When Your Price Point Changes
I have to take a moment to applaud the editors of Lucky for the July issue. Usually I have a good laugh each time it arrives in my mailbox, chuckling my way through $1000 dresses, $600 shoes, and $100 bubble bath and searching desperately — adhesive “YES!” flags in hand — for the affordable finds. But in this issue, everything — everything — is under $100. Which means on each page, if you like the general suggestion of say, citified rompers, your selection isn’t automatically cut down to the two options that cost less than $250. There’s also a list of sites with more $100 finds to peruse when you want to do some virtual shopping or just want to fill up your shopping cart and then close your browser, unscathed (am I the only one who does this on a very regular basis?). And as if Lucky and I couldn’t be any more simpatico, there are makeup recommendations from New York’s favorite vegan baker and superhottie, Erin McKenna.
But perhaps the most interesting thing about reading this issue for me personally was realizing how my personal price-points have shifted. Even with relatively low price tags, so many of the items in this issue felt overpriced and out of my grasp. Compare this to shopping with a friend of mine in Nolita about two years ago when I said what I thought was hilariously, yet sadly true: “$100 is the new $20.” What I meant, I should clarify, is that the days of my finding $20 vintage dresses seemed to be over. A “score” on a pretty sundress had drifted up from the $20 range significantly, so much so, in fact, that I thought $100 dress was sort of reasonable.
But a job loss and a world-wide economic shakedown can really shift your perspective back to its center. $100 is a significant amount of money to me now, an amount that is reserved solely for unglamorous necessities: the electricity bill, new running shoes, undergarments with elastic that hold their shape.
For those of you who have been consistently thrifty through the years, the talk of people’s values about money changing in the past year is undoubtedly irksome — you’ve been living close to the bone or cutting corners here and there for years, clipping coupons and making hard choices even before the popular culture caught up with you. It would annoy me, for sure, not unlike when the band you’ve loved for years winds up on the cover of Rolling Stone and suddenly everyone is asking you if you’ve heard of them. Um, yeah.
Even if you’ve always been thoughtful about the way you spend your money — and I assume the vast majority of us, with our interest in simple pleasures, have been — have you ever had a moment of clarity in which the sense of your personal bottom line changed? Maybe you decided you weren’t willing to spring for organic milk anymore, or the cost of cable didn’t seem worth it anymore, or that it was worth it to you to cancel the cable so you could afford organic milk. Whatever the catalyst, somehow, maybe when you weren’t even paying attention, have your feelings about the value of a dollar shifted, however subtly?
And while we’re at it, let’s make this an open thread on suggestions of where to find great bargains on cute clothes. Couldn’t hurt, right?
Lisa (dinner party): Great post, Sarah! Many of my girlfriends and I have totally changed the way that we shop. Not that I ever spent a lot on clothes, but I’m definitely impulse shopping less and looking for bargains more.
You turned me on to Tulle, which is a great site. I’m also loving a lot of the stuff on Need Supply Co: http://needsupply.com
I constantly find myself going back and forth between buying lots of disposable basics (ie: Forever 21, Old Navy, etc.) or more interesting, lasting pieces that are still within my budget. Anyone else feel this way?2 years ago
michaela: i just got the babycakes nyc cookbook and tried the blueberry muffins. yum!
i never read lucky but you’ve sparked my interest.2 years ago
michaela: lisa-i feel the same way. i try to buy nicer pants and bags and shoes and supplement with cheaper tops and things!2 years ago
Amy C: Goodwill. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found some Michael Kors jeans, a great jCrew skirt, or just some funky dresses for under 5 bucks. I live for vintage and thrift, and I’d say at least 70% of my wardrobe is made up of those pieces, and yet I don’t think anyone could guess.2 years ago
Lisa, Totally. I always hear Isaac Mizrahi and Clinton Kelly in my head, “buy quality, long-lasting pieces.” The truth of the matter is, though, I’m not really even sure I know how to find those things. I tend to wear things into the ground, or my body and tastes change, rendering the investment sort of obsolete. Know what I mean?
