This winter coat hunt has got me thinking about my personal price ceilings for items.
So I just wanted to know how much would you be comfortable paying for:
- A purse?
- A winter jacket?
- A pair of boots?
- A dressy (but not formal) dress?
Mine are (all before tax):
- Purse: $200
- Winter Jacket: $400
- A pair of boots: $300
- A casual but not formal dress: $200
*Of course, everything has an exception, but it depends on the situation. These are my general limits.
I feel as though my limits have gone up over the years ever since I got out of debt.
Now that I am buying less, I am not necessarily spending very much less (in total) than what I did before.
I am just buying in a higher quality, being pickier about my choices and buying for the long-term (at least 10 years).
It isn’t just because I’m out of debt that I am doing this, I think it comes with my move towards minimalism and just.. getting older.
With that being said, I am definitely happier with what I have. I just have to remember to stop making impulse purchases, like buying a cute yellow top just because I saw it on sale for $10.
What about you? Have your spending habits changed over the years?
Why?
- Results: How much would you pay for…?
- "Geeezzzzzz a $30-$80 isn’t thrifty!…"
- Cost per use is a shopaholic’s saviour (at times)
- Letting debt rule your life is stupid.
- It’s all the little things that matter in life…
frugalscholar
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 7:55 AM:
Boots and bags really do last forever, so it’s OK to spend a lot. As for coats–I agree in principle, but I’ve noticed that moths really go for the expensive stuff.
frugalscholar´s last blog ..Yo Yo Ma vs New Orleans Black Chorale: Frugal Choices
Katie C.
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 8:25 AM:
Well, I’m a young’n so I haven’t changed my spending habits much since I started earning my paychecks as a 16 year old. The only thing that’s changed, really, is my willingness to shop for a sale. Because I started earning a paycheck at 16, I started buying my own clothes, and that meant spending “a lot of money” on clothes… Something my parents were less willing to do.
But my limits are a lot lower than yours! I live in a small-ish city in East Tennessee. It’s very rural in most places down here so we don’t have the major name brand department stores like Macy’s or Nordstrom’s. My limits are:
Purse: $75
Winter jacket: $200
Pair of boots: $100
Casual but not formal dress: $100
I have two pair of boots now, the most expensive pair cost $100. I love my boots. The only reason I’d spend so much on a winter jacket is that I keep jackets forever. I only recently got “into” purses, but I buy them all at the discount shops – TJ Maxx mainly. And since I would mostly only wear dresses to work or out on the town, I feel pretty comfortable spending more on it than I would a pair of blue jeans. (Though my limit for blue jeans is $60. Sad.)
Katie C.´s last blog ..Four eyes are better than two
becca
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 8:41 AM:
Let’s see- since I don’t live in a place with winter weather my prices are going to differ of course:
Purse: $1000 (am i crazy? i LOVE purses and want a MJ) and this price is if i had the money lying around, as of now my ceiling so far has been $250.
Winter jacket: $50 i don’t even own one! i have a nice hand-me-down for vacations.
Pair of boots: $150 bought a pair from north face that’ll last me forever, i’d like some fancy boots- but I’ve seen nice ones for $30 at target.
Casual but not formal dress: $100 no use to spend more if it isn’t formal.
what about…………
heels? (for me, $50)
sneakers? ($100)
pants/jeans? ($50)
watch? ($150)
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 9:21 AM:
@frugalscholar: LOL!! Moths really go for the expensive stuff. Good call. I wonder if I can scent it with lavendar or cedar to make them stay away?
@Katie C.: Curious, how old are you?
I’m 26, and I think my price points have gone up due to two things: minimalism & quality-hunting.
I used to think that way for boots and purses too, but lately, $300 for a pair of boots is my limit only if it’s all leather and EXACTLY what I wanted.
If not, I don’t buy anything at all until I find the pair I want.
@becca: If purses are your thing, go for it I say.
Purses are not my thing. Jewelery (under the $100 mark), boots & clothes are my things.
I wouldn’t pay $300 for a pair of heels. Possibly $150, but $300 would have to be really stretching it.
BWelch
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 9:39 AM:
Quality stuff lasts forever and you get that extra $$ out of it.
It’s just a matter of knowing the difference between fickle fashion and timeless.
BWelch´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
Little House
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 10:04 AM:
The jacket and boots I agree with, good quality items last. I don’t understand the purse thing, but I’m not a shopper, actually I really despise shopping. Isn’t a $50 purse good enough? Do you really need a $200 purse? I guess I just don’t get it.
Little House´s last blog ..Selling the American Dream
Lila
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 10:09 AM:
Purse: $350, maybe $400
Winter Jacket: $300
Boots: $300
Dressy (but not formal) dress: $200
My spending habits have changed as I have gotten older. When I worked at minimum wage jobs throughout high school, my budget for all the above would be approximately 1/3 of what they are at now. When I was working part-time as a Research Assistant at my university, my budgets would have been around 1/2 of the price list above. Now that I am graduated with a full-time decent paying job, I am willing to spend more. I have always tried to spend within my means and always avoid falling into the “Keeping Up With the Joneses’ trap. With my current spending habits I am able to save at least 25-40% of my paycheque and still spend freely and pay all my bills on time.
suzie
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 10:16 AM:
purse: $50 or less unless it’s a really really nice designer one that I want!
winter jacket: our winter is probably not as cold as urs but one of my coats cost me almost $200 which is probably the maximum i’ll pay for one here. but if need be, and if i’m in a colder climate, i’ll definately pay a bit more for a good warm one.
boots: not more than $100 but again they probably aren’t the winter boots u guys have in mind.
dress: $100-200 there are a couple of brands that have awesome dresses around this range and that’s quite expensive for me already!
