Sticker Shock

My boyfriend found a receipt from my latest shopping expedition at Meiling's, and had a slight panic attack. He could not believe what I pay for clothes. Later this same week, I was planning with my mom what she should wear for an upcoming event and when we got to price-point, she too was not on the same page.

When I teach style to different groups, we discuss the difference between investment pieces and fashion pieces. Investment pieces are those garments that act as the building blocks of your personal wardrobe. They are the staple pieces that can be paired countless ways to create new looks. They should also be of the best quality and perhaps therefore cost the most of all the items you stuff n your drawer.These are pieces like solid shift dresses, black trousers, pencil skirts (One of the most expensive things I own is a plain black pencil skirt from Adolfo Dominguez) and classic blouses. Investment pieces, like any investment, should be maintained well. Alter them to perfection so they fit you impeccably. They should also be hand washed or dry cleaned according to specific label requirements to last you years.

PLEASE note that higher price does not necessarily mean higher quality. Look for quality first, THEN peep at the price tag.

"Fashions fade , Style is eternal." If your investment pieces are the foundation of your personal style, then the trendy seasonal looks are like the throw pillows and temporary accessories of it. These fashion finds are where you can bargain hunt and get away with less than perfect quality. This is what you go to F21 and Asos for. (I have repeated bought f21 basic tees for US$3 and after one wash I need to buy another. Basic tees are investment pieces.) Fashion pieces are the flavour of the month. Your iridescent totes and lacy peplum  tops with aztec prints. Your Nicki Minaj moments. Basically it's anything that you can only see yourself wearing a couple times. A fling. HeeHee.

So where do you draw the line with your shopping? How much would you spend on something? When do you pull out the credit card? Is it on the sparkley sequined mini you can only wear once (because after you post 10 selfies of yourself in it on Instagram you know you can never wear it again), or on a tailored blazer for work? I want to know what you think is too much. TT$1,000 per item? TT$300? Who are you go-to designers or which are most frequented labels?

 I advise consulting your monthly budget and see what you can spare each month. Then buy one item every 2 months. It's better to spend more on clothes so frankly you cannot afford to buy too much! Cluttered closets are the eighth deadly sin. After you have acquired the top ten wardrobe basics, then you may adorn (sparingly) with fashion pieces. And when these fashions fade, please deliver them to the Salvation Army.

*My go-to labels are Calvin Klein, Banana Republic and French Connection for a great balance between price and quality.
*I will not spend more than TT$2,000 per item.