Shopping with Shelia
REAL STYLE FOR REAL WOMEN
Is it Really Worth It?

You've been coveting that beautiful silk blouse for days now trying to justify the cost. Is it worth $150? Well, that all depends. And how about the $150 pair of black pants to replace the pair you have worn out? By calculating an item's CPW (Cost Per Wear), we can mathematically determine the financial value of an item and how it fits into our wardrobe budget. If you wear the black pants at least once a week for the next year, the pants will only cost you $2.88 per wear (150/52=2.88). And, if properly maintained, that basic pair of pants will last beyond a year reducing the price per wear even further. The silk blouse, on the other hand, will probably be worn once a month. The CPW for the blouse is $12.50 per wear (150/12=12.50). Should we consider the blouse to be a financially sound purchase?
Let's look at this from another angle. If you buy an inexpensive blouse for $25 dollars and after two wearings it starts falling apart, your CPW is S12.50 (25/2=12.50). The CPW is the same as the more expensive blouse, but with that in mind do you really want to be wasting your money on items that will quickly become discarded? Like the black pants, if properly cared for, the more expensive blouse will last several years and its CPW will continue to decrease.
The Cost Per Wear Equation proves that sometimes spending less money can wind up costing you more. What about those items hanging in your closet with the tags still on them? Their CPW hasn't decreased one dime from the day you bought them! Therefore, not a wise investment.
There are, however, areas where it makes sense to spend more and areas where you can afford to spend less.
Spend On:
• Pieces with perfect fit that would cost more to tailor (jackets, coats, leather).
• Bras professionally fit at a specialty store (see December 2011 Shopping with Shelia).
• Handbags (cheaper bags often do not have good construction) and good bags continue to have resale value.
Save On:
• Layering pieces (tees, camis, etc.).
• Hosiery, shapers, underwear.
• Jewelry, except for a few key pieces.
The next time you are considering purchasing something that is definitely a stretch buy, take some time to think about how you will wear the piece. Do you love it? Can you see how often you would be wearing it? Does it fit your lifestyle, your personal style, and your physical characteristics? Think of the closet as a financial portfolio, with each garment as a financial investment that has both calculable and incalculable value.
Happy Valentine's Day

Shelia Frey, owner of Signature Image Consulting, will help you discover your personal style and give instruction on creating your individual look. Her goal is to add value to women's lives by positively influencing the way they view themselves. To maximize your personal potential, contact Shelia at Signatureimageconsulting.com or 770-893-8944