Those prices are in AUD so not sure how much it is converted… and they include tax already.
suzie´s last blog ..Salmon+Vege+Egg
Joy-Mari Cloete
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 10:32 AM:
I’m a penny pincher of note these days. I need to rationalise to myself *why* I need to buy more things, not experiences. And, like you, I go for quality over quantity. But I don’t think it’s because we’re getting older. Or it might be just one of the reasons.
So here’s my list:
A purse? Nothing because I already have a fabulous LV purse.
A winter jacket? I’m in sunnyish South Africa and our winters aren’t awfully cold. So I might get a coat but it’ll be vintage instead of new. And even then I won’t want to spend more than R500 (approx $70)
A pair of boots? $200 at the most. That’s about R1500 and for that money you can get some awesome boots from Country Road or Trenery at Woolworths.
A dressy (but not formal) dress? Not much because I tend to buy either vintage dresses or shop at lower end retailers such as Mr Price most of the time. I’d say $100 at the very, very most. And then it won’t be Mr Price but it’d be from a boutique.
Joy-Mari Cloete´s last blog ..Don’t dis your own people
Joy-Mari Cloete
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 10:35 AM:
Oh wait, do you mean a purse as in a handbag? I thought you meant a wallet… I bought an awesome red leather bag for about $140 just two weeks ago. It’s gonna last me forever and ever but I do still want a backup.
And I saw a gorgeous multi-colour evening bag for the same price recently…me want!
Joy-Mari Cloete´s last blog ..Don’t dis your own people
Ginger
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 10:46 AM:
Yes, as I get older I am definitely changing (or trying to!) the way that I buy things.
After years of buying the cute, flimsy crap I just want something decent that won’t break or wear right away, and that is constructed well. And I’m willing to fork over some cash if it’s the right thing.
I still don’t have a lot of money, but I spend more time thinking about what it is that I want, and I spend more time looking, too. Slowly I am incorporating more good-quality pieces of clothing, furniture, etc. into my life.
My price ceilings? They’re up for debate a little, but I have some guidelines I try to follow:
Purse: Under $60 unless I get a really good-quality one (I just did)
Winter Jacket: $150
Boots: $200
Dress: $150
Because my weight fluctuates it doesn’t make sense for me to spend $400 on a jacket. I would only do that if I knew my size wasn’t going to change for the next 10 years, so instead I have to go the cheep&cheerful route.
Ginger´s last blog ..In love with a Parisienne…
Joy-Mari Cloete
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 10:59 AM:
“Because my weight fluctuates it doesn’t make sense for me to spend $400 on a jacket. I would only do that if I knew my size wasn’t going to change for the next 10 years, so instead I have to go the cheep&cheerful route.”
I co-sign this. I also hesitate spending a lot of money on an item that might be too small in a year or two.
Joy-Mari Cloete´s last blog ..Don’t dis your own people
LA Daze
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 11:15 AM:
Purse – $800 (about once a year, and I try to get it on sale)
Winter jacket – $200 – I don’t really live in a cold climate, so I don’t need a winter coat. But that hasn’t stopped me from buying one! I find them so classy. That being said, winter coats last forever and look new if you don’t wear them on a regular basis.
Boots – For every day, fashion wear, around $300. For horseback riding, around $600, but i’d totally save up for custom made ones.
Casual but not formal dress – $100
These are all in USD before tax. I hate tax
LA Daze´s last blog ..Dear friend,
Stephanie PTY
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 11:24 AM:
From the young, underemployed, and burdened with student loan debt:
* A purse? $30 – I need a new one, but I know virtually nothing about purses so I try to pick nice-looking black ones that will work in a variety of situations.
* A winter jacket? $10 – I say that because I have several good ones on hand and I just moved from a snowy climate to a “snows once a year” place. But I once got a good winter coat on sale for $7 (!!!) so if that opportunity came up again, I would still buy another winter coat!
* A pair of boots? $50 – That’s my definite upper-upper limit. I love boots and I love that they’re “in” this year, because that means everyone is selling them! But the money to stock up just isn’t there.
* A dressy (but not formal) dress? $30 – I probably need more dresses, but they’re just not a priority right now.
Oh wow, I guess I seem really cheap! But it’s just my current situation – I would love to have the money to invest in quality things and someday, I hope to be able to.
Stephanie PTY´s last blog ..Put a Stop to Junk Mail [National Protect Your Identity Week]
Investing Newbie
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 12:04 PM:
My price cieling for all of those categories would be about $200. I have never paid more than that for any of those things. My biggest splurge would have to be my Nintendo Wii(+games), shoes, and when I get around to it those sexy Louboutin heels that I saw. (Oh hello, simple pump 85).
