Guest Blogger: Quality vs. Quantity

On my blog, I constantly preach about purchasing quality instead of quantity. There’s no point in purchasing an item if it’s not made well and works with your existing wardrobe. Many readers contact me stating that they can’t afford quality. The thing is, quality can be found at any pricepoint, and I regularly encourage my readers to thrift to find high quality at low prices. Since I had my daughter four years ago, I rarely find the time to thrift. Recently I stopped by a couple thrift stores and it reminded me of the benefits of thrifting.

 I found this utterly amazing hooded black faux fur coat. I have been drooling over similar styles at popular shops, but couldn’t justify spending over $100 for something I don’t necessarily need. A tenth of that price, a trip through the gentle cycle, and replacing a standard yet missing button made this quality coat a fabulous budget buy.

For those like me who don’t have a ton of time to visit thrift stores, I highly recommend eBay. Even Goodwill has an eBay store! While eBay is more carefully curated, meaning you are less likely to get a ridiculous score on a designer or popular brand item, you can still get amazing deals for less. I often search for a favorite brand or designer, and then narrow down by size, style, and shipping. I also will search by a general description like “leather jacket” or “tulle skirt” and then narrow down by eBay’s categories.

 I saw a friend in an adorable skirt and she said she bought it at The Limited. I went to eBay, searched “The Limited” and then narrowed by skirts, then my size. While this isn’t the exact same skirt my friend had, it’s perfect for me, was in pristine condition, and a fraction of the regular retail price.

This jacket is another “online thrifting” score. I know Ann Taylor fits me well and I trust their quality. I searched “Ann Taylor”, and then narrowed the selection to jackets, and then to my size. I don’t ever recall seeing this jacket in stores but adored it (and it’s $25.99 price). Was thrilled to find it even cuter in person and a perfect spring jacket to wear with everything from cocktail dresses to jeans.

While it’s fun to revisit recent thrifting and online thrifting scores, there’s a purpose to all of this. One doesn’t need to be limited by their wallet, or their local mall to find quality fashion. I encourage you to step out of the box, and step into a thrift store and you very well may find the perfect (and high quality) wardrobe of your dreams!

Alison Gary is a freelance writer and the Editor in Chief of Wardrobe Oxygen, a DC-based personal style and fashion advice blog. Alison believes that fabulous style is achievable for all regardless of age, figure, budget, or lifestyle and offers tips and tricks to achieve such style on her blog.