Recession riddle: What to buy for longevity and value
The tough retail environment, reflected in Macy's second-quarter posted loss and a somber US government outlook for retail, may actually be good news for shoppers. We'll learn (as my mother said about her depression years) how to be wise buyers.
As Cathy Horyn observed, in an interesting piece on the revival of Liz Claiborne, "Can Liz Claiborne Get Its Groove Back?", "Today the goal for many is to be smart- smart with money, smart with time, smart about how you look."
Doesn't that just sound like an enduring, even noble wish? The key in a down time is not resorting to such obdurate basics that you look outdated even in the few new clothes you buy.
The cost-pe
r-wear formula has led me down many a pricey path, but now, some things are just too high-end even if I swear I'll wear them till the dawn of the next ice age. Each woman will define what "smart" is for her.
For me, an embroidered silk Kashmiri jacket (on sale for
$120) from the National Geographic Store could make the cut, a bargain if the fit is right.
For outerwear, I like this A.P.C. double-breasted pea coat in mood-elevator marigold, ($390 at net-a-porter).
I would depart from my habitual black
for a Tracy Reese Runway pleated skirt in in a nearly year-round fabric (about half cotton and nylon, with some spandex) in Storm, a slightly blued grey, $320 (at eluxury).
All classics, but with something extra to elevate the eye and spirit.
If we're going to wear our clothes longer and more frequently, we have to love them madly.
Today's NYT Style section contains Horyn's own choices for recession buying, "Tiptoeing into the Stores".
As Cathy Horyn observed, in an interesting piece on the revival of Liz Claiborne, "Can Liz Claiborne Get Its Groove Back?", "Today the goal for many is to be smart- smart with money, smart with time, smart about how you look."
Doesn't that just sound like an enduring, even noble wish? The key in a down time is not resorting to such obdurate basics that you look outdated even in the few new clothes you buy.
The cost-pe
r-wear formula has led me down many a pricey path, but now, some things are just too high-end even if I swear I'll wear them till the dawn of the next ice age. Each woman will define what "smart" is for her.For me, an embroidered silk Kashmiri jacket (on sale for
$120) from the National Geographic Store could make the cut, a bargain if the fit is right.For outerwear, I like this A.P.C. double-breasted pea coat in mood-elevator marigold, ($390 at net-a-porter).
I would depart from my habitual black
for a Tracy Reese Runway pleated skirt in in a nearly year-round fabric (about half cotton and nylon, with some spandex) in Storm, a slightly blued grey, $320 (at eluxury).All classics, but with something extra to elevate the eye and spirit.
If we're going to wear our clothes longer and more frequently, we have to love them madly.
Today's NYT Style section contains Horyn's own choices for recession buying, "Tiptoeing into the Stores".
Comments
I woke up, put on the kettle and headed over to passage des perles. I adore the Tracy Reese skirt. So many options with that one skirt. I think if I got it, I would take it to a dressmaker and have it made in a couple of different fabrics, like paper thin wool or cashmere-It reminds me of a skirt I still have hanging in my closet.
I have had it since 1980-and I never keep anything!! It is fitted about the hips and then the pleats just flow into the fabric. It can be worn casual or very dressed up.
I have worn it with a vintage sweater and boots or with a t shirt and ballet flats from J. Crew. A turtle neck or an oversized sweater- I would definitely buy this skirt- as it is one of those things one can wear in so many ways. Have I said enough? :) Thanks!
August 21, 2008 8:59 AM
Pseu: Over $250 is a jump but oddly in skirts I've found a big difference at higher end- more sothan with pants. (A $600 pair is not that much better most times than a BR $150 pair.)
Big MR store here,I go for sales. Great fabrics and coats (like Max Mara). Blouses, most sweaters cut too boxy for me. Found a fab fur-trimmed sweater jacket in the Paris store.
Salesperson told me SportMax line is hipper and more fitted.
Have not seen petites here but maybe they just don't carry them in Toronto.
ma, I think about that skirt too. You could have one made, the Chinese brocade, not hard to find, and the hem edging I think was just plain fuscia satin.
At $600 I need a windfall, like a tax refund.
I think real English classics are the only solution for 'longevity and value' to act as a backdrop for scarves and jewellery; not necessarily black, but probably plain colours. At the moment I'm seriously considering the investment of a Burberry trenchcoat. And I've recently invested in a heather green tweed Aquascutum blazer which I'm very excited about!
I'm also very excited about teaming smart leather gloves with my autumn outfits to add an extra degree of smartness. That is a really inexpensive addition to a wardrobe.
Anjela: I might just take this photo to a dressmaker :)
GP: "Real English classics" are a longevity-guarantee; however they do not provide the frisson I long for if cutting back on quantity... or is that an impossible wish?
I think it was Yves Saint Laurent who said something like all you need is a well made trenchcoat, a short black skirt, black trousers and a black sweater. What better canvas for your jewellery and scarves?