But my splurges are few and far between and that has been my situation ever since I first started earning a paycheck. I think as I get older and my tastes expand (for example, the heels which I never heard of until this year, and my life is forever changed because of it), maybe my budget for those items will have to do the same. But for now, I’m keeping those costs reasonable.
Investing Newbie´s last blog ..When Debt Strikes
KPeach
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 12:04 PM:
My whole fashion theory revolves around getting deals via sample sales and vintage-so it’s really all about retail vs what I end up paying. For example I like my handbags to retail for around $600 or more (think Bulga/Gryson) but I won’t pay more tahn 200… xx
KPeach´s last blog ..Stripped to Stripes
leslie
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 12:20 PM:
Here’s my limits:
Purse: $35
Winter jacket: $150
Pair of boots: $100
Casual but not formal dress: $100
Purses don’t matter much to me at all! I just like small wristlets and don’t care about the brand. Last time I bought a nice purse (I used as a travel bag) it was a Kenneth Cole bag for about $60 and two weeks later the zipper broke on the inside pocket. Maybe i’m hard on my bags, I don’t know, but right now I can’t justify an expensive price.
For boots and dresses, I’m fine with spending a bit more because I don’t wear either item often, so they tend to last me quite a while.
leslie´s last blog ..October Groceries
Laura
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 12:28 PM:
Ok so first I’ll say I don’t understand this purse thing, I could never spend in upwards of 200 bucks or more!! But then I carry around the same purse for a year or so, and I don’t spend more than 75 bucks. I guess I’m not into those things.
Boots, maybe 100-150 bucks, because my tastes change from season to season. I can’t justify spending much more than that. (plus any type of scuff/scratch on leather bothers me to no end & would hate to ruin a 200 dollar pair of fab boots)
Coats/Jackets, I definitely have the biggest weakness for but I still won’t spend more than 200 bucks for one. I tend to collect them if you know what I mean, so what I wear one year would definitely be different the next. (Sometimes its a matter of what look I’m going for too)
Dresses, depending on the type/occasion, no more than 200 bucks.
The one thing I have a hard time not spending the money on is good fitting jeans, thats one staple in the closet that is a must. More often than I not I try to find them on sale for at least 100 or less.
*if I have money in the budget for those things, those are ideal amounts for me to spend. As it is now, having debt and a mortgage I can’t spend anymore than 100 on something I NEED.
JvW
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 12:33 PM:
I try to do most of my shopping at the outlets, so I get some good quality stuff that lasts, but might not be “this season” or whatever. As far as purses go, I like to switch them up, so I haven’t taken the plunge and bought an expensive one yet. I had my eye on an awesome pair of Ralph Lauren boots for $200, but then found a pair at Bass in the outlets for $43 that I also LOVE – so I got those ones instead.
Purse: $50
Winter Coat: $200 (mine was $125 at the Guess outlet)
Boots: $200 (but the most I’ve spent was $85)
Dress: $70
JvW´s last blog ..Christmas Budget 2009
Vnss
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 12:54 PM:
Purse – $50
Winter Coat – $150
Boots – w heels $150, w/out heels $100
Dress – $ 50-75
But for all of these, it depends on how much I love it and the reason for buying them.
Cupcake
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 1:30 PM:
This will be the fourth winter for my winter coat. I bought it from Banana Republic for roughly $350. It was quite expensive for me at the time, but I loved it so much and I still do! Before that, I had been buying a new winter coat every year and spending roughly $80-100, so it was definitely a good investment. I can’t see myself replacing it for at least another few years either!
Purse and dress.. I’d have to say $150, and $200 for boots.
Cupcake´s last blog ..It has been a good day!
oilandgarlic
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 1:50 PM:
It’s really interesting to see other people’s spending limits. Here’s mine:
Purse : $100 (usually less)
Winter Coat: $200 (I live in a warm climate and an inexpensive Benetton coat has lasted ages)
Boots: $150 (again, warm climate is a factor)
Dress: $70
I think that no matter what your ‘limit’ or max is, the best tactic is to get the item on sale and avoid paying full-price. Not always possible, I know! It’s important to remember that quality is only part of pricing. A huge amount of those $1,000 Armani suit, for example, is to support the ritzy store’s overhead and Mr. Armani’s palatial estate(s).
One of my favorite “dressy” dress from Calypso St. Bart originally retailed for $275, way too high for me. I snapped it up for $50 at a final sale. Of course I’ve also missed out on many nice items because I didn’t want to pay full-price but truthfully, you forget many of those must-have items after a while. Or at least I do!
oilandgarlic´s last blog ..Ripieni Saga Continues: Stuffed Zucchini, Stuffed Lettuce And Tomato Sauce
Foxie
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 2:09 PM:
Oh, me, me! I like games.
Purse: Erm, my last one cost me $100… BCBG tote bag from Gilt. It retired my $300 Coach, since I got tired of feeling like a label. (But I still love the bag for the colors, it’s just a tad dirty and has been in use for over a year.) Now I’m going back and forth between the tote bag (huge! I love it though) and my first Coach bag. (Small-ish, stripe collection so not so in-your-face Coach and only cost me $145.) Wallets I go through every so often, so I don’t spend much on those. I’m about to start looking for a nice, leather bag, around $250 or so I’m hoping.
