We Are All Worth It
What goes around comes around.
Here’s how it works:
1. You want something new in a difficult economy so you hit Marshall’s or TJ Maxx to get the Maxx for the minimum.
2. You spend $200 on a bunch of junk (albeit you have 5 new things), made in China, absolutely not eco-friendly and have taken business away from the local boutique or business run by a hard-working small business owner trying to pursue the dream of running a successful business.
3. You’ve taken away from the designer whose order is refused from the same boutique because the buyer can’t afford the order.
4. The designer can’t afford to design anymore and goes back to waitressing or dog walking – not the fulfilling life for this creative soul.
5. Little by little your options become slim because your choices are Ferragamo, Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs on a trendy city drag or, the other end of the spectrum, a TJ Maxx in a strip mall. And you live 70 miles from the nearest big city.
But the times are changing.
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette recently posted an article on recessionary living and how shoppers are wanting items that have long term value.
“It’s choosing quality over quantity,” Ann Mack, a trend expert at J. Walter Thompson is quoted as saying in the same article.
A related story:
A friend just dropped by and saw my tailored Prairie Underground hoodie and asked me how much and where did I get it.
“$200 and I wear it all the time and get lots of compliments,” I said.
“$200!! That’s crazy!” she said, clutching her Starbucks grande latte.
I thought quick.
“That’s as much as that latte costs in probably a month in a half but I get to keep it and not wear it just on my hips like your latte, unless of course it’s a skim?”
“Point taken.”
So say this over and over:
I won’t go to the strip malls and bulk up on 70% off merchandise. It’s a matter of morals and yes, a quest for quality.
I will go to my local boutiques and buy that one piece I love.
I will give that designer an opportunity for another collection in the spring.
I will turn that boutique owner’s frown upside down as she puts my new dress carefully in scented tissue paper and string whistling, happy.
I will be part of the new shopping generation that cares about what I buy, where it’s made, and what it’s made of.
I will love getting dressed everyday.
I am worth it.
Image: Vincent Boiteau
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Coming Up Carrots
XHello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic. Evidently, San Franciscans like their
cmarchuska Diane Dress Giveaway
XHello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic. At EcoSalon, we love versatile
Walking the Talk: Adventures in Launching My Eco Boutique
XHello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic. At the Shift launch party
Notes from the Underground
XHello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic. Anna Korte of AK Vintage,
|
Bookmark |
16 Comments
January 14th, 2009 at 7:21 am
I love finding something that says MADE IN U S A and I didn’t have to go in an antique store to find it.
Good article Amy, now when I loose 20 more pounds, I can shop in one of those boutiques. This is my problem and I am taking care of it.
And when this happens, you and I are going to go shopping………
Elly
January 14th, 2009 at 7:32 am
this is brilliant! i’ve been trying to teach this for years, and while many agree and understand the need to buy quality over quantity (my main focus is cost per wear), many, many, many more are focused simply on the initial cost of the good.
it’s always a charged issue though, people get defensive and say they can’t afford to buy expensive items – my answer to them, is set priorities, save money, and you can invest in 4-5 classic, quality items a year that will last for decades. and when you do this for several years, you won’t NEED to buy anything else, you’ll already have a well-stocked wardrobe.
ultimately, buying quality over quantity – buying less and paying more, is better for your wallet in the long run, good for independent designers, and good for the environment
thanks for continuing this dialogue!
grechen’s last blog post..Enter to Win a Matt & Nat Vegan (& recycled) Handbag
January 14th, 2009 at 7:39 am
You’ve nailed it, Amy.
January 14th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Thanks Amy,
Great article that says a lot!
In these complex times with so many issues to deal with, it’s hard to keep everything in perspective.
We all need to support one another… designers, buyers, retailers, farmers, producers etc.
XO
January 14th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Thank you, thank you and thank you. As a relatively new designer of American made apparel I can’t tell you how this article really hits home. If people would only understand there are tons of great quality US made products right under our noses. TIP: You won’t find them in WalMart or TJ Maxx.
Most of our customer base consists of the small specialty boutiques where you’ll find good merchandise and even better service.
