I Swear It's All Natural Fibers

[eggwards]

I had to go buy some new black shoes tonight. I'll tell you why later, but I was at DSW shoe warehouse tonight looking for a somewhat nice, but not super dressy pair of shoes that i could wear to work. I needed something that i could dress up in tomorrow, but that I'd still wear to work on normal days. i demand a lot from a pair of shoes.

Ever since we went to business casual, the wardrobe has continually gotten sloppier, and the shoes have gotten more casual. The black shoes I have now are a pair of four year old Sketchers that are falling apart and another sort of sneaker-slipper-loafer thing. I ended up buying some nicer loafers with a nice metal accent. much more tailored than anything I've worn in a while.

Sadly, my nice pair of shoes are in Chris' closet in Dallas awaiting some magical call for a job interview. Chris helped me pick those out. I could have used the help.

The problem is, I'm cheap when it comes to clothing. I was kind of balking at the price, $60. I know, many of you are thinking, damn, those are cheap shoes and they won't last. You could do better by spending more and getting something better that will last - especially shoes. personally I've never been big on paying a lot for clothing, mainly because I don't think it will last, and I rarely believe that a higher price on clothing makes it much better - unless you're talking about the beautiful kathy Lee collection at Wal*Mart. There are some standards.

I eschew fashionable brand names. Rarely do I see the value in purchasing something that costs more just because of a name. Still, I do tend to stay loyal to some small labels, I used to love Duck Head clothing when they had outlet stores in the area, and I love Big Dog's underwear. Still, the other day at Dillards, I was looking at some Ralph lauren shirts that were on clearance (my favorite price) and still thought it was too much for what I felt the real value of the shirt was - especially when a similar house brand shirt was a fraction of the cost.

I rarely go clothes shopping, but when I find something I like, I usually stick with it, so you might notice that I have the same shirt style in two or three colors. I'm terribly picky about what colors and what patterns I'll wear, so it's not the easiest thing to shop with me. I tend to know what I like, and I will go in, get it, and get out.

I've also rarely ever pay over $50 for any piece of clothing, ever - this includes jeans, sneakers, etc. I shop a lot of sales racks, and the internet.

Why is it so important to spend so much on such things? Am I just a penny pinching fool?

Comments

[oakleycub.livejournal.com]

You unfortunately have the "You shop in big and tall sizes, now bend over" surcharge on your clothes, and I don't actually know what average prices are for your clothing. However, I can speak for myself. You have seen my closet, you know I have alot of clothes and a good bit of it is major labels like Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. When I was with the felonious fucktard alot of that was bought at full price but now I am still buying the same clothes, but coming out of the store paying less than $50 for any one item, more often than not I'm keeping it under $30 for each item. This is all thanks to the wonder that is the clearance rack. Dillards is a particular favorite of mine, and a good number of Dillards do have Big and Tall sections with their very own clearance racks we can scavenge.

Now on to quality, I have noticed that my major label clothes have held up better than the off brand stuff I do still have. There is something to be said for buying the more well established labels. Notice, I said well established and not popular. Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi, etc. all make good sturdy products if you stick to the basics and stay away from their more trendy offerings. They also stand behind their products. You have a defect in a Polo shirt, take it back to the store or contact Ralph Lauren and they will make it right.

In short, I think it is about shopping smart more that it is about shopping cheap. Check out those sales and clearance racks and get truly good clothes for good prices.

Oh, and shoes don't count. Because I am a shoe whore. I will bite the bullet and pay through the nose once I find a pair of shoes that feel and look good. Even then, DSW is a saving grace.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Yes, the big and tall sizes are a big part of the problem. Everything rises in price some 20-30%, and a lot of the time, the quality, especially at places like that horrible Casual Male store, goes down. You think, with the size of the average American growing, that there would be a riot about this.

The thing is, I could use help in shopping, since I'm really kind of fashion-less. I know what i like, but I'm never sure if it really looks good on me. Of course, if you look at my closet, you'll notice it's full of Red, Blue and Black shirts - with a few Green shirts thrown in. Most from JC Penny.com

Shoes are a disaster. I never know what to get, and usually get something on clearance at Mervyns.

Shop till you drop! (then crawl!)

[mrh745i.livejournal.com]

I could use help in shopping

Oh dear; those words are music to my ears! Holler at me the next time you're up here, and we'll chat about various shopping strategies! Much like your beau; I am a self professed 'label whore', not so much for the name; but for the quality. Although I refuse to pay retail, I still want (and get) the quality without the hefty price tag.

I have quite a few tricks up my sleeve!

Re: Shop till you drop! (then crawl!)

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

I will have to take you up on that. I'm noticing that my casual workshirts are needing some refreshing.