Shopping strategy-all I can get for the $, or 1-2 "investments"? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Shopping strategy-all I can get for the $, or 1-2 "investments"?

Tara

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm...
I got $200 in gift vouchers for Myer for my birthday on the weekend.

I have been on a 3 month no new clothes ban...excluding op shopping and gifts.
So, yay for me, I get to go shopping!

But I am in a dilemma. My "inner thrift hero" tells me to find as many items as possible (that are cute, yet cheap) for the money. But I know (from reading this blog) that it's often better to spend a bit more on fewer, good quality things.

I love getting lots for little. But maybe it's time to grow up and find some things that'll last me awhile. What do you guys think?

If you could spend $200 right now on any clothing or accessories, what would it be? I'd love a nice quality faux pearl cocktail ring, one that won't fall apart in 2 wears or go all tarnished. Something like this:
http://blog.overstockjeweler.c.....-ring.jpeg

And maybe some good quality knitwear...and some flat pointy leather boots...but a bit at a loss what to spend my money on...

Do you think I should go look around first, make a list, prioritize it then go back? Or should I just buy on the spot?

Sigh. Must. Exercise. Self. Control.

General

16 replies

Latest reply was from yublocka

Louise

Veteran

You're only young I would spend the money on lots of things. I get bored quickly and would probably get bored of an investment piece before I've had the wear although I did spend my 30th birthday money on a £200 ring but I figured even if I get bored I can store it away and pull it out in years to come and wear it I don't think expensive jewellery dates like clothes x

stringy

Veteran

Given that the vouchers are for Myer, I'd do the research and invest in something. The voucher is a good opportunity and you'll regret wasting it if you find a top in an op-shop a few weeks from now and realise it's just as good as one you bought at Myer, but only costs $2.50!

The boots would be my pick, because I like the ranges at Myer, but knitwear is good too. Or anything that's a good base piece for an outfit: skirt, pants, jacket, dress. If you do that, you'll probably have change to get yourself something frivolous and cheap too

I wonder if they're having an end of year stocktake sale? You could get even better value for the money if you can hang on a bit.

anne

Veteran

Hi Tara,

Hi from another Aussie.
I was in a similiar situation last year, as I got $240 in Myer vouchers through my credit card reward system.
I found them really hard to spend! (I still have $100 to go)

I needed a new watch, yet even the cheapest Myer watch would have taken most of it. I like their footwear, but couldn't find what I wanted. So far I bought a pair of Tokito pants for $70 (reduced, I think) and 2 pairs of leggings from the hosiery department.

I only get to a Myer every few months, so if you can shop carefully and visit often, as Stingy suggests, you will be in a different situation.

I am always very tempted by Cue, but as a SAHM I personally can't justify buying their clothes for my current lifestyle.v

I don't know enough about your wardrobe or lifestyle to make recommendations but remember that the vouchers will last for ages, so don't need to hurry to spend them.

Maya

Veteran

I already know almost everyone is going to say invest, but as a fellow youngin, I'm with Louise: Go to town and get what you like. There is really no point in buying "investment pieces" at your age. I'm older than you and I don't have any investment pieces, though I can't say I didn't try. I went through a phase where I spent a boatload of money on clothes, thinking I should start looking/behaving like an adult. Guess what. I don't wear a single one of those investment pieces that I bought only five years ago. 20's are tricky. Lifestyles, jobs, locations, and bodies change in ways you can never anticipate. My 20's so far have not been the joyous and swingin' time they should have been, but the one small pleasure I have had is that I can be adventurous with my wardrobe. I can wear trends, throwaway pieces, and styles that I may not be able to when I am older. Now is the time to do it. You have years ahead of you to invest in beautiful pieces, but you won't have your youth forever.

Anonymous

I'm not sure what's available at Myer, but I'd spend it on a pair of premium denim jeans that make you feel fabulous. You can always go back to your Op shop bargains for fun changes in your wardrobe.

