Quantity over Quality? - YouLookFab Forum

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Quantity over Quality?

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Me being nosy about your choices/shopping habits again here!!

My recent new watch purchases made me realise that I am most happy when I have a variety of accessories to choose from, and that for me personally, I'd rather have a vast array of watches to complement a variety of outfits, than 1 or 2 higher quality ones.

Same goes with jewellery... would rather be able to mix it up than wear a limited selection of more expensive pieces.

Even shoes to a degree - I'd love an assortment of ballet flats and basic wedges, and because my feet aren't overly fussy, I can do this... Of course I still prefer quality winter boots, and higher heels still need to be comfortable over quality or quantity!

I think I'm like this because I've now realised (thanks to YLF!) that with some higher quality basic clothing items I can still look different all the time without spending a fortune on clothes... Of course, I can also still add lower cost fashion tops to mix it up too... (This is where I think I'm heading anyway - still accumulating those "basics" at the moment).

So how about you? Are there things you'll happily have quantity over quality, or do you only ever invest in quality, or are you purely a quantity shopper etc? Have you ever even thought about it?

(I don't think any part of my life is being spared from the analysing I'm doing at the moment LOL!!)

General

36 replies

Latest reply was from Steph

Maya

Veteran

Quantity all the way. I know it runs counter to all fashion advice in the world but I am just not that concerned with quality. As long as it doesn't LOOK cheap, I couldn't care less if it's going to last more than a season. Odds are I will want to replace everything anyway! My tastes change, my body changes. As long as it isn't falling apart from the moment I get it, I'm fine. I'd rather get what I like without worrying how long it will last. Since I do not spend that much to begin with, it isn't imperative that it stays in my closet forever.

Frances

That's so funny, Theresa--I was thinking along those same lines this morning about how much more I prefer junk jewelry to the real thing. I just find it so much more creative and interesting than diamonds or other stones. The same goes for shoes and handbags. I've never really understood why so many women walk around with the exact same handbag with the same designer's logo stamped all over it. Not to knock a beautiful, well-made, quality designer handbag, but I would rather have colors and interesting details and functional compartments & pockets than have some designer's initials printed all over my handbag. I don't even need large quantities of accessories--just give me something unique and distinctive--give me color and beauty and creativity! I want my accessories to say something about MY style, not some designer's.

Maya

Veteran

After reading Frances' comment I also have to agree. I'm so not a fine jewelry person. It bores me to tears.

Frances

Oh, good, I'm glad the cat's out of the bag now and there's someone else who feels that way. I sometimes think I'm the only woman on the planet who doesn't think diamonds are her best friend!

taylor

Veteran

I think alot of this has to do where you are in life. When I was young and had nothing, just getting the basics at the best price, and as many as I could at that price to build.

Now in the twilight of my life....just kidding..:)

As I have gotten older and understand the difference between quality items , I buy quality.....but I would not have done it any other way. I don't think I would have appreciated the quality high price items like I do now.

I love fine jewelry, as long as my husband wants to buy it for me, I will gladly accept:)
but I have costume jewelry also that I love.

Queen Mum

Veteran

As I get older, I am feeling the need to buy more quality clothing... it just looks better on my body. I can't tell you how many cheap dresses I've tried on this season and most of them just don't look nice on. This Karen Kane dress was more than I would have ever dreamed of spending on a casual dress but it just looks so much better on me than any cheap knit dress I could find in the throw away retail stores.

Shoes are dependent on comfort. If I can find less pricey shoes that feel good on my feet I will certainly buy them, but in the winter especially I seem to need to focus on more quality shoes.

Jewelry-- I buy cheap. You can find great looking costume jewelry at Kohls, New York and Co, Express...

Kristine

Veteran

I stopped to think about it and realized that before YLF I didn't really have either! I had cheap clothes and not many of them! Ouch!

Now I'm probably quantity working on quality. I'm getting to know my taste and I'm hoping to move along in my career, so I'd like some nice clothes which will last and are a little more refined. Today for example I wore a long strand of pearls (imitation, from the thrift store) and thought, wouldn't it be nice if they were real? I'd have them for the rest of my life. How can you go wrong with an investment like that? I'm not a fine jewelry person either, I don't have any, but I'm starting to think I'd like one or two pieces.

I'm also really attracted to the idea of a micro wardrobe that can be changed up with accessories- I like the simplicity, it suits my closet size and lifestyle. But old habits die hard and it's very tempting to buy quantity especially when almost everything looks good new on the hanger.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I'm with you Frances and Maya-- I have no need for fine jewelry. My wedding ring and another ring I have are the extent of my fine jewelry collection.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I was on the quantity before but then I realized that better quality things give me much more pleasure of wearing them than the cheap stuff. And "cheap" does not mean the price. Some very expensive items I have seen were of not the greatest quality at all. I think it is OK to get super trendy items on the cheap if you are going to use them for one season only.