Winter coat: I bought mine for $149, I’d spend up to $300 to get a good one that’s exactly what I wanted. Those can last a long time if you take care of it and get good quality.
Boots: I have three pairs of boots right now — knee high, flat heeled brown suede, my absolute favorites that I wear non-stop when the weather cools off; cost $100. Nearly knee high Ugg Felicity boots — they’re a light brown, with a sheepskin cuff and three-inch wedge that are insanely comfy; I paid $175 for them, they’re originally $300-ish boots. And, lastly, like a $75 pair of black, knee-high small heels that I have had forever. Classic black boots are necessary!
Dress: Ugh, I’m bad when it comes to these… I love all the expensive ones.
I recently bought a fab cocktail-dressy dress for $125, but it’s a $300 dress. (BCBG, 100% silk) Love, love, love it. Also from Gilt. (Which is the devil if you’ve got the money to spend and find something fabulous.)
Then, of course, you get into a whole bunch of other things…. But for me, I’d rather pay a bit up front to get clothes that are great quality, last, and fit like a glove. For heels, buying higher quality usually means the materials are more comfortable, so when I start getting more heels I’m looking to score great bargains on expensive shoes. (But I do this for all things, since it keeps my closet fairly small as I won’t just buy whatever I see.)
What I do skimp on — layering shirts, tank tops and anything else that’s usually thrown under something.
Foxie´s last blog ..The Year of Extravagant Birthdays
SassyGirl
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 2:34 PM:
I am still pretty frugal considering I am paying ridiculous amounts of tuition money still, and I thought I would be paying for law school after this. But I imagine these will change once I start my full-time job.
For now, my answers:
* A purse? $150
* A winter jacket? $150
* A pair of boots? $100
* A dressy (but not formal) dress? $50
SassyGirl´s last blog ..Singapore
Jaka Merriman
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 2:54 PM:
Holy crap. Everyone’s responses make me feel so…cheap. Money’s tight around here (we’re not making much) and I’ve been raised to keep my spending down, so spending more than $50 for any single item (or pair of shoes) raises my hackles. And it applies to when other people spend money on my clothing – I literally got nauseated when my brother (bless his heart) bought me a $150 formal dress for a homecoming in college.
Chelsa Bea
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 3:22 PM:
These items are all classic staples, if you buy the right ones, and so I think I would probably spend about the same on each of them. I think my willingness to spend more might fluctate depending on the item. Like I might spend up to $600 on a purse, depending on how much I really loved it, and what the brand is.But that would be the only purse I would buy for probably two years. The coat, boots and dress prices all seem reasonable and realistic to me, especially if you’re buying high quality items.
I’ve never been a big “impulse buyer”, and I’m pretty picky with what I do and do not like.It’s always been important for me to have quality items that last. I bought my first black suit 7 years ago from Banana Republic and spent $300+ on it, and I still wear it today! So, I would say that for my age, the amount that I would spend on each item has definitely increased slightly, but in general, I’ve always tried to shop for the best quality, at a realistic price, that I can afford.
ps. Love the post!
Revanche
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 3:44 PM:
Hm, what I’ve actually spent vs. my mental ceiling is different. I guess I’m ok with what I spent at the time but I don’t know that I’d do it again or more than once a year:
Coat: $300 (after 50% off sale)
Bag: $300
Dress: usually more around the >$50 neighborhood, but have spent $200 depending on the occasion.
Boots: no idea, haven’t had a good pair of (tall) boots ever.
Revanche´s last blog .."Keep Unread" could be my undoing
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 4:11 PM:
Thanks for all the comments & spending limits you’ve been writing in about
I guess what I want to say is that most people seem to have different perspectives on each type of item.
A purse for $200 to some might be crazy but if you are into purses.. it’s a quality buy. I paid $190 for my yellow leather purse and I love it to death (it’s so soft and sweet)…
But if you aren’t into purses, then I can see how you may not feel the same way.
That goes for boots and everything else.
I wouldn’t pay for a brand new car with all the trimmings, but some other girls might (Foxie?) …
To each her own!
I think the limit around $500+ for any single item, makes my heart stop. I am fairly sure I’ll never breach that $500 mark. Nothing can justify that price for me, which is probably why I don’t own a pair of Loubous.
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 4:14 PM:
P.S. some of you made some really good points about staying OUT of debt and having other priorities to pay for
Me too.
I can afford to spend on a good winter jacket, but I am holding off on purchasing a leather jacket or anything else, because I don’t really need it for winter.
I am also going to try and thrift the coat rather than buy new.. I need to Google some places in Montreal where I can score secondhand coats on the cheap
Revanche
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 4:21 PM:
P.S.
@Jaka Merriman: Please don’t feel cheap .. to put things in perspective, I’ve only ever paid those high prices once, and that was over a period of 3-4 years, when I was fully employed and saving and well on my way out of debt.
