One-Dollar Wonders

Mini Rant on Inconsistent Quality

May 10, 2012

I'm pretty darned happy with everything I've allowed myself to buy new this season... except a few things are already falling apart. As someone used to thrifing used and discarded items, I'm really shocked. My hand-me-downs never wear out this fast!

In review:
Mossimo cardigan - developed a hole on the shoulder seam
F21 orange blazer - pilling all over
Anne Taylor sweater - pilling significantly

I don't even put any "outside" clothes into the washing machine anymore - everything gets Dryel-ed or frozen. Sheesh. As much as I like and wear those items, I can't help but hear a little voice in my head saying, "Haha! This is what you get for paying more than $1!"

Posted in the General category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

9 Comments

  • marianna replied 12 years ago

    How many wears did you get out of the F21 and Target items? Sadly sometimes items from these stores might as well be disposable after one season. :(

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    I'll have to go count - I would say less than 10. It would be one thing if I knew never to shop at X store because the quality is poor, but I have items from all these places that have lasted for years.

  • replied 12 years ago

    I am pretty rough on my clothes but I have never had luck with Target or F21. They are disposable to me. Ann Taylor, I'm a tad surprised...

  • Jaime replied 12 years ago

    I find this with H&M. It is a great source for kid's clothes, which anyway have a limited life span, but when I try to buy a t-shirt there it mysteriously develops holes after one wear. Although I thrift the bulk of my clothes, I normally don't thrift t-shirts unless they appear to be new (it is easy to tell). And truthfully, my carefully selected thrifted t-shirts last longer than the H&M ones.

  • Theodora replied 12 years ago

    This is one of my pet peeves! I still have-wait for it- clothing that is 20 years old that looks and drapes better than things I have bought recently. Even my new Equipment silk blouse is made from a thinner silk than the older ones, which still look new, btw! I have cashmere sweaters that are so soft and perfect, with no pills, no stretching, and are much softer and thicker than what they sell today. It's not just the guage, it's also the ply( of the yarn).

    That said, almost every item that I have kept that is still beautiful was pretty expensive to begin with, except for these 2 t's from the GAP that are made from some kind of heavy nylon, and seem like they will last forever, and still keep their shape! Maybe I should post some pics...

  • cinnamon fern replied 12 years ago

    How much have you worn this AT sweater? Could you complain to them? I've had good experiences with their customer service - maybe worth a try.

  • christieanne replied 12 years ago

    Can you elaborate on the Freeze method? Not that I have extra freezer space but I am so curious!

    I think quality is hit and miss across the board when it comes to brands and stores. So unpredictable lately when all the brands are cutting costs to increase their margin. Sorry especially about the orange blazer. Guess you could keep an eye out for a better quality one at swap?

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    I only have 4 WIW pictures of the AT sweater, so maybe I've worn it 8 times total? But it was a clearance item, so maybe they won't care that much about my opinion...

    Freezing jeans was part of a Levi's campaign a while ago, but I'd heard of it beforehand... can't remember where I saw it first, but here's an article with video:
    http://www.theblaze.com/storie.....ave-water/

  • christieanne replied 12 years ago

    AH! Thank you for the link. The jeans part makes me remember that I have heard of it - I was imagining trying to put all your clothes in freezer and thought you must have a very large one :)

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I'm just your average working stiff who loves nice things and hates to pay for them. This blog outlines my efforts to navigate that treacherous shopping/saving divide through swappin', thriftin', and even a little resellin'. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe cost me just $1! We've heard a lot about people "living above their means" in recent years; I'm championing the concept of living large *below* your means - whatever that means for you. :)