'Price per wear' says woman about to spend $2000 on a second hand watch.
This Longines better be giving Longevity.
This is an episode from my 're-list' series, where / republish some of my oldie-goodies from my previous private subscriber list to the world at large, with minor updates for currency. Here’s why (spoiler alert, it’s a law degree).
Hi Spice Girls,
I’ve recently started to lean into slower fashion - ie focused on getting things fixed instead of in the bin, spending more money on higher quality items for better wear, and a general focus on buying less clothes.
What’s been interesting is reflecting on what this journey is costing me in the meantime.
For example, recently I had a pair of sandals repaired. $24.95 and went to one bootmaker - bargain. Very happy with this.
[2025 update: Sandals still going, though I didn’t wear them that much this summer]
At the next tier, I have come into a watch of my great grandfathers and took it to get serviced. Quoted $1500. I could buy quite a few new watches for that. It still works, just stops very quickly when I don’t wear it (automatic watch). So instead I’m getting the glass replaced for $120 and will hope for the best.
[2025 update, the watch broke. The second quote was $5000 LMAO. Thankfully I sent it to Switzerland and they came back with a quote of around the $1800 mark, which I’m going to bite the bullet on in the hope it lasts another 70 years. In the six weeks + it’s been away, I’ve really missed the simple polish of it].
I also have an embroidery wool cardigan of my great grandmothers. I’ve had it for at least 15 years, and it’s stunning. Cropped, black, has fit me at a variety of sizes and been through many different trends, houses, and life events. It needs new lining and trim, and a couple of moth holes repaired.
The first quote was $450.
The second quote was $270-$320.
Of course, price per wear = excellent, historical/sentimental value = excellent. But it’s still $300 for a cardigan.
[2025 update - I got the cardigan repaired. It was the right decision. Also, real theme on making sure we get two quotes/second opinions. Cardi still going strong.]
I’m also in the market for a new pair of black work pants. I know exactly what I want, and am willing to pay in the realm of $200-$250 for the right pair, even though part of me still considers that excessive for a pair of pants. I have been on multiple shopping trips, done pre-research and shortlisting, and still no joy. Because I’ve spent the time really considering what I want and that I want it to last, it’s actually much harder - because of the cost they have to be just right. Fabric, cut, belt loops, pockets, etc. Plus, if I have to do this again- in even 10 years- it will be too soon.
[2025 update: still no fkn black work pants]
Reducing a fashion footprint very much takes two things - mental capacity, and money. It’s been an interesting journey for me realising how different it is to really think about what I’m buying, but also the challenge of researching, repairing and re-styling. there’s a lot to do when you decide to stop buying things that ‘will just do’. The value for money has taken a backseat and money for values is driving - what’s better for the environment, working conditions, consumerism, and my own bloody clutter.
One of my goals for this year is to not buy more than 6 items of clothing. I don’t like having ‘all or nothing' goals but I still feel like this is a nice accountable challenge.
[2025 update: Did this very successfully last year, doing it again this year. Currently sitting at two items + one in cart].
I’ve signed up to do the February Wardrobe Pause Challenge with Emma ‘Good with Money' Edwards, from The Broke Generation. I’ve desperately wanted to do it the last two times Emma ran it - in October I was in America and last February I had just started a new job, a new second job and third year law. This Feb I am moving interstate, 85% of my clothes are packed. But you know what, there will always be a reason not to do it. So, I’m just doing it, and will see what I can pull together with the same pink pair of pants half the time. The price is too good, the sessions look great, and I’ve obsessed over Emma’s no clothing year in 2023. Come join if you like - not sponsored, just vibing. It starts tonight!!
[2025 update: that course with Emma was seriously life changing. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s now called The Wardrobe Project].
I’ll post some dripping ‘fits on the gram so you can play along at home.
In the meantime, stay classy - but not too much.
Yours in chaos,
LOVEYOUBYE.
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