Quality

November 7th, 2007

(or, Why I’ll Pay $80 for a Pair of Boots)

My brother had this friend in college, B.

B was gorgeous, always perfectly dressed, with brand-name clothes and designer everything. She was the kind of person who turned heads and held attention. She told my brother something one time, and he told me. She said, I only buy things I love.

While she (or her money source) could probably afford to buy many more things to love than I can, I have to say I agree, in theory at least. The difference between her philosophy and a clearance-only, bargain-basement, Goodwill-fanatic’s is this: one sees shopping as investing, and one sees it as spending.

Another bonus: when you invest in a brand-name item and keep it in good condition, you can resell it on eBay or some other online site. Can’t say that for Wal-mart or other discount stores.

Off the top of my head, here are 7 quality items I purchased more than a year ago and still use faithfully:

1) Knee-length black skirt, $40. Gap. Summer 2001.

2) Limited black dress, $60. Summer 2001.

3) Leather Coach purse, $160 (gift). Received August 2003.

4) Coach wristlet, $50 (also gift). Received August 2003.

5) Ann Taylor cashmere sweater, $80. September 2004.

6) Limited dress pants—3 pairs, $40-60/each. Fall 2004.

7) Khaki trench coat, $75. Gap. Spring 2005.

Interestingly, the unaccounted for time period—Fall 2001 through Summer 2002—was when I went through my “Goodwill phase.” I can’t remember anything that lasted from that period.