I am torn on jewelery issue. On one hand I like statement pieces - they look much better on my tall large frame than delicate expensive ones. On other hand I really enjoy real stones - they just look differently from plastic of regular glass. Oh, and non-silver or gold earrings give me an infection
So I have found a solution for myself: I buy jewelery in sterling silver and/or semi-precious stones. I have found the place where I can buy these - Winners (Canadian store where they sell overstock from expensive stores with huge discount)
Honestly, jewelery does not cost much more there than the fake from other stores but feels much better! I have bought 2 very long (3 loops around my neck) strands of freshwater pearls there for $20 each and love them. I have looked at the fake ones as well but they just say FAKE to me...
The same for shoes. I was buying cheap shoes before but they just did not feel right to me: I did not enjoy wearing them. Then I switched to better shoes and love it more.
I also like nice fabrics against my skin.. and the feel of good leather...I would rather hunt for a perfect silk blouse in the thrift store than to buy this slippery polyester thing.

Hmm, maybe Taylor is right and this is an age thing but really you can find better quality things for less - just need to spend more time.

Tanya

Veteran

A really tough one. I used to be quantity all the way. Now I am more and more moving towards quality end. The trouble is, right now I want quality items in good quantity

Joke aside, I find it easier to answer this based on the type of item. Things like jeans, bras, outerwear, boots - quality only. Trendy tops and jewelry, flimsy summer items - quantity matters more.

ladyjane

I agree it's an age thing. I'm in my forties and have been focusing on quality especially with items that I'm going to wear alot. Exception are jewelry, accessories, and white clothes (I'm a clutz).

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Tanya it depends on the item really.

Some things I dont go for quality in are smaller, more "accessory" items like jewellery, scarves, tops and bags. Although recently I am wondering if this is why I hate top shopping, since I always go for cheaper tops.

Some things I want quality in are shoes, coats, pants, skirts and dresses. I would love to get a good quality new handbag as well, but need to search for the perfect one!!

Anonymous

I'm striving for a happy medium between the two. I buy the best I can afford.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I have expensive taste that I can't always indulge. I am drawn like a magnet to better-quality fabrics and am almost actively repulsed by things that feel cheap. I will jump all over a bargain, i.e. something that feels good and is well-priced, but I have to look for it. I cannot handle pleather at all and absolutely love the smell and feel of the real deal , which is most unfortunate for my wallet (except at Nas time). That said, my body image issues play havoc with me some times and I like having a variety of pieces available to me, though lately I've been enjoying the perks of a smaller wardrobe. I'm absolutely content to wear costume jewelry as long as it doesn't feel too light and flimsy.

marianna

Veteran

I agree with Anne... I strive for a happy medium between the two. But if I could, I would choose quality.

Vix

Veteran

In general I have champagne taste and a beer budget, but luckily there are some things I don't car about at all! cough CARS cough

I like inexpensive (under $50) but funky bags and jewelry. Wouldn't turn down some amazing spendy vintage costume jewelry, though.

I did accumulate some semi-precious necklaces a few years ago when I was trying to jazzify my wardrobe of solids, and though I wear them with Ts I do feel they up my fancyness quotient when worn with work/dressed-up clothes.

Wish I could cheap out on shoes as I'm not a shoe person! Usually go as cheap as I can in the decent comfort brands.

Tacile person + aging body + more classic dresser = will take fewer, better-made or -tailored clothes in fabrics that feel good to the touch and good to move in plus drape the way I want them to.

[Though I cheap out on Ts and probably other things I can't think of right now!]

Carole

Veteran

I like quality for basics and wardrobe workhorses, shoes and handbags. But like having lots of bangles, earrings and necklaces to be creative with and those can be had for a song. I have fine jewelry that I rarely wear, I know that my husband is disappointed and will probably never buy me jewelry again!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Taylor said.

When you are younger - by all means go for quantity. I did! And loved every second of it. My style was different in my 20's and early 30's. I would absolutely encourage all youngsters to NOT invest in quality pieces. Have a ball experimenting and wearing whatever you can afford, and as much of it as possible.

Then things changed as I got older. For me that was at 35 and I started to slowly make the shift. At 37, my shift was firmly planted. Now, a few weeks away from 40 I am 100% about less is more. I am BIG on fabulous quality. And will pay for it. But I still shop at H&M or Zara for the odd bit of fun. Totally! And hopefully will until I'm 70. I'm also going to wear Converse till I'm 100 - along with my Valentino handbag.

Rosie

Veteran

A mix for me. In terms of clothes, shoes and bags, my quality items are usually my favorites because of the design and fit. Some items, though, are better at a lower price point if it is a really trendy item or a tee that just won't last no matter what! I love costume jewelry but I have some real pieces that I also really love because, apart from being gorgeous, they hold sentimental value. I like mixing up different kinds of jewelry.

