Splurge or Save? Where I prioritize my spend when it comes to my wardrobe

And remember the wardrobe mantra: you're not in a rush!

I’m going to do a separate post soon on things I won’t buy for my wardrobe, a de-influencing special if you will. But today I’m answer some subscriber questions around where I prioritize my wardrobe spend. As I reflect on not buying anything for my wardrobe for over 264 days, here’s what I’ve noticed…

Where do I prioritize my spend?

Link to my bracelets here

Fine Jewelry

When we think of adding some icing to a look to make it a little more interesting or to add some personality, jewelry for most people (at whatever price point) is usually the easiest, most low lift way. In addition to a few very special pieces which were given to me at my birth from family members, some of the pieces that have worked the hardest within my wardrobe are fine jewelry items. My first pair of earrings that I would put into the fine jewelry category were my Mejuri small bold gold hoops, incredibly classic, and a pair so comfortable I tend to sleep in them most of the time. Even if i’m taking the dogs out for a walk or going for a hike, they just make me everything feel a little more intentional. It was the costume jewelry I wore until it changed color, that signified the pieces which were worth investing and upgrading to better quality metals. I had three gold bracelets I wore throughout my twenties that were very classic, and I wore them until every piece of gold was replaced with a green/copper hue. It took me until I was in my thirties to be able to afford these pieces in real gold, and over the past 8-10 years they have seen a tremendous amount of wear. Fine jewelry is quite literally an investment in that certain metals (and certain pieces from certain brands) hold their value too. In addition to Kinn, and Agmes, the other brand i’m low key obsessed with is White Space Jewelry.

My old small Loewe Puzzle Bag.

Leather Bags

When I think about the handbags my Mum owns, so many of them are over thirty, forty years old and still look incredible. While she has loved and used them, she has cared for them well with regards to storage and repairs. I’ve seen re-release of numerous designer bags only to realise my mum has the originals of some, (most notably old Prada, Gucci and Tods) and her originals are easily superior in quality and craftsmanship. This observation is one of the main reasons I now, where possible, prefer to buy my designer bags preloved. I always knew I would buy my Hermes Kelly preloved because of the very specific style and finishes I wanted. She (yes I call her she) is over thirty years old and the quality is beyond ANYTHING I have ever seen. A great leather bag, irrelevant of price point (when made well) can withstand a lot of life and a lot of love. The way leather ages is also part of it’s charm to me. I have a video that shares my handbag collection here, although I have sold quite a few pieces recently.

Jacket by Ganni

Jackets and Blazers

Let’s be honest, this one isn’t a surprise is it? But again, when I think about my own wardrobe, it’s the blazers and jackets that I’ve found in thrift stores, especially those in cashmere, silks and wool that have already surpassed decades of use from someone else that still excite me the most. Generally speaking, because blazers and jackets tend to not be in direct proximity to the skin (think armpit area etc) etc when worn with other layers underneath they don’t suffer from excessive washing. I honestly think if I had to, I could wear the same pair of trousers or jeans and a tee everyday, just change out the jacket or blazer and I’d still feel great. Jackets and blazers are a signifier that my outfit is complete. Putting on a blazer or jacket is comparable to a sigh of relief, and a wave of contentment that one gets after eating a delicious meal when you’re full but not stuffed. You just feel complete.

Practical Leather Shoes

So this one is a little hard to quantify, but as someone who no longer buys high heels, even if I did, it’s not an item I would choose to spend on because it would see little to no wear in my wardrobe. The same thing I mentioned about bags is also relevant here. With a good quality pair of shoes, they will last a lifetime if you look after them. At university I found a pair of women’s Church’s brogues that I wore for over ten years in a thrift store that cost me more to re-sole them than it did to buy them. My Toteme Mid Heel boots (above) were another example of a wardrobe investment that was on my wishlist for many many years before I bought them. Every year without fail I’m excited to wear them once Autumn comes around.

Where do I save?

