I love reading a lot of other blogs because I get inspired by certain trends, the styling of an outfit or an awesome product review. I enjoy supporting others in the blogging community and learning about their perspective and sense of style. The blogs I read vary from bloggers who tend to wear more high-end pieces to ones who wear exclusively more affordable items, to some who mix pricier items with inexpensive ones (hello Forever 21 accessories!)
Personally, I like to have a balance but I do like to feature a lot of affordable clothes. I tend to buy higher-end cosmetics, but when it comes to clothes and accessories, I like to mix pricier items with totally inexpensive ones (and I consider “pricey” to be any one item that costs more than about $80 or so, for reference.) One of my favorite accessories of the moment is a key necklace I paid $4.50 for at Forever 21. Nearly every time I wear it someone compliments it and they never believe it when I tell them were I got it!
My reason for writing this post is to ask the question- Do you judge clothes on the brand name and how much they cost, or do you judge them by how they look and how they’re styled?
I’ve gotten comments before basically “poking fun” at the fact that a lot of the clothes I feature are from Forever 21, Target, Express, etc.. (more inexpensive stores)
Personally, I think it shouldn’t matter where a garment is from, but what it looks like. It’s odd to me when people say everything from a certain store is cheap or doesn’t look good. Sure, there’s some horrible, tacky stuff at Forever 21…but there are also so many incredible items…again, it’s about balance.
A lot of magazines have a feature called “splurge vs. steal” and oftentimes the looks are nearly identical with the “steal” costing sometimes as little as 1/4 of what the “splurge” cost.
So, does price really matter? Does a higher price always mean better quality? Do you think it matters where someone buys something, or does it matter more how it looks? Do you ever judge someone or think that if they wear clothes from more inexpensive stores, they look cheap?
I often wonder if people would judge clothing differently if bloggers didn’t post where they got the item and/or how much it cost. There may be a psychological association with low price meaning low quality for some people.
I think you have to assess each garment on a case by case basis, no matter where it’s purchased. I’ve gotten items from Forever 21 that I can wear years later, and others that haven’t held up so well. I’ve also purchased expensive cardigans from stores like Club Monaco that I can’t even wear anymore because they look so horrible after having worn and washed them.
Tell me what you think! Does the price or brand of a garment change your opinion of it? Any other thoughts on the topic are welcome.
Before I go, I’ll say this- I’m always impressed when someone is able to balance expensive and inexpensive pieces and when someone manages to find an incredible piece of clothing or an accessory that looks amazing only to find they got it for $20.00! I think the fashion industry has evolved a lot in the last five years or so. Women have better access to stylish and trendy clothes and accessories at a variety of price points. It’s easy for almost anyone to look stylish and cute (no matter what the price!)
As always, thank you for reading.
xoxo,
Veronika.
PS- for all you fashionistas out there looking for great deals, I have to give a shout-out to the blog “The Look 4 Less” because she really does an incredible job at finding “dupes” for items that are pricey!
I share the same philosophy as you when it comes to mixing high and low end. I do that with makeup too!
Lately I've been finding some great looking pieces at more 'affordable' stores and have been asked by colleagues on where I got the clothes. They are always surprised at the answer! (Do you remember Smart Set and Reitmans? — they have some amazing stuff lately so I've been able to get more for my $)
For me, I don't think you need to spend an arm and a leg to look good.
Unfortunately I have expensive taste- and not just because I CHOOSE expensive over cheap.
Because if given a choice between two similar items, I could probably just tell- if they're side-by-side, BUT I definitely don't discriminate the cheap stuff! I do what you do- buy what looks GOOD.
There are some expensive clothing items from my favorite store that I would NEVER buy because they look cheap and crappy.
In my experience it's so tough for me to find cheap clothing (i.e. SALE racks, F21, etc.) This may sound weird, but my body wasn't "made" for cheap clothes. This is ONLY from my personal experience, but the way some of the cheaper items are cut….no way…will not work. I have big boobs and I'm curvy, tall, etc. That combo hasn't fared well for me especially in some tops from F21- and I LOVE them. Usually I end up with the seam cutting my boobs in half.
So, yeah- my long-winded answer. It doesn't matter as long as it looks cute and put together IMO.
1st – Love the new Header V!
In regards to "cheap" clothes… I don't judge others (especially bloggers) for buying/wearing them, mostly because bloggers have a knack for styling them in a way where they look stylish and flattering (AND MORE EXPENSIVE)… however, I have a terrible time shopping in 'cheaper' stores… between searching through racks, ill fitting sizes because of my short/petiteness, I mostly do have an issue with the fabric and construction of the garments.