Amy C, I think it’s a sad fact of living in NY that the thrifting is just not the best. But I could do a better job of regularly combing places like Beacon’s Closet. In general though, it’s not like the days when I could shop at Lula in St Paul.2 years ago
Kate: In this economy, I bless the numerous times I heard clothing advice from my mother when I was in high school (and she was working her way up the GAP corporate ladder). “Buy quality.” “Buy good, solid classics – they always come back around, and you can always switch them up to fit the style.” “Take care of the good pieces you have and they’ll last you for a good while.” I’d definitely rather pay more for something that lasts a good bit longer than pay less for a crappy tee that holes out in a couple of months.
I don’t mind saving up to buy a pricey piece ($100-$120) from Banana Republic or Talbot’s, especially for work or dress. I can always dress up a plain pantsuit or LBD with cheaper accessories. Even for everyday wearables, I don’t mind spending a little more for better quality, especially on pants. (I’m hell on pants.) I’m a big fan of Kohl’s, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s, though Target will sometimes do in a pinch.2 years ago
Sara Rose: Sigh. When I think “basics” I think a good pair of dark rinse trouser jeans, a couple pairs of well cut pants in black, herringbone, tweed. I think one or two skirts a couple basic button blouses, a couple dresses, and a few sweaters. But that all adds up too. If its a basic black cardigan but with trendy features (ruffles, rusching, whatever) then I’ll get it somewhere like Old Navy or Target or whatever. If its something I can REALLY see myself loving for years then I’ll splurge.
2 years ago
But the days of splurging have ALWAYS been few and far between for us. When does ones priorities shift? When they are a poor student and a mother. When they look at their paycheck and think “I can pay 2 bills, buy groceries, and put gas in my car, and thats it.” Thats when they shift.
terplover: As a college student I have two groups of essential items, my college essentials and my work essentials. In the college grouping my essential basics include two good pairs of jeans, basic fitted t-shirts, a pair of sneakers (essential when you walk 3+ miles to class/work each day), light sweaters for layering and a pair of flats. In the work essentials I include a good pair of three-season pants, a skirt, three button down shirts, a pair of dressy flats and a pair of black pumps.
In terms of finding good pieces, especially the funky ones that I want to dress up my wardrobe with, I am a huge fan of estate sales. It might sound weird, but they tend to have good vintage pieces that just need a little bit of cleaning and maybe a little bit of tailoring. Many times, I can do all of the basic alterations myself or with the assistance of a friend (pinning up a hem by oneself is impossible!). On the same vein, I greatly enjoy going to thrift stores, rummage sales and yard sales for fun accessories and other clothes.2 years ago
Sarah: I’ve been loving Lulus.com and ShopRuche.com for interesting and affordable clothing and shoes. In fact a dress I’d been eying at Lulus I saw going for twice the price at a trendy little Baltimore boutique last weekend. I try to mix up cheap basics that will wear out about the time I tire of them and just a very few nicer things (still on sale) from J. Crew or Anthro that I can be really proud of.2 years ago
Sarah, Both of those sites are new to me, and I just got a major excitement rush! Thanks for the tips!2 years ago
michele rosenthal: I have always been aware of my spending, even when and if I didn’t have to be. I remember the days in my mid 20′s when I would never even splurge on a hard cover book, but head to my local library instead. I hope that when things turn around in this global recession that the designers don’t forget about us and design beautiful clothes and products that only the rich and famous can afford. I know that even if I can afford it , it doesn’t mean I am willing to spend it. Plus I am a creative person. I’m a strong believer that if you are creative the last thing you want to do is look like you walked out of a magazine or live in a house that looks like everyone elses. The vast majority of compliments I get are almost always on the inexpensive finds that I have slowly gathered over time. ( I would give up the cable for the organic milk, If I had to choose, I would rather read than watch tv) oh and Jcrew is offering 20% off now!!2 years ago
Bernie: I’ve been a hardened bargain shopper since infancy — when I was seven I refused to spend $12 of my hard-earned $20 (my first money!) on a t-shirt because it was “too much.”
