joeyfullystated

A-Z Challenge C

When it comes to fashion, fashion generally laughs in my face. I despise most trends, and usually succumb to them only when they’re literally the only things available. I am practical about clothing purchases. My closet is dull. “Does it come in white?” I have dressed like someone’s mother, or like a schoolmarm, my entire adult life. Not only am I classic, read: boring and traditional, but I’m also old school. You won’t find me wearing white pants after Labor Day or wool slacks and suede shoes in April. I can’t. It’s been bred into me. That, and that underwear are meant to be worn under clothes.

So when spring comes, I have to shop. I hate shopping.

I order as much as I can online.

I cyber-shopped two new dresses — retail $180, purchased by me for $45. Got two new blouses from $54 to $18. I hate the hunting and scrolling, but it pays off.

I ordered a cheap spring and summer bag last week. It was $20 and I was pleased that I found it on the 4th page instead of the 40th. I read the reviews. Other reviewers commented on how cheaply made it is, how the interior is nylon, how the straps aren’t real leather. I’m not sure what people think the cost of leather is, but I assume any brand new handbag for $20 is cheap, and therefore, cheaply made, and if any actual leather is used, it’s from a super ugly cow.
I like my cheap bag. It’ll see me through the summer. Summer is very throw-it-in-a-bag-and-go. Winter finds me wanting genuine leather and structure, you know how textural winter can be…

But shoes and pants… Ugh. They must be tried on, WHY DO THEY RANGE SO MUCH IN SIZE AND FIT?!? That means I have to go out and get them.

Shoes are an ongoing thing. Now that all of us are in the adult sizes, we really make out on the coupon deals. Still, my idea of a good time is not ninety minutes in the shoe store. And FYI, it takes The Mister MUCH LONGER to shop for shoes in comparison to us girls.

I like to thrift for clothes. Most of my costly, well-made clothes are secondhand, or at the very least, bought off-season at a fraction of the cost. For me to pay full price for a clothes, I have to love it in a most endearing way. I think a lot of what’s out there has a mighty high opinion of itself. If I’m going to spend $68 on a shirt, I expect it to last five years, buttons and all.

I found some cheap pants — $40 to $12.99 — XS, S, M, L, XL — Oh my favorite! Reviewers would tell you the knees bag at the end of the day and that the backside is totally unflattering. But I will tell you they were marked down to $12.99, they’re super soft, wash and dry like a dream, I don’t think anyone looks at my knees, and I have long blouses to hide that hideous pocket placement. I am sad only one color was available.

Really, I’m sad I have to wear clothes of a fashionable sort. Do I NOT look spectacular in sweat pants and holey sweaters?!?

Socks are way more comfy than shoes.

sock photo for E

I have expensive taste. Show me a magazine glossy of ten fashion pieces, and I will prefer the most expensive ones before looking at the prices. But I won’t pay for it, not because I can’t afford to, but because I’m cheap.

I go into every purchase with my own expectations of cost. The regret of not buying something pales in comparison to purchase remorse.

How bout you? Do you set your own price guidelines, or do you pay retail? Are you a thrifter? A clotheshorse?