In my experiences, things from F21 or Old Navy will lose shape and color after washing and last no more than a few months, where as things from Nordstrom, JCrew, BR etc just seem to last longer in my closet…. just my experience, so bc of that, I'd rather spend $80 on a cardigan that I'll wear for 2 years, than $25 and throw out in 3 months…
FWIW, people who "judge" you on YOUR blog are just trying to get a reaction. You should wear what makes you feel good and what appeals to you (not anonymous people)… I love that you're confident to take risks and feel good mixing and matching pieces from a variety of retail stores…
I'm all about finding deals when shopping. I think it's much more rewarding when you can buy something that looks great and doesn't cost a fortune.
Additionally, when you purchase clothing that is inexpensive, there is more room to buy more clothing because of the money you have saved.
I think it takes real personal style to look good on a budget. Sure, sometimes inexpensive clothing looks cheap (but I think this is quite rare, especially with the tissue-thin fabrics out there, rips, slashes, distressed, etc. that designers charge huge chunks of change for) but not often. When you're buying on a budget, you need to have some sort of style sense to mix and match your items. You need to be creative and in turn, you will come up with fabulous outfits that don't cost a ton. If you look good, what does it matter how much your top or shoes cost? It shouldn't! It doesn't.
It's easy to be stylish in designer duds. You already know it's stylish, you pay a fortune, put it on and if anyone asks, 'It's designer' and you're all good. C'mon. Anyone with money can do that, and while they look great, being stylish on a budget is much more of a challenge (that I think is great fun).
Lastly, I cannot believe that people would ridicule you for shopping at those stores. I LOVE those stores and am PROUD to get deals. My friends are always asking me where I picked stuff up and cannot believe it when I finally tell them and reveal that my skirt was $12 or I (gasp!) got something at a thrift store.
Keep up the bargain hunting, the way you do it is very stylish.
A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984
I will splurge on some things like a special dress or slacks for work, but overall I guess I would be considered really cheap in the fashion world…I consider Express expensive and stuff from there a splurge usually. There are somethings I just wouldn't do even if I were really wealthy- like spend $40 on a cotton tee like I have seen at some places.
Thanks so much for all of your responses so far! I really appreciate you took the time to write a thoughtful response.
ACo- I do feel a sense or pride/joy when I find an item that looks expensive (but wasn't!) there's definitely a fun challenge to styling more inexpensive clothes.
prettyface- I know what you mean about clothes not fitting right sometimes. I could NEVER buy cheap dress pants for example, because I am so darn tall and stores like Forever 21 wouldn't even carry an inseam long enough for my legs!
When people say that they don't think someone can look good/styling on budget clothes, it makes me think they must think almost everyone they see looks bad. I have always gotten everything from Target/ON/Express etc and have never even bothered going in some stores…but I feel I look good when I go to work, as do the other teachers I work with (who also shop the same).
cassie- I think sometimes people who don't have a genuine sense of style are the ones that have a tougher time shopping in more inexpensive stores at Forever 21. It frustrates them because you have to LOOK for the cute items among the bad ones. Stores that are pricier tend to have less options, and are easier because most of the stuff is a selection of really nice clothing. You don't have to go through 100 racks of clothing to find 5 good pieces.
It also comes down to quality. Some cheaper items last long, others don't hold up at all. It's a hit and miss, for sure.
i meant to say "like forever 21"
and to clarify- I don't mean that people who only buy expensive clothes have no style at all! I hope it didn't come across that way. I just think the beauty of styling well is knowing that the most expensive options aren't the only ones, and that you can create a great look without spending a lot or finding a "dupe" for a more expensive item.
OK. (lol): I do think higher price items are usually better quality– to get the nice fabrics, it costs more, period. BUT, many brands will upcharge to a crazy amount even though the leather is the same as something half the price. For example, a cashmere sweater from F21 will not be as nice as J Crew's cashmere, but Prada's cashmere is probably not proportionately better than J. Crew's (definitely not $1,000 better, for sure!). Or a Banana Republic leather bag is just as nice (quality wise) as a YSL, but the prices are definitely much different. You are paying for the label in lots of cases, but to some people that's worth it. I am a bit of a label whore, but I still treasure some of my F21, Charlotte Russe and Target purchases. I like my balance, too, but I weigh every purchase differently. Sometimes, it's worth it to pay for the label (to me), and sometimes it's not. 🙂
Justine, you have a really balanced attitude about it, which I think is great 🙂 I'm on the market for designer sunglasses right now…and I'm Ok with spending more because I'll wear them every single day…so I don't feel bad splurging…you're right, it's about weighing the purchase.