My single biggest piece of advice is: wait. Many times I’ve gone into a store, found something I loved, and then left in disappointment because I couldn’t find it. Then, a few weeks later, or even a different store, I would find it again at a fraction of the price. Even if there is a classic that is worth splurging on that I want, I’ll wait until it’s affordable or I find an affordable version of it to buy. I’ve saved lots of money this way, although some would argue that the pleasure of immediate ownership is worth the extra cost.
My other piece of advice is: be flexible. The Steve Madden maryjanes will never be as luxurious as the Marc Jacobs ones. But they’re cute, and comfortable, and go with all the same outfits, and hey — after buying them, I can afford to go out to dinner for the next week.2 years ago
happy shopper: I have one word for you: clearance.
I love clothes from stores like J Jill and Ann Taylor Loft, but I am not too keen on their prices.
But their websites always have clearance sections where I pretty regularly find some amazingly discounted deals.
And if you go to google or any other search engine and look for coupons (for instance, type “J Jill coupon” into google) you will often find coupon codes for extra % off or free shipping! There are entire sites devoted to sharing these types of coupon codes with the world
2 years ago
Lisa (dinner party): Agreed on waiting it out–I treat it as a personal test as to whether I really like and need something, as opposed to just grabbing it off the rack on a whim.2 years ago
Ruth @ GraceLaced: Lately I’ve been digging the $3-$5 chunky fabric+epoxy bangles and earrings over at Forever 21. I don’t buy any clothes there, but rather, check the “additional off” sales at Gap, Kohl’s, and Dillard’s. A bit on accessories goes a long way when you are shopping mostly in your own closet!2 years ago
Michele, I couldn’t agree more with creativity being apart of thriftiness and the desire to be unique. And thanks for the tip on J Crew!
Bernie, I love that story from when you were little. Waiting it out is something I do, like Lisa, to determine whether or not I really want something.
Happy Shopper, Hell yeah on the clearance sections and the online coupons, the latter of which have routinely saved me $50-60 on everything from vacations to clothes. A great tip.
PS Random: on restaurants.com, you can buy gift certificates for less than their face value; for example, a $50 gift certificate for $20. Amazing!2 years ago
miss fae: i’ve always lived on close to nothing, as you know, but the thing that not having an income has really affected? The Treats Truck! No more weekend cookies2 years ago
Christine S.: The first month that I didn’t have an extra income as a part of my life was the first time in my life that I became vastly aware of what should/shouldn’t be worthy of my hard earned cash. Becoming a single parent isn’t something many of us plan on doing. Having two kids and a smidgen of support really places clarity in one’s life when it comes to priorities.
For almost 8 years, this has been the case. And, I have to say that I’ve learned a lot on the way. Most people who really care about you or wish to get to know you well enough to care about you don’t mind that you wear the same 5 outfits every week of the year with minor seasonal adjustments. Most people who know you don’t wish to spend “quality” time shopping. Most people I know who care about me, and come from all walks of life as far as spending ability is concerned, enjoy the parts of our family/friendship that do not involve the dollar.
As far as tips for frugality, all necessities first, extra money is spent on the things that keep the necessities in tact (good food=good health=fewer copayments on doctor’s visits and medicines). If there is anything left over, a nice little trip can make all the difference sometimes for whatever else is “missing” materialistically!2 years ago
Wendy Bussell: We just finished our debt reduction plan, it took us 6 years! Now we have recession. We are still in the same place we were, only no debt, but for mortgage. Have been in- wearing the same thing bracket- for so long I don’t know what else to do. As far as shopping for clothes go, not until I HAVE TO replace something, then I always, always, always shop thrift stores first. I am not a fashion follower, but a style stickler. First of all, my body shape, size never gets to wear whats hot at the moment. So instead of fighting it and wasting a lot of money in the battle, I shop for what works for me to begin with. I know the style, shape, size and colors that work for me and I go with that. We find so many GREAT buys in thrift stores that it is just crazy to shop anywhere else (undies are always new, unless it is a slip) and my daughters are now learning that at a young age. We do check out what stores have to offer, have trying on binges, and then check the thift stores. They have come away with Ann Taylor Loft for 1.50. Tommy Hilfiger 3.00, Tommy Bahama 4.00.