My old/usual standards were:
Coat: $40
Dress: $15
Boots: None
Bag: $20
I didn’t have money to spend back then, so I had to buy lower-priced things for a really long time. And heck, clearing out my closet this week, I found at least ten articles of clothing I’ve had more than ten years. If that’s how long I keep cheap stuff, imagine how long the more well made stuff will last? I’m not going to be coat shopping any time soon, methinks.
Revanche´s last blog .."Keep Unread" could be my undoing
SeeJaneGetRich.com
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 4:45 PM:
Since I am still in my student days, my ceiling limits tend to be lower.
Purse: $40
Winter Jacket: $150
A pair of boots: $100
A casual but not formal dress: $60
I am trying to change from considering only price to considering price and quality.
Stephanie
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 4:58 PM:
Purse: $50
Winter Jacket: Up to about $150
Boots: $75-100
Casual Dress: $50-75
Stephanie ´s last blog ..My Top 5 Favorite Actresses Over 40
Ariella
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 5:16 PM:
I definitely spend more now than when I was younger since I earn more, and I also don’t feel as thrown-back by a steep price as I would have a few years ago since I’ve learnt to appreciate quality.
I think I’d spend up to $ 600 on a purse if it’s one that I really want, a winter jacket I’d spend $ 400 on, boots up to $ 150 and a dress I’ll spend up to around $ 150 on as well.
The Asian Pear
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 5:39 PM:
It kinda depends for me on quality and what not for me… Since I’m a “curvy” girl, my selection of clothing is less and generally, I end up paying more for clothes I “can live with” because it’s what’s available. But generally speaking, here are my limits:
Purse – $50 (and it better be a nice big purse too – size matters for me if I’m paying more!)
Winter Jacket – $125 if it’s like a snow jacket, $200 if it’s a wool type jacket
Boots – $200 – $300 (I wear wide width & wide calf which is hard to find so if I can find a pair that fits I JUMP at the chance)
Dressy dress – $100 (and I better LOOOOVE it and it fits PERFECTLY without tailoring needs… that being said, I almost NEVER buy dresses or skirts)
The Asian Pear´s last blog ..In the Hole
Lawgirl
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 6:09 PM:
Hmmmm, right now I can’t allow myself to spend more than $100 on a purse, but that is usually one from TJ Maxx that has been marked down from $300 or so.
Winter Jacket – about $100-300, depending if it’s dressy or not. But honestly, I am so hot all of the time and in Cbus, we drive all of the time, so I only wear a coat about 4 days in winter.
Pair of boots: about $100
Same for casual dress.
Lawgirl´s last blog ..RBoC Television, Take Two
SS4BC
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 6:16 PM:
Great questions! I have never thought a lot about what my upper limit would be. Here goes:
*Purse – nothing. I don’t use purses. The few purses I have bought over the years have cost me less than $15. But for the most part I just carry around a wallet and that’s it. I keep the wallet, keys and everything else I might need in my computer bag when I go to work. I pay $15 for the messenger bag for my computer.
*Boots – $150. I have funky feet and have to wear shoes like Merrell, Ecco, Dansko, ect – otherwise my arches HURT to the dickens. I’ve tried inserts of every type and price point and they don’t help enough. So I just have to wear mainly shoes from The Walking Company. So I’d definitely not only pay up to $150, but probably not pay a lot less unless there was a good sale.
*Winter coat – $50. I only have two, but I bought them in the off season at $50/each. I wouldn’t pay more than that, especially since I can wait 3 months and get them for 50% off.
*Casual but not formal dress – $80. That’s the most I’ve EVER paid for a casual but not formal dress. I’ve not paid more than $120 for a formal. And I felt guilty for spending those amounts!
SS4BC´s last blog ..Review: Bank of Mom and Dad
Foxie
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 9:29 PM:
“I wouldn’t pay for a brand new car with all the trimmings, but some other girls might (Foxie?) …”
Mmm, maybe, depending on what we’re talking about here.
I spend more on my clothing now because it causes me to spend on clothing less frequently. Somehow, it causes me to save more, plus think through each item and decide if it’s something I’m crazy about or meh. The “meh” stuff no longer gets a home here.
Honestly, most of the cars I’m after are old. Nearly as old as I am for some. I’m probably the only girl you’ll run into who’s craving the gem that is the 1986 Toyota Corolla hatchback. (I would die if I could find one, but they’re so f’in hard to get in decent shape!!) It’s just that my tastes lead me back to cars from decades gone by… If I had $30k to spend on cars, you’d better give me a stable because I’d be coming home with at least three.
I’ve dreamed of buying a car like a Ferrari brand new, but I’m not sure that’ll ever happen either. The way I put it is that buying a Ferrari used is like buying any other car brand new, you just don’t pick out all the options yourself. (Mileage is fairly close, I’ve seen cars selling with 250 miles. Ridiculous!) But…. If the Fiat 500 made it to the states, I’d be extremely tempted!!
One final note — I do crave a beautiful pair of Loubou’s, but I think if I ever spend that much on shoes I am sure as hell going to be able to drive in them!
With some sales, they don’t have to be *so* bad…..
Foxie´s last blog ..The Year of Extravagant Birthdays
ChickAdvisor
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 9:29 PM:
Bag – $500, but I’d feel really guilty about it.