Fun post! As you know, I like to balance my outfits as well. I have absolutely no problem wearing head to toe Target or F21. I think beautiful, well-made items are available at every price point and I kind of like to hunt for an awesome piece amongst the cheapy stuff. I love my higher end pieces, and they have withstood the test of time in my wardrobe. But I also have a few Target and F21 pieces that have worn well too. I don't discriminate against any store (except A&F, LOL) or label.
I'm always impressed by people who can put "cheap" pieces together and end up looking like a million bucks. Cheap definitely can look cheap, but expensive can also look cheap. If someone has no sense of style buying at high end stores doesn't suddenly make them stylish.
I do believe in investing in “timeless”clothing items. Fashion trends change so much and for some items it is not worth paying much. I love a good deal!
For me jeans are one item I hate to spend a lot on but I truly can’t find jeans to fit my body just right and cost “less” at the same time (which doesn’t mean that every pair of jeans I own are $150+). And I’m still in search of well designed jeans for less.
So nothing wrong with buying cheap or expensive…just don't judge others by where they shop 🙂
Once again, another great post! I am just like you Veronika: I buy more high-end makeup, but I love shopping for clothes at Forever 21, Express, and H&M. Oh, and TJ Maxx is my new obsession! I love designers such as Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Chanel, but I can't really afford those yet. I think it's all about the mix. I like to mix different brands to create a cohesive look. And if I do splurge, it's usually on a piece of jewelry, a bag, or shoes. I definitely have an open mind and don't really care about the label as long it's a nice, well made item. But a Chanel bag…I am saving, and one day I will own one! It's kind of a goal of mine, as silly as that sounds 😉 I guess overall, I am a lover of beautiful clothing, I can appreciate a designer's work. But I don't mind admiring from afar!
I really agree with pretty much everything Justine posted above:) I've worked in retail with both apparel and cosmetics and the markups are often laughable to be honest! I guess I would say that I'm willing to pay more for quality not a label. Quality comes at all price points! But I also understand how pricier pieces sometimes have a better fit due to the fabric and tailoring. For example, I'm more apt to pay more for pants and skirts than I am tops. Pants are just harder for me to find good fits so spending more in that area usually works for me. But I also have a pair of jeans from JC Penney that fit like a glove! And, I have very funny shaped feet and I'm allergic to a lot of imitation leather. I can't tell you how many pairs of Target shoes I've had to give to friends bc they didn't fit properly or made my feet swell and itch. However, genuine leather typically fits better bc it forms to my feet and I'm not allergic!
I agree with you completely! Plus sometimes quality stores just aren't quality. I recently bought a cardigan and two t-shirts from J. Crew that had holes in them within two washings. (Anyone know there return policy? I would really like to get my money back!) And at the same time I have never had that happen to me with clothes from Forever 21… (interesting huh?!)
I will also splurge on "work clothes" i.e. black pants and simple and modest tops from The Limited because I love the way the clothes fit and the quality is great…(no holes in these clothes either!)
I think your outfits always look well put together and classy. I love the saying "it's not what you wear – it's how you wear it!"…it's never about price – some people can make expensive clothes look cheap, and vice versa.
Personally – I tend to shop at cheaper clothing stores (Old Navy, Payless, Garage)…I honestly don't find that the clothes wear out any more than higher-end shops…
There are somethings I pay up for…nice handbags, tailoured clothes, premium denim…but for others, I like buying cheap and cheerful, so I can wear and donate without feeling guilt!
For the most part, I shop at more inexpensive stores. For example.. Target, Kohls, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, American Eagle, Gap (which is still expensive to me sometimes), etc. I love fashion, and I wouldn't buy something if I didn't love it.. but I just can't justify spending so much money on one item when there is a ton of other stuff I'd rather be spending my money on. Now, that being said.. I do like to splurge every now and again.. for those "HAVE TO HAVE" items. For me, those items would be shoes, jeans, bathing suits, and bras.
All that matters to me is how the outfit is put together and how it looks. I'm a regular on the F&B board and to be honest, I can't help but laugh sometimes when I see how much some of those ladies spend on clothing, especially when you take into consideration that the quality of most of those expensive items aren't really any better. They're simply paying more for the brand/designer name which makes me assume that a) they're naive and b) I wonder how much credit card debt they have? LOL Call me judgmental if you want, but those are usually the first thoughts that come to my mind.
It also makes me laugh because some of the clothes that I see Nesties and bloggers buying are just downright hideous, and they're paying a fortune for them! I'd rather spend 20 bucks on a cute dress from F21 than $200 on a butt ugly designer dress… haha.
