I love clothes. My approach isn’t cost per item. Instead there is an annual budget. I try to buy only twice a year: fall/winter & spring/summer. I spend an inordinate amount of time planning my wardrobe and may only acquire a very few, very expensive pieces. But it will be within the budget set aside. At this point, there are few pieces in my closet which weren’t custom made in small women owned studios in the US.
Also of importance to me is cost per wearing. Some of my older garments, still worn regularly, are at $0 per wearing.
Would love to know more about the “small women-owned studios” making custom-made clothing for women! Care to share details?
I am very tall and lanky and sometimes have a hard time finding clothes that fit well. A couple of times I tried to have some pieces custom made but I didn’t do sufficient due diligence and it was a disaster. I spent a small fortune on clothes that were unwearable.
I like buying outerwear from companies who provide a lifetime warranty–llbean, north face, Columbia, jansport. It is worth it for me and their customer service depts are very nice.
@nottelling – I don’t know what type of clothing you are looking for, but have you tried J. Crew on-line for their tall sizing? As long as you do not buy a final sale item, everything is easily returnable in the retail stores or via mail. The website includes dimensions so you can figure out how an item will fit when compared with other items in your closet.
I wear a lot of their casual clothing but have also had great luck with a dress for a wedding and their 120 suiting material.
I paid beaucoup bucks for a pair of Ferragamos-- an emergency purchase at a professional conference when my shoes were killing me. I hate the Ferragamos. They squeak. Went back to Ferragamo store twice to complain. They even tried re-heeling them (and they charged me for it), but the stupid shoes still squeak. I never wear them. X(
^^That is the reason I don’t like those designer boutiques. I bet if you bough them at Nordie’s or maybe even at Saks, the store would have offered the service for free or even took them back! Unfortunately, you had no choice.
I have a pair of patent Ferragamos that I absolutely love. Cute, professional, and comfy. Can’t stand squeaky shoes, so I feel your pain!
Picked up my package from UK Tights at the PO. Great stuff, including Wolford and Max Mara micronet hose that is impossible to find in stores here. And significantly cheaper. Im going to test cheapo UK-made hose (Pretty Legs, 3 pk, $3.68 total price) that claims to be “ladder free” at a professional gathering this weekend.
Just had to post to say that I have the Cole Hahn sandals posted above in both black and nude. Found them at Nordstrom Rack last summer and they are wonderful. I have plantar fasciitis and was so happy to have dress sandals I can wear. Buy them!!
