Become a Member for as little as $4/mo and enjoy unlimited reading of TSLL blog.
Often I receive questions on how I justify and afford more expensive choices in my wardrobe. And while I have a very limited clothing allowance, when I choose to purchase an item that on paper initially look a bit astronomical, I take my calculations one step further.
Cost per Wear
What does it mean? Let’s take designer jeans – my favorite are Citizens of Humanity and J.Brand. As a teenager, I was continually frustrated with jeans that weren’t long enough and never fit me correctly, which at the time made me feel as though there was something wrong with me, but when I finally discovered longer lengths at a bit more expensive price range, I was more than ready to put more than a few bucks down.
The rationalization of Cost per Wear is if I wear a particular pair of $150 jeans 75 times, the jeans are actually $2. And while some may say, but your checking account is still missing $150, my argument is that the quality of the jeans allowed them to be able to be worn 75 times, thus, saving me from buying a similar cheaper pair that wouldn’t have been able to go the distance.
I realize that not everyone will agree with this, however, no matter how much a pair of jeans cost, if the money isn’t available, there is no rationalizing it – the jeans must stay on the rack. On the flip side, however, if the funds are there, and you know the item will be easily incorporated into your lifestyle, than don’t feel guilty for choosing quality. One fabulously tailored quality item will bring the rest of your wardrobe up to its level.
I agree! I love the calculations, and in my book it definitely makes sense.
I am a total fan of cost per ware! I have multiple pairs of overly expensive jeans but I wear jeans nearly everyday. So for me it is worth the investment, aside from that I have not bought a pair of designer jeans in about 1 1/2 years and I am still happily wearing the ones that I have, so that is a lot more than 75 wears… totally worth it for me!
There is a false economy to cheap things, and I, for one, am not rich enough to afford them. Quality that goes the distance is a must for me.
I totally agree!! I am a firm believer you actually save more going for quality over quantity.
I follow this same philosophy. I wear my jeans so much they’re pennies! I’d love to have you link up with me for Fashion Friday’s tomorrow. If you want to, check out my blog for the button! Have a great night. Kori xoxo
http://www.blondeepisodes.com
Oh so glad I am not the only one that does this little trick!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Come and enter my Fashionable Giveaway from the French Basketeer!
I’m not a strict follower of CPW, I still try to find what I want at the best price. There are some things I shelled out for that fell short and others that were worth every penny.
I completely agree with this and live by the same “rule” ^.^
Still absolutely adore this pic btw, nice post!
I read on dead fleurette the other day thatI’m too poor to buy cheap and I think this saying illustrates your point.
I completely agree with you!
XoXo
Plami
http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/
Most definitely agree with this, and that is exactly my standard when purchasing certain items.
The iPhone App COST PER WEAR is available in the App Store (free download).
I completely agree. I did struggle with non-designer jeans such a long time. I have three pairs of designer jeans for the last three years now and no need to purchase another pair because they are so stylish I can dress them up and down…and do a lot of more with them. I see it as a saving plan. 🙂