Why I’m Over Designer/Discount Collaborations

No, I did not go to Target to see the Jason Wu designer collection. I don’t care if it sold out, and I’m not looking for it on ebay. Sure, there were some cute items, particularly the clutches, but I’m over it. I’m over buying cheap s*&t just because it seems like a good idea at the time. I’ll save for a real Jason Wu clutch thank you very much.

Yeah, I bought into the Missoni for Target craze. While I’ve worn what I bought, I can’t help but feel a little common in those outfits. Because the Missoni for Target outfits were so accessible, the items have lost their uniqueness for me.

But, even more than that, the longer I’ve been blogging, the more I realize that it really is worth it to pay a little more for a few really nice items rather than buy a bunch of inexpensive stuff that falls apart or fades after a couple of wearings. More isn’t always better. I have nothing against buying clothing at Target, Old Navy, H&M or any of the rapidly multiplying discount stores as long as I can see value in it. And, more times than not, the value isn’t there.

Let’s face it, clothing isn’t really an investment. Unless you’ve got a Hermes Birkin bag or a Chanel tweed jacket, you’re not going to make money on it. But, what you buy should have the ability to last you for many years. A peek in my closet shows me that the items I’ve bought at J Crew have been workhorses in my closet. I’m still wearing some J Crew items that I’ve had for 10 years. The same goes for Ann Taylor and much of my Banana Republic clothing. So, you don’t have to buy designer to find quality. By the same token, I can’t find a thing in my closet that I bought at H&M and have held on to for more than a year or two.

Today’s trends aren’t as trendy as they were years ago. You really don’t see the massive switch from huge shoulder pads to no shoulder pads or the outrageous silhouettes. And, honestly, there aren’t many people who can wear truly trendy items without coming off as fashion victims anyway.

My advice: Don’t be afraid to buy a discount designer collab piece, some can be very nice. But, buy the best quality you can find in all that you own. Don’t get sucked in by cheap crap just because it has a big name behind it or it’s the latest style. In the end, your wallet and your closet will thank you!

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