I wrote a post about fashion investment pieces a few weeks ago on my other blog (yes, I have two, I'm crazy) and thought it was an issue that would pertain to many post grad fashion lovers as well. Check it out below!
I read a ton of fashion blogs. I admire all of the photography and editing that goes into the posts, and find that many of the girls have genuinely sweet and relatable writing styles. And of course, there's the fashion. Mixing patterns, neutrals with pops of color, color blocking, belting, belting, belting! These are all trends that I've picked up on from reading blogs. I get behind these trends for the most part because they can be achieved on most budgets, but I'm still wary of one common phrase that seems to dominate the fashion world: "investment piece".
As a 23 year old girl making a modest salary, I can't imagine spending money on what many fashionistas would consider "investment pieces" at this point in my life. This doesn't mean I like to run around town in mismatched outfits. It just means that that I always take cost into serious consideration when making clothing purchases.
Take one of the most classically described "investment pieces": the pencil skirt. I see many girls that rationalize the purchase of pencil skirts as investment pieces. It's okay to drop over a hundred dollars on one piece of clothing because it will be worn forever....right?
If you've made room in your budget for this piece and know that you will be able to put away the same amount of money for savings, rent, food, student loans as you normally do monthly, then yes, I think it's totally fine to treat yourself to a versatile piece. But if you are already swimming in debt, paying bills month to month, and have parents that are still helping you with car payments and phone bills, I think it would be better to look for a piece that's equally versatile, but at a lower price point.
I know, I know. The quality just isn't the same! You will love the Jcrew skirt forever! But the truth of the matter is that we change sizes and change styles over time. We also live in a consumer culture that likes new things.
Once again, if you have the monetary means and budget to buy these pieces, go for it! If you have a smaller wardrobe made up of more expensive pieces that you budget for, that's fine. I think it's just important that we don't kid ourselves about our financial standing when it comes to fashion, especially those of us who are just starting out in the working world. The idea that this one extra piece of clothing will complete my closet just doesn't seem like a healthy way to view the role fashion should play in our lives. I think that our personal style should be used as a way to compliment who are as individuals, not complete us.
Instead of a "sky's the limit" attitude for an investment pieces like pencil skirts or black dresses, I would suggest setting a strict budget. Consider shopping at stores that fall a price point below the skirt you've been lusting after. Or even try thrift stores, consignment shops, or Ebay to see if you can snag a used version of the pricey skirt.
Will a less expensive or used skirt still be in great condition 10 years from now? Probably not. But I'm willing to bet that the item you blew your rent or student loan payment on will be shoved somewhere in the back of the closet, and you'll be on the hunt for new pieces that fit your 10 years from now lifestyle.
Alright, I'm stepping off my soapbox for now. I may not be a huge fan of the whole "investment" piece idea, but are you? Have you ever completely splurged on an item of clothing that was worth it? Tell me your stories!
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Warby Parker
Does your health insurance plan offer minimal or no eye care coverage? Still need new eyeglasses? I would highly recommend checking out Warby Parker.
Warby Parker is an online shop that offers a wide range fashionable and vintage inspired frames for men and women. The best part? Your Warby Parker prescription glasses of choice will only set you back 98 dollars.
As other glasses wearers can attest, glasses are not cheap. Before checking out Warby Parker, I went to a few different stores, including Empire Vision and Lens Crafters, and found that they charge upwards of 300 dollars for very standard frames and lenses. I'm very picky when it comes to shopping for anything, so I always have a tough time finding glasses in stores that are perfect for me, and I really don't enjoy the salespeople that breathe down your neck while you're looking.
Buying glasses online seemed impossible to me at first (how do you try them on???), but it's actually very easy with Warby Parker. Here's how it works:
Step 1: You need your prescription. I see an opthamologist since eye problems run in my family and I had cataract surgery in high school (that thing old people get...), so I got my prescription from my doctor. If you don't see an opthamologist, you can get your eyes tested at an optometrists office for around 60-90 dollars (sometimes there are even sales on eye exams).
