DOES MORE EXPENSIVE MEAN BETTER
Does more expensive mean better? When I was a child, I can remember going shopping with my daddy. We would be looking for something, lets just say a camera, and I can remember him telling me to get the most expensive one, because that would be the best. But, is that ALWAYS true? 
I am just like everyone else, I like nice things. I want a nice house, a nice car, and nice clothing. But, I don’t have the most expensive one of any of those things. When I went to Florida recently, Sandy and I went to the Premium outlets. This was the first time I ever got to encounter $700.00 and $800.00 shoes. In my mind, I had envisioned that this shoes, because they cost so much, would be the most buttery soft leather and they would have the softest cushions and arch supports. I tried on a couple pairs and was so completely disappointed. These felt, and really looked, no better than any other pair I already owned. What really made them so expensive then? I can only assume it was the designer name. There are a lot of products were more expensive DOES mean better, so it is up to us as consumers to figure out what we are willing to pay more for.
How do you like these cute little floral platform sandals? When I was in Atlanta, my sister and I went to a DSW shoe store. Most of my summer shoes are still in storage, so I went there hoping to find a couple of shoes to take with me to Florida. I left there with three pairs, and I averaged only paying 10.00 per pair. I think these are super cute and I can’t wait to see them with shorts this summer. Here is a really cute similar pair on sale, and here is a more expensive pair. You decide which you would rather have.
I have on a Joan Rivers bright blue cardigan. Here is a similar, but longer, version. I picked this up at the QVC outlet a little while back. All the clothes, pants, tops, cardigans, are 12.00. Coats, no matter the size or the material, are 24.00. So I have bought leather and suede coats there for 24.00. You do have to watch for defects, because some of these items are returns. That was the case with this sweater. I looked it over before I bought it, but I missed a tiny hole, I discovered that while I was ironing. It was really wrinkled, so I wanted to quickly knock out the creases, and discovered the tiny hole. I could have taken it back and exchanged it for something else in the store, but I just decided to fix the hole. I positioned the hole together, and then I took a small piece of no-hem tape, and barely let the hot iron touch the sweater. That instantly held the hole shut. You can’t see where the hole was. See if you can find it.
I can’t see it, and I know where it is. Haha Would I have bought it if I had seen the hole, probably not, but that’s the way the ball bounces. I have on a blue check shirt that is one of my favorite shirts. Here, and here are some of the times I have previously worn it. Mine is a Jones New York, but here and here are a couple that are similar.
For jewelry, I put on a long pearl and crystal necklace from Chloe & Isabel, and some stretchy pearl bracelets. On the other arm, I have on a square-cut crystal bracelet from Chloe & Isabel. This was in my start-up kit when I signed up to be a merchandiser. I like bling, but I would never have ordered this bracelet from looking at the book. I don’t really like in your face bling, and this is pretty big. I am surprised that I actually like the look on my arm. I know, practice what you preach, go outside your comfort zone. Hahaha You might also notice I have on my fitbit today. I usually only average around 4,000 steps daily, unless I do some sort of exercise. I don’t think sitting on the couch, writing this blog post counts. Maybe I can clap my hands a few times and increase my numbers. Haha
We are finally getting down to the last few piece of the outfit. The jeans are by Earl Gray, and I bought them at Marshall’s, I think. And did you notice the pretty blue purse? I don’t know what I would do without that outlet store. This purse, and a bright pink and orange one, came in when all the fall purses came in. They had sat there through the winter, because no one wanted to buy a summer purse in the middle of winter. Back around Christmas, I was in there, and they wanted to get rid of them, so they made me an offer. I politely refused, and kept shopping for presents. Then they made me another offer, but I held strong and said nope. When I got ready to pay for my presents, they made me one more offer. Just like in the Godfather, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. BUT, that is not the end of the negotiating. While I was purchasing the bag, I noticed some marks on the patent leather, so they came off another 20.00. I really scored a great deal that day! Lol! Here is the pink, or orchid purse, and here is one that is nowhere near as expensive, but it is just as cute.
I want to thank everyone who has entered for the Stella & Dot tote giveaway. If you have not already entered, then go here to enter. One of the comments, was that I needed to find some new poses. That is not as easy at it sounds. Here is my “I’m saying hi to someone down the road” pose.
Here is my, “Oh my gosh, I am falling ” pose. Never mind that this was supposed to be a kicking in the air pose. Haha
And this is my “Look at me, I am on top of the world” pose. You gurls really need to help me out here. What are your suggestions for new poses?
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Ok, I have a question. I don’t have a stitch of fashion sense, so where did you get the idea to wear the floral shoes with the all blue outfit? I have no clue how to put outfits together. But your shoes don’t have any blue in them, so what was your thinking process that made you want to put them with this outfit? I have no clue how to do this, so any advice will be helpful. Thank you!
Lisa, I am not great at pattern mixing either. Lol! These shoes actually do have a bright blue and a dark blue print in them. It is possible that they are not showing correctly on your computer.
Love your blog!!!
Tania, I recently discovered your blog! How enjoyable that you mix expensive and inexpensive. You are doing a realistic blend. Thanks for your ideas. I love your hair!! Your style fits you also fits me. Keep talking and your pose is sweet! Blessings!