Knowing how to alter is also a plus. Or find a great alterations place that will help you out.
The mindset is the most important. Looking at each place you are in as an adventure is a lot better than looking at it as a crisis. Yes, it may be critical, but nobody else has to know by the way we look,talk, act, think. We all have to sucumb to change, if we do it with as much gracefullness as we can muster, it won’t be quite so hard.2 years ago
Allison Conley: Thank you all – I needed to read this today!
Sarah, your Aunt Madelyn wants you to organize a shopping trip to the Goodwill Thrift store in Northampton.
XOX MOM2 years ago
Christine S., I couldn’t agree more about shopping together as female bonding time — I would so much rather be alone! And thank you so much for writing that last paragraph. Necessities first! I needed that reminder.
Wendy, Your comment about mindset is such a wise one. If we look at most things as an adventure rather than a crisis, we can get through a hell of lot.2 years ago
Starlene: I know NY thrift stores are picked over and not so cheap anymore but here in San Diego you can still do fairly well. Estate and yard sales are excellent options especially in nicer areas. But my favorite, and the way I stylishly clothed 2 children as a single mom with no child support, was ebay. you have to be diligent but it can be done. When my daughter was in junior high (she was bussed to a school in a very wealthy neighborhood) she wore the same clothes as the other girls in her school. The only difference is that I managed it on a budget of $200 per year.2 years ago
Erin: This is such a great thread! I too believe in splurging on basics (a good pair of jeans, good quality tops and t-shirts, and one kick-ass every day purse) and then having fun with trendy stuff like accessories.
And thank God for the sale rack at Banana Republic!2 years ago
anne: I read the July issue of Lucky too. I agree there was lots of cute stuff, but $100 is still too high for me. I found the best sales at my local Banana Republic, Gap and J.Crew outlet stores. Sometimes, they’ll discount the clearance rack 50% off the outlet prices! Great prices and quality clothing.2 years ago
Christine S.: Erin – I so agree! My kids go to a rather wealthy neighborhood school, too. We shop sales racks slightly off-season (a month or so into the new season or at the very end of a season) at even Hollister! The sales areas are the best parts of the store.
And, we resale shop from time-to-time. My friends and I send each other things we find that are unique and that way each of us, who are in the same boat, receive little gifts of something that is new to us during the course of the year!2 years ago
AC Siapno: I love being thrifty, its a side effect of being raised POOR… But as I have grown into adult hood and gotten married I found myself not so economically challenged… and then the recession… I think my abilities of creating a meal out of three cans of random finds in the pantry are coming in SO handy. My friends and husband used to laugh, but you gotta know how to stretch a dollar now.
I’m new to your site and love the fresh take on the dolce vida
2 years ago
Welcome, AC! And yes–thank heavens for knowing how to make something from nothing!
