Hello Darlings,
Many people have their own rules and guidelines for shopping. After receiving a wonderful e-mail from a reader, I set out to make a post about my ultimate rule “Quality over Quantity”.
As a student, I have learned how to prioritize what to buy. My personal style is based on classic looks, and I believe buying quality classic pieces is most important because the quality is often better, and because classics do not go out of style. Quality over Quantity doesn’t mean expensive over cheap… Designer labels do not guarantee quality! Finding quality requires closely inspect the garment, so in the spirit of good shopping, here are my thoughts:
1. Consider the Material
- I prefer natural fabrics and stay away from polyester or synthetics.
- Sweaters: I like cashmere because it is light, warm and lasts.
- For going out tops and dresses I like silk.
- For casual tops and dresses, I like 100% cotton.
- For shoes, leather.
2. Inspect the Fabric
- It should be cut and sewn on the grain.
- Patterns should line up at the seams’ especially at the shoulders, collar and sewn-on (patch) pockets.
- Hold fabric to light and make sure the weave is tight, even and uniform.
- The fabric should also hold its shape well.
- Grab the fabric at the seams with both hands, and gently pull. If the thread in the seams pulls apart, they’re not sewn properly.
3. Check the Seams and Hems
- Seams and hems of a high-quality garment are always sewn straight.
- Hems should be nearly invisible.
- Garments should have at least two inches wide hems to allow for alterations.
4. Check the Buttons and Zippers
- Check for loose buttons.
- Button holes in a high-quality garment are often bound with thread for durability.
- Zippers should move freely up and down without hesitation.
5. Check the Trim
- Trim should be sewn securely.Gently pull on the trim at different places to test.
- Trim should complement the garment in color and in style.
6. Check the Lining
- The lining in suits, blazer, and jackets should be dense and opaque.
- If the lining was properly sewn into the garment, it will not be tight
7. Check the Belt
- If a garment comes with a belt check it for quality.
- A cheap cardboard belt is a sure sign of a cheap garment.
8. Shoes Check
- The best quality shoes are made of leather.
- Check the tag if you are unsure - many types of leather look “real”.
- Examine the sole to make sure it is firmly attached to the shoe.
- Extras should always be attached securely.
- High-quality dress shoes have leather heels, sometimes with a layer of rubber or nylon on the back edge of the heel.
- Heels for women are usually plastic covered with leather. The higher the price, the higher quality the plastic.
- Inspect the shoe’s interior. Leather interiors absorb foot moisture best.
- Good-quality shoes are fully lined from front to back.
Care Instructions
Proper care can increase the life of your garment. So be sure to read the label and know how to properly care for your clothes.
I understand why people prefer to buy multiple items - it’s more fun! But I have learned my lessons, and almost always choose quality over quantity.
For some specific advice, I will be honest and say that I am not a big fan of brands like American Apparel and Forever 21… Based on my personal experience, Forever 21 does not last past the first wash and AA is overpriced for the quality they provide. If you love the brands, I hope your experience is better, but for me - never again!
H&M and Zara for trendy, fun things are on my approved list… ( as long as they are made of natural materials) but always make sure to check for quality before you buy.
Contemporary designers and more expensive pieces
(in order of preference):
Ssense (great selection and great sales)
Shopbop (great selection, but crazy taxes)
Bluefly (my all time favorite)
in Canada, Holt Renfrew
in US, Bloomingdales
Saks Fifth Avenue ( awesome sales)
Net a porter ( great sales)
Preferring quality over quantity is my personal belief, but it is something that takes strong will. The one quality item will serve me better than the three that I must replace in just a wear or two.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality. It takes patience and searching, not compromising on your standards, checking for the details, and understanding what it is that you want.
And remember sales are always great for buying things that were out of your price point before… personally I buy majority of my classic pieces on sale. But do not buy something just because it is on sale, you must love it.
Keep in mind that fit matters and right undergarments. As well as, make sure you pay attention to details, especially wrinkles, stains, and holes.
THE most important rule, if you don’t love it, don’t buy it. Buy things that make you feel beautiful and confident. Also Remember that you are going to wear them - so no matter what others think, be yourself and wear what makes you feel wonderful.
HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!!!!!!!!
With Love…
Marta
Sources: associated content; eHow; fashion spot; Moschino; lolita
21 Responses to ” Quality over Quantity” Investigated
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wow great post and really good tips
xoxo
iole
I completely agree with you!!! I rarely ever shop at Forever 21. I got a dress from there and after wearing it once the button popped off and caused a slight tare in the dress. I tried to return it to Forever 21, but the simply just rolled their eyes at me. Retailers who sell quality clothing normally have return policies which ensure the quality of the product.
Great tips. Very useful. Thanks for writing it.
I do wonder what do you think about those outlet stores? I do a lot of shopping at Ross, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx’s and such.
Hi!
i recently discovered your blog and i have to say that you’re doing a great job. Love your tips and advecises on your style and shopping, and i really like your point of view on shopping on a student budget, you are very wise.
take care, i’ll keep on reading you
Cynthia
Great advice as always my dear
Hi Marta!
