Christina, over the years it appears that you always store your denim folded. Does this have anything to do with the preservation of the denim itself? Or is this purely based on maximizing your specific storage spaces? I hang my denim, but sometimes I wonder if clamping a pant-hanger onto the waist of denim stresses or stretches the waist. 🤔🤔🤔
I love to spend on shoes! Partially because they are my favorite part of the fit, but I also am very active at home and work. I walk a lot and stand a lot, so my shoes need to be good quality too. I will usually save on tees, although most of my tees are from Everlane. I used to be cheap on my jeans, but I've been spending a little more on jeans that fit my body shape.
I splurge on outerwear but I also live in Canada where that feels important to do. I also splurge on undergarments and some accessories like handbags, belts etc.
Truly I cheap out on probably 99% of my wardrobe, but one thing I never do because it always saves me money in the long run is shoes. 100% shoes. Lasts so much longer and you truly get your money's worth.
And even then, I can find a solid, quality pair of shoes for under $200. Often closer to $100, which is just as much as a lot of fast fashion lower quality designers.
in “the conscious closet” i read that with basic items that are super common (t shirts, button ups, tanks) the construction has been so standardized and perfected across the industry that really the only thing that can change as you pay more is the fabric & brand ethics, but that basically a $10 t shirt is going to be just as well made as an $80 t shirt in most cases, whereas more complex things, like dress pants, the construction can change drastically by price point! i think my h&m pants vs my aritzia pants and the difference is a LOT
I'm very grateful for your content, Christina. Your channel has been a significant catalyst for the positive changes in my overall finances, budgeting practices, and closet over the past 6 months.
I’ve been thrifting and second hand shopping since the mid 90’s. My closet is made up of high quality, classic pieces that can be mixed and matched. I don’t buy trendy pieces and I definitely don’t shop at the mall.
I pretty much align wih your list Christina. My good quality jeans have lasted for 10 yrs, since high school. Thanks to my culture, solid high quality gold is a must and as I got older, I appreciate my grandmother and mom's advice and gifts. Another area most of us Canadians invest in is coat and yes shoes, so important for foot health.
I shop jewellery second hand, here in Finland the large pawn shop chain cleans the pieces and removes engravings so that the pieces look fresh. The discount is huge, and you can find really lovely vintage stuff as well as more modern items.
I agree with your spend vs save items. Living in Eastern Ontario, we get all four seasons also. I am a thrifter, I am usually able to find great coats/blazers, button downs and cashmere sweaters from the thrift store. At times, even great shoes. I agree also the quality of the vintage/thrifted items tend to be better than new. Thrifting is also better for the environment, I re-donate all my clothes so the cycle can begin again. It was funny the other day, every item I was wearing to work except for the under garments was bought secondhand.
@@thenopedetective the usual Salvation Army, Value Village. There is also a great place in Brockville called the May Court, cash only and a place in Kingston called the Revolving Door, it’s a consignment shop but things do get marked down. Hope this helps
I definitely spend on shoes too, also denim, and underwear. Good quality underwear makes a huge difference on how you feel in your clothes. I also spend on jewellery, although I go years without buying any since I can always wear my existing pieces. If you have trouble spending on jewellery, it's a great birthday gift idea if you're ok with receiving quality over quantity.
Spend: bras, most shoes, the odd “special” piece to feel “elevated” in. Save: most things, esp. sportswear, basics (T-shirts, base layer tops), slippers/casual shoes I know I’ll probably destroy quickly (eg the one pair of day-to-evening sandals I take on a beach holiday - they get a lot of wear, just over a short timeframe)
10/10 agree that winter coats should be bought with an eye to materials and what’ll keep you warm. Same thing with winter base layers and long underwear. I’ve started seeing more and more people trying to do winter sports wearing polyester base layers instead of something that’ll keep them properly warm. I’ve also been finding it increasingly harder to find wool tights. Pretty much the only brands that I can find them from now are companies that specifically specialize in wool garments, and many of those brands will only sell socks and not true tights.
