I know, I should be writing about what to wear on Christmas day or how to do festive sparkle, but I figured you know that by now. Or you don’t care and will be in Uggs and dressing gown all day. I like to make a bit of an effort, but come 4pm, will probably be asleep on the sofa with my mouth open. Wearing a paper cracker hat that’s too small for my massive head.
Instead of anything festive, I thought I would share a few thoughts on high ticket items and the joy of Fashion Maths. This is your basic cost-per-wear ratio. If you hanker after something vastly expensive, think about how many times you will wear it. If you think you can top the 100 times mark over a couple of years, then bingo! Buy it. I only tend to go big on bags, shoes and accessories, but there are a few exceptions to this. The Leather jacket that goes with anything and the dress that just works for you.
What I cannot bear is spending big on something that only gets worn once. A dress for an occasion that sits lonely at the back of the wardrobe forever more. Or a pair of expensive designer heels that get worn for a few hours at party, then are swapped for bare feet or trainers once the dancing starts. Concentrate on things you can wear every day of the week. This is the essence of Fashion Maths .
As the sales are starting, now is the perfect time to get your big purchase. Think about what you have and how it will work for you Think about how often you will wear it and how it will elevate everything else you own. If you can’t imagine wearing in 5 years time. Walk away. Here’s a few items I have in my wardrobe that I think have justified their price tag.
THE GIVENCHY BOOTS
(cost per wear approx £7)
These boots are the most expensive item of clothing I had ever bought (bags excepted). I got them 2 years ago when they were on sale at 45% . They were still £560 which is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on shoes I know. But I knew they were classics. Look for styles that designers do every year. These ones and the Chloe Susanna Boots are a fine example of a style that will last and last. I got them resoled this year and I give them a quick buff with some leather cream every couple of weeks in the winter. they live in their box and NEVER get put into the cupboard of doom (under the stairs). Similarly I think the Grenson Nanette Boots will be a staple for a long time to come too.
THE GANNI DRESS
(cost per wear approx £18)
I wouldn’t usually add a dress to fashion maths, as they tend to be a things you only wear a handful of times, but this red dress was a constant for me over the long hot summered 2018. I hunted it down at a discount, so I think it was £180. Definitely worn it at least 10 times this year and I know it will get many more airings next summer as the fit is so flattering. Show me a garment that hides the jelly belly and I’m all over it.
THE GUCCI DISCO BAG
(cost per wear approx £6)
The right designer handbag will be one of your biggest investments. Bags are something you use every day so chose wisely. Always look for a classic. Again, one that comes out every season. Try not to get carried away with the latest ‘it’ bag. Think Classic, Classic, Classic. Nothing too bling, nothing that’s too evening. You need one that can take you everywhere and make the rest of your outfit look more expensive than it is. My best buy has been my Gucci Disco bag. The red one I bought myself for my birthday back in 2015 for £650. It’s served me very well.
THE BLACK BIKER JACKET
(cost per wear approx £9)
I’ve waxed lyrical about this SET leather jacket before, so I won’t bang on too much more. You all know that a black leather biker jacket is a wardrobe essential at any age. I mean any age. I saw a lady in the pub the other week who wasn’t a day younger than 80 and she was rocking the BLBJ as well as any twentysomething. You get what you pay for with Leather. This one is butter soft and so comfortable it will be worn for years to come.
THE GUCCI BELT
(approx £1.50 per wear)
I got this in duty free at the airport two and a half years ago. I wear it EVERY TIME I wear trousers, so it could actually be down to less than £1.00 per wear now. I have lost track. If you were going to get anything designer I would recommend a belt. We all need a good belt. I literally only wear this one and it always makes the rest of my outfit feel massively more expensive.
Happy Christmas to you all! Thanks so much to everyone that has taken the time to read my blog this year. I hope you’ve enjoyed some of it and that you will join me next year for whatever it is I feel like writing about!
K x