What I get tired of is medium-priced items that have low-quality. I'd rather buy something cheap and not feel badly when it doesn't last, or something twice as much that lasts a long time.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

A few weeks hey Angie - exciting! Do you have a big celebration planned??

Louise

Veteran

Hehe Vix I love your champagne taste beer budget analogy, though I'd rather have lots of cheap stuff I do get bored easily and love trying new trends which I couldn't afford to do unless I bought them cheaply. I love cheap jewellery again it only lasts a few seasons but that's fine with me x

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Interesting replies ladies - I've really enjoyed reading!!

I was thinking later today that if I could afford it I would probably buy quantities of hand made/custom made quality items... but of course my "very cheap beer" budget means that's not really possible LOL

Angie that "change" you speak of - I think I might be heading there with clothes, but accessories not so much yet!

And when is your birthday Angie???? Its exactly 1 month until I'm 31 and my big girls birthday is in 3 weeks - so are you a fellow July birthday girl?

stringy

Veteran

I'm finally at a stage in my life where I can afford quality stuff, and it's such a relief. I never really fall in love with clothes or accessories until after I've had them for a while and gotten used to them, and when they fall apart it breaks my heart. Which meant that every cheap knit that pilled or handbag with flaking trim made me feel really sad!

Now I'm (slowly) building up a range of quality items and it's just wonderful to know I can count on them. I still can't bring myself to spend a lot on jewellery though - I don't wear classic styles so cheap trendy stuff from Diva or Equip suits me just fine

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I like both quality and quantity, but I can't afford both. So in terms of jewelry and handbags, for instance, I have acquired a good "base" collection of the better stuff, and then I supplement that with the fun, cheaper items. For instance, I have a few necklaces -- beautiful everyday silver delicate piece, chocolate and grey pearls, and one funky stone piece -- that I bought at a real jeweler and that serve as my base. I had been buying the cheap silver necklaces from Kohls and they lasted 3 months. This silver one I have had for 2 years now and it is as good as it was when I bought it.

But then I buy tons of costume necklaces at Loft, Kohls, Old Navy, wherever. I have a few white pearls strands but I need to get a really great set: I just can't decide if I should go for the high-end or the low-end for those, you know?

AJ

Veteran

Since I'm a SAHM and my style is casual, I go for quantity. I do pay attention more to fit and finding nicer details, but I still can't get myself to buy premium jeans or high end quality items.

Have tons of costume jewelry and faux leather purses.

I'm rethinking the shoes. It pains me to buy shoes over $50 but I'm thinking shoes are probably the more practical item to buy quality. So I'm starting a shoe fund and currently looking for a summer sandal that has great high arch support.

Lisa

Veteran

I am a quantity girl who is now heading towards quality. There is definitely a difference between the materials of my horseback riding jeans which take a beating (Levis) and the premium denim brands for everyday wear to work that I have been trying out lately (Joe's or COH) and I'm willing to pay more for a piece that I will have for a long time and use often. And I’ve always been a fan of more expensive shoes and handbags. I’m a sucker for a good material in those departments.

But there are items that I don't think it pays to spend a lot on, such as layering basics like t-shirts or summer shorts that are only worn two days a week for a couple months of the year. So in the end for me it depends on how often the items will be worn, the higher the frequency the more I am willing to pay for it. I’ve only recently started adding costume jewelry to the mix. I think you can have more fun and better “punch up” an outfit with those pieces compared to fine jewelry. Especially since fine jewelry also tends to be small in size. The only jewelry pieces I don’t mix up daily are my wedding band and an heirloom watch.

Vix

Veteran

Louise/Theresa --

The first time I heard the champagne taste/beer budget thing I was a 16 y.o. shopgirl...my boss saw me mooning over some of the expensive stuff we sold (not clothes!) and drawled it out in her raspy, Danny DeVito-y voice.

Guess some things never change!

And Theresa, I've used the "beer" money to buy some custom pieces. [Not couture, ha ha...price point about that of non-sale Nordstrom/J Crew, B. Republic etc.]

No REAL regrets but as you can guess -- and to beat the analogy to death -- the problem happens when the beer money is gone but the thirst for champagne is fierce! I suppose I need to learn to brew my own stuff, sigh.

Debbie

Veteran

Quality but it hasn't always been that way. It has definitely been an age thing for me.
Jewelry is different though. I have fine jewelry but I LOVE junk jewelry. The more the better. I am on a self imposed ban until I go through my jewelry because honestly I have way too much.

crwilson

Veteran

I would like to prefer quality over quantity, but I just don't. I can never tell how often I'll wear an item until I actually own it and wear it, which ends up meaning that I have some really cheap things that I've worn and worn and worn because they ended up being super-comfortable and practical, and then some expensive (for me) items that sit in my closet all by their little lonesome.

Now that I'm at home with the kids, it makes even less sense to invest in quality pieces because I go through a lot of clothes and various gross things get on me on a daily basis.

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