I've purchased work clothes from stores like Ann Taylor Loft and Banana Republic, but they haven't held up any better than the clothes I've gotten from Target and Charlotte Russe so I don't fall for the argument that more expensive = higher quality = longer lasting. I think that's a bunch of bull lol. I take pretty good care of my clothes by dry cleaning them at home so I can get my cheap stuff to last for years.
Wow honestly I'm so naive that I never thought about this before. I've never really cared where my clothes came from…I have an obsession with cute underthings so often my VS bra and undie combination cost more than my tops.
All clothes wear out eventually – all the woolite and handwashing and air drying in the world is not going to save it from stains, rips, tears, and stretching. If it's beautiful and you can afford it go for it but I'd never assume the quality was worth the price. Clothes are certainly not woth going into dept over. I consider spending more $ on slacks for work, nice jeans, a great bag, shoes that don't pinch, a warm coat, etc that I could get my moneys worth out of the wear.
I'm with you about balancing expensive and inexpensive items. I don't think it matters where an item is from or it's cost as long as you love it and it looks great on you.
I've had items from F21 last me for years while more expensive items ($80+) don't last as long.
Also, sometimes you're only going to wear a piece once or twice so it's not always worth spending a ton of cash on it. I think some items are worth dropping extra cash on than other items, but have noticed that between my friends and I the items vary. For me, watches, jeans, bras, and sunglasses are worth the extra dough. I don't spend a lot on shoes or bags because I am so hard on them I haven't noticed a significant difference between high and low end items. Some of my items I would buy the same even if money wasn't an issue.
Sometimes for trends it's best to buy a low end knock off first to see if the trend is something you love and enjoy wearing than a more expensive item might be worth it. It's an easy way to try new trends/looks without breaking the bank and then dropping major cash on the items you can't live without.
I really enjoyed this post, I too follow blogs with people who are across the board with their purchases. I also enjoy reading your blog and feel that your purchases are similar to mine and I like seeing how you wear/style your clothes and home and your reviews on stuff. Thanks!
I wear things from Target and Marshalls occasionally, and ironically I always get the most compliments from people when I'm wearing "cheaper" clothing. People on the street always compliment my outfit and how great and put together I look, and I never tell them where I bought the items. I think some people are just freaking snobs, and as soon as they hear a cheaper store name, they automatically seem less thrilled about your look. But when you say "oh I forget, some store in South Coast Plaza!" they seem to like it more when they think it's from a high end mall or store.
Who knows, people are weird. I definately think it's a psychological association… especially because so many girls out there base their entire ego on the fact that they own "expensive" clothing… people in general value "expensive" things that other people can't attain. So obviously the more elusive and expensive your clothes look, it's envied and viewed as unique and unattainable.. but as soon as they find out its from a less expensive store, it suddenly becomes attainable and they're not impressed anymore.
Same as telling someone you're a surgeon vs. a secretary, or that you went to Harvard vs. a state university, they're always more impressed by the pricier more elusive option. Humans are shallow, shallow creatures 🙂
I'm the biggest bargain hunter ever, favouring op-shops and ebay over 'real' shopping.
On ebay I've found many bargains…such an Espirt tee for a fraction of what it would have cost in the shops. If I really want a certain something – such as the perfect pair of black heels which is what I'm looking for at the moment – I will search until I find what I want and at a price I'm willingly to pay. The most I've ever paid for a pair of shoes is $50AUD.
Call me cheap but I was a student who has recently started working almost fulltime and I'm used to not having a lot of money to spend on clothing and accessories. I'm pretty proud of my abilty to find items of clothing for next to nothing. I think the key is to buy items of clothing that are a) timeless b) suit your body and c) that you love.
I think it doesn't matter how much an item of clothing costs, it's how you wear it.
i think you should buy whatever looks best on you, be it "cheap" or high end. that being said, i try my best to only buy things on sale. i have tons of stuff from old navy, target & f21 but i also have a fair amount of high end labels hanging in my closet as well. it's all in when and where you purchase from. i think mixing high/low end and designers is great!
My clothing budget is not large. The majority of my wardrobe is from Old Navy and Target, with some other things thrown in. I am CHEAP! Therefore, I judge not! I love seeing the steals!
Katie – regarding JCrew take the items in, they should refund the most recent price (meaning if they are now on sale but you bought full price, they'll at least give you the sale refund)… keep in mind this needs to be within a reasonable amount of time from purchase (maybe <3months) they normally can pull your purchase up without a receipt if you used any credit card….
Good Luck!
I totally agree wtih your entire post. I think that putting "cheap" and more expensive pieces together can really make an outfit look great.
