Moving out of your comfort zone follow up...

How do you know when to buy an expensive reach item when you are trying to move out of your comfort zone?

When I want to try something completely new to me, I'm always worried that it won't become a favorite, and I will have spent a lot of money on something that I don't wear or use. But then if something cheap becomes a favorite, I'm annoyed that I didn't just buy the good one in the first place because I end up having to replace it with something expensive, and then I've bought the same thing twice.

I tend to do this a lot. I wanted to try flats for the first time last fall. I got two pairs from Target, they are the cutest little things and I want to wear them all the time but they kill my feet after an hour. Now I am annoyed that I didn't just buy the more expensive leather ones in the first place. How do you know when you can lay down serious dough on a wardrobe workhorse, or if you're just going to spend money on something that becomes wardrobe orphan?

Here are the flats -
http://www.target.com/gp/detai.....&LNM=|B003Q7S5H4&CPNG=&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B003Q7S5H4&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
Does anyone have a leather copycat version?

15 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I think Ive seen a similar pair in a J. Jill catalog....have you tried putting a Dr. Scholl insole in them? That can really help a lot.....I have the same problem as you, so I'll be watching this thread!

(website)

There's always going to be a risk involved in trying something new. I guess buying on sale or at a discount lessens the blow if it doesn't work out. But there is no sure fire way to know. Trial and error. I would say maybe buy higher quality at a lower price when possible? My first skinny jeans were premium but at eBay prices, so it made it less scary. Other than that, I guess you could buy from places with awesome return policies so you can bring it back if it doesn't end up working out for you?

JuliaInGermany

Active Member

This is what I thought about lately, too. I decided to not spend a lot on new-to-me styles that I just want to try out. I also decided to only buy one piece of a new trend. If I like to wear it I can always get more and buy a better quality.

I figure that having to replace a cheap favourite is with something better is money well spent. Owning something expensive that I don't wear is money down the drain.

The one item where I would never skimp is shoes. They have to be genuine leather for me and they must be comfy or I won't buy them.

amyreh

I've certainly bought some very expensive shoes that turned out to be very uncomfortable (and they were flats!) Fortunately, they were from Nordstrom, who will take back shoes that hurt even if they have been worn. I pretty much buy there, or get shoes at a deep discount or Target. My most comfy pair of flats is actually from Target. I think the key if you buy shoes (or other things for that matter) from a place without a return policy like Nordstrom is to wear them around your house for a few nights to make sure you really like them and they are comfortable.

thimblelina

I've been thinking about this too lately. I've rather hastily put together a basic "skeleton crew' wardrobe to fill my empty closet, but when I sat down and drew up an inventory which included all the prices I've paid (I actually remember... sad eh?) the price per piece averages out to $26! I was shocked it was so low. That makes me kind of sorry for myself. I enjoy thrifting and the occasional troll through Ross or Kohls, but do I really think so little of myself? Really? And it is easy to see immediately that the items on my list that are the oldest are the highest priced items: the truly beautiful shoes, the cashmere cardigans, the leather coat I knew immediately I loved. Those kinds of purchases really do endure. But you absolutely have to trust your gut instinct, and that can be hard to do when you've made some fashion missteps. I think a solid, non-threatening way for me is to have a goal of making one large, significant decision and purchase each season starting with my birthday this spring. Just one item. And then take baby steps from there. I'll be interested to hear how others address this in their wardrobes.

Warm regards, L.

RoseandJoan

This is a tough call, especially when you are building your wardrobe. I try to buy the best quality that I can afford. I deserve to be comfortable, have clothing that breathes and washes well. My monthly budget is only £30.00 but I'm now at a point where I would rather buy one tee with that money than and average top and an accessory.

Aziraphale

Ohhhh, honey, have I ever made mistakes! Like Mo said, trial and error is the only way I know. I think what you've done with the flats is actually the way to go. It's probably safer to buy a cheap pair, find out you love them, and move one to more expensive ones, than it is to buy an expensive pair right off the bat and discover you don't like them.

taylor

When I drop a ton of money on quality items I spend some time researching and checking other brands and make sure they are investment pieces that will go the distance as far as me wanting to wear.

But don't be so hard on yourself.... we all need some less expensive shoes that are cute and only good for an hour or 2...they are probabley the perfect shoe for a couple of outfits that you have!

Lori

I am all for trying the lesser expensive version of something new, and then deciding to make the investment if it pans out. If not, then I've not created an expensive orphan.

Anyway, below is a Charles David version (at Endless) of your beloved flats - they are not an exact copy, but they are gorgeous!

http://www.endless.com/dp/B003.....B003U9OSUG

Edited to add: Here's a Jeffrey Campbell version at 1/2 the CD version price
http://www.bluefly.com/Jeffrey....._287540196

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