Step 2: Visit warbyparker.com and pick out five frames that you like. Warby Parker mails you these frames (including return packaging) for free so you can try them on in the comfort of your own home. And make your family members and boyfriend vote on their favorite like I did.
Step 3: Place your order. You can even scan in your prescription if you're afraid of filling it in wrong on their site, or simply give them your eye doctor's number and they will call to find out your prescription for you!
Step 4: Wear your awesome glasses and feel proud of yourself for getting such a great deal. Warby Parker does not accept insurance, but does offer you a receipt that you can mail to your insurance company if you do get some coverage.
Warby Parker has gotten a bit of a reputation as a hipster brand in the blogosphere which is why I initially tried going the more traditional route when I needed new glasses, but I can assure you that even though some of their styles border on hipster territory, many do not!
Feel free to ask me any questions if you've considered Warby Parker, or visit them online- their customer service department is very helpful.
(I also just realized this post sounds like an advertisement for Warby Parker, but I wanted to clarify that we were compensated in no way for this review! I just really love a good deal. )
Warby Parker is an online shop that offers a wide range fashionable and vintage inspired frames for men and women. The best part? Your Warby Parker prescription glasses of choice will only set you back 98 dollars.
As other glasses wearers can attest, glasses are not cheap. Before checking out Warby Parker, I went to a few different stores, including Empire Vision and Lens Crafters, and found that they charge upwards of 300 dollars for very standard frames and lenses. I'm very picky when it comes to shopping for anything, so I always have a tough time finding glasses in stores that are perfect for me, and I really don't enjoy the salespeople that breathe down your neck while you're looking.
Buying glasses online seemed impossible to me at first (how do you try them on???), but it's actually very easy with Warby Parker. Here's how it works:
Step 1: You need your prescription. I see an opthamologist since eye problems run in my family and I had cataract surgery in high school (that thing old people get...), so I got my prescription from my doctor. If you don't see an opthamologist, you can get your eyes tested at an optometrists office for around 60-90 dollars (sometimes there are even sales on eye exams).
Step 2: Visit warbyparker.com and pick out five frames that you like. Warby Parker mails you these frames (including return packaging) for free so you can try them on in the comfort of your own home. And make your family members and boyfriend vote on their favorite like I did.
Step 3: Place your order. You can even scan in your prescription if you're afraid of filling it in wrong on their site, or simply give them your eye doctor's number and they will call to find out your prescription for you!
Step 4: Wear your awesome glasses and feel proud of yourself for getting such a great deal. Warby Parker does not accept insurance, but does offer you a receipt that you can mail to your insurance company if you do get some coverage.
Warby Parker has gotten a bit of a reputation as a hipster brand in the blogosphere which is why I initially tried going the more traditional route when I needed new glasses, but I can assure you that even though some of their styles border on hipster territory, many do not!
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| My new Warby Parker glasses! |
(I also just realized this post sounds like an advertisement for Warby Parker, but I wanted to clarify that we were compensated in no way for this review! I just really love a good deal. )
The Power of the LBD
By Allison Sass
The little black dress has been praised by females across the globe as a go-to item for a night out on the town. But does the LBD belong in the workplace? You bet it does!
While you definitely do not want to wear the same little black dress you might wear out to the nightclub, a work day appropriate LBD is the perfect piece for any post grad girl's wardrobe.
A simple black dress can be paired up with virtually any color sweater, long sleeve or short, and is the perfect blank palette for girls who enjoy experimenting with brighter jewelry.
I purchased my favorite black dress from H&M two years ago for about 30 dollars. I have worn this dress countless times paired with everything from sweaters and blouses, to floral tops and pearls.
Some great stores for those working on a budget are H&M, New York and Company, Forever 21, and Marshalls. Although I must admit, if you're going to splurge on anything in your wardrobe, this versatile piece would be the way to go!
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