Money is tight here in newlywed land, as it is for most newly married couples. For Nate and I we have a little more on our plate than a lot of people our age. We chose to buy a house right away because we had enough saved for a down payment, we knew (as well as anyone can) that we want to stay/live here in Lexington, and because we saw it to be a waste to throw money away on renting something when we could put it into owning. But, as I said- we have to extremely careful and alert about our spending habits.
I’ve never been a frivolous spender. I want to make that known before I even delve into this topic because a lot of people tend to give me the side eye me when I say that. But it’s true! I haven’t spent more than $30 on any one article of clothing or accessory in years. The last purchase over that was a coat that has lasted and will continue to last me for years to come. And honestly? Thirty bucks on one item is like, HOLY- I can’t leave the store without this, kind of money spending for me. Being frugal has never bothered me, it’s how I was raised and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But, I’m starting to learn that this way of shopping can be hit or miss.
What do I mean? Well, I take a look at my wardrobe and I’m not exactly completely pleased. I have some things that have held up nicely over the years, but I’ve also noticed that a lot of the things I have are basically starting to fall apart. Most of what I have (for Fall/Winter) is pre-wedding, meaning it’s at least a year or more old- probably around two. Clothing should not fall apart after two years of proper care and wear. Let’s face it, I’m not wearing these clothes to my construction job site or anything.. I work at a desk.. I occasionally pick up a heavy box. I shouldn’t have holes in all of my clothes!
So which clothes are going strong and which are .. well.. not? It would seem that the things that were more expensive (I worked for the company and had a discount) are the items that are still hanging on and going strong. I never would have even bought clothes from that store had I not worked there, but now I am so glad that I did because they are the some of the key staples of my wardrobe after about 4 or 5 years! After this very eye opening realization, I have a new shopping game plan. I am going to save and be frugal as I have been with most of the basics and be more thoughtful about saving up for better quality in all other areas. When it comes to basics like leggings, tees, and tanks- I just can’t see it. These things are going to be worn, they are going to wear and fade, and they’re easily replaced for a few bucks. But as for dresses, sweaters, blouses, skirts, cardigans, etc.- I think it would be wiser to spend a little more on things I absolutely adore and can see myself wearing, mixing, and loving for years to come. Even if it means that I have to plan a little more, save up, and not do my shopping on a whim. I’m not saying that it’s impossible to find good clothes at good prices, though. I do have some things that have deeply surprised me! But I think you have to pay special attention to material, seams, and overall construction and use good judgement in order to not get burned!
What is your take on this topic? Do you believe in quality over quantity? To me it’s a lot like the renting vs. owning scenario. I just want to be able to see that I’m putting my money into something, and have my closet reflect that over the years. There will always be deals that I can’t pass up, like my favorite $5 target jeans that I bought a few years back. I think there are certain deals that just can’t be passed up because the price is so low that it outweighs the possibility that it might not last for 5 years! I’d love to hear your opinions. Where do you find your longest lasting clothes to be from? Where have you found that you’ve bought clothes and been disappointed in the quality? Go!
I think that's a wise decision! Having quality, staple items that last a long time are so very important. Your post inspires me and my newlywed budget. I've always put so much money into whatever piece of clothing that I "just had to have!" The budget is so much tighter after being married. My husband thought there was something wrong with me when I told him I hadn't been looking at clothes lately! Haha. Better to not tempt myself!
I am also on a budget and my shopping philosophy is to invest money in the key staple pieces that you will always wear — a good pair of skinnies, a white button up shirt, a little black dress, a blazer, classic cardigans, etc. Anything else that is a little trendier (dresses with crazy prints, really bright tights, etc) or accessories, I'm OK with spending a little less money on for now. Then I mix and match the higher end pieces with the less expensive pieces. This will probably change as I get older and hopefully make more money, haha.
I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $10 for a shirt, and no more than $20 for jeans, I’m so cheap! I usually go somewhere like Rue 21 and head straight for the $3 sales racks. i’ve noticed that I usually wear a shirt 2 or 3 times, though, because after I wash it EVERYTHING is wonky. It’s either uneven after drying, way to small because it shrank up so much, or has an itchy feeling to the fabric. I hate it! I’ve noticed that some shirts I got on a super duper sale at a local store are the best ones I own, and they would have originally been around $30! So like you, I’ve started paying attention to quality, even if it means spending a few extra bucks.
I've never been a frugal shopper, lol.
If I have the extra cash, I try my best to buy something that is good quality. For tops, I usually go for medium quality. I know I'll probably get sick of the top in 7-8 months, so I rarely ever spend more than $35 on one. For jeans and coats, however, I have learned that I have to look for TOP NOTCH quality. If I have the money, I will buy GUESS jeans because they never fade, never get holes, buttons never pop off or whatever. They last me FOREVER! And they always look good in the bum 😉 If I don't have the money, I usually buy my jeans at American Eagle… buuuut I've had the seams come undone with these jeans, dye come off on my hands {after two months of wearing/washing the jeans!} etc etc.
I normally don't buy dresses anymore because I have no where to wear them, but a year or two ago– when I use to go clubbing with my friends a fair bit– I use to buy expensive dresses because of the quality. And they are still in my closet, PERFECT condition {and worn several times!}. The dresses I bought from cheaper places? Straps have fallen off, some shrunk, etc.
I usually get my expensive articles of clothings for Christmas, my birthday, and when I get my taxes back. Other than that, I TRY my best to be good, lol.
I love your style and wondered where you bought your clothes. Have you checked out second hand stores for name brand stuff? We have lots of things around here I am sure you would like for $2 and $5 dollars but name brand!
I like clothes from the Gap quite a bit. A lot of their stuff is neutral, so I can pair it was flashier things when I'm in the mood, or down play it when I'm not. They always have really good sales around any holiday. For Veteran's Day, the ENTIRE store was 30% off, including previously reduced items!
I love your style and I agree with you!
Some things you can buy on the cheap because you know they will never last long anyway ((tees + tights)).
I do splurge every now and then on something that I KNOW will last me for years to come. I always take good care of my clothes and they have lasted me for years!!
So so so so so so so getting over buying clothes at forever21 and having them become misshapen after one wash!
I'm in the same boat as you, thrifty newlywed land. I try not to spend more than $20 on most of my pieces of clothing…but i'm finding the same issue as you. I've stopped shopping so much – I think I've only purchased 2 pairs of jeans in the past 3 months.
I do think it makes sense to save up a bit more for a nicer quality piece. Maybe have a monthly budget for clothing and then you can choose to spend it or save it to combine with the next month? That's my new approach…I'll let you know how it goes. 🙂
<3!