DOES MORE EXPENSIVE MEAN BETTER
Does more expensive mean better? When I was a child, I can remember going shopping with my daddy. We would be looking for something, lets just say a camera, and I can remember him telling me to get the most expensive one, because that would be the best. But, is that ALWAYS true?
I am just like everyone else, I like nice things. I want a nice house, a nice car, and nice clothing. But, I don’t have the most expensive one of any of those things. When I went to Florida recently, Sandy and I went to the Premium outlets. This was the first time I ever got to encounter $700.00 and $800.00 shoes. In my mind, I had envisioned that this shoes, because they cost so much, would be the most buttery soft leather and they would have the softest cushions and arch supports. I tried on a couple pairs and was so completely disappointed. These felt, and really looked, no better than any other pair I already owned. What really made them so expensive then? I can only assume it was the designer name. There are a lot of products were more expensive DOES mean better, so it is up to us as consumers to figure out what we are willing to pay more for.
How do you like these cute little floral platform sandals? When I was in Atlanta, my sister and I went to a DSW shoe store. Most of my summer shoes are still in storage, so I went there hoping to find a couple of shoes to take with me to Florida. I left there with three pairs, and I averaged only paying 10.00 per pair. I think these are super cute and I can’t wait to see them with shorts this summer. Here is a really cute similar pair on sale, and here is a more expensive pair. You decide which you would rather have.
I have on a Joan Rivers bright blue cardigan. Here is a similar, but longer, version. I picked this up at the QVC outlet a little while back. All the clothes, pants, tops, cardigans, are 12.00. Coats, no matter the size or the material, are 24.00. So I have bought leather and suede coats there for 24.00. You do have to watch for defects, because some of these items are returns. That was the case with this sweater. I looked it over before I bought it, but I missed a tiny hole, I discovered that while I was ironing. It was really wrinkled, so I wanted to quickly knock out the creases, and discovered the tiny hole. I could have taken it back and exchanged it for something else in the store, but I just decided to fix the hole. I positioned the hole together, and then I took a small piece of no-hem tape, and barely let the hot iron touch the sweater. That instantly held the hole shut. You can’t see where the hole was. See if you can find it.
I can’t see it, and I know where it is. Haha Would I have bought it if I had seen the hole, probably not, but that’s the way the ball bounces. I have on a blue check shirt that is one of my favorite shirts. Here, and here are some of the times I have previously worn it. Mine is a Jones New York, but here and here are a couple that are similar.
For jewelry, I put on a long pearl and crystal necklace from Chloe & Isabel, and some stretchy pearl bracelets. On the other arm, I have on a square-cut crystal bracelet from Chloe & Isabel. This was in my start-up kit when I signed up to be a merchandiser. I like bling, but I would never have ordered this bracelet from looking at the book. I don’t really like in your face bling, and this is pretty big. I am surprised that I actually like the look on my arm. I know, practice what you preach, go outside your comfort zone. Hahaha You might also notice I have on my fitbit today. I usually only average around 4,000 steps daily, unless I do some sort of exercise. I don’t think sitting on the couch, writing this blog post counts. Maybe I can clap my hands a few times and increase my numbers. Haha
We are finally getting down to the last few piece of the outfit. The jeans are by Earl Gray, and I bought them at Marshall’s, I think. And did you notice the pretty blue purse? I don’t know what I would do without that outlet store. This purse, and a bright pink and orange one, came in when all the fall purses came in. They had sat there through the winter, because no one wanted to buy a summer purse in the middle of winter. Back around Christmas, I was in there, and they wanted to get rid of them, so they made me an offer. I politely refused, and kept shopping for presents. Then they made me another offer, but I held strong and said nope. When I got ready to pay for my presents, they made me one more offer. Just like in the Godfather, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. BUT, that is not the end of the negotiating. While I was purchasing the bag, I noticed some marks on the patent leather, so they came off another 20.00. I really scored a great deal that day! Lol! Here is the pink, or orchid purse, and here is one that is nowhere near as expensive, but it is just as cute.
I want to thank everyone who has entered for the Stella & Dot tote giveaway. If you have not already entered, then go here to enter. One of the comments, was that I needed to find some new poses. That is not as easy at it sounds. Here is my “I’m saying hi to someone down the road” pose.
Here is my, “Oh my gosh, I am falling ” pose. Never mind that this was supposed to be a kicking in the air pose. Haha
And this is my “Look at me, I am on top of the world” pose. You gurls really need to help me out here. What are your suggestions for new poses?
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Like the others, I am jealous of your QVC outlet too! Love your outfit!
I am sorry that I made you jealous, Ali. 🙁
I am a huge fan of qvc!!! I would go crazy in that outlet store! !! Where is it??? Ypu look great as always love the blues on you!!!
Kristie, it is in Grundy, Virginia. I hate to make things worse, but we actually have TWO of these type stores in town. Lol!
I love today’s outfit. Blue is definitely your color. I’ve got to find some of those floral wedges. Do you have any tips on finding jeans that fit? Your jeans always look great.
That is a wonderful question Rose. I have never given it much thought, I just find a brand that I like, and tend to buy from those. But now that you’ve asked, I think I will do some research and try to do a post.
Wish we had a Q clearance center close by, you’ve scored some great deals. Loving your outfit today. Wish I could wear checks but with grey hair they don’t really work well on me. But I can substitute! Those print shoes are adorable. I’m limited with the shoes I can wear, foot problems ?. I love shoes and recently had to get serious about purging ones I couldn’t wear. But I love hunting for new ones. I feel buy what you can afford or are willing to pay. Maybe more for classic less for trendy. I like do that with everyday shirts. Keep on sharing – love reading you daily.
I hate even mentioning that I bought something a the Q outlet, it almost feels like I am rubbing it in. Hahaha
I like Tue first pair of shoes, but alas you didn’t say anything about the second. Also super cute by the way!
Ardith, I didn’t mention the 2nd pair of shoes for two reasons. 1. I was comfortable and would have had to have gotten up off the couch and went to see the brand. 2. They looked filthy in these pictures and I was hoping you wouldn’t notice them. Hahaha I guess I need to clean some shoes today.
Love your ideas! and I agree about price doesn’t mean something great, not just clothing but makeup too.
I agree Karen. I’ve tried the expensive lip stains, and I always go back to Maybelline and CoverGirl. You just have to experiment.
You look great! Your outfit is so cute, and I love the checked blouse. You certainly have a knack for adding just the right shoes, bags and accessories.
Thanks Sandy!
I never pay retail, the markup on clothes is so high. Outlets can be a great deal, but I realize that most of them have merchandise specifically for their outlet stores. Even so, good quality at a reasonable, or bargain, price is a “good deal” for the consumer. I believe in quality over quantity and try to stick to that mantra. Love your blog and outfit choices!
I almost never buy full retail. There is just so much you can find on the sale racks. It has to be something that I truly LOVE, and already at a reasonable price, before I pay full price.
Talbots used to have a clearance center in Garden City & Commack, New York and they were my fashion life savers. So jealous of that QVC store! Your poses are great! Don’t change what’s working so beautifully!
Oh, I love Talbots!!! New poses are fun, just hard to come up with. Haha
Your posing is great! I have really enjoyed your blog and your style! I am a bit jealous of your access to the QVC outlet!!! I am planning a shopping trip there with my girls as soon as I figure out how far they are from me! It sounds like heaven. I love the Q! cannot wait!