The threads about core items got me thinking..

Isabel

how often do you buy a real "important" piece ( for lack of a better term) ? Something that is perfect or nearly perfect and was a little financial stretch or a big chunk of your budget ?

Normally, I probably did one a year. This last year I probably bought 4 or 5... 2 pairs of boots, a outer winter jacket, and 2 trenches that I am in love with, and my lovely dusty rose blazer with piping. They all cost over $200 ea ...which for me was a lot in one sitting considering the life style that I have, SAHM. They are not dressy, but have more "oomph" than my other stuff.

I will post pics tomorrow. It is late and I am going to bed.

But how often works for you ?

Angie, how do you do it ?

13 years ago

Shopping

7 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Sylvie

Veteran

So far this year I've bought 6 "important" pieces. There are two other pieces that are just over the $100 mark that I don't consider "important". Everything else I've bought is <$100.

Jigsaw Blazer
2 pairs of shoes
2 purses
Leather Moto Jacket

All 6 of these were items I obsessed over for multiple months to over a year before purchasing (except the blazer because it was spur of the moment). I will probably make two more "important" purchases by the end of the year - in fact I'm considering one right now.

Once I had a functional wardrobe, I'd ideally make 2-4 important purchases/year. Or maybe if I was full up on essentials, I'd make 12 important purchases and buy all my essential replacements on deep sale.

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13 years ago

jayne

Veteran

I am with Sylvie, since I am on a wardrobe renewal, I am purchasing at least one item per month and have a much bigger budget to accomodate this. Once I am just maintaining a style and wardrobe, I assume that will drop to maybe 4 per year. But since I have never done this kind of planning and budgetting and all I really don't know. It will be interesting to hear from those who have good wardrobe already...good thread.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I think my most important pieces this year were deals - drapey dresses. One only cost $8 but it changed the direction of my dress style totally.
Big $$ purchases I made 3 this year. A suit (bought with birthday $), a leather jacket, and knee high Frye boots. The suit and jacket have both yet to be worn. The boots are an important purchase because they are the first big item I 'allowed' myself to buy, no excuses.

13 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

I have bought many items that fit that description in the last year, but I won't keep those numbers going long term. I'm guessing I'll buy a few key items every year, but we'll see.

The biggies this year:

couple of pairs of ankle boots
knee high boots in brown and black
black leather jacket
gray Fossil bag
winter coat

I just ordered an expensive-for-a-tee-shirt black & white striped shirt which feels like it fits this description because it should fill a wardrobe hole perfectly and it's more than I typically spend on a top.

13 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

I call them 'Investment' pieces so that I think carefully about their longevity, quality and wearability (in theory).
This year it has been:
2 pairs of leather shoes
1 dressy dress
2 leather bags
1 designer jacket
1 watch

13 years ago

shedev

Veteran

I've only bought one, a leather jacket. I've bought so much less this year that I've spent a lot less overall.

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

Once a year I go to the Theory outlet and purchase a couple of items there. Usually 1-3 items at the most. These are all splurge items that last multiple seasons for me. The rest of the year I try to stick to less showstopping pieces and replacing holes (LS t-shirts, etc). My other big spending is once a year at NAS which I use to purchase premium denim or blazers or coats if needed.

13 years ago

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