That being said, it's quite funny because I tend to judge a bit on the OTHER side of the spectrum…if I see someone on a blog or in person and they have something really cute on and I ask where'd you get that and they say and/or tell me how much it is…I find myself judging them MORE if they say it was say, $200 for a skirt or pair of jeans. I have never in my life bought a pair of designer jeans nor have I ever even spent $80 on a top – ever! That doesn't mean I don't wear them, it just means I don't pay full retail price, ever. Its just something I refuse to do.
I am CERTAINLY NOT knocking anyone who does spend the money, I just find that if I look hard enough I'll find something identical or similar for a LOT less.
And double whammy kudos to Look 4 Less she has made my bargain hunting soooooooo much easier. Quite possibly the BEST and most useful blog I've ever read.
I choose things by the way the look and fit me. I am loyal to certain stores bc they have a style that fits me well (BR pants. it's very hard for me to find pants that look right, so I always go back to BR). I love getting deals, so even when I shop at a higher end place, I try to buy if there is some type of deal. In the last year or so, I have noticed that there is NO point to paying full price for anything. A sale is always around the corner!
I love your style. I always say – it's not the clothes, it's who wears them. Good self esteem and happiness go a long way!
Can you do a post on how you blow out your hair – a step by step.
Thanks:)
TGIF
I’m the opposite of you, Veronika! I pretty much only buy drugstore makeup and beauty products, but tend to spend more on clothing pieces. I have a kind of system, though. Jeans, sunglasses, and handbags are my “staples” that I tend to splurge on. I only own designer products for these items, and they literally have lasted me YEARS. My oldest designer purchase is a Fendi bag from 7 years ago that I still use on a regular basis! Same goes for jeans. I have been wearing the same pairs of jeans for years and years, but I only buy one or two new pairs a year, if that. To an outsider, it seems like I have this arsenal of jeans, but the truth is, I don’t spend that much on them because I don’t buy that many. Just over the years I’ve amassed a lot, and I still wear them ALL.
However, anything goes for other purchases! I pretty much ONLY buy my tops from Forever 21, or Target, or wherever I can find them for cheap. I hate spending over $20 on a top! I love sundresses from cheaper stores, too, because I live in them all summer and I like to be able to buy new ones all the time! Same with shoes. I have no shame buying shoes from GoJane and Target. People compliment my shoes all the time, and are shocked when I tell them where I got them!
I would much rather buy inexpensive clothes versus expensive, however, it always seems that the expensive ones (or what I consider to be pricey) are the ones that fit me best. I consistently run into the same problems with lower-priced items: armholes that are too large, necklines that are too low, boob darts that are in the wrong place, among other issues. I tend to find a brand that fits me well and stick with it, and then not branch out b/c it usually leads to disappointment or frustration, or both.
With cosmetics, I rarely spend a lot. Most of my stuff comes from CVS and Clinique. As far as accessories, I usually buy more expensive items here (and buy a lot less frequently) b/c I've had bad experiences with costume jewelry turning my neck, ears and fingers green, and I hate purses made of PVC b/c they make the contents smell like plastic IMO which gives me a headache. However, I don't have a problem with carrying the same purse for 10yrs either, and if I'm going to carry it that long it damn well better last.
I just wrote a blog on this yesterday about a denim romper I purchased from express! 🙂 Personally F21 is my favorite store. I have a gold owl ring I bought from there and I wear it all the time and everyday someone compliments me on it and people are so interested in it that when I tell them i got it for $3 they're shocked! 🙂
I just started following and I love your blog!
I actually get excited when I see an OOTD and like something then scroll down to the bottom and find out its from a place I can realistically afford. Sure, its nice to get brand names here and there on classic pieces, but I love trends and I hate spending money on something I may not wear in a year.
-Amanda
(The Pretty Pauper)
Follow my blog if you'd like…
http://www.prettypauperstyle.blogspot.com
-Amanda
(The Pretty Pauper)
Feel free to follow my blog 🙂
http://www.prettypauperstyle.blogspot.com
I think it is all about balancing high and low end pieces. When it comes to denim, I don't think cheap is anywhere near as good as high end. But, accessories, trendier tops, and even sun dresses can definitely be purchased on the cheap and look great! This was a fabulous post, and I completely agree with your theory about mixing high and low end!
Inexpensive can definitely be just as stylish!! I shop both low end–like F21, and a few more expensive items mixed in here or there. I would say I spend the most on jeans, (but just buy less) and shoes (have "problem" feet, so they have to be super-comfy!!)
No way, someone with amazing style can wear a dress that was 5 dollars and make it look like a $400 dress!
Ooooh I love that key necklace! I agree; you can definitely find clothes than cost less than designer brands but still look just as fabulous!
Thanks for sharing these great looks 🙂