I recently was asked if I had $1,000 to spend on clothes, what would I buy? As a frugality blogger, my mind started spinning. I could go to Target or the mall and have a field day with $1,000 to spend on my wardrobe. I thought of the accessories, purses and fall fashion that would pack my closet to the brim and give me more than enough “stuff,” to get me through fall and winter.
Then, I took pause. Lately, I’ve been erring on the side of simplicity. Over the years, I’ve accumulated plenty of shoes that don’t fit or things that are too trendy but they were cheap and I still have that pang of regret when I donate them since they haven’t been worn enough to be worn out. With the changes of the seasons and the changes in my personal life, I get giddy over simple pieces that are classic and quality.
So, after much thought and pouring over the latest fashion trends, my mind goes back to two pieces I’ve been lusting over for YEARS and would be instant staples in my wardrobe with their timeless appeal. These two pieces would cost $1,000 together, and yes, they are NOT frugal- but knowing that I’ve had my nude pair of Christian Louboutins for nearly three years and they are still my favorite pair of pumps that I get a lot of road wear out of, the cost per wear has gone way, way down. I take better care of these shoes than any pair I’ve owned, so sometimes frugality isn’t about being “cheap,” it’s about prioritizing your wants, paying for them without debt & simplifying your life with a few key pieces instead of a bunch of random things… frugality is about clarity.
So, if I had $1000 to spend on clothes, I’d buy…
One pair of black Christian Louboutin pumps (this is a fantasy right? I could buy whatever I wanted!) and I would treasure them for years. There is something about these shoes- you can wear a simple “little black dress” from Target and they instantly make you look polished and professional. You can also pair these with some skinny jeans for a classy date night or wear them to work when you need a big boost of confidence for an important meeting.
Yes, this is my dream $1,000 and these are my dream shoes. If I had these lovelies I would pair them with everything since they are a wardrobe staple (not trendy like LouBoutin’s spikey shoes or their glitter pumps) and they are so, so classy!
With the remaining money, I would opt for another wardrobe staple- the Burberry scarf. This plaid is classic, neutral and would instantly class up one of my three wool pea coats which coincidentally are in tan, black and cranberry red. I could pair this soft scarf with sweaters or plain black scoop necks, or even wrap it around a simple dress for work.
During fall and winter here in Chicago, I have been lusting over this scarf as I’ve seen it adorn the neck of some classy women…I honestly try not to drool. It’s simple and would be a great investment piece that I could wear year after year.
I know everyone, in my dreams, I do frugality all weird… feel free to leave your comments on that below 😉
So, what would you buy if you had $1000 to spend on clothes?
Now that it’s fall, it’s a time for dreaming about fall fashion, bundling up in warm clothes and sipping on pumpkin spice everything. It’s also a time for hot soups to stay warm and yummy lunches. One of my favorite lunches is Progresso soups- especially the Light Savory Beef Barley & Vegetables. At 100 calories per serving, the soups help you feel full and look and feel your best…and it’s at a price point that you might be able to save up for a fancy scarf or two!
Oh yes you can enter for a chance to win a wardrobe makeover for you and three of your friends, courtesy of Progresso™! Enter the ProgressOh! wardrobe makeover contest at Progresso.com/ProgressOh. Four deserving Progresso fans and three of their friends will each win a $1,000 cash card and a year-long subscription to the POPSUGAR “Must Have Box”
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Progresso through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Progresso, all opinions are my own.”
I like the way you think! 🙂
I would also go for a pair of black, patent leather, Louboutin pumps.
I’d use the remaining money to buy a really nice, simple black leather tote that I could enjoy for years to come. I have a few high-end bags that I love already, although most of them are more “fun.” I’d like something incredibly simple and chic, that would fit my lap top – like this tote by Rebecca Minkoff –
http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/handbags/tote/medium-mab-tote-black.html
Erring not “airing”
You win this round 😉
You are right, sometimes being frugal actually means spending more per item to get quality that will last forever instead of opting for a cheaper item that will wear out sooner.
Hmm… like you I tend to be more drawn to the classic styles that never seem to go out of fashion (plus you get a bigger bang for your buck). I love J Crew cashmere sweaters so I would probably stock up with just about every color known to mankind. I purchased a burberry scarf about 5 years ago when we had an outlet store in Maine. At the time I was in college and it was a huge expense (even with the discount), but it was an investment piece and something I wear a lot in Maine in the winter. But to be completely honest, I would probably spend it on yoga pants and flannel shirts! 🙂
I have been wanting a Burberry scarf forEVER, so I would definitely have to put that on my list as well.
I love your point about how frugality isn’t about being cheap. It’s so much more worthwhile to spend good money on something you know you’ll use over and over than to buy something cheap that you’ll never use. I have so many cheap clothes I’ve bought only to realize after wearing them once or twice that I just don’t care for them.
I think investing in one or two classic pieces would be a great way to use a windfall.
I got tired of my clearance-rack junk habit and started using Gwynnie Bee. Now when I do buy clothes, they are usually accessories.
A pair of black Louboutin pumps is a great investment! It’s on my bucket list to buy one of these days… They’re super versatile and great quality – you get what you pay for!
Yes, Frugality is not being cheap. It’s making the most of what you have and being smart on what you spend. Having those pair of shoes is a good move considering the number of years you can use them. Nice buy!