It's now 2014... I haven't posted in a long time but as you might expect my fashion esthetic has not changed it's just evolved.
I am now committed after my foray in 2011 of buying nothing for a whole year to buying High/Low. That is really thinking about where I will spend my money for maximum impact. It's what I call investment dressing.
Recently, I stalked a fabulous pair of Vince leather and suede leggings. They were $1,200 but then they were reduced to $600.
When thinking over a pricey purchase some questions that can help you bring some sanity to a decision about whether to pay the price marked on the tag include:
1. Will I still want to wear this in 5 years?
A Chanel 2.55 bag passes this test.
2. Does the piece work with at least 3-4 other things in my wardrobe and not jeans!
3. Can I dress it up or dress it down? In other words does it work for a variety of occasions?
A dress that you can wear to work and then out to dinner or a wedding is a wardrobe workhorse!
4. Is it one of the colours I've chosen to construct my wardrobe around?
If it's yellow and you don't have yellow in your wardrobe then think again!
5. Do I look fabulous in the item?
You need to know when you put the piece on that you look marvellous. OK is not good enough!
6. What else to I need this season to update my wardrobe?
This question involves some planning, research and budgeting and may also involve thinking about what else you could spend the money on.
If you answer yes to these questions, then it may well be that the piece is worth buying at full price unless you think you can get it on sale. If the answer is no you might want to try a cheaper alternative.
As for the Vince pants, I remember that I had this fabulous Kelly Wearstler fabric that I wanted to make into a pillow and the pants looked good but I did not feel utterly marvellous in them.