I suppose I'll be the first to make the case for
quantity over quality.
I will be the first to admit that certain staples will never go out of style. Every woman should own a tube of classic red lipstick, black pumps, a little black dress, a quality pair of jeans, a beige trench coat, perhaps, and a great, dependable cardigan or two. For me personally, however, a four to five piece "French" wardrobe, as they call it, doesn't let me express who I am. One day I might want to be a bit of a prepster; the next, I might try to emulate Anouck Amiee in 8 1/2. With my family background and general current financial position, it would be impossible to do this with all "quality" items; thankfully, in the twenty first century, there is such a wide array of fast fashion that anyone can look like a rockstar one day and Princess Grace the next without breaking a two hundred. Are my new skirts from Forever 21 "quality"? Not at all. But they really speak to where I am right now in my fashion journey, and they will certainly find themselves donated or sold in a few years (if they last that long). It's obviously different with the "staples" I mentioned earlier, pieces that transcend trends, but when it comes to the trendier items that I purchase- for this season, those would be garments like rompers or tribal print skirts- it's just much more practical to buy one for $25 at Forever 21 when I know I'm probably never going to wear it again after next season.
As for my one "luxury" item; I plan on using my first big girl/real job paycheck for a pair of classic black Louboutins. Simple, I know, (and probably not very practical for a first paycheck), but I know they'll last me. And I'll only spend an excessive amount on something I know I'll get my wear out of.
bergdorfgoodman.com