Investment vs Disposable Clothing

I remember many many years ago when money was quite tight visiting the Boden shop at Park Royal, London with a good friend.  I fell in love with one of their patterned cardigans, it was a Spring/Summer style and had multi-colours on it.  I decided to buy it and as I was paying I was worrying about the cost (I think it was about £50).  I wore and wore and wore that cardigan, it came out early summer every year for many many years.  I got so many compliments.

A quick search online and I found one for sale on a selling site.  Not the best photo but it gives you an idea - it went with everything, looked great with jeans and a simple t-shirt under it and had 3/4 length sleeves.

Anyway, my point is Cost per Wear!  Spend vs Save.  If I choose well and get it right then I find it is so worthwhile spending.  Of course I can't always guarantee I will get it right. There have been items in my wardrobe that I have invested in only to find that they quality is not great after all or I simply don't feel good in them.

I find it impossible to embrace Primark or TKMaxx.  I'm not even that keen on Next. I need a clean and tidy shop, I prefer to browse simple, minimalism and hate being overwhelmed by too much choice.  I like to see outfits displayed together.  Suggestions of what works well together.  Think Jigsaw or Hobbs on the High Street.  I like a bit of personal service.  I don't want to be crowded but if I need help, or suggestions, then I like to know there is a helpful assistant available.  I think Next is good for basics (and if you purchase online) but I hate that I see their items everywhere - I was out on Friday night and saw someone in a jumper that I have, I had been unsure about it anyway but seeing it on someone else confirmed it.  Onto eBay it went!  But I do love their Coated Jeggings however!

Two recent shopping experiences stand out.  

​Karen Millen at Westfield Shepherds Bush were so helpful when I was choosing my dress for my 50th birthday party.  And in fact I went back in January and purchased a few more items in the sale and a full price jumper using the discount card I had been given before Christmas (Karen Millen Geo Print Jumper).  I have one Karen Millen dress that I paid £150 for probably at least 8 years ago, again it was one of those purchases that I was a bit worried about the cost but it is a classic that I keep coming back to time and time again.  

Karen Millen jumper with Mint Velvet leather look trousers

And last week I went over to Wendover to visit my good friend, she works at a high end boutique called Brookes.  The shop was fairly quiet and I had an opportunity to try some lovely clothes on and get one to one help from my friend.  Fortunately there was still lots of choice in the sale section and I purchased two blouses at a great price.  I also purchased a full price jumper.  I am deliberating over a pair of grey Citizens of Humanity jeans and a belt!  I may go back!  These items are classic wardrobe staples that I hope will serve me well on the long term.  

I do however have some 'disposable' items in my wardrobe.  Things that are purchased for one season and then I replace the following year but they tend to be basics, t-shirts from Gap maybe or higher fashion 'trends' like the 'statement sleeve' jumpers I have recently purchased from Marks & Spencer.

But for me it is 'spend; rather than 'save'.  Not that I am averse to a good discount.  If I can spend in the sale or with a promotional discount then even better.  I have long since accepted that Primark and TKMaxx are not for me.

What do you think?

Love
Michelle xx