That answer of course is that it’s totally up to you! Let your own wallet and preferences dictate what you choose to buy and wear. But I like to keep a few things in mind when I am shopping:
1. Is the quality worth the price?
There can be huge disparities in the quality of even a single retailer’s collection. Feel the fabric, try it on – do you think the quality is worth the price? Sometimes you may find some gems at mass market retailers, but often times you will also find colors that will run easily and inferior materials. Just remember that you get what you are paying for (though I would also say some designer clothing isn’t great quality, but that is another
Midi skirt with belt, ASOS, $65.86 – I love their extensive selection but their quality can be lacking (one beautiful scallop edge dress was completely see through!) I’d still shop there though because I’ve gotten great skirts there!
2. Does it fit in with my ideal wardrobe?
I talked about planning and only shopping from my ideal wardrobe list here. I practice what I preach and constantly look over my list before getting tempted to shop. Remember to buy something because you love it and it fits with your style. Your closet space and eventually wallet will appreciate your choices in the long run.
3. Am I buying it just because of the price?
4. Do I feel comfortable supporting this company?
Are all retailers created the same? Not necessarily. They all have different values and practices. We know that fast fashion stores do questionable things, like copy other designers. That already makes me slightly uncomfortable. But do I need to keep on contributing money to a company that only lets people work for them if they submit full body shots and is headed by a CEO who has allegedly harassed his employees (American Apparel)? Do I want to fatten the wallet of a corporation that pays its workers .12 to sew one vest and regularly pays off designers when they are caught stealing their designs (Forever 21)? The beautiful thing about fast fashion retailers is that there are quite a few of them and every consumer has a choice about where to shop. It is up to you who choose to support.
How do you choose what to buy at Fast Fashion stores?
I adore quality regardless of price. I dont want a dress for 100 or one for 500 that will fall apart after a few washes, and lose its colour. I saw a beautiful red skirt yesterday here in Paris, but still deciding to get it or not.
The skirt above looks very dashing indeed.
I didn’t know that about Forever 21! I’d rather have quality, but I think there’s a definite line where it becomes more about the name/ designer than paying for what the piece is worth.
totally a smart shopper!! tks for share girl 🙂
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Quality is king for me! I have been tempted to buy designer pieces that are affordable, so it’s good to ask myself if I’ll actually wear it, or whether I’m just forking over $ because I found a good deal. I do love stores like H&M, but the quality can be very hit or miss. I have tried on quite a few see-through dresses there, and now subject most pieces to the “light test” in the dressing room. I never shop at Forever 21. It’s a bit too trendy for my taste, and a little overwhelming for me. Great post!
Great tips! I especially like the advice about not feeling pressured to buy something just because of the price. I fell prey to that issue when I bought my first wedding dress that I ended up swapping.
Love this post! I’m getting pretty good at not feeling like I have to buy just because it’s cheap. And so agree with you about having to be comfortable about suporting the company. DOn’t even get me started about AA 🙂
i basically bought a lot of F21 stuff because it looked cute and the price was right. but i’m pretty much over that now. my high street fashion now relies on Asos and sometimes H&M. i feel better about myself when i shop those brands.
It’s always great to see a post like this! I do think saving for some true quality pieces that withstand the test of time is smart. I do have those Forever 21 pieces as fad-chic fillers but I ask you, what can take the place of a Chanel bag or pair of Loubatins?
Truly excellent tips!
Ps I’ve got a giveaway!
My decision is to rather pay a little extra for something I really want then to buy the High Street versions, that are usually very often impulse buys…
Have a great evening!
When I buy clothes I look towards quality (and fit of course) above all else. In the end when I purchase something I want it to last for more than one wash!
You, my dear, are a genius. I think you need your own fashion talk show.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
Love this! Happy Tuesday babe xx
Great tips! Quality is one of the most important factors in shopping.
I think about this subject quite frequently since we consumers are so bombarded with choices, it can be quite overwhelming at times! My closet is quite a mix of everything and I pick up tons from consignment stores. I change my mind/get bored too often to spend too much on any one item!
Interesting post. I do shop a lot at H & M and Zara. Topshop just opened up in Chicago so I can add that to my list. I love etsy! 🙂
Just found your lovely blog! Thanks for the thoughtful post. I know I like to really invest in pieces I know I’ll be using a ton, and then shop at cheaper stores for trends and things I’m not sure I’ll want to wear for more than just the next season/ year
you always have such great shopping tips!!!
i really like these tips, i really have to practice on #2…sometimes buying just because the price is tempting is just not smart!
I didn’t know that about Amer. App? Wow, that is crazy.
As for the others..I NEVER shop Forever 21 or H&M for that exact reason..they rip off designers and they are SO cheaply made when you really put it to the test the cost per wear (once usually) makes it NOT that inexpensive, no?
That being said…you have to plump up your wardrobe with some inexpensive items (I like designer collabs and Old Navy, Gap) and invest in classic items like black suiting, great jeans, the perfect jacket from places that have great craftmenship and quality.
Ah, the eternal fashion battle, lol.
Great post.
C
All excellent tips! 1 and 2) Because we should strive to dress better in general with each new acquisition. 3) Because as you pointed out just because something’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s a bargain if it doesn’t get used and 4) Because it DOES matter how people at companies get treated and maybe if more consumers point that out there’ll be fewer jobs given based on looks and sweatshop environments.
Great tips for us divas on a budget.
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