Saturday, November 15, 2008

Cool News and a Challenge

Tim Blair of TheLifeSimple.com has featured me and The Very Small Closet at his blog. You can check out the blurb here.
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Reader Mary posted a request (or is it a challenge?) on yesterday's post: "Okay Jennifer - it's time for you to SPILL! I want to see some posts where you find good quality, stylish clothing that's affordable. Give us an example of something - anything!! For me, extra points if it's a great wardrobe building basic like a great pair of pants."

I've been mulling over exactly how to address this one...give examples of the items I personally wear?...scour the internet for good deals?...take my camera and pounce on unsuspecting mall-goers? I've been avoiding this issue because I personally believe that one person's "affordable" is another person's "expensive". And depending where you shop, how you shop, and when you shop, prices can vary wildly. That's why I've been focusing on how to recognize quality when you see it...because you really can find quality at all price points.

Nevertheless, I will do my best and return to you all with "something - anything!" in the very near future. :-)

See you next time...same blog time...same blog channel....

(For more information on wardrobe planning, or to sign up for my free e-zine, please visit my wardrobe planning website.)

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen, I am waiting to see your response to the challenge.

Lisa M. McLellan said...

This is a tough one Jenn. You are right - one person's affordable is not always the same for another. Maybe a few different types or an explanation of what makes a piece a good deal.

Robert Kaufer said...

Very cool, way to go

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RobFromGa said...

Looking forward to your response. I expect that cost per wearing is a big part of the value equation.

Seize the Day,
Rob
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Cindy Eyanson said...

Can't wait!
Cindy

Cindy Eyanson Online

MaryMary86 said...

Wow thank you!! I can't wait to see what you find!

From reading the comments, you seem to have readers who work professionally. Personally I'm not expecting to find high quality fine wool black pants for $9.99. But I would like to see what you are talking about when you say (and I believe you) that good quality clothing can be purchased for decent prices.

I'll keep reading!

Unknown said...

For me the key is patience. I usually knoew what I want and then when I do go in a store (which is not very often) I look for the clearance racks. If what I want is not there I leave.

Scott A Bell

The Road Warrior

www.scottalexanderbell.com

Lena Milukh said...

I think you gave some info on this topic earlier, but if you are going to post more information on this,then I'm looking forward to hear from you. Knowing you,It should be really usefull info
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Matthew Shields said...

Hi Jen
Congrats on the other posting, it’s great seeing how people respond to your knowledge. I’m looking forward to learning more from you
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Matthew Shields
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Philip Graves said...

I think your challenge is to justify whatever the cost is of the items you recommend.

I have some expensive shoes and boots that have lasted me years and still (I hope) look good because they are classic designs.

Alternatively you could do three price bands - that should cover most people (and it will also allow those who don't know how much they want to spend to pick the middle one!)

Philip Graves
The Consumer Behaviour Resource

David J Parnell said...

That is a relatively ambiguous question... I can't wait to see how you rise to the challenge...

BTW, congrats on a guest post on someone else's blog :)


David J. Parnell | Communication Expert
The Communication Expert Blog

JohnWShoemaker said...

It's cool your being mentioned on someone else's blog!

I can't wait to see your answers either.

I shop a variety of places. One consignment store I know has a men's section and some buy my size who buys the best of everything drops stuff off every 6 months and she gives me a call.

Intuitive John
Learn To How To Trust Your Intuition!

Nancy Winningham said...

I have been reading your blog for a few months now and your website a little longer. There is now a group of us over at Patternreview.com that have been checking out your website. Let me just say that I get well-made, quality clothes that FIT by making them myself. Now that I make most of my clothes, I don't think I could shop anywhere that I could afford to buy because my expectations for quality are much higher. On the other hand, I have sometimes found some great, well-made clothes at Target and Pennys. You just really have to look at fiber content and construction details. Thanks for all the information you share with us!

Jennifer Skinner said...

Philip - Ah, the consumer behavior expert has identified my dilemma! There are so many factors to consider. I'll think about your three different price bands idea...

Nancy- Welcome! Fiber content and construction details...exactly right! And as you say, these items can be found even at Target and Penney's. But if you have the skill, the time, the resources, and the *passion*, I can see why it would be an exciting and rewarding project to create your own clothes. People pay fortunes for bespoke/couture wardrobes.

Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Hey Jenn,

Congrats on being featured on another blog!

I look forward to seeing how you handle the street-level challenge that's been thrown at you. :-)

Craig

Midlife Dating Expert, Singles Workshop Conference Speaker said...

I say BOTH!

Good pair of pants?

Very contextual.

When I need more of a corporate look, I stock up over at Nordstrom Rack. The cute shoes I've been wearing for awhile from 14 mths ago purchase there I STILL receive frequent compliments on those.

Jeans?

Wal*Mart

slightly higher quality jeans?

Nordstrom, ergo, Nordstrom Rack

but then again, I work in Silicon Valley and can wear a more Cas Biz Cas look.

For the utterly BEST Women's Suits?

St John Couture

however, I purchase mine at a discount place.

so, it all depends....

on context

Oooo, what about FIRST DATE LOOKS?

Of course, I have an opinion there. Would LOVE to hear YOUR thoughts, wardrobe wise lady!

All the best,

April Braswell

Online Dating Expert, Romantic Relationship Coach, Romance Coaching

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