I think I've mentioned here that I've been trying to look a little nicer at work recently now that I'm getting freaking old. So for that reason, my parents treated me to a shopping spree at some nice stores for my birthday. Instead of my usual Old Navy and Target, I was told to go to nicer places like Ann Taylor and J. Jill. And for the first time since I was a child, I didn't even look at the price tags. I just got what I liked because my parents can afford it.
Until I got home.
I really couldn't help but gasp a little when I was cutting the tag off what appeared to be a plain white shirt and saw that it cost $60. Seriously, WTF? That shirt should cost, like, $7.
Who buys a plain white shirt for $60???? I never would have bought that with my own money! And I'm supposedly one of the wealthier people in this country. Who supports these stores? How are there enough people who want $60 white shirts when 2/3 of American don't have enough money to cover a $500 emergency?
Are there people out there spending more than 10% of their savings on a single shirt? I just don't get it.
The truly sad thing is that the higher price probably doesn't reflect any improvements in the working conditions of the people who made the shirt. A shirt probably should cost $60, and be made to last 6 times longer than a $10 shirt by someone who was paid a fair wage.
ReplyDeletePretty sure I've heard about a documentary on this exact topic, I'm gonna go look it up now.
I don't get it either, but I will NOT shop at Walmart.
ReplyDeleteMust be SOME shirt
ReplyDeleteWhile I am strictly frugal, I do value quality. Ann Taylor for example, cuts their fabric to drape beautifully, and to have a naturally placed stretch for comfort. I would usually wait for a clearance sale though. I purchased a silk skirt from there for $25 (original price $89) I have worn it for 7 years, and it still looks great!
ReplyDeleteI love Ann Taylor's quality. It's all I wear at work.
ReplyDeleteI agree with looking for quality... but I usually wait for clearance/sale items (like ireflect above)... items on sale at Anthro or Ann Taylor are definitely better than Walmart.
ReplyDeleteSorry, mom... I know you like WM but I can tell the difference. (that side note is for my real mom btw)
As long as it's not for me. I definitely don't buy my clothes at Walmart.
DeleteI've spent more that $60 for a shirt, but it wasn't more than 10% of my savings to do it. Usually the more expensive shirts I buy, it's because they have extra tailoring built in that make a huge difference in how they look. And they last for years. I'm a cheapskate at heart, but my logic on clothing has become that I'd rather have clothes that feel good and look good and don't have to be replaced too often. Clothes are tools, and sometimes it's worth the extra expense for the tool that does what you want and does it well.
ReplyDeleteSome people do buy clothes at those prices and I know that they most definitely can't afford it, they also are not saving their money. I've always shopped at the higher end stores because there is a huge difference in quality that can easily be justified. I've signed up for their rewards programs (which are free) and wait until there is a good sale before I buy something. Usually I am able to get most of the items 50% off and sometimes I even have a coupon that I can use on top of that. You will also accrue points for shopping that will lead to a gift certificate at that store. Right now Nordstrom's has their anniversary sale going on and I found tons of shoes that were up to 50% off. Sign up for email alerts from stores that way you know when there is a sale, also your credit card company has promotions where you can redeem your points for a gift card at department stores at a higher cash value. Designer clothes are attainable and not only do they look nicer on you, they hold up better over the years.
ReplyDeleteOr you could just shop at the thrift store and get the $60 shirt for $5... It's the only way I can afford nice clothes. There are no high end stores in my town, and it adds to the expense for me to drive 65 miles every time there's a sale. I have caviar taste on a cat food budget, but can dress the part thanks to my local thrift store. Plus, I know I'm helping the disadvantaged by shopping there.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't justify spending $60 on a t-shirt for myself (or anyone) with my money or someone else's money! I'd much rather donate the money to a pediatric cancer charity! I will say if you're looking for a nice quality t-shirt, Old Navy makes a very nice one & it's reasonably priced! I actually wait until they go on sale & replace the ones needing replacing for the coming season! I'm super frugal, though!
ReplyDeleteI posed the same shocked question when I first shopped at Banana Republic. I think you're looking at it backwards. It's not who can afford the shirt when 2/3 of Americans can't afford a $500 emergency. It's why do you think 2/3 of Americans can't afford $500? Because they bought the shirt. The things you hear about credit card debt, people overdoing it during the holidays, etc. etc. Also, as Bernie fans might aptly point out, a minority of people pbb do a disproportionate amount of the spending. But still plenty of non-rich America with poor spending habits, methinks.
ReplyDeleteAs a lover of Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, and the occasional Banana Republic... never buy anything from there unless they are at least 40% off. Every item will always be at least 40% if not more. I bought my favorite dress pants for $7 and blouses for around the same cost. Don't give up hope! The only people that spend the full amount are the ones who are desperate in the store needing something right that day.
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