Totally agree with spending on quality jewelry! In my family, it was common for the girls to get 14k jewelry as gifts for the holidays, so I learned about the value of fine jewelry from a young age and never got into costume jewelry that I knew wouldn't last. The only item you listed I personally wouldn't splurge on is jeans. I have thick thighs, and it hasn't mattered what brand of denim I've purchased, my jeans always end up with holes in the inner thigh area. So it makes no sense for me to spend more than I need to. I also am not into experimenting with different cuts of jeans (I pretty much only wear skinny jeans), so since jeans aren't really my *thing,* I haven't cared much to get into the world of more expensive, designer denim.
Great video 😊 I agree with your list! I bought an expensive coat (it’s actually a Canadian brand and down-filled) last year and I feel it was worth every penny. I’m a much happier person when I’m warm.
Great video! It's always helpful to know which wardrobe staples are worth the investment and which ones are not. It's all about finding that balance between saving and splurging. Thanks for the tips!
I get all four seasons here in WA, so I have no problem spending on great coats. I love button-downs, and the ones I wear the most are all thrifted. I can say the same for my blazers too!
I recently turned 30 & I would never compromise on footwear. Took me this long to forego the stylish/on-trend items for something well-constructed, timeless, and comfortable
I love wearing jeans, but I do the Levi's no-no and actually wash them. Yes, I know that shrinks them; but I can't re-wear clothes that haven't been washed. I wish there was a better solution.
Thanks for sharing! We are also trying our best to pay attention to our disposable income and what we spend it on… we are trying our best to look at quality now that we can afford it now that we are further in our careers, etc. thanks for sharing as always as well as your fashion advice with specific brands, etc. I would love if you can or already have a video about specific brands or stores you best support - especially for certain wardrobe pieces you have. Thanks for the jeans/denim share of info! I’ll be looking at those websites!
Can I give you a great ethical fairly cheap T-shirt recommendation! I’d really recommend YesFriends they’re a sustainable, ethical brand with the white/black T-shirts only £10 and other colours £12 and they’re honestly the nicest T-shirts I’ve ever owned - they also do hoodies, jeans, underwear and Denim jackets and I can’t recommend enough to everyone :)
Your contend is amazing and I am truly grateful for it because I do spend a lot A LOT of money on clothes and this is so useful for helping me get out of that and find my personal wardrobe
One thing I’ve become happy to splurge on is bras and bathing suits! I don’t fit into the most widely available sizes, so I found a local woman owned bra boutique and not only do my clothes fit differently with a well-fitted bra, but shopping for these items is now super fun. I’m also more likely to spend more on footwear and outerwear as well, since I also live in the Toronto area and we definitely have a need for those things lol
I am very thankful for you and your content. I think through things with much better clarity and thought than I used to before I buy stuff, and not just clothes, but anything else I need or want.
Christina I loved your hair and jacket today! On point! Thanks for prefacing the video with what basics mean to the viewers, I think it’s a smart idea. With that I like spending a little more coin on a nice purse since it helps me control my shopping impulses. I find I’m less likely to buy buy buy if I’m buying quality over quantity at that point. I will agree with you, I’m not going to spend 40$ for a T-shirt I’m fine with 15-20$ in that area. I’m also there with you on cheap earrings, they hurt my ears. Good or surgical quality all the way. I don’t mind, again it just helps me to spend less overall. Thanks for the video, stay warm and have a terrific day!✨💜
Places I won't compromise are jewelry, comfortable quality shoes, and coats. I love thrifting or as I call it "treasure hunting" and find expensive, well made, natural fabric garments all the time for under $10. I do buy some costume jewelry but only use it for traveling abroad.
I basically force myself to buy stuff on sale or 2nd hand. Unless I have a visceral reaction which means that I will wear the crap out of it…I wait until it goes sale.
100% shoes, comfort and warmth/coolness. We too have four seasons and two can be particularly extreme. So warmth in winter and light, cool natural in summer that doesn’t show too much cleavage or otherwise is a must. Shoes because I like walking for hours. I rarely throw out because with care and just minor repairs to heels they just go on. Obviously they get switched seasonally. Cashmere jumpers or cardis, layering pieces and cotton or linen are workhorses. Viscose is great too. I add some trends but try to make sure they are a keeper and work with what I use.
