Tracking clothing spending: '09 report card
Sale Alert: Eric Bompard's cashmeres and silk-cashmere blends are 30% off from today through Feb. 9, 2010. Shop early for best selection. International shipping.
For the first time in over 40 years of buying my own clothes,
I tracked my spending over '09, as part of a bigger financial analysis.
Overall grade: D for Dismal
Each month, I listed purchases, and recorded original vs actual price. That was the easy part. Over the holidays, I assessed the stars and dogs. My ratio of good picks, by which I mean stuff I actually wore with pleasure to ho-hum (or even unworn) items was 60-40, a lousy ratio for someone who writes a style blog.
Duchesse hangs her red head, cheeks to match.
How I blew it
In a word, sales, mostly at department stores, where I bought too many cookie cutter tees and basic pants.
I sometimes compounded the mistake by buying the wrong style. I know I don't suit boxy, unstructured jackets, but bought one anyway– for the fabric. For eleven months, that jacket has hung immobile as a garden gnome in my closet.
And fin
ally (I'm embarrassed to say) I tried to go down a notch to save money. A Talbot's cashmere, less than half the price of my usual brand (Eric Bompard), neither lush nor interesting, languishes in a drawer.
Not all bad news: A for Accessories
Accessories
(scarves, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses) and functional gear (gym/yoga) were spot-on. If I could transfer my eye from this category to clothing, I'd be thrilled. Maybe my mojo only works with stuff that doesn't need to fit?
Shown, Furisode kimono silk showl, reproduction of Edo period fabric, $135 from Art Institute Shop.
Repent and reform
In 2010 all will be different, really it will. My strategies to shift the ratio of delights to disasters to at least 80-20:
1. Fewer and finer
I'm going to wait till my kitty can handle something like this luscious Max Mara wrap coat, baby, rather than a lesser number. I'm good at saving for a goal, so the squirreling-away is sort of fun.
2. Pass by the duplicates and back-ups
How many pairs of black pants do I need? Not nine, even if two are at the cleaner's.
3. Repeat and relax
When I go out, often with the same convivial friends, why not wear a dress several times (even, gasp, in a row), switched up with accessories? No one really cares!
4. Do something else
Sometimes I just felt like getting something new, even when I knew I was gripped by a mood. That's when I'm most susceptible to lacklustre merch. In my most well-behaved months, immersed in a work project, I could barely take time to buy lunch, let alone a sweater.
5. Buy basics online
If I order my usual, time-tested lingerie from Bare Necessities, I'm not dropping by the shoe department because I "only bought a bra".
Of course perfection is unattainable; I'll leave room for occasional two-digit mistakes. But let's hope I can avoid half-a-grand gaffes.
Do you have style resolutions? I can use some company!
For the first time in over 40 years of buying my own clothes,
I tracked my spending over '09, as part of a bigger financial analysis.Overall grade: D for Dismal
Each month, I listed purchases, and recorded original vs actual price. That was the easy part. Over the holidays, I assessed the stars and dogs. My ratio of good picks, by which I mean stuff I actually wore with pleasure to ho-hum (or even unworn) items was 60-40, a lousy ratio for someone who writes a style blog.
Duchesse hangs her red head, cheeks to match.
How I blew it
In a word, sales, mostly at department stores, where I bought too many cookie cutter tees and basic pants.
I sometimes compounded the mistake by buying the wrong style. I know I don't suit boxy, unstructured jackets, but bought one anyway– for the fabric. For eleven months, that jacket has hung immobile as a garden gnome in my closet.
And fin
ally (I'm embarrassed to say) I tried to go down a notch to save money. A Talbot's cashmere, less than half the price of my usual brand (Eric Bompard), neither lush nor interesting, languishes in a drawer.Not all bad news: A for Accessories
Accessories
(scarves, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses) and functional gear (gym/yoga) were spot-on. If I could transfer my eye from this category to clothing, I'd be thrilled. Maybe my mojo only works with stuff that doesn't need to fit?Shown, Furisode kimono silk showl, reproduction of Edo period fabric, $135 from Art Institute Shop.
Repent and reform
In 2010 all will be different, really it will. My strategies to shift the ratio of delights to disasters to at least 80-20:
1. Fewer and finerI'm going to wait till my kitty can handle something like this luscious Max Mara wrap coat, baby, rather than a lesser number. I'm good at saving for a goal, so the squirreling-away is sort of fun.