Thanks again,
Joe
Brand of the Free
January 14th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I would love to shop online at some of these “eco boutiques” but they all seem to cater to very small sizes. I’m losing weight, but in the meantime, it would be nice to be able to find things in my size.
January 14th, 2009 at 9:53 am
to @Elly:
Clothing sizes don’t apply to accessories like scarves, handbags and jewelry– they’re a perfect way to enhance your wardrobe with local designs (of course I’m biased; I’m a handbag and accessory designer!)
and to Amy:
You’re reminding me of my old wardrobe– I always needed something to wear and nothing I owned really fit or flattered.
The day I realized there was no excuse for wearing ill-fitting clothes I cleaned out my closet and I’ve never looked back.
I make a point to only wear pieces that fit, and ideally only clothes that I love [be it well-made and classic, vintage, or even off the rack at Target].
The closet monkey is off my back forever. And it pays to buy something great because I know I will wear it over and over and over again.
[This doesn't mean I spent a ton of money on my clothes, but I only buy pieces that work with the staples I already have, and I don't care how much it's marked down.]
Linda’s last blog post..Spring Flowers
January 14th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Yes yes yes! A few well-tailored, quality pieces (made of luscious fabrics) are easier to mix and match than a pile of crappy polyester rags.
Plus, if you do clothing swaps with your friends, you’ll get more lovely stuff going around and around, so your wardrobe will expand beautifully.
January 14th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Beautifully said, Amy.
I’m certainly done with buying clothes because they’re cheap or there’s a sale on or everyone else is wearing them. I want the clothes that I want.
And paying good money for good clothes is the way forwards. Quality deserves reward.
There’s another thing…I want to enjoy anticipating buying something.
When something is a bit pricier but far better quality, you look forward to the time when you can buy it. You scrimp and save, and then you treasure it. You bond with it.
One good thing with having less money to play with is that you value things more.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:52 am
oh, this is good. xo
January 14th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
@susan pober, i totally understand your dilemma. several months ago i prepared a list of eco-friendly designers and boutiques online that cater to larger sizes (mostly XL’s, but some true plus sizes): http://www.greengrechen.com/plus-size-eco-chic/ – i think you will find some great resources there. i also cannot recommend etsy.com enough – most of the designers will work with you and your measurements to create something unique. good luck!!
grechen’s last blog post..Enter to Win a Matt & Nat Vegan (& recycled) Handbag
January 14th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Grechen, thank you so much for posting that link!
January 14th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I hate to be the wet blanket here. There are neither “cute local boutiques” nor TJ Maxx type stores in my tiny rural town but, if there were, I suspect both stores would be staffed by local people who have a dream of putting food on their tables and paying their bills. I don’t want to put either one out of business. I also don’t care about “quality pieces” when I’m working in the garden or cleaning my house. The merchandise from both types of stores have a place in my closet and I suspect, when I go to “the big city”, I’ll continue to shop at both types of establishments.
SimplyForties’s last blog post..New Experiment in Vermicomposting
January 14th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
How did you know I went to TJ Maxx, yesterday? Actually, it was my first visit and I wanted to see what it was all about. You are right, I practically choked on the made-in-China scent in the shoe racks. I love your post and must say, fashionable women always ponder the choices of a few good pieces versus what we can get for cheap, because sales have really been turned into treasure hunts for those with a good eye. I spent $95 at the local small grocery on my Avenue this week instead of running to the big market, and I have to say, it made me and the owner feel quite good. Thanks for a great post, Amy.
January 17th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Well written Amy! I must say that of course i completely agree and support your words. We don’t have TJ Maxx in canada but we do have walmart and i can’t remember the last time I walked in there and if i did i’m not sure what it would have been ?
While everyone is concerned for the economy they should likely consider supporting it. Every time you buy a shirt made in china you have dented the economy. Every time you buy one made in north America you have fed the economy. Pretty simple really.
Something to consider while worrying.
Who Linked To This Post?
Welcome! The comment box is all yours to say what you like. Just make sure you use a real name, not a site or company, so you don't get sent to the spam bin. (That makes us sad.)