Lisa

Veteran

Is it possible to split the money in half? Get one item for $100, maybe shoes or a blazer, and then spend the other $100 on a few items? This way you get more than 1 item and have at least 1 item that should last a while.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Being practical, and cheap- I would fill in any big gaps in my wardrobe first. Those could be cheapie items, or more expensive ones (active wear, bras, footwear, good jeans, etc). But I would also make sure to get one little item that just tickles my fancy- just for fun.

Vix

Veteran

So it sounds like Myer is a good place to buy nicer-quality or "more special" vs trendier stuff (since you can find the trendier stuff at lower prices elsewhere)?

I agree that you should make a list of wardrobe gaps as a starting point.

I like the ideas for spendy denim, shoes, or bras...but depending on what you currently own, you may realize you pretty much have what you need and you can blow a big chunk of the giftcard on something that's unusual vs practical. Or both, ha.

You say you like getting lots for little -- understandable! But do you hang onto what you have or turn it over frequently? This might help you figure out how to spend the money.

FWIW, my ~ 70 y.o. friend still hates (and usually refuses) to spend lots per item -- she is a trend-based shopper through and through and things turn over quickly in her wardrobe! Especially jewelry.

[I also like the idea mentioned upthread of saving half the card for later when new stock comes in. It'd be burning a hole in my pocket, but you might have more discipline than me!]

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I feel differently about gift vouchers. I like spending them on things I wouldn't have ordinarily spent the money on. I vote blow it on fun stuff - not necessarily practical stuff. No need to make investment purchases at your age at all :0)

Have a ball!

Steph

Veteran

I think Vix's question is a good one: do you tend to hold onto things, or do you get bored with your clothes and stop wearing them after a short time? I have always been someone who holds onto clothes for years, even when I was a teenager, so if I had the gift card, I would spend it on something high quality (even at a young age) But if that's not your personality, you should look to get more items for your money.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Well, if you have a really hard time with it, just send it to me and if I ever get near a Myer (my closest is 8hrs away and I get there maybe once per year!) I'll spend it for you in a heartbeat LOL

Seriously though... I'd be having a look at your wardrobe, seeing if there was something you desperately needed for some of the voucher, and then go have a look - but, I would absolutely get something fun that will bring an enormous smile to your face and remind you of your birthday.

I'd hate myself if I blew the whole lot on stuff that was throw-away, but would also be so frustrated if I had nothing fun to show for it - so I'd hedge my bets and go both ways.

Of course, I'm a fair bit older than you!

JennyK (NC)

oooooh this is a hard one! I love the idea of spending half on a "good" thing like a nice pair of boots (but boots on sale, still!) or a beautiful handbag (on sale - hee hee), and the other half on a number of cheaper fun things.

I wouldn't really consider $100 spent on some nice boots an investment item, but I admit I expect a $100 handbag to last me for many years.

stringy

Veteran

Yes, when I say 'invest' I don't necessarily mean in something serious or boring. The same type of thing you'd normally get, just better quality.

http://gifts.myer.com.au/au_t-....._4105.aspx

(why have they got only a few things in the online store, instead of the lot?)

Either way, go while the stocktake sale is on! Lots of stuff at half-price!

April

Veteran

I agree that you should have fun with your birthday money, Tara. If you're not sure whether you should be "investing" in something serious, you probably shouldn't be! Enjoy yourself.

Kristine

Veteran

Buy what you love. This is a gift after all! I personally would enjoy an investment item, like a trench coat or boots. But if you wouldn't, don't do it!

Definitely avoid growing up as long as you can. You have your whole life to be practical.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Tara I'm late here - have you already decided what you're going to do? What does your wardrobe need??

I'd buy knits at Myer for sure. Cocktail rings etc I think you'd be better off getting somewhere else to get something funkier (and cheaper I'm sure). As for boots if there is a pair you like there - go for it!! They sell brands the same price as you buy from other stores e.g. Williams, Witchery, Dianna Ferrari. They have a good selection of hosiery too.