Boots – $350 Footwear is always an investment because there is nothing worse than uncomfortable or flimsy shoes when you find yourself forced to walk for blocks with no cab in sight. I once bought a pair of Gabor boots from Germany that I kept for 10 years.
Winter Coat – $500 but I’d wear it for at least 5 years. When you live in the arctic you need something really warm but stylish and this qualifies as an investment.
Casual dress $150
eemusings
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 10:20 PM:
Hmmm… being another young’un my price points are pretty low to start off!
* Purse: $50 (just bought a beautiful new one, which is how much it cost_
* Winter Jacket: $250
* A pair of boots: I’ve never spent above 40, but I guess I might go up to $100 or more. Not to sure…
* A casual but not formal dress: $90
eemusings´s last blog ..Protected: Moving on up – email me at eemusings[at]gmail.com for the magic word
Katie C.
on Oct 21st, 2009
@ 11:36 PM:
@FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com: FB, I’m 22. Not much younger than you. I’m all about quality – I figure buying a pair of jeans for $60, if they’ll last for years and years, is a good deal. Anyway, since I’m still in college, I shop sparingly, especially when it comes to clothes. I can’t even say my price limits would change that much if I wasn’t in college. But we’ll see in a year.
Katie C.´s last blog ..Four eyes are better than two
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 22nd, 2009
@ 8:57 AM:
@Katie C. I agree with buying a pair of jeans for $60.
I’ve never seen the appeal in designer jeans, but then again, I’ve never tried on a pair and had $200 to spend on jeans.. I’ve kept my $70 Tommy Hilfiger jeans for 6 years now, and while they’re about to fall apart, I still love ‘em.
I guess my limits are pretty high! It might also be because in Canada, we don’t have as much choice as in the States
I always feel like I have to pay more to get what I actually want, and it sucks.
Thanks for replying back
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 22nd, 2009
@ 8:59 AM:
@Foxie Good points
Hahahaha! You’re definitely the only girl I know who is into cars. Even in real life.
I really can’t think about spending $700 on a pair of shoes (or more). If it’s on sale for $300, maybe… but then I think to myself: where the heck would I wear them?
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 22nd, 2009
@ 9:00 AM:
@Lawgirl: I definitely enjoy shopping at Winners or other discount stores like that, because it makes you really see how much they overprice their goods by!
Michelle
on Oct 22nd, 2009
@ 11:46 AM:
Interesting. My spending habits have changed over the years… not for the good unfortunately. I definitely pay more than I used to for things. Looking at other figures here, I’m not over the top with how much I spend on the item. My problem is wanting a colour for each occasion etc. Eg. Seeing the perfect pair of ballet flats – I wanted them in black and yellow…
* A purse – $100 max. Although most of my purses I have bought from Marshalls for $40-$50
* A winter jacket – I once spent $300 US on a wool coat/jacket. I bought it years ago and I still love it. Usually the max I’ll spend is $200 though. I have 3 coats in my wardrobe. I had to get a light trench coat when relocating to sunny california. I can’t wear my heavy winter coats here.
* A pair of boots – $200 max. I can’t bring myself to spend more than that on a pair of shoes.
* A dressy (but not formal) dress – $200 max. I can’t remember spending more than $150 though.
Cecelia
on Oct 22nd, 2009
@ 12:32 PM:
The comments here are really interesting. I would say:
Purse: $400
Winter Jacket: $400 (full disclosure: the most I have spent is $300)
Boots: $400 definitely. Especially if they are useful. They can last for years, if you take excellent care of them.
Dress: $200 Unless it’s a really great dress for work (important meetings, etc. A really great outfit can give you tons of confidence).
CentsInTheCity
on Oct 22nd, 2009
@ 12:45 PM:
I usually keep a mental list of things that I will eventually need (not necessarily have an immediate need for) so I can shop around and get the best deal. Most items I can usually obtain for about 75% off. I love stores like Loehmann’s, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Filene’s Basement, Smartbargains.com, Amazon.com, and Overstock.com. If you hit the right sale, use coupons, and take advantage of special offers you can really get amazing items for a fraction of the cost.
* Purse – I try to spend under $150. I can usually get a bag that retails $300-$400 for less than $150.
*Winter Jacket – I just spent $108 on a beautiful, wool DKNY winter coat that retails for $418.
*A pair of boots – $150 and under. I have a pair black boots and brown boots both of which are high quality leather, and I can walk a mile in with no problems. I probably spent about $100 on them combined. My shoe guy keeps them in good condition, so I really won’t need boots for awhile. I hit some great sales in order to get these boots.
*Casual but not formal dress – $150 (this seems to be my price point) I have one dress in my closet that I spent $157 on; everything else was usually much less than $100.
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 22nd, 2009
@ 12:46 PM:
@Cecelia — Yours are the highest limits so far, but definitely closer to what my limits are like now.
I don’t buy much, but I spend the same amount as when I had too much.
@Michelle — Your limits are just like mine!
sparklytosingle
on Oct 22nd, 2009
@ 1:15 PM:
My limits:
A purse – $100, but I don’t think I’ve ever spent this much. I’m not a purse person.
