Sartorial Style that makes you feel really good

Style Stories UK
Oct 28, 2023
3 min read

Although slightly ashamed to admit it, until recently I often didn't think about the cost of things. I mean the actual, real cost of something and how it all adds up in everyday terms. The things that we don't really notice, but somehow creep up on us by the end of the month. Like a daily coffee, a trip to the corner store for only a pint of milk (yeah right!), an 'essential manicure': You get the idea.

However, the last 8 months or so have demonstrated a marked global increase in the cost of pretty much everything, for various reasons that are far too complicated and nuanced to get into.

And although it's been pretty much doom and gloom, a positive that has come out of it, for me at least, is that it has brought an awareness to the actual cost of things and more importantly, a consideration of the value of such things. This is most acutely applied to what I'd consider luxuries; shopping, dinners out, decorative purchases for the home, etc... I have really been considering the cost of these things lately and wether the cost is sufficiently reflected in the value of such items.

So for example, on the High Street the answer is pretty much yes; a wool jumper from Cos at a price £80 is good value. However, the luxury fashion market has somehow exponentially increased in terms of price post pandemic, with eye watering amounts needed to purchase an entry level handbag or even a luxury accessory, like a pen. In these examples, I would say the value is certainly not reflected in the price tag and this has prompted me to go hunting for options!

Why you ask? Because we all love a little bit of luxury dotted around our wardrobes; from a timeless Chanel bag, to a fabulous winter coat. But now, the question arises, when does 'luxury' become just that? An extremely inflated price tag just because it can be justified as 'luxury'. The value is no longer reflected in such products and so, they can't be accessed and appreciated by a wider consumer base. They only become available for those with so much cash to splash, that these 'luxury' items possess the same characteristics for them, as the earlier 'everyday' items I referenced possess for me or you perhaps; those wider consumers that used to save up to buy a designer bag when there was actual value in it.

So, what is the answer to the many questions and considerations arising from my recent reflection on value for money in the current fashion market? My search, dear friends, has lead me to the pre-loved market, which is massive and holds many treasures to be found! I have put together a little snippet of items that are available online to purchase or 'rent' for a fraction of the retail price and often in new or hardly worn condition. Let's not forgot the wonderful green credentials associated with pre-loved shopping as well, so at the end of it you're saving some money and feeling great about it too!

Happy (considered) shopping!! xx