Lately, there’s been a big trend in the blogging world where people are really proud of their thrift store finds. Many bloggers, myself included, love to show off the amazing deals we get for next to nothing. You’ll even find badges on blogs saying, “We shop secondhand first,” thanks to The Citizen Rosebud.
We tend to mention the price of a new item only if it’s super cheap. I admit, I do this to show that I’m not just spending money left and right; I just couldn’t pass up a great deal. While shopping secondhand is awesome and eco-friendly, I think we shouldn’t overlook the value of occasionally buying items at full price and being proud of it.
Thrift store finds or sale items can often fall short for a few reasons:
– They might only be worn a few times.
– Sometimes, they might look as cheap as they cost.
– You might compromise on fit or style (which you can try to avoid).
Even though buying secondhand helps the environment, continually filling your closet with new items might not be the best approach. More isn’t always better, and it might be more beneficial for the planet and your style to focus on fewer, higher-quality items.
Buying full price has its perks, especially if you support emerging or eco-conscious designers:
– It helps new designers keep creating and sustain their businesses.
– Ensuring perfect quality, fit, and style becomes a priority.
– You think carefully about your personal style and the image you want to project, leading to a more defined and possibly minimalist wardrobe.
– You can still be eco-friendly by choosing natural fabrics or supporting green designers.
Sure, expensive items can sometimes turn out to be disappointing, and it hurts more when they do. But don’t let that fear stop you from spending on high-quality clothes. As we get older, quality matters more. Cheap fabrics and outdated designs can age you or look frumpy.
It would be great to see more pride in high-ticket, successful purchases in the blogosphere. Those items that, despite their high cost, make you feel and look fabulous every time you wear them are worth celebrating. It’s challenging to find those perfect, high-quality pieces, but when you do, be proud! One of my goals this year is to get better at this—focusing on timeless, high-quality basics that will always be a go-to in my wardrobe.
This doesn’t mean you should stop thrifting or shopping sales altogether, but do so in moderation and find the right balance. Mixing expensive items with more casual pieces creates the perfect combination.
So, what high-ticket items have you bought that were totally worth it?