A winter jacket? $350
A pair of boots? $250
A dressy (but not formal) dress? $150
I might increase my limit for a certain category if it was an item I had a particular need for and I found something that fit the bill perfectly and would last a long time, and I had the cash saved up already to cover the cost. But generally these are my limits and I do my best to come in under these limits. I don’t buy these items very often either, I have just a handful of these items that I really love.
sparklytosingle´s last blog ..How to Paint An Entire Apartment in One Day
Foxie
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 8:58 AM:
There’s one other thing I just thought of that I’d like to add, about the $700 shoes — I know I can’t be the only one who’d look at $700 shoes marked down to $300 and say, “Woah, that’s a deal!” but yet scoff at other shoes that are full priced at $300.
FB, have you ever written about this sort of spending psychology before? I have no idea how I’d search your blog on this, and your archives aren’t exactly small.
I’m pretty sure that has a name, too, but I can’t think of it right now…
Personally, I’d just wear heels like that whenever I got the chance. (Mall walking trips for me, usually, since I can’t drive in them.) Then again, they’d be shoes I’d be in love with, so I’d want to wear them every chance I got. So what if they’re tucked under jeans and nobody notices? I don’t buy shoes for everyone else to gawk at.
I’m more jealous of the girls who can wear designer stuff (no names splashed across it, just designer labels inside) so casually and just be like, “Yeah, this is me, on a regular Friday.”
Foxie´s last blog ..The Year of Extravagant Birthdays
Emma
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 1:26 PM:
LA Daze – it would be kind of silly to buy a winter coat and not wear it very often! Ontario has a minimum of 4 months of winter (December-March, if Southern Ontario is lucky), but for Central Ontario, it’s already snowing, and snow can go from October to the end of April, sometimes into May. Typically, that’s 6 months (but could be 2 more partial months) of daily coat wearing!
So, depending on where you are, that coat gets used a lot!
As for me…
Purse: I have never bought a purse. I use whatever has been handed down, or I empty out my lunch bag (one of those neoprene fun and colourful ones) and use that. That I spent $10 on. A limit? Probably $30. But I’m not buying anything until what I have gives up on me
Winter Jacket: I don’t know. I have to wear a work jacket (with logo), and it’s not exactly pretty. I like other jackets, but have to wear the work one 5 days a week, and then going out is usually with public transit, so I don’t like wearing a nice one, only to have it end up gross. The work jacket is free (and warm). A nice jacket? I’d likely buy it off-season, so my absolute max would be $100, and even that I would find it difficult to justify, since it isn’t getting worn that often.
Boots: Winter boots with lining? $100-$150, but preferably on sale! Cheap ones really don’t measure up there. The boots don’t end up being as waterproof as you expect, don’t last as long, and you end up with cold, wet feet. No thanks!
Dressy dress: I consider this something I would wear to a wedding or other special occasion. That limit is $250, but the dress would be worn more than once! For just a nice dress to wear for other occasions (summer dress, meal out, etc), it would need to be under $100.
Lara
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 2:44 PM:
I’m with Jaka and Stephanie on this right now. I’m a broke student and just can’t afford to pay more than $50 on most of the things listed (and would prefer to pay far less). Right now my main thing is trying to make everything I already have last as long as possible, watching for things I can use on freecycle.org, and checking second hand stores. I’ve also told friends and family to check with me before getting rid of anything functional in case I can use it. I have no shame! (But also no job, so, y’know.)
That said, when I did have money I was willing to pay more for what I liked. I’m in Canada and plus sized so my selection is limited, and often the attractive clothes in my size are quite pricey (overpriced, in my opinion .. a lot of the more stylish things at stores like Addition-Elle look nice but aren’t very well made and it really upsets me). I also paid more than 200 british pounds to order a pair of wide calf boots from an English website because it’s impossible to find wide calf boots in Toronto. I even paid $100 for a handbag once because it was this awesome banana-yellow colour and looked really well-made (normally I wouldn’t pay more than maybe $40 for a new purse), but it wasn’t real leather and it started flaking after a couple of months, so I’ll probably never pay that much again unless it’s the real thing. I can relate to the paying more for quality and keeping purchases minimal lifestyle. I think that will be me once I have a decent income again and get out of student debt.
SavingDiva
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 3:07 PM:
I’m listing absolute upper limits. However these amounts have decreased quite a bit because I am now in graduate school and don’t need nice things
* Purse: $75
* Winter Jacket: $200 (live in Texas, only wear them a little bit)
* A pair of boots: $100
* A casual but not formal dress: $150
Debt Hater
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 3:30 PM:
Well, as I have gotten out of debt and started to build 6 months of living expenses, my personal ceiling for all of these items has probably doubled!
I would NEVER have spent more than $50 for a purse a year or two ago.
I bought one this year for $250… but my ceiling is probably $85.
I probably wouldn’t pay more than $200 for a really good winter coat.
Fashion boots? $100 max, but that should give you a hint as to how many pairs of fashion boots I own or will ever own if that’s my limit!
Dressy, but not formal dress, $85
Debt Hater´s last blog ..Some Cash on Time to Help With Car Repairs
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 7:29 PM:
@Debt Hater: I used to have never paid more than $50 for a purse either. But then I started buying LESS purses and much, much more desirable ones (not designer)
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 7:31 PM:
@Lara There’s no shame AT ALL in asking for stuff from family or using freecycle. heck, I used craigslist “for free” section once.
