Reader Request: Price Versus Value

by Sally on May 19, 2020 in the category: reader requests, shopping

Musings on price, quality, and how the two factors interact. (AKA Just because it's cheap, doesn't mean it's a bargain. AND just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's high-quality.)

Elly made this request in a comment:

… it would also be good to hear your thoughts on price point versus value explored more. I wouldn’t buy a £14 dress from Primark, but I would buy a £40 dress from American Apparel. One has a better price point, but the other has a better value. Complex subject!

Samantha followed up with a related request:

I was wondering if you could do a post on how quality and price interact. I feel like I automatically assume that a $150 skirt from somewhere nice in retail-land is amazing quality. I feel like it’s drummed into our minds that higher price = higher quality, but this is not always the case. Could you write about how to scout out higher-quality clothes, still keeping price in mind? read more

Originally posted 2013-08-05 06:18:04.

Clothing Moves

by Sally on May 17, 2020 in the category: style

Your clothing and accessories will shift around throughout the day unless you hold perfectly still. This happens to everyone, and is totally normal!

Two of the most common questions I get on my outfit posts are as follows:

There are no belt loops on that skirt. How do you keep your belt in place?
How do you keep your scarf from shifting around?

Answer to both: I don’t. I don’t keep my belt in place and I don’t keep my scarf from shifting around. Because barring use of staples and glue,* I really can’t. I feel like these questions represent some of the myths that have been unintentionally perpetuated by style blogs: That some women hold the secret to a perfectly styled and utterly immobile scarf. That some body types can keep a belt in place without loops. It’s just not true, friends. In these photos I am standing relatively still after having adjusted my outfit to look as I wish it to. And even then I sometimes have to fuss with my belt or scarf after a photo or two! Clothing and accessories move around. Unless you work as a Live Mannequin, yours will shift, too. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. read more

Originally posted 2013-07-29 06:21:20.

Reader Request: Flattering Strong Shoulders and a Shorter Neck

by Sally on May 2, 2020 in the category: proportion, reader requests, style

Bubu e-mailed me this question:

I realize ever more that almost all models have narrow shoulders and long necks — but many of us mortals don’t. It doesn’t bother me, per se, but makes it harder to visualize how things will work on me — often things that look flowy or edgy on a model-type or in a catalog just look boxy and stuffy on me, e.g., most blazers, turtlenecks, necklaces, scarves, etc. I have worked hard to improve my posture and pull my shoulders down so they don’t rise up to my ears, which helps significantly, but any more tips/advice to flattering looks and things to avoid? read more

Originally posted 2013-06-03 06:36:04.