I was interviewed twice last week for articles in the Financial Times and Women’s Wear Daily about changes in my shopping habits. Read the Financial Times article here by Tatiana Boncompagni.
And the WWD article here by Holly Haber.
What about you, how have YOUR shopping habits changed?
The answer is yes. Actually not only because of the recession, but also because I have always had certain principals concerning shopping. I d o buy fewer bags and clothes. I try to invest only in timeless, long-lasting quality. I won´t buy trendy pieces and never buy the leftovers (sales). I seldom go `shopping´(avoiding the extras). I have sold/am selling bags and clothes that I can live without, onwards. It is so surprising to find out, how little one actually needs. Last but not least, I take better care of my stuff.
Tina, I love the article….congratulations.
XOXO
Tina-you look great in your RM dress. I have changed my shopping habits by not going into the stores as much. If I go I want to buy, so I went to Saks and Neimans recently to select items for when they go on sale, which looks like this week. We have a very high end boutique in my city which I used to go every other week, I try so hard to keep out of there now. I probably only went there twice for the whole spring season.
Its hard to cut back but thank God for Zara and H&M. Regarding handbags, I really never wear them out. Most of mine are classic so will continue to provide use for decades. When I want to shop I go running instead, clean out drawers, and take another look at my kids college tuition bills.
Zara and H&M provide that quick thrill but their clothes don’t last and they add up quickly so I stick with buying a few key dresses from Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta and Roland Mouret and shop from my closet for everything else. Of course YSL shoes and Louboutins are a must as well, but instead of a dozen I now only buy a few pairs each season.
I actually do not shop in Dallas that often, I’m in NYC or LA once a month and get my fix there. But when I do shop in Dallas, NP and HP are really the only places to go.
I joke that my husband and I have a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy when it comes to my bags. I work, and pay for all my bags and clothing myself, and as long as I’m paying my share of the bills and putting money into savings, he doesn’t complain. But he’d still probably have a heart attack if he knew how much I’d paid for my Chanel bags.
I’m actually not planning to purchase any more bags for a while. I’ve been investing the last few years, and now have a great collection of mostly classic bags that will take me anywhere.
Hermès scarves, on the other hand…. 😉
Congrats on the articles Tina. Being interviewed on FT and WWD is really an achievement.
I love the classic bags, especially Hermes, but I miss learning about lesser known designers on bagsnob lately. I live in a really nice community and see a lot of the top It bags. To me a bag isn’t as special if I see someone else carrying it. I can’t buy a bag I know a million other women own.
Tina, you look fabulous I’m the turquoise Roland Mouret dress! You are my hero, so genius of you to figure out shopping as a career! Congrats on the articles, as cathy said quite the achievement!
Tina, you look fabulous, as always! I have always paid for all my clothes/shoes/bags shopping; this prevented fights with my dear hubby. I am not big on H&M, their clothes are very poorly made. I’d rather have few beautiful and classic pices than a closet full of junk. I have been “investing” in Hermes as well, hubby who is in finance laughs at me, but I think I will come out ahead (at least my daughter will).
xoxo
Congratulations! What an accomplishment to be interviewed by these amazing outlets!! And of course you look fab! Love the color of the RM dress:)
I loved Highland Park Village and Northpark when I lived in Plano. It’s funny that you should say that H & M doesn’t last. I bought a flower-print velvet riding-coat with a fake mink collar at H & M on Kensington High Street in London more than 10 years ago for like 50 pounds and I still get tons of compliments on it when I pull it out for the holidays. It’s pretty funky though! So, my H & M does last!
Congratulations! What an accomplishment to be interviewed by these amazing outlets!! And of course you look fab! Love the color of the RM dress:)
Key word 10 years ago
H&M today is not of the same quality as it was 10 years ago but it costs more!
I also have “cut back”. I now patiently wait for sales or check the internet (bluefly, etc..) for the deals then pounce. I don’t think I have paid retail for a bag in months. Things are going on sale so much faster now. Here in Hawaii, within 60 days any item in on the sale rack. As they say patience is a virtue!
Love it, why be at the mercy of a husband’s budget? Good for you girl!
My husband (who is in finance) actually admitted aloud just a month ago that my bags were better investments than stocks (which I already knew). Like you Tina and many fans of this blog, I have always believe in INVESTING in “classic” and great quality items. I made a mistake buying a cute ZARA jacket and it actually “cheapens” my outfits while a classic Chanel jacket or bag can perk up a pair of denim.
I have cut back quite a bit partly due to the economy, and partly to the lack of original bags out there that excite me. I agree with you 100% regarding financial independence. I’m chuckling at some of your stories (hiding purchases in the trunk:), b/c been there done that:) CONGRATS on looking fabulous and being so successful!
I have developed a certain style to fit my hourglass body type and optimize my wardrobe at the same time. All my pants are BCBG suiting wool; their pants go on sale twice a year and you can get them at 50 to 70% off at the end of the season. The colors are all neutrals and cuts are classic and flattering. For tops I have invested in a wardrobe of quality colorful cashmere sweaters; they never go out of style. Underneath you can easily wear just a white T-shirt. Top it off with a colorful Hermes scarf or a high-end pashmina, and diamond stud earrings and I look just as chic as any woman in a suit; the soft cashmere makes me much more approachable. As for bags I usually pore over the different models on the internet sites; it takes a long time for me to find something that resonates. I have been cruising Ebay for deals, the Birkin bags have definitely gone down in price. I have a couple of H bags but no Birkin yet. My latest buy is a Dior.
Tina,
This is fabulous, I can just picture D saying that!
Am so proud of you, congrats darling and happy anniversary! The wedding was like yesterday.
Sending you lots of love
I agree, an Hermes fund nowadays is a wiser investment than stocks as a college fund. Your husband must be so proud of his beautiful and smart wife! You and Kelly are an inspiration to all of the moms in my mommy group! We all have little babies and are trying to figure out how to start our own little business, any tips you may have would be greatly appreciated!
As for my shopping habits, it’s sample sale shopping for now and outlets are great, too. A trip to Woodbury commons is always fun.
Like to enjoy reading all the comments. I have never owned a bag over $1600 so Hermes I never owned. But it could have something to do with the fact that my husband is not a high roller and I dont make enough to buy those investment pieces, but I do save money for the shoes and jeans that I like and good jackets…I wear them for 5 yrs.