Hey! Christina you really made my day with this video and I love your vlogs so so much you are my inspiration and I wish you reach 200K Subscribers very very soon!☺️💫💞
My new splurge is going to be outerwear. I usually end up buying a cheaper coat or boots or hat and it almost always wears out after the season or isn’t as warm as it looks.
Such a great video. Quality for everything is very important and smart shopping balancing with pieces that align our personality, for me my essential will be jeans, colourful blouse, pattern blouse, cardigans, dusters and blazer. Jewelry is a must, good stylish yet comfortable shoes mostly flats and good quality purses!
Blazer garl here too! Can you make a video about how you take care of your blazers? How to keep them clean (even the blazers that must only be steamed, even some not that often)?
Shoes are definitely the big one, but honestly I almost never spend more than $50 for any item of clothing because I buy 85%+ used. The most I've ever spent on anything was a pair of leather combat style boots that I have worn a ton and have already had for about 7 years. Used is the best way to get quality and inexpensive
Talbots, llbean lands end , banana republic have 💯 cotton T-shirt a reasonable price , you can read the labels and make sure 100 cotton, sometimes if you are lucky 💯 Pima cotton 😊
I would spend on kitchen tools and get a very top notch brand. I also would spend on clothes, but with 60% off of the higher end brands so they’re good clothes.
As I get older I agree with the footwear being an item to spend more on or ask for Xmas or birthday. I got Dr Martens for Xmas. I live in them. Comfy functional and on trend.
Great video, Christina! I like to buy my t-shirts at Northern Reflection. They're a decent weight, hold their shape after washing, come in a variety of colours, they offer crew neck and v-necks AND it's a Canadian company!! They often have deals so ultimately you can pay about $20 per tee. Have a great week!!
I find that I have to spend a bit more on oxfords/button downs and bras. I’m busty so getting a good fit is a challenge so even if I buy a men’s shirt, it’s probably going to need to be tailored. I agree with most of your list though! For t-shirts, if it’s just going under stuff I can get away with something cheap. If I want to wear it to work, I have to spend a bit more. In the summer, Hanes V-necks have been a winner.
The big place that I spend money in my wardrobe is my black leggings! They're my daily pant, and I wear them hard, so it's absolutely worth the money for me to buy quality. I've been buying the same brand for a while now, and while painfully expensive, they're the only ones I've found that hold up to my thick thighs, lifestyle, and are also sustainably produced. I try for that when I can, but it's just not always practical. But since I'm wearing them nearly daily, and for multiple jobs, the cost per wear goes down quick. The other things I'll splurge a little on are my dancewear basics, bras, and my daily jewelry. I'm in a dance studio many days a week, between teaching and continuing my education, so having quality leotards, shoes, and tights is a must. Anything else, and I'm bargain shopping. Skirts, layers, and warm-ups are optional, and don't get worn as hard, so I get those for as cheap as I can. Jewelry, I'm of two minds about. I was willing to spend a pretty penny for the jewelry I got pierced with, because that's going to be living in my body for a long time, and be my daily jewelry afterward. But novelty earrings, and most necklaces or bracelets are getting bought for cheaper these days. I like supporting small businesses, so I'll spend a little more for that, but I just don't wear it often enough to spend a ton! And bras kind of go without explanation. I'm larger chested, and I'm willing to pay for the good stuff there. I do occasionally splurge on fun graphic tees or sweatshirts from small businesses. But otherwise, I built my wardrobe on a pretty tight budget. Lots of thrift store stuff. In future, I will spend more on coats and shoes, but right now my thrifted or old ones are holding up fine.
It's so cute to notice ukrainian flag throughout your videos - first I thought I have a mirage! Love your videos and seeing that you related to Ukraine makes my heart jump 😇
I definitely mostly spend on footwear after having plantar fascitis a few years ago, though I got a really comfy cheap pair of boots recently and they seem excellent quality for the price. Everything else I treat on a piece by piece basis. I like good material viscose and bamboo as it is soft but it does unfortunately last so long but I can't really wear wool or cashmere due to sensitive skin - I have a blazer and one sweater. I like organic cotton too. I try to stay away from polyester and acrylic but I have an acrylic cardi-coat which is lovely and is on its 16th year now and I can't see me ever getting rid of it.
