Yesterday, on my way to buy a new shower rod, I was lured into Chico’s, a ladies’ apparel chain whose fashions I like and whose prices I don’t. As usual, there were many things I would have loved to own, but asked myself, “and where would I wear this?” and all of whom, even if on sale, I was able but unwilling to fork over the cost for. I’m not spending $55 for a tee shirt even if it has been marked down from $79. I went out empty-handed.
Last week My Guy and I went to the shopping outlets a few miles away. Even mid-morning, mid-week it was bustling. Cole Hahn, Calvin Klein, Nautica, Saks Fifth Avenue, along with an assortment of sneaker stores, athletic wear, and more mundane stores. It seems to me though, that over the years outlets are no longer stocked with top-end merchandise moved from the original store, but now are filled with goods produced specifically for outlets and the deals are few. Prices are often better if you hit a sale at the company’s retail store. Again, I went home empty-handed.
Also, if the displays were anything to judge by, the point of outlet shopping is to leave with a status label. Not since 8th grade have I been interested impressing others with the label I’m wearing (not that I ever had the chance then).
Last night we invited friends over for a drink, both of whom always look well-turned out. My husband had on a sweatshirt he’d bought at CVS, I had on one of my favorite tops from Marshall’s ($16.99, originally $35), her husband was a little more upscale, with a shirt from Lands End, and she had on a very flattering sweater and leggings set from Costco (a warehouse store where in the same trip you can acquire prime rib, a swing set, and tires). We all agreed that we had no interest in walking around with Ralph Lauren emblazoned across our torsos. As she has said to me on another occasion, “My job is not to provide them with free advertising.”
I so agree. My few name brand items came from the thrift store. I bought because they absolutely fitted. Later noticed the emblem. I paid $3 for my lovely Vanderbilt jeans!! But you can't see the label anyway.
ReplyDeleteI rarely buy at retail anyway. Freecycle (free) and the thriftie are my shopping sites. And do rarely do we need a lot of clothes anyway.
I am in total agreement about refusing to pay people to do their advertising for them. And often to pay them big biccies for the 'privilege'.
ReplyDeleteMy daughters are now in their fifties. When they were teens I took a stand against any piece of clothing with anything imprinted. It was a tough sell, until my older daughter realized the importance of not doing someone's advertising for them. My younger daughter simply sulked and owned such clothing, and wore it at school.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing to flaunt, clothing or otherwise, and that suits me fine.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, no advertising on my clothing either.
ReplyDeleteExactly the reason I never buy anything with the maker's name on it. If they want me to wear their label they should pay me to advertise for them.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree -- I never wear a big ol' brand name across my body. But I see lots of people who do!
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