Paying "too much" for something - YouLookFab Forum

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Paying "too much" for something

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

Just wondering if you ever break your personal rules for how much you'd spend for an item. Yesterday, I bought three items, 2 of which cost more than I'd normally pay.

The first and second pictures are what I wore today, with new scarf and headband. The scarf was a very reasonable price, but the headband was more than I'd normally pay for a hair accessory. I think it's a little cutesy and possibly borderline juvenile, but I love it.

The last piece is this maxi skirt. It's basically a tube of fabric, and I sew, so I could make the same thing for the cost of fabric and 20 minutes of sewing. I normally would refuse to spend more than $30 for something so basic and a little trendy to boot. However, I spent more than twice that sum for this skirt - love the fabric, love the fit, love everything about it.

I bought these all at a little boutique with a crummy return policy, so they are mine to stay, but feel free to let me know what you think, and to give me ideas of what to wear with the skirt.

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14 replies

Latest reply was from MNsara

missvee

Veteran

I love everything you bought! Sometimes you end up paying a bit more than you want to but if you wear these items a lot, then there's real value there. These are all wearable, practical pieces, so don't feel bad about the little cost 'overrun'!!
I like the way you've styled the skirt with the tank top. With a maxi skirt I think it's a nice balance to keep your arms bare.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I agree! I think you'll get a lot of use from these items, so like missvee said, if you break down the CPW (cost per wear) you should feel a little better Very cute items! You look very pretty and happy in the photos, so that's another good sign you made the right decison Ive done it a few times, really rarely regretted it....it's almost always been on a real workhorse item...

ironkurtin

Veteran

What do we work for if we can't spend money on LOVE?

Anonymous

I think it's a good sign that you love the items if you're willing to "overpay" for something. I KEEP falling into the trap of "but since it's so cheap...." and buying something that I end up returning (IF I can return it... usually for a lame store credit at Goodwill, ugh). Whenever I pay just a little more for an item than I'd usually pay, it seems to end up being an item that I love, or something that become a statement piece/workhorse for me.

But enough about me! I love that scarf on you, the hairband is super cute and that maxi skirt is gorgeous! I love the pattern and colors in it, and I can see why you bought it even though it only has one straight seam. What are the odds that you could ever find that fabric? I totally understand why you bought it. Enjoy, guilt-free!

K. Period.

Veteran

Adorable! Everyone breaks the rules, don't they? I'm surprised how often I break the rules and pay more than I intended. Usually I get suckered in with some little extra design detail that makes it worth a little extra.

Both items are great! And I can totally rationalize what you spent for the skirt. Here we go: you sew, so you know that how a garment drapes is highly dependent on the fabric. Could you have (really, truly) found this same weight of fabric in this same pattern and the time to whip it up? Naaaah. And, even if somehow you sewed it exactly, isn't there always that little bit of magic in some items where somehow a seam gets placed just right with just the right bias on the fabric and it comes alive? You paid the extra for the magic.

Louise

Veteran

Yep just the other day I posted about 2 necklaces which cost a total of £58!! This is more that I have ever spent on jewellery and for comparison costs £16 more than a faux fur coat I got the other week! I've decided like clearlyclaire that sometimes its worth paying more for an item you love than buying a cheaper item you only vaguely like because hopefully the cost per wear will end up lower meaning in reality better value? Hey that's what I keep telling myself
Your new items look great, provided you like the fit and quality and they're not breaking the bank, enjoy x

Fruitful

Veteran

I love bow headbands! And this one is unlike any I've seen before. And that skirt is beautiful on you, summer's just starting for you so I bet you'll wear it to death.

I have exactly the same problem as Claire; thrifting a bunch of things just because they are cheap. I do have some wins, but lately i'm thinking if I didn't buy all those cheap things I could have something new and have my pick of size and style.

When I go to a lot of care to choose something I am paying a bit more than I'd like for, I often end up really valuing it and enjoying it.

Of course it's good to stay within your means and my impression is that you are. Wear these babies and enjoy!

rachylou

Veteran

Great buys if you ask me

I don't really have specified limits for given items, more vague notions. But, like, I lost my winter cap this weekend. I got it at Target for something like $8 - if that much. A great hat. Well, anyways, the winter hats are gone now, and I was debating what to do. I'd seen a knitted cap in a chi-chi store and passed on it because of the price - and I had a hat. I was thinking this hat was something like $50 and that, all things considered, I might go get it now.

As it turns out, the original price was twice what I thought it was but now it was half-off for end of winter. Yeah, so I bought it. The original price was definitely too much for me still, but the $50 had started to become worth it: I no longer had a hat and still needed one that would cover my ears, etc. And while I can knit, I'm certainly not going to (LOL) and I don't think I could do it for less... tracking down a wool as nice, in the right color, etc. etc.

So anyways, the answer to the question is: Yes. haha!

Jewell

Veteran

I have three words for you: You're worth it! And it's icing on the cake that these items are already bringing you such happiness. That's a cheery scarf, and I love that skirt!

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for making me feel not alone again. I do love all three of these pieces and don't feel the least bit bad about spending more than in the past. My mantra this year is "fewer, better pieces" so I think I'm doing well. These also fit into the modern classic/boho mix that I think my style is stearing towards.

A bonus is that I have no urge to shop right now. I'm so happy with what I've bought recently that I don't feel the pull. That's a good thing for me, who in the past would buy something for the sake of making a purchase.

ManidipaM

Veteran

BEAUT-i-ful skirt and very unusual little hair band --- I can see why you fell in love!

I agree with others that when you're willing to pony up a little more than usual, it means you are really in love --- that is, if you are a careful shopper to start with (and if you weren't, you wouldn't be here asking this question, I suspect). So no regrets!

Like rachylou, I needed an emergency replacement item this winter. I lost my sunglasses and since I'm prone to photophobic migraines, I needed a pair quickly. I had hoped to get a bargain pair at M&S, but they sold out while I dithered over the oversized look (which is actually VERY practical for my sensitive eyes). In sheer desperation I got an expensive one from Sisley because it looks WAY nicer (since I was spending over budge anyway) --- but it is LESS practical being narrower and the quality's not great! So yes, a minor regret; but they WERE literally lifesavers (and saved many workdays I'd otherwise lose), so not a keen pang.

Then again, the last time I 'overspent' on TWO pairs of shoes --- double and more than double what I'd usually consider paying --- I was so happy with the comfort of my buys that I revised my shoe budget permanently. (This also happened when I bought my first properly fitted bra. Life- and budget-changing buy!)

fashionista

Veteran

Paying a little more than normal all these items are worth it and I really mean it. I got to have that headband, its just soooooooooooo sweeeeeeeeet.

Meredith1953

Veteran

You look lovely with all three pieces! It's great that you truly love them all. I fall into the trap of buying out of practicality and need (and really with a small budget). I rarely find anything that I absolutely adore and am excited about purchasing. If I find a pieces I can get as excited about as you have about your lovely new pretties, then I will happily purchase if it doesn't violate other budgetary principles I have established.

MNsara

Veteran

The things you bought are great items and no doubt worth every penny! My fave is that skirt - so dramatic but the boho keeps it 'down to earth'

Spending more on things you love is fine with me, when you can determine you really love something Plus, even though you can sew, could you find such fun fabric without running all around town? I'd spend lots in time and money trying to save a little -- and in hindsight I can see my error!