Yup. That’s right. That’s not coming from a rich person by any means. Actually it is coming from a super cheap-o. I am the person who buys something because it is really inexpensive. Or should I say I used to be. Who would have ever thought that would change when I got married? Huh, you say? It’s true. I married a stylish boy who introduced the idea of quality to me. Quality? No, that only meant expensive to me. But not always. He also couldn’t break all my cheap-o habits. I think that is okay though. That is how you have quality and quantity.
Here is my fashion equation:
- Staples for the closet = quality = can be pricier (although you should always scour for sales)
- Trendy pieces = cheap
Why these rules? Staple pieces for your wardrobe should be iconic pieces that will span different trends and even decades. The pieces you will pay to to save when they fray instead of toss them. Think leather boots, that blazer, a nice pair of jeans, a dress to take you to every wedding in your twenties. Yup, those pieces.
As for trendy pieces, they will come and go. Trends change quickly and while your trendier pieces may last a few years, they will eventually make you feel dated and perhaps even frumpy, so even in good condition they will be sent to the Goodwill pile.
So for those few reasons I have hit a nice stride in splurging for the staples and allowing my bargain hunting to come our for the trends. But also remember the beauty of sales and outlets…like the Williamsburg Premium Outlets that Eric and I hit up the other weekend. With some Christmas money in hand we went strolling through the stores to find some fun items. What I walked away with shows exactly what I have been talking about. They are also a little surprising. The items are bought are some I would have never have expected to buy on this trip.
Let me show you the trendy items I picked up on the cheap! These were the clothing pieces I thought I would come home by the bagful. A sweater and blouse from Banana Republic and two lace camis scooped up at Charlotte Russe.
Not what you were expecting? Me either. Generally when I think staples, I think of the blazer, trousers, etc. But these are staples of their own. A real leather, great pair of snow boots and a Columbia fleece are items that are quality, I will wear repeatedly for years, and will last even longer than that. They were also practical items that I had been putting off buying for 2 years because the trendier items were more fun to buy. But when I was able to snatch them up at outlet prices I could let them stay there on their cold racks.
Quality items price reveal:
Yup; that’s a 60% markdown for a $100 fleece. As for the boots, but they were originally $175. Authentic Timberland boots. My price: $43. AH! Awesome!
Let me share with you some fun outfit ideas I had with my trendy pieces.
The blouse belted at the waist for more definition, black trousers, and black boots.
The sweater with the white lace cami under it, dark rinse jeans, black slouchy boots, and a statement necklace.
All-in-all a very successful trip that let me have fun with trendy items and stock up on staples that will last for years.