Speaking of shoes, do you think that flats are for everyone? even short people. I am 5'1'' (Nicole Richie size and height lol). I remember you had Juicy flats, they looked amazing and comfortable. How tall are you? And if you were short, would you wear flats?
thanks <3
Anonymous 2:56:
Hi,
Since I live in Canada I am not familiar with any one those stores. But I think that outlets are wonderful for great finds. I think that it doesn’t matter where or how much something costs- all that matter is that you love it and that it is worth buying,meaning quality item.
If you check out outlets regularly you can score some awesome pieces and even better prices
I know overstock. com is like a huge outlet online for all kinds of things and you can find some awesome things. Espeically, jewelry and watches…etc
So I am all for outlets
I hope it helps and thank you for the question.
Have a wonderful day,
Marta
Anonymous 3:28:
Hi,
I live for flats… they are amazing
If I could wear flat all year around I would, hehe.
I think that if you dress for your body and keep everything in proportion - you can wear anything. If you’re petite stay away from chuncky, overwhelming flats, but go for a simple delicate flat…
I am 5’7 and wear flats all the time, when the weather permits it. I think that they are wonderful and chic and if I was 4′ I would still wear them. As long as they are in proportion to my body….
Sometimes, I prefer delicate flats on a petite frame, rather than a huge chunky heel/platform…. they seem to be more flattering
If you decide to go for a flat check out Juicy Couture, Bloch, and Pretty Ballerinas… they all offer delicate, classic ballerina flats that are absolutely gorgeous
I hope my answer helped and thank for an awesome question.
Have a wonderful day,
Marta
Great post! I agree completely that you must LOVE something in order to buy it. When I was younger, if I saw something and liked the look of it, I would buy it. Now I’m in my early 20′s and am far more careful about what I purchase…
Happy Spring to you as well!
Great tips, thanks!!
Great post as always! <3
Did you ever mention that your jeans are from J brand? If so did you buy at any particular online store? Could please give a small review on few of your jeans thanks:) Also what brand/company purses do you usually purchase for their longevity?
AnonAnon 4:43,
Hi,
Yea my favorite pair of black jeans is by J-brand. I got the at Bluefly for $100…They are really comfortable but stretch easily…I would definately get a second pair and would recommend them. As for other brands I really like Corpus-they are more form fitting and not as stretchy. I have two pairs and love them but I would suggest sizing up because they fit small. I got them from Revolve Clothing. I also like Earnest Sewn…really awesome fit.I had a bad experience with Dittos…so they are a no go for me. I would recommend J brand, I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like them
I think that Bluefly offers the best prices on jeans, definately check there. They also update their stock all the time, so keep checking back if you don’t find something right away.
As for purses, I am not a big purse person…As a student I really don’t feel comfortable spending around a $1000 on a purse…So I don’t think that I am the best person to advice on bags. Personally, I don’t care about the designer as long as I like it and it is made of durable leather and has a decent price tag then I am all for it.
My favorite leather hobo is from Gap and I am still shocked at how durable it is… I payed $250 for it and I’ve had it for about 8 month(use it everyday) and it still looks amazing and I still love it. Just check for quality.
If you want a designer bag then wait until it goes on sale and once again Bluefly has amazing selection at awesome prices.
P.S.Check out this post made in February: I wrote about favorite pieces in my closet, including jeans and purses : http://withlovegabrielle.blogspot.com/2009/02/because-it-is-my-life.html
Thank for the awesome questions, I hope my answers help
Have a wonderful day.
Marta
Great post. I do agree with you that F21 clothes dont’ always last long but some do if you care for them right.
Thanks:)
Anon @ 4:43
hey this is regarding chickdowntown.. i’d advise you not to order from them. you can read all about it here: http://sofysophia.blogspot.com/2009/02/treasured-jewel.html
[...] And of course, quality! NEVER FORGET ABOUT QUALITY! Quality of an item comes first, I don't care if it is Chanel if it does not have the superb quality that you would come to expect from it .Which I am sure that it does, but to drive my point home….It does not matter who the designer is as or how much it costs, quality is something that should always come first. Money does not necessarily buy quality; expensive does not mean quality it simply means that it is in demand. Quality is something that you need to check for yourself!Here's a post on how to spot quality items: "Quality Over Quantity" Investigated. [...]
I agree with all of this, except for the shoes part. I refuse to wear real leather, so I prefer either fake leather (I always make sure that it looks real and is well made though) or a shoe of different material. I love canvas shoes a lot. they can get ruined easily sometimes, but I do love them.
amazing post! thank you!
[...] Make sure that there are no defects (here’s a link to know how to detect them), it is not a deal if it is not [...]
[...] P.S. To learn more about how to care for fabrics and to tell whether it is quality, check out this post "Quality over Quantity" Investigated [...]
[...] P.S. To learn more about how to care for fabrics and to tell whether it is quality, check out this post “Quality over Quantity” Investigated [...]