My T-Shirt of choice

Basic Cotton T-Shirts & Vests

These items are what I consider ‘consumables’ in that they are more likely to get damaged beyond repair quicker than other items in my closet. To be more specific, they either end up getting a hole in (usually from my dogs when they get excited) or I tend to make the collar go yellow because i’m a very sweaty person. Especially white tees and vests, they probably have a shelf life in my wardrobe of about a year, and I say this with the knowledge I am wearing these pieces consistently throughout the year because I live somewhere warm. I’ve tried bleaching the collars, i’ve tried stain removers, but nothing has been able to take away the sad look of what appears to be (but isn’t) a dirty unwashed tee.

Anything white (when it comes to clothing)

With the exception of one white leather grained bag (My small Loewe Hammock, which I bought preloved) I refuse to spend money on anything white, why? Because I am like a child who always spills stuff without fail whenever I dare to wear anything white. For this reason, it’s just nonsensical from my perspective to spend money on items I know that nine times out of ten I am likely to risk ruining within the first wear. You name it i’ve done it, sat on a dirty chair or bench when wearing white jeans, spilt soy sauce down my Dissh white linen waistcoat in a fancy New York Restaurant, and spilt copious amounts of tomato based sauce/tea and coffee down numerous white tshirts and white shirts. No white garment is safe in my presence.

They don’t seem to have them in stock anymore! (sad face)

Trainers

I’m not ashamed to say I have repurchased the same (if not very similar) pair of trainers/sneakers in the exact same style three times in a row from Nordstrom Rack, over a span of about eight years. I used to run a lot, and I do a lot of walking, and while I’m sure I never updated the treads on my trainers frequently enough when I was a runner, my trainers are purely for working out. I’m not a pro athlete. The same Nike pair I buy each time is comfortable enough and usually around $65. They get the job done. I’m not a trendy trainer wearing girl (those balenciaga ones come to mind) when it comes to everyday outfits. If I am choosing a trainer intentionally as part of an outfit I won’t be working out in, I still think you can’t beat a pair of Converse or a pair of Vans.

This & Other Stories coat is over 8 years old and fits the bill if on the rare occasion I do go somewhere seriously cold.

Thick/Heavy Winter Coats

I live in LA. No explanation needed.

I don’t believe I even own a pair of gloves. I remember buying this Acne scarf off Depop for a great price about 8 years ago.

Wool hats, gloves & scarves

See above.

My favorite thrifted chunky wool cardigan my Dad got me for my secret Santa two years ago.

Knitwear

I believe you can find excellent quality cashmere at places like Nordstrom Rack if you’re willing to dig, plus some of my favorite pieces of knitwear have been thrifted. I also think the high street offers some really great knitwear, my go tos include M&S, & Other Stories, Quince and Cos.

This was the Mango dress I mentioned (they no longer sell it sadly)

Dresses

When it comes to dresses, I really love the offerings of places like Cos. I also find as a mid size gal most designer brands don’t tend to cater to my body shape or size unless a piece is oversized. I have very vivid memories of being in a fancy dress shop in NY a few years ago trying on a beautiful linen dress. I think it was about $500, and the sales assistant was so sure it would fit me, even when I hesitated knowing full well it was highly unlikely. I got it on, just… but it looked TERRIBLE and it felt like I was being suffocated from the inside out! What can I say, the proportions just weren’t made for someone with tits and thighs. Needless to say I found an ‘inspired’ take on said dress in Mango (see above) for less than $70, and I still wear it now and it looks way better than the expensive one. Similar to what I mentioned about t-shirts and vests, because I live somewhere warm, I find most dresses eventually end up wearing away at the armpit, thanks to how hot it is, that and the fact the deodorant marks are a nightmare!

Ultimately, when it comes to where we prioritise our spend, the decisions we make should be based on our lifestyle, the climate we live in and of course, what feels in line with our own wardrobe values. I try my best to find most pieces preloved or second hand first and it’s been fun to see that my wardrobe data on Indyx is showing my wardrobe is close to 50/50 split of second hand items and new being worn since i’ve been I started my no buy challenge. I’m curious to know how yours differ, let me know in the comments below, and thank you as always for supporting my work.

Harry x

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