2. Pass by the duplicates and back-ups How many pairs of black pants do I need? Not nine, even if two are at the cleaner's.
3. Repeat and relax
When I go out, often with the same convivial friends, why not wear a dress several times (even, gasp, in a row), switched up with accessories? No one really cares!
4. Do something else Sometimes I just felt like getting something new, even when I knew I was gripped by a mood. That's when I'm most susceptible to lacklustre merch. In my most well-behaved months, immersed in a work project, I could barely take time to buy lunch, let alone a sweater.
5. Buy basics online If I order my usual, time-tested lingerie from Bare Necessities, I'm not dropping by the shoe department because I "only bought a bra".
Of course perfection is unattainable; I'll leave room for occasional two-digit mistakes. But let's hope I can avoid half-a-grand gaffes.
Do you have style resolutions? I can use some company!
Comments
At this point, my wadrobe is well-stocked for any situation I'll actually encounter. (I always panic over dressy functions, then end up wearing my black trousers and a nice sweater with one or two pieces of sparkly bijoux and feel perfectly appropriate! No black tie events in my life.) I did just buy some socks and underwear, but those truly did need replacing.
(I might see if Bompard has my lace scarves on sale, though. The one I bought this last trip I've worn *constantly!*)
My resolutions are simliar to yours, so I'll be very interested to hear about how it's going for you!
As for cashmere: I have some Harrods sweaters that cost my parents 100 pounds. These are around 30 years old and are fab. This was pre-China opening. I'm sure your French cashmere is of that level. I am also sure that Talbots, Garnet Hill et al are not.
"If I didn't want it at full price, why would I want it at half price?"
Last year I made the same vow about black pants. Really I don't need more than three pair (I have seven).
One resolution I have added this year is to purchase only items with excellent fit. Fit is a problem for me as I'm short and round. I tend to buy things thinking "it's not perfect but the best I'll find." Banish that thought in 2010! From now on I'm waiting for items which fit just as I want them to (or can be easily tailored that way).
And always, quality fabrics are worth the search, savings and expense.
BTW, do you know if Eric Bompard ships to the U.S.? I'd love to try some of these highly recommended pieces.
I love that MaxMara coat. I have a more casual style I inherited from my mother and it's about 25 years old and still looks brand new. (I can't imagine where she got the money for it, but she was determined when she wanted something every badly. I do remember for years that she wore a rather ugly coat, so I think she was biding her time, saving up for the coat.)
Christine
The capper, though, was a Christmas-for-me expense, online, on a vest from Vancouver design company Mono. Yes, it's beautifully made. Yes, it was "on sale" for $169 with free shipping. And I am SO disappointed in it, because it isn't what I thought, and it's not going to suit me whatsoever... so it languishes, in my closet, in its artsy packaging. Seriously, what on earth was I thinking? And what am I going to do with the stupid thing now?
This has to stop, and also, my credit card is sad. Enough of the impulse purchases. If it's something I really want, it'll still be there later.
Duchesse, why not show us the jacket you bought and have never worn? It would be great to offer some ideas and advice regarding how you might get some use out of it.
Happy New Year to you!
They are definitely expensive even in the sale, but are worth every penny as their styles are so beautiful - I would say classic, but I don't think they are actually classic in a Queenie sort of way, more stylish than classic.
I'm curious about the boxy jacket with the wonderful fabric. I don't know your shape but I always think of tall-looking women with strong opinions as looking regal! Couldn't this jacket be tailored for 1)nipped in waist 2)empire waist 3)shorter length 4)bolero 5) vest 6)collarless cardigan style?
My husband calls me a re-manufacturer.
I also keep my recepits for my annual purchases of clothing. I started this when a garment fell apart and I wanted to return it for a replacement and the clerk bluntly told me, "no recepit no exchange" even though the label was clearly that from the store.
Max Mara coat now that sounds like a little piece of heaven...I'd be saving up too!
Jane: Am repeating the exercise for '10 and hope you are too.
Frugal: I don't enjoy shopping with friends but the right friend could perhaps deter, not enable me.
diverchic: Yes, and how often have we worn those black cocktail dresses? LOL!
What a Splurge: Bet you will have a few ahas.
materfamilias: Seeing it on a ledger was... sobering. But shopping is fun, at least some of the time. And I had conveniently forgot about some things.