2 years ago
Suzy: Yowza, has my perception of the almighty dollar changed! Not so much because of the economy per se, but from opening a new business with high overhead and a lot of start-up costs. We can take only about half of the paycheques we took before–which isn’t even enough to cover our basic monthly bills, so….Yeah, it’s been rough. I can’t even afford the weekend paper anymore. I know it won’t be forever (I HOPE not!), and reminding myself of this does help, but it still sucks to not be able to afford to go to a movie–even on cheap night! I can’t offer advice on inexpensive fashion finds since I am not buying anything non-essential these days (I had to spend my recent b-day money and tax return on gas, bills, and groceries)…Sorry. Doesn’t being an adult just blow sometimes? At least it’s summer!2 years ago
Suzy, Being an adult really does blow sometimes, but I just have to say: how amazing that you’ve started your own business! I know first-hand (second-hand?) from being in a relationship with someone who runs his own business that the trials of it are neverending–BUT, you are following your dream and are the captain of your own ship. And that, sorry to be corny, is priceless.2 years ago
Andrea: The biggest thing I’ve realized in the past few years is that no one notices or cares how often you wear outfits. I will even wear the same outfit twice in a week these days. Only needing 5-6 outfits total in your wardrobe is a big money saver. Just buy separates that you can switch out. And cheap jewelry from Target and flea markets.2 years ago
Alice: Clearly, people save money in all different ways. I’ve heard the “buy quality basics and have fun with accessories” but I’ve actually had more success doing the opposite. I’ve spent significant (for me) amounts on quality accessories – a beautiful 3-tiered yellow beaded necklace from anthropologie, high quality gold hoop earrings with some detail, a stunning navajo turquoise bracelet, etc.. and then I keep the outfit simple. I think this saves more money in the long run -and you’re bound to get compliments. I wear these accessories several times a week and think the overall affect is one of easy style…I can get away with wearing a white t-shirt to teach in because it’s paired with smart looking necklace. I think people should be motivated by their own sense of style and by what looks best on them. I feel cheap in inexpensive or plastic jewelry, but see others wearing similar things who look fantastic.2 years ago
jen jafarzadeh: my friends and I have totally had the same conversation about pricepoints! Our analogy/conclusion was that we went from being J.Crew shoppers in high school to Old Navy shoppers now. J.Crew feels like a designer brand now to me with its prices.2 years ago
Suellen: This was a great article! You can find great clothes at unbelieveable prices at my store, Suellen’s Secret! It’s a consignment boutique in the Historic District of Pensacola, FL.2 years ago
Elizabeth: Great post! I recommend tulle.com for excellent sales and fun, unique clothes. Like Anthropologie, but about 1/4 of the price most of the time.2 years ago
rachael: Were starting to feel the recession more and more here in Toronto. My boyfriends work is moving jobs over to india now. Although he hasnt been affected yet, this past week we gave up our horribly expensive swanky apartment to move into a charming victorian that is amazingly inexpensive. We will not be getting cable and will be saving over $1000 a month from this move.
I used to be a spender, but cant bring myself to buy clothes right now…they no longer have the appeal anymore and my values have changed.
As for advice? Clearance is totally the way to go, but on a more creative note I have found the joy of bartering.
I am a painter on the side and have found that many of my artistic friends want to barter goods. I will custom make a painting in exchange for incredible peruvian emerald jewlery or a handmade dress or a hand tooled leather purse.
Or in regards to services, my friends and I are supporting each other, I am a great cook so I will prepare a delectable feast made with veggies grown in my own yard for a couple in exchange of them helping me build a bookshelf that would normally cost me $300 to buy.
Bartering man, its the way to go right now, it brings people together to support each other and brings a sense of pride and creativity to a difficult situation.
Generations past had skills like quilting and carving for a reason.2 years ago
geek+nerd: If anything good has come out of this economic crisis, and this is something very small, I think it is magazine articles similar to your Lucky issue. I have noticed that all of my favorite magazines, BUST, Martha Stewart Living, Readymade, etc, have all been sporting articles on simplifying, saving, cutting corners. Even though I’ve been thrifty my whole life, (when you’re an artist, it’s a necessary way of life), I find that sometimes your money saving routine can get you in a deep rut of boredom. I welcome someone else’s take on my routine! Belt tightening inspires innovation and that I like. (I only get annoyed at what I feel are the overtly obvious money savers, like “You don’t have to wear $600 shoes!!!” Really. No kidding? HA!)2 years ago