May 11, 2010

Disposable Fashion’s True Cost

More than you may think:

As a society, it seems we’ve developed an increasingly disposable mindset.luella gisele 150x150 Disposable Fashion’s True Cost

Watch commercials, look through stores…  It quickly becomes clear that from cleaning supplies to cameras, one-use-wonders exist all around us.

What about Fashion?

The impact of this societal shift is most definitely seen in the fashion world.  While I won’t name names, we all know of clothing stores that sell cheap versions of basics and the latest trends.  Often these items lack quality in materials and construction, barely making it through one season of wear.  This is what I call disposable fashion.

And I’m not trying to bash these shops.  I too, sometimes enjoy items from these stores.  However, within the last few years – these purchases have become less and less.

Spend More – Pay Less:

Instead I’ve made an effort to buy fewer, but higher-quality items and well-made vintage pieces.  Even though some of these purchase are relatively expensive, I’ve been able to reduce my overall fashion spending.

Here are a few of my favorite “investment” accessories:

  • Michele Watch
  • Louis Vuitton Speedy 35
  • Luella Gisele Bag
  • Vintage gold clutch

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Pictured above are 3 of the 4 mentioned pieces. (Gold clutch is shown at bottom of post.)  I’ve had the Luella bag for approximately 6 years and the LV bag and Michele watch for about 5 years.  Since making these purchases, I’ve spent almost nothing on handbags and have not purchased a single watch.

These are timeless classics – I feel good about wearing them season after season and get as many compliments today as when they were new.  Plus, they are well-made and will continue to last for many years.

I thought I was SAVING Money:

Before I started investing in high quality classics and vintage – I spent a LOT on fashion. I had the disposable mindset.  With each passing season, I’d  purchase all new items.  But because the cost of each piece was low, I thought I was saving money.  Little did I realize the fact that 4 seasons of new clothes (even cheap ones) each year added up very quickly.

A Change in Mindset:

The CPW (cost per wear) idea is not new.  You’re probably all familiar with the term.  I certainly was.  But yet, I was resistant to putting it to use.  I thought it only applied to people of the Birkin Bag class.  For me, the change in mindset happened completely by accident.

Perfect Black Pants:

Eight years ago I made a purchase that changed my way of thinking. It was a simple pair of black pants.  They were on the clearance rack of a major department store and still had a $100 price tag. Having never paid 3 digits for pants, I almost passed them by.  But with an upcoming event looming, I was getting desperate in my search for pants…

Within a few years I realized the true value of this purchase.  Due to the fact they were well-made and had a timeless cut I could continue to wear them year after year.  My thinking began to change.

The New Math:

I’m happy to say these pants still have a place in my wardrobe. Even better, now at 8 years old, they’ve only cost me about $12.50 per year:

$100 Price (divided by) 8 years of wear = $12.50 per year.

Of course they’re not my only pair of black pants, but after so many years of use, they’ve been my most economical.

Know what you’re paying for:

Like I said earlier, I still occasionally buy disposable fashion.  After all, sometimes it’s just fun to rock a fleeting trend.  But now I recognize these items for what they are.

Something to think about:

While I’m certainly not recommending that everyone go out and drop major bucks on classic pieces, I encourage you to think about what you’re really spending on disposable clothing.  It may add up to more than you think.  Not to mention…do you ever wonder about working conditions in the plants that make $12 shirts?

And always remember…although investment pieces often cost more, price alone is no indication of their quality. (Scroll down to see what I paid for my vintage gold clutch.  It’s a great reminder that quality is available at many price points.)  Also, real cost saving can only occur if there’s a reduction in overall purchasing.  icon wink Disposable Fashion’s True Cost

What is your spending style?  And has it changed over the years?

vintage gold clutch Disposable Fashion’s True Cost

Proving quality doesn’t always have to be expensive: Vintage Gold Clutch. Price $24.50. And it’s built to last a lifetime!

XO Piper

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