Yearly Clothes Budget

[kealina]

Re: Yearly Clothes Budget

I always wear my MOST expensive clothes first, because I wash them so seldomly they rarely wear out. Usually by the time I wear out something, the item of clothing doesn't fit me anymore. I am still growing.

I think too many people "save" their expensive clothes. Clothes are meant to be worn all the time. A lot of clothes are literally rotten away on the shelves due to silverfish and moths. Sunlight and humidity also degrades fabric. Clothes are not meant to be saved. They are meant to be worn.

People can always find good deals later. Clothes outdate quickly and people change shapes over time. Clothes are meant to be enjoyed at the moment. People should not worry about wearing out clothes eventually. After all, few people can not afford to replace clothes that are worn out.

shengmei,
i definately agree that people should make use of what they have... unless i am going somewhere dirty, i just wear whatever i want... i have lots of regular and expensive clothes that i got cheap at yard sales as i've built my wardrobe... and i'm lucky because i have been roughly the same size for over 10 years and do actually get to wear out clothing, even the good kind... i don't bother to save it, although i have to admit i am sometimes sad when i wear out something i used a lot...
like my favorite nikes that i wore for marching band/school for 7 years... or my nordstroms black heels ($1 at a yard sale 10 years ago)... is it pathetic that i still miss them occasionally? lol...
i actually don't think clothes outdate that quickly unless you go for the trendy stuff but i do agree that people change shape over time... i may be roughly the same size but i'm definately not the same shape... and i can definately afford to replace clothes that are worn out thanks to the generousity/spending habits of those having the yard sales...

[kealina]

Re: Yearly Clothes Budget

I think it is funny that people spend so much money on clothes. I never see anyone with an outfit that just makes them stand out! Not around here anyway.

yeah, i can't see myself spending so much on myself.... it actually bothers me when people tell me i "deserve" it because of whatever reason... i know people who use this to justify their spending and i've heard lots of reasons... young, thin, beautiful... so what? doesn't mean you deserve to spend hundreds of dollars on clothes when you're having trouble making rent... and all that just to have the same clothes from the mall as everybody else... another reason i love my garage sales.... not only cheap but occassionally different too... it's neat getting clothes from the mainland that aren't sold here, clothing that is just different, and also vintage clothing that people don't see much anymore... i've had lots of compliments from people where they tell me "i've never seen one like that before" or that they like some detail from my outfit that's different... most of my pieces are classic but i find it hard to resist a little twist of something different...

[scrava]

Re: Yearly Clothes Budget

omg, this is enlightening!
I spend about $1500/yr on myself $700 on DH.
I am an admitted clothes, shoes hand bag snob, though

I do sell my used clothing but have never been into used clothing for myself.
Perhaps when we have kids I'll buy them clothes
at yard sales.

[Bookie]

Re: Yearly Clothes Budget

Oh boy, do I have a story to tell on this topic. I went to a clothing sale today at the big mall. A friend wanted sompany while he shopped. It gave me a whole new perspective on the concept of "bargain buying" at the high end.

[lrjohnson]

Re: Yearly Clothes Budget

One of my favorite shirts is one I got about 6 years ago, for 2.99 (3.49 less 20% plus tax-I can remember some oddball stuff). It was a men's "club" sort of shirt, bright green chartreuse, but it looks really nice despite how it sounds. It's a shirt I often get compliments on, and it has just held up to so much.

If I look at what is my favorites and/or have held up, and what has hit the jammie drawer/good will box or hasn't looked great, I'm often surprised. The keepers are sometimes ones I wasn't sure of. Sure bets are dusty. It's weird. And as for holding up, I have cheap go the distance, and pricey fail, though of course I've had it the other way to. Life just keeps on surprising me.

[Ima saver]

Re: Yearly Clothes Budget

I bet I could go years with out buying clothes. Many some underwear. If I wear out all my jeans (2) or shorts (3) I would need to buy a few pair, but that is about it. I haven't even bought a pair of shoes in about 5 years.