Interesting Article on "Budget Fashion"

I was reading this article from a UK online newspaper. It's about budget-priced fashion:

http://www.independent.co.uk/l.....15746.html

I thought it was interesting, and wondered what you all thought about it? It got me thinking about some other things as well. For instance, a lot of higher end "luxury" items are going on super sale right now (Saks, NM, etc), because people just aren't buying them. I mean, I have literally been able to buy some $500 items for under $100, and I know some designers are hurting because of it. Do you all think this will affect the quality of so-called "luxury" lines? For instance, to make up for the fact that they are having to seriously discount their wares to sell them to anybody? Or do you think this recession will be be over the the designers will just be able to whether the storm and then raise their prices back up? Or maybe, they'll just have fewer items available at higher prices, so less choice overall?

I got an e-mail from my personal shopper at J. Crew who said that JC was discounting some of their "core" items in an attempt to avoid having to put them on sale at the end of the season. So, lower the price now, instead of putting them on sale. I know from an advertising and marketing stand-point that frequent sales is not good for "brand image," ie--people will start to think of your brand as a "cheap" brand, even if the quality is the same. Abercrombie and Fitch are following this mantra and not putting anything on sale or lowering prices, but their business is dismal right now.

Anyway, a lot to think about, but I'm interested to see what you all think about it as well.

17 years ago

Anonymous

Ana, that is an interesting article. Quality seems to have been diminishing for the last few years, but maybe it's speeding up even more. It's hard to believe that so much was spent on clothing that was never worn.
I've noticed that our JCrew at the nearest mall is half empty of merchandise right now. Is that true of other JCrews as they sell off seasonal things? There are no signs announcing a closing.
How do you find your designer bargains? I recently decided that when I can find the time, I should go try on expensive designer brands that I haven't even considered before to see what I'm missing and buy or stalk some items that look fab. But I'm not even sure where to start and need to get over feeling intiminated by the store, clerks or clothing. I'd expect these items to be well made and from a delicious fabric in an interesting but not trendy style.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I know, the buying clothing that was never worn was interesting as well. But I can understand that bit a little, because I used to be that way before YLF. I'd like a piece and buy it, but I didn't really have an overall idea of how all my pieces would work together in one cohesive wardrobe. I still struggle with that a little bit (closet orphans), but not nearly as much as I did a couple of years ago.

My J. Crew is kind of empty as well. I don't think they're going out of business. I just think they put everything on sale, and then after the sale, they have to ship it back to the warehouse, or sometimes other stores, but they don't have anything to replace it with right away. JC is in the process of getting it's spring collection out on the floor, so you'll probably see it fill up more over the next few weeks.

Lately, Saks has been having some insane bargains, which is where I've been able to get a lot of really nice things for under $100. Neiman Marcus, when they are having their extra 40% off sale always worth a look. But also, smaller online retailers like chickdowntown, shopbop, tobi, etc. have all been having huge sales lately, with free shipping and extra coupons sometimes. Also, I joined some online "sample sale" sites--Gilt Groupe, Hautelook, Editor's Closet, Ideeli. I haven't bought too much off of those sites, because they have a stricter return policy than a lot of other places. But, if you see an item that you like, that maybe you tried on someplace else, or it's a brand you are very familiar with in terms of sizing, you can score some amazing deals.

I'd definitely recommend at least going in and trying some things on. First of all, if you know your sizes in some of those brands, if you find a deal online somewhere you'd have a much better idea of how the garment might fit you, since you tried on the brand before. Also, you get a feel for quality. Just like less expensive brands, designer/luxury items are not all created equal. I've tried on some items that I thought were NOT worth the original price by any means. The material felt itchy or inexpensive, or buttons were falling off, etc. But other items I could tell an immediate difference in terms of the weight and feel of the fabric, seaming, weight of any embellishments or buttons, etc. It helps you hone your skills so when you are shopping other places that aren't as expensive. You can recognize little details that make something look or feel "expensive" even when it's not. Does that make sense? It's fun to have a few really nice pieces in your wardrobe, especially if it's either a statement piece or a basic that you would get a lot of use or enjoyment out of. I'll tell you though--for the money, places like J. Crew and BR are great stores. Most of the stuff in there is high quality, but reasonably priced, so I tend to shop all over the place at all price ranges.

Laura

Ana, what "core" pieces at JCrew did your personal shopper say would be discounted? I'd love a heads-up so I could watch a few spring items.

Category