If I could get all my stuff that I wanted for free, I would. LOL And I’d tell the world.
I think it’s awesome that those services exist, and that family are so generous to give things to those who can use them.
Plus-sized really does suck in Canada. You should chat with Ginger from Ginger Won’t Snap or Asian Pear. They’re Canadian too.
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 7:32 PM:
@Emma: hearrrr.. hearrrr..
It already started snowing here in Montreal. I’m going to really have to find this coat next week, or be forced to freeze my thighs off.
Anna
on Oct 23rd, 2009
@ 9:16 PM:
Purse: $100
Winter Jacket: $350
Boots: $300
Dress: $200
I have not bought a purse in over 2 years….I have one that is 5 years old and still my favorite. I take it to the shoe guy for small repairs and cleaning.
Coat: I live in a cold climate and tend to buy a new jacket every 2 years and use the old one for backup: bars, park, errands.
Boots: I tend to buy a new pair every 2-3 years and have the shoe guy repair mine after each season (about $40)
Dress: I own a lot of dresses, many over 5 years old that I love. I will spend money on a dress but only if I love it. What’s the point otherwise? Also, I have some nice tailored sheath dresses that are great for work – wear a wool/ tweed blazer with it in the winter, a cardigan in fall/spring, by itself or with a thin / sheer sweater in summer
All said though, my tastes are very classic and haven’t changed in 6 years. I”m 27 now.
Funny about Money
on Oct 24th, 2009
@ 8:46 AM:
Purse: $150-200
Winter Coat: nothing
Boots: What kind of boots? Hiking boots: about $100. Dress boots: nothing
Dress: $200
I haven’t worn a coat in years! Weather’s too warm for coats and jackets here. I own a couple of blazers but hardly every use them. If it’s cool, I use a sweater or a pullover.
Ditto boots: It’s warm and dry here. Boots would be uncomfortable–too hot, too clunky. But I’ll pay a couple hundred bucks for pain-free shoes that are free of the old lady/nurse look.
I’m willing to pay something for a good leather purse that will last for some years. Coach will repair or replace worn purses…at least, they used to. Haven’t tried to get them to do that for a while.
Funny about Money´s last blog ..Time to dump the credit cards?
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Oct 24th, 2009
@ 10:30 AM:
@Funny about Money: Ooo! Lucky that your weather is too warm for coats or jackets.
I need a very, very, warm wardrobe anywhere in Canada.
Jazz
on Oct 24th, 2009
@ 12:34 PM:
What I would spend isnt necessarily what I should be spending… and I am buying more for quality ,than just to have something . I am a college student on a budget so I try to get the most out of my money , with that said these limits are gonna seem ridiculous
Winter coat: $200 – i live in the midwest so I definitely need a good coat
Purse -$200
boots – $200
jeans- 50
dress- 75
elle
on Oct 28th, 2009
@ 11:10 PM:
Hmm! This is a very insightful post!! Here’s my breakdown:
A purse: $200 would have to be my max. I tend to shop at designer discount stores so it better be a designer that I like, in a insanely supple leather for that kind of money!!!
A winter jacket: Winters in California don’t get too bad and I have way too many jackets already! but if I did need a new lightweight jacket I’d probably spend a maximum of $100.
A pair of boots: $150! My most expensive pair is a pair of leather thigh-high Steven boots.
A dressy (but not formal) dress: $50! I’m not too big on designer or fancy dresses… so I don’t spend too much here.
During my teens I only worked in the summer at the local Coldstone Creamery so I stuck with lots of cheap clothing. Now that I’m getting into my mid 20s and I’m working full time my preferences are getting more refined when it comes to material content and how long I’ll probably wear it without getting tired of it!
My taste for handbags and shoes, however, is getting more expensive.
Again, great post!!
elle´s last blog ..I feel a lawsuit brewing…
Funny about Money
on Nov 4th, 2009
@ 7:37 PM:
@ FB: LOL! That must be why so many Canadians keep moving here!
Funny about Money´s last blog ..Ads: Credit report monitoring scam
FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
on Nov 5th, 2009
@ 8:15 AM:
@Funny about Money: And I am one of them
I want to move!!!
Results: How much would you pay for…? « Fabulously Broke in the City
on Nov 25th, 2009
@ 7:01 AM:
[...] COMMENTS: 6577Leave me a commenthttp://www.fabulouslybroke.com/2009/11/results-how-much-would-you-pay-for/Results%3A+How+much+would+you+pay+for…%3F2009-11-25+12%3A00%3A23FB+%40+FabulouslyBroke.com Way back when, I asked how much everyone would pay for: [...]
How Much Would You Spend On ____ ? | Finance Blog
on Jan 6th, 2010
@ 8:35 AM:
[...] I’ll go first….here are my answers along with Krystal’s and Fabulously Broke’s (the originators of the game, of which I edited to include guy versions so that I may [...]
Rob
on Jan 13th, 2010
@ 10:10 PM:
Wallet/billfold: $10
Winter coat: $70
Boots: $110
Suit: $200
My total: $390