I was already wondering what effects this would have on my future shopping habits, but Kate at makedostyle beat me to it with a great post, telling us how our wardrobes will need to work harder and there has never been a better time to think about a) investment dressing and b) wardrobe staples.
Investment dressing is that great designer piece that will last you like, forever, the one great piece (usually a coat or dress) that will take you anywhere, from the office to cocktail parties and it doesn't have to be black!
Wardrobe staples are the pieces that will mix and match to create a wardrobe of great basic pieces for classic styling, i.e. white shirt, jeans, black pencil skirt, grey t-shirt, Trench Coat, black pumps etc. They don't have to expensive, but you will always look classy in a neutral colour palette.
If you don't want to start buying from New Look, then Sale shopping may well become the only way to purchase for many, even for those who hate the sales! I am seriously thinking that this will be the time that I will make most of my purchases and for in season shopping, thank God for theoutnet, a fashionista's bargain paradise where you can grab a steal, every Tuesday and Thursday. Who cares if it is last seasons or even last years, when you are shopping for basics, staples, or investment pieces, it doesn't really matter?
Just before the sale season got into full swing, I went online and nabbed a pair of Current Elliott "Dad" Jeans. They looked like boyfriends to me, but when they arrived, I realised why they were called "Dad", because I guess your Dad is bigger than your Boyfriend and these are quite big, I could eat a few whole Victoria Sponge's and still fit in them! Also slightly looser on the leg and around the crotch, but I love them anyway! I'm sure my neighbours will think they belong to OH when they are on the washing line! £53 reduced from silly money!
I also couldn't resist buying the See by Chloe smock top at the same time. I wanted this on net-a-porter last season but didn't buy it and boy, am I glad I didn't, because I only paid £28 for it! A top that was originally way over £100 - what a bargain! It has slits in the puff sleeves so you see a bit of flesh and it is whiter than white, sounds silly I know, but you know how some things are really white?
So what do you think? Two great wardrobe staples that will last me for years? I think so, so I hope you agree.
Sorry for the seriously crap picture, you just can't take them of yourself can you? The jeans weren't rolled up properly due to the fact the tags were low down on the leg and I hadn't removed them at that stage, but you get the idea!
Do you think the rise in VAT will affect your shopping habits?
Great buys and yes I'm battening down the hatches as we blog. I'm going to make a couple of key purchases and then make do. Hard times are ahead.
ReplyDeleteI cant tell you how much price increases pain me! People were panic buying already in Chanel the other day. I agree though if you shop wisely you can pretty much get whatever you want at a discount thanks to outnet type sites, ebay and charity. Great jeans BTW x
ReplyDeleteI think that I might just have to start shopping with a more focused eye until the changed prices become my new 'normal' (probably this time next year!)
ReplyDeleteI haven't got much dosh to spend on clothes in the first place, but reading blogs like yours makes me want to own nicer things.
I need to buy less, but buy better from here on in.
Ali xxx
Love these pieces especially those jeans, definately classics! I guess I will have to buy my dream designer items before this vat increase! x
ReplyDeleteDon't even get me started on the increase in the VAT...which I think is horrendous. Here in Los Angeles we have a sales tax of 9.75% which is bad enough, but a 20% consumption tax is criminal. Why do you think we crazy Americans separated from England to begin with, it was the bloody stupid tax on tea!
ReplyDeleteThis tax increase is not good for my Beladora business with my UK clients.
Yes, additional tax does cause all of us to be more thoughtful in what we buy. But my message, like yours and Make Do Style, has always been to be careful to buy quality staples and then build a wardrobe around them. If I am buying a classic like a black pencil skirt or a cashmere cardigan, I don't care if I'm buying out of season or last year's line as long as the price is right.
The same thing goes for jewelry. Everyone needs a great watch, a gold link bracelet, pearls, little diamond earrings, and a few other staples but why buy new at huge retail markups when you can save 50% or more by buying pre-owned estate jewelry. The quality is usually better in older jewelry than it is in newly manufactured jewelry which all comes off of factory assembly lines in Asia.
OK...now that I've vented...I fell better.
I agree with you all, I always try to spend on investment key items and a regular wardrobe sort out reveals treasures that you may have forgotten, and inspire new ways to wear them.. I am definitely with Belle on the jewellery I love old jewellery its unique and far better quality xx
ReplyDeleteGreat bargain with the See by Chloe top. I'm going to try to be more focused and not pay full price for anything unless I absolutely LOVE it. There's always a sale or discount code just around the corner. xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.weshopthereforeweare.co.uk/
There must be a worldwide tax going on.. here in Canada (ontario) - as of July 1st - many of our shopping items will be taxed at 13% (items that prior were only taxed at 5% or 8% , although some were taxed at both taxes)- we thought we had it bad - but reading your post, I think I'll be thankful. Especially since I'm in the process of rebuilding my wardrobe (not by choice as you know).
ReplyDeleteWe will all have to be a little more selective about how we spend our pennies. Thank goodness for friends and blog friends - who share the FYI on where the deals are. Great post! It really makes you think.
And your wardrobe selections will take you into many seasons ahead. Good choices... HHL
Oooh, I love that pretty top - I want one!
ReplyDeleteI think it's always great to have at least a few wardrobe staple pieces in your closet :)
ReplyDeleteLove the top and the dad jeans too. They are really staples in the closet... great buys! xoxo
ReplyDeleteGreat buys!! You look fab! e xx
ReplyDeleteLove them both and definitely investment buys. Think it will be the way to go - you're right. No spending for me in Selfridges tomorrow! :( x
ReplyDelete