The elusive “they” say that you should spend more on the things you’ll wear for years, and less on trendy items. In general, I’d say that’s pretty good advice. Then again, sometimes I don’t even know whether I’ll wear something for years at the time I buy it. I got this dress for about $40 I think. Not super cheap, but definitely not what I’d call an “investment piece.” It’s from the Isaac Mizrahi line for Target…that shows you just how old it is, because Isaac hasn’t been designing for Target since 2008! But I distinctly remember buying this from the Target in my college town, which means it’s more likely 2007 or earlier. Since when is a cream, mod-style crochet mini dress a staple to keep in your closet for years? It’s really not. But it is for me. And if I had known at the time I bought it that I would have it for 7+ years, I might have spent more than $40 on it, but it would have been a waste of money because this one has held up perfectly.
And to make you (or maybe just me) scratch your head even more: Less than a year ago I spent $70 on Kate Spade sunglasses, and I now realize they look ridiculous on me and I think I’m going to sell them. So…spend or save? WHO THE HELL KNOWS. Have a good weekend.
similar Dress // Hat (on sale) // Jacket // Shoes* // similar Necklace (on sale) // Bag (on sale)
*Shoes purchased with gift card provided courtesy of H&M.
I’m with you on this indecision sometimes!
Liz @ http://www.shoppingmycloset.com
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My rule is – wear the item at least once for every dollar you spend on it. Spend $20 on a shirt? Wear it at least 20x. There are obvious exception, such as season-specific clothing (coats, boots, etc) and location-specific goodies (I can rationalize spending more $$ on sunglasses since I live in southern California and it’s sunny 90% of the year). I also like to keep a list of ten items to save for – like, I’d rather save money for a pair of nice earrings than buying some cheap ones at f21 – and it reminds me to save that money instead of buying cheaper ones when I’m tempted. But – that’s just me!
I tend to think the spend vs. save decision should be made more on the rarity of an item. I won’t spend very much on a black pencil skirt even thought it’s probably a long-term item, because I can find a black pencil skirt pretty much anywhere. But I might spend a little more on something really unique, or difficult to find the right fit. But let’s be honest, in most “spend or save” posts, the “save” option is way out of my price range!
The dress is adorable! And it speaks that if you by quality pieces…regardless of the price they can last for years.
Delurking because Isaac Mizrahi for Target! I found one of his dresses (not yours, but similarly retro-inspired) in a thrift store, and it was amazing! The quality was great, and I received a ton of compliments on it. It doesn’t fit anymore, but I bought a replacement on eBay. Because I loved it that much. Best LBD ever.
P.S. Love that dress! And belated congrats on your graduation 🙂
I bought that hat but now I’m glad I returned it because we would have had a “who wore it better” moment and you totally would have won. And I don’t like losing. So, no need to worry, we’re still good! 🙂
-AJ
OccasionallyAJ.com
The dress is amazing!
That is SO true. I’ve had a coral trench coat for six years. I spent $12 on it. The dress suits you and that’s all that matters.