Yep. Walmart Tshirts for me. I bought a large multipack early last year and still haven’t used them all. I have a white Ralph Lauren scoop neck I’m scared to wear for fear of staining it.
Thanks for providing your perspective on where to save vs. splurge! I have a similar style to yours - jeans, a t-shirt, and a blazer is without a doubt the go-to outfit for me! Do you have any favourite shops in Toronto for blazers? I've purchased the Emma Hill x The Curated blazer and have TWO. They're beautiful but ungodly expensive. Looking for some more affordable alternatives for both classic and oversized styles. Thank you, as always x
I agree. My experience is that the quality of everything has gone WAY down hill. It feels impossible to find 100% cotton tee-shirts that are thick and crisp. When I was about 12 years old I had a white t shirt from the thrift store that was bright white, thick and structured- it was amazing!! It feels like that is a thing of the past. 😒
I'd love to know what to look for in blazers specifically. I have a couple that I love... except if I sweat in them, it is ridiculously hard to get smells out. Maybe that is a care and maintenance thing, but I wonder if it could have to do with construction/material.
The only item I spent more is jewelry. I love wearing stack rings that are dainty 14k gold bands with diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald (tiny stones). They are between $50 to $200 each. I would never spend such sum on clothing items, shoes, bags, and accessories.
Thanks for some great tips! Really enjoyed and agree with you 100%. Wanted to ask about gym/ exercise wear and your take on this? Also tank tops/ base layers like thermal wear?
I used to always be able to pay "mid range" for "mid range" quality but price is a terrible way to gauge quality anymore. Even for shoes. That (and being very tall and having things like skinny ankles, etc.) is why I always shop in person. I look for soft breathable fabrics and for stitching or things that seem to be sturdy. I've seen $300 polyester shirts where thread were already coming loose and I've gotten shirts on sale for $5 that have lasted years. It's hard to find shoes that are still sturdy and flexible. They're just made with crappier quality even though price is going up, even on "classic" styles.
Metal allergies are no joke, I had a mix of solid gold, gold plater and sterling silver jewellery and I have developed an allergy. Now I found myself unable to wear anything, even titanium, without developing painful infections.
My favorite trick with denim (and this works at least in America) is to shop at outdoorsy stores! In Oregon there's a Bi-Mart with a hunting and working clothing section, and you can get high quality denim that is also sized based on waist/leg size! The styles are a bit more limited than other retailers, but I have found multiple pairs of my favorite straight leg jeans at hunting/hiking/outdoorsy stores in America. And of course there are painters pants and carpenters pants if you want that look. If you're ever in Oregon, check out Bi-Mart ! (Pants usually are 30-60 bucks)
I don't wear blazers as much as I use to. Now I love belted midi length cardigans. That is a splurge for me. Bags are hit or miss. Shoes now that I am older are splurges. Foundational pieces are definitely becoming a splurge. I am adding some nice pjs and maybe 2 more dresses. Because I am minimal I splurge so items last longer in my closet.
Bravo!! Ton français est très bon!! You don't have an accent!! You can also practice with Alyssa and if she iss not available, I will be more than happy to practice qith you!! Merci pour ton vidéo et bonne journée!!
Man wish my Ukrainian grandparents taught me Russian or Ukrainian so I can/could speak with them 😢 but babble is really good when I was doing Russian and it was in the early stages on the app too when I did use it
I splurge on lingerie and underwear 👀. I save on everything else. Also, currently learning Italian and Hebrew. I already know French and English, as a fellow Canadian from Quebec. 🇨🇵🇬🇧🇮🇹🇮🇱
@@Christinamychas the only reason I noticed was that I hadn’t seen it (or any from Shein) & I looked at the header. RU-vid/the Algorithm/the ‘Man’ must NOT be happy with my minimal spending. 😊
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