene

Veteran

I hear you, Lisa, because I've experienced the same price shock on labels I've come to rely on for my wardrobe. It's funny how we can get accustomed to $90-110 for a top, but add another $20 plus tax on to the bill and I'm "whoa--I'm NOT paying THAT for a T-shirt!"

In my opinion, there are two ways to handle the situation: buy more or less the same number of items, but at lower price point; or buy fewer items at the new prices. I suspect I'll be doing a little of both in the next year as I remind myself while being adequately clothed is a necessity, FASHION is a hobby. And, like any hobby, the amount I spend on that particular activity has to reflect its priority in my life.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

The U.S. may not be all that far behind in this type of cost increase. $15 an hour min. wage (as several cities have recently decided to impose) is certainly not going to make prices stay where they are. Supply seems to be another issue, many times what I *do* want to order is low on stock or backordered, sometimes cancelled later by the retailer.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Why don't we all rob a bank?

jenanded

Veteran

Here in Oz we have the same issue. But what gets me more is the decreasing quality in what you get for $2-300 range. I find UK gear cheaper, cheaper postage for workwear at least. I suspect I pretend I don't know the brands. Underwear is much cheaper from the UK too. Truly I buy my kids socks from the other side of the world! Not sure this works for your style Lisa but I do this with neutral basic pieces and work pieces.

Then the cost of makeup here for said brands is nuts. Don't get me started there too...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yikes. Even in the US, I hear you and have concerns around this stuff too. I'm scaling back my spending on style. I had a couple of years when I splurged on some high-ticket designer items, but our circumstances have changed and I feel like I had my fun. I still enjoy some of those items, but a couple I've sold. So I've learned that the label is not a good indicator of how much I will wear or love an item down the road.

I was secretly a little relieved when I tried these Clergerie sandals and the fit/comfort were not right. It was a ridiculous, weak moment to even try on $500 sandals. Even though they are SO COOL.

Robert Clergerie Gamure

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catgirl

Veteran

Yeeesh. That's no fun. The Rack carries Skull Cashmere items, if you can handle the shipping costs.

Anonymous

Whaaatt! 130 CDN for a tee... I am so out of touch. I've been making my own things for so long I have no idea what it would cost to clothe myself if I had to go out to shops to buy my stuff. I feel your pain Lisa. That's a heck of a hike up in cost...20 CDN in on go on one item alone. And Jenanded getting stuff from the UK to Australia...wow.

Gaylene

Veteran

Hmm, Angie, maybe you need to do a post on accessorizing orange jumpsuits? Or how to tailor boxy striped tops to make them modern? We'll need our FFBOs to keep stylish while we wait out our sentences.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Gaylene, I sense an idea for April 2017...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hahahahha orange is the new black, indeed.

I rarely buy in this range and so haven't yet felt the sticker shock. But it's coming, I am sure. Oy. Not looking forward to it. I might get more determined at seeking out Canadian designers.

Anonymous

I'm not really up to speed on higher end items, but I do know that Smythe Les Vestes are about $100 more expensive than last year.

Despite the weak Canadian dollar (or strong American one?) I am buying from places like LastCall, where the sale prices are so insanely good, that it makes it worthwhile to spend in the US.

What I find really affected by our weak dollar is travel. I love Vermont and New England, but it's so expensive now, so we'll likely do a Canadian trip this year.

Anonymous

Smittie - travel is brutal, almost unheard of now unless you have deep pockets. And odd that you've found Smythe priced higher this spring. It's still the same here as it was last year - there is only one boutique in Wpg carrying it as they have an exclusive.

Anonymous

And - again, this is not just an issue for these mid-range brands: it's happening to anything imported from the US. It's just more notable on brands and lines one rebuys the same items from each season, perhaps.

missvee

Veteran

It's definitely having an impact on my purchasing these days. I don't mind spending money on better labels but there has to be a sense of underlying value when I do, and that's what's been lost lately. My plan is to wait for the sales and in the meantime supplement with some less expensive basics. We have a Simons store now nearby and it's great for mid to lower priced tees, tops and sweaters. And my new favourite is Joe Fresh! Why not get a couple of tees along with the broccoli haha. Seriously though I just bought a great tee for $16. - asymmetrical and ruched neckline - and I like it way better than anything Kit and Ace has on offer. Putting things in a broader perspective though I'm seriously wondering how some of the independent boutiques will survive. Retail is tough at the best of times.

