Sad at Bloomingdales

BlondeAmbition

I usually shop at TJMaxx for good deals, Macy's, and splurge on stores like Free People and Armani Exchange. Well the other day I decided to step into Bloomingdales just to look around and I was so sad to see I couldn't afford any of the clothes there. I know that there are some really luxurious clothes out there that I could never afford but I don't come into contact with them regularly. But once you are within reach of beautiful garments you can totally see the difference in quality and fabric. It made me feel like a cheap knockoff and eventhough I was dressed in a really cute outfit it made me feel like everybody there was looking at me like I was dressed from the 99cent store. I know I shouldn't feel that way but it can be difficult living in NYC and seeing so many beautifully dressed people. It is so hard to compete with or even fit in. Sorry for the vent.

15 years ago

Shopping

6 replies

Latest reply was from bj1111

Louise

Veteran

Don't feel bad. Many of us here are on budgets and buy cheaper clothes. You get more for your buck in cheaper stores. I'd rather have a wardrobe full of cheaper clothes than 2 or 3 budget busters x

15 years ago

quail

Active Member

BA, I know that feeling all too well. I grew up shopping solely off the clearance racks and have found it difficult to find a good middle point between sacrificing quality for a lower price, and paying too much for something that's better made. I know the feeling of thinking that people can look at you and tell how much you paid for your clothes. Honestly, I think that people who have a lot of money to spend don't think as much about this, if at all. They just notice that you have a cute outfit on and that's that. In NY it can be so hard not to compare yourself with the amazing outfits you see other people wearing, but I am confident you are holding your own. And you know, some of those amazing outfits were also from TJ Maxx.

15 years ago

Gail

Active Member

I know how you feel. I too shop at stores I can afford, but I do buy one investment piece when I can. (mainly start hinting to my husband around my birthday and Christmas). I try to get a piece that I know will be a classic, usually a handbag or piece of jewlery. I also noticed that Angie has investment pieces, the Valentino bag, her peals - they never "go out of style" Her style is classic with an edgy look - I think that is why her style is so fabulous.

15 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

blondeambition - I'm another clearance shopper here (I can't help it - it's in my fiscal DNA) and I know that once you find the higher quality things, it's difficult to be content with the lesser quality pieces. Higher quality pieces can still be found at a great discount, but 70% off a $50 item is still a lot less than 70% off a $500 item.

Be sure to read through the current thread on 'What % of your budget is spent on clothes' to see that the vast majority of YLFers have reasonable or modest clothing bodgets. You will never be alone.

I've also heard it said (more than once) that by wearing one (or two) higher quality pieces of clothing or accessories (i.e. shoes or jewelry or sweater or pants or . . . )
that your other less expensive pieces look better quality. . .

Lastly, I occasionally remind myself that I have no idea how much debt these people are aso wearing with that fab outfit. Just think of all those maxed credit cards out there walking aroung looking fab outside, but struggling inside. Stay responsible no matter where you are shopping. . . (Mini rant not directed toward you, I'm just ranting in general

15 years ago

BlondeAmbition

Active Member

Thanks gals, you're right, all of you. I'm very happy with my shopping budget, I think I spend just enough money on basic items and splurge on a few beautiful things. After all, if I spent a lot of money on all of my clothing then nothing would be special. I don't know where all those women on the upper east side get all that money to spend on clothes but even if I did have as much as they did I don't think I would spend so much on clothing.

15 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

ba,

i'm glad you're starting to reframe. a lot of merchandising relies on our own insecurities to move stock. if only i owned xx, i would get a better job/guy/treatment. in reality, it's you and your personality and charm that make the outfit.

in truth, many people in new york pride themselves on never paying full price, with thrift/consignment stores, sample sales, outlets in new jersey. also perhaps many of those upper east side women have had those pieces for years and years. or have husbands who buy them things instead of spending time with them. or are so deeply in debt and denial. or they scrimped and saved to buy that one killer piece that becomes their signature. or they inherited wealth. or they work 80 hours a week and buy things to make themselves feel better.

envy and feeling inadequate are hard emotions to overcome especially if feelings from your childhood are involved. but, really, other people are too self-involved to even notice others, and care even less even if others do register in their consciousness.

15 years ago

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