LaurieAnn: You bet Bompard ships to the US- they ship anywhere. Very good service. Check measurements for each piece on web site. I've always found Land;'s End coats serviceable, not uplifting. Glad to hear you are loving that MM coat!
Christine: Easy, I just used an old notebook, and plan to keep doing this. Am inspired by your mother.
CompassRose: Oh no, they don't allow returns, or even credit? Give to a friend? Sell on Craigslist?
GP: I might show it, but it is black, the interest is in a matlassé fabric, and I have a deep suspicion of restyling clothing, bore of expensive errors. Do not want to throw good money after bad.
But then- when you describe how you restyled your coat, sounds great. However you have a lot of skill and training.
Vildy: Jacket is a collarless cardigan (wider than chanel style but that's the general cut). I need shape which may not be able to be put into the jacket. IMO it should go to a tall, small-breasted woman with enough definite shoulder to carry its boxiness. Oh! That's the figure I used to have 25 years ago.
Hostess of the Humble: Terrible service attitude. Let's escalate that to the top! Or name names. Bet you don't shop there anymore.
However because I review these files often (MS-Excel is practical) it also helped me to:
Stop buying multiples, better plan my next purchases (to complete outfits), refine my style (found out where are the gems and pursue in this line), and better see where are MY "basics".
Also reviewing these lists always open new ideas for outfits and as such each year the list becomes shorter and contains more "me" things... So courage!
http://www.tricia-luminosity.blogspot.com/
It's only taken me 52 years, but I look forward to putting my new-found shoppingg savvy (i.e. impulse buying/great deals/outright mistakes) to good use in 2010.
I think there are a lot things worse than too many black trousers. Not exactly ghastly mistakes.
Duchesse, why don't you wear the Talbot's cachmere around the house? At least it is warm and not horribly ugly. And although not as good quality as the Eric Bompard (which, like Max Mara, I love but will probably never be able to afford) it will last longer to cheaper stuff.
And, from one size 16 tall woman to another, are there many EB sweaters that would fit someone of my size? Or must I stay with the scarves?ine
I spent a lot of time assessing what I needed this year (in terms of what needed replacement) and what I wanted (in terms of color and type of item).
That helped.
Trying to minimize the time I spent in stores or online "just looking" helped too. My willpower waxes and wanes, so I aim to window shop when I'm not feeling deprived or in need of self-comfort.
While I'm picky about fit/function and impulse buys usually work for me, they really derail my ability to buy whatever I've identified as a true need...so being more disciplined is definitely a goal for me this year.
You are right, your friends don't care if you are wearing the same thing, they care about seeing you.
I know what you mean about loving the better quality. The older I get, the more I want the higher quality garment, rather than just the thrill of the new for the sake of it. I love the high quality garment for much longer I notice too!
Who can wear them all?
GP: A cashmere shell will work, but I think it's just that I've bought too many black jackets and sweaters.
Tricia: Yes, and I like your blog!
Kristine: Oh dear, misery loves company- thanks!
Karen: I'm envious, it is S/O in my size. Love your ideas for styling it.
Anonymous @ 11:34: That is exactly my situation, *grateful* if something fits so I buy it. I mean, bought it.
Lots of EB will fit you, measure one of your sweaters and compare against the EB measurements (length and width are given for every garment on the site, isn't that great?) I wear either XL or XXL.
Vix: That is the missing part: assessing what I need, thanks!
Imogen: Like you I'm ever more interested in quality which is why one especially wonderful consignment shop has been very useful to me.
And 30 pairs of pants, LOL! Reminds me of when I had twins and joined a club for parents of twins. One guest speaker was a woman with triplets, and we felt much better.
For me, I am promising myself to keep my closet strictly organized so I won't forget what I have and so that I will have a better chance of wearing all the pieces more often.
Last year I made a resolution that I wouldn't buy anything that didn't make me say "i LOVE it", no matter how on sale or basic it was, and that one has worked out pretty well.
sallymandy: Many designers do this- a 'uniform' that allows their creative talents to be spent on their designs.
These are great resolutions, and they reflect the lessons I've learned....lessons learned intellectually but not emotionally, sadly!! I, too, cannot resist sales, even if the garment is unsuitable.
I have been able to adopt number 5 - buy basics online. Shoes, socks, lingerie. I love Bare Necessities!
As for accessories - I am a good accessories shopper - too good. I buy too much. I love them all, but I have too much, so over 2009 I've learned to stop.
I'm looking forward to your suggestions for 2010.
Thanks for reading, welcome!