Sal

Veteran

Interesting, expecially as many of these brands will be made in Mexico or China- I am not sure how the fashion industry is structured.

We don't get a lot of US or Canadian or even UK retailers here - we can of course buy on line but US is not very appealing right now. The main place I can think of with a retail presence here is Lululemon which is fiendishly expensive.

We do however have a lot of Australian brands, and the tags have NZD prices and AUD prices - NZD normally about $10 more expensive.

My observations here are that tag prices are getting higher but the mass market/mall/chain shops are constantly in sale (25%, spend and save etc). And in my provincial city the selection is getting poorer in the shop - it seems the pick is only available online. I am definitely having more success with a local boutique with their own label, and who buy in other labels. The range and quality is great.

My budget is squeezed again so I am prioritising new purchases. Fashion is a hobby, and I want/need to look and feel good, but I am becoming a happy repeater. And a frequent washer of clothes.

Anonymous

Shopping the sales is different from country to country, from what I understand. Chain/mall stores like BR , Gap etc are perennially on sale, whereas CM still only does markdowns after a collection has been on the floor for quite awhile. I never see brands like Current E, Smythe, Vince, Paige, Bailey. Equipment etc on sale until the end of the season, and by then there might be one piece left of a particular style. One just can't count on stocking a wardrobe that way. I guess I've become so particular about what I like that I just don't find a comparable t-shirt (for example) anywhere that has the same cut, drape, feel and hand, design details like distressing or fading ...among those stocked at BR or Gap. Every single Banana Republic t-shirt I have owned has twisted or shrunk in the wash to the point where they are no longer wearable. Gap isn't quite as bad. My CE t's and tanks can be washed, dried, stepped on, napped in, sweated in, and still look brand new afterwards.

I don't buy as many pieces per season as most members do here on the forum - by choice, really, because I'd rather have 2 good t-shirts than 6 or 7 that just aren't perfect. I know price doesn't guarantee quality , and that's not my point with this post.

Interesting idea to check out The Rack and Last Call - fellow Canadians....have any of you tried ordering from them? How is the shipping and return process?

rabbit

Veteran

I don't know about in Canada but items by Vince and Paige appear to be on discount at Marshalls in the US (same company as Winners) a lot.

Style Fan

Veteran

I feel your pain Lisa. I am in the Hamilton area this week and looked in some of my old haunts. I came away empty handed. There was nothing I wanted to buy but I need some things. Now what do I do.

Anonymous

Maybe I shouldn't be saying this on a fashion blog, but I'm kind of tired of spending that much money on clothes. A very bad few months at work makes me want to save more money and get out as soon as I can, to travel and do things, not spend on things.

I spent 12 hrs in the office today with 2 hr commute so maybe I am just crabby bit I find Canadian retailers like Reitmans, Rickis, Banana Republic Canafa are working fine. I have a low fashion threshold anyway

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Lisa, I've ordered from the Rack, and found them to be excellent. Reasonable shipping, and quick. I have not had to return to them yet, so no comment there.

The $$ hasn't turned me off Nordies yet. The fact that I can see things in canadian dollars means I decide if it's in my budget without ever thinking about conversion rates. Of course the duties can still turn them into big no's, but they aren't always bad.

Anonymous

A - I hear you , and agree to a great degree . I can't afford to retire yet , but I'm certainly losing my enthusiasm for the sales grind . I would happily buy in stores like Rickis and Reitmans if they had styles, colours and fabrics I like , but they don't . I'm thinking I'm going to have to polish up my Winner 's /Marshall's shopping skills or become better friends with H & M . Lol.

Anonymous

Elizabeth - I agree . Nordstrom is a take it or leave it option depending on price . I'm not great with knowing my size anymore so am frankly scared to order online and have to return , which is where it gets $$. Need to check The Rack though.

JAileen

Veteran

I sympathize. Several years ago the exchange rate was reversed and we were shocked how expensive everything was in Vancouver. No vacation souvenirs for us!

Mac

Veteran

Well, the increase in income taxes on the Canadian "top tier" (those earning over approx $145k US/ year) were supposed to offset the massive increase in government spending but we're seeing that's simply not the case. So, economist friends of mine tell me to expect a sales tax increase in the next couple of years.

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