You are just a doll! I love your blue outfit. I think we pay full price sometimes but definitely not always and try to avoid it if possible.
I just found a cute Jessica Simpson purse at Belk Department Store the other day that was $88. In the world of purses that’s not that much but it’s more than I wanted to pay. I Googled the purse and of all things, I found it offered on Groupon for $44!! Now I’m the proud owner.
If you save money on one thing it just means you can get something else fun. 🙂
LOVE your blog and outfits! Please leave tips on how to coordinate miss matching colors, shoes, etc. I see so many cute color combos that I would never have put together myself yet look so put together on you.
I’ll try to do a post on that soon, Jennifer. I am not that great myself, I am just starting to get braver.
Outlets stores are designed to sell cheap without the strict guidelines of quality. they are defective or last year collection. I bought a few items in a outlet in Florida a few years ago. The price were really cheap … ( it was a dream for me) i live in Canada and here we do not have a lot of stores with clearance stores like USA. Well, the merchandise were defective.
the shoes were uncomfortable and uneven color…” what can you expect for a cheap price?? ” /that is my sister talking. sometimes we score and sometimes we miss it. .
Love your outfit, Tania. Perfect for spring. My daughter, who is my photographer for my blog uses a chair, a tall stool and the floor to show my outfit with me sitting. I know you use a camera stand, but maybe you could play around with chairs, stools, step ladders or other things to stand or sit on. Also, standing sideways with your head turned toward the camera or even showing off your back side…ha, ha. Just some other ways to show off your outfits. Love your blog!
I’ve been enjoying your blog just recently. Possible poses ; sitting down, from the back, and if wearing a jacket (sweater or blazer) take off and hold over shoulder. I work at a major dept store, and I do believe more expensive is often better quality. However, I love getting said expensive products on sale! Clearance is even more exciting! A possible blog idea could be wearing white after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
I love the shoes! I don’t think expensive is better but I think quality really matters and that’s why I shop Talbots, Limited, and Ann Taylor Loft. If you shop their sales you get better quality than some lower end stores. There is a huge difference in the fabric in sweaters and tops from Old Navy or Cato’s vs. Talbots! I am going to the QVC outlet when I am in Florida. I just found a Dooney and Bourke Zip-Zip satchel for $80 at Carsons here in Michigan. Mark down and store coupons—beats the QVC price of $198! I love it—it is teal. I find better prices locally than QVC and there is no shipping if it is an online order.
I must admit, I am jealous of your outlet. I live in a rural area and mostly shop online. I am currently not working and need some bargains! (although when I am not working, I don’t really NEED new clothes)
Love the gingham, so cheerful and springy!
I LOVE this color on you!
I NEVER pay beyond my budget no matter what I want. I can always put together an outfit with a budget and still look like a million dollars. It’s become a game with me. People at my work buy from designers and the shoes, for example, look like the worst of the worst from a comfort perspective. Why buy from a designer just because of the name? Who says their famous anyways? It’s all from a person’s point of view, just like art. And who really notices you’re wearing a designer label anyways? Unless you can clearly see the label? Only YOU know.! You always look cute! I wish we had a qvc outlet here in TX! I buy from qvc all the time!
Hahaha! I love that “I’m falling pose!” ?
Great outfit!
You make me laugh! Your poses are fine. What a good sport you are! Love your blog(and your poses)!
You did a post on posing in January. It’s the I’m a little Tea Pot pose.
You forgot the rest of that line. “Short and stout” Hahaha
The bright blue is so your color, beautiful! You are looking so slim
and trim with the front tuck, I think I’ll give it a try. Your poses are great, go with what you like. Have a great Saturday!
I’ve seen some bloggers pictures, and they may be just looking off into the distance, maybe looking die to the ground holding their bag with both hands. Sitting. I happen to think your poses are fine! You are talking about what you are wearing. We need to see exactly what that is. We don’t need to see you in a coffee shop drinking a latte with perfect hearts creamed in the top, or a picture of your feet in front t of some vogue magazines. You’re doin just fine!!!!!
You ladies make me smile. I don’t mind trying new poses, I am just not very creative. And, I don’t think you will see my with a heart creamed in my coffee anytime soon. In this town, that would be something. I would have to take a picture!!!! Hahaha
Tania, one day, please do a post on how you stay so fit and trim! I think mature women find it to be a struggle, and many of us don’t have the time/energy to kill it at the gym or at crossfit like we did in our 20’s! If you’re looking for post ideas, I would read your advice with interest!
Just saw post that answered QVC question!
Love your colors! I’m at premium outlets now and having a ball. I don’t spend a lot on my clothes but do try to buy quality. Where is the QVC outlet? Keep up the crazy posing!?
I really enjoy your sense of humor !gives me a little chuckle in the morning !keep up the good work!you go girl!
I think you always look great, and your poses are fine!!! Love how you put outfits and accessories together :).
LOVE the blue sweater!!! I’m like Ardith, I like the second pair of shoes as well…=)
The new poses were fun!!!
You look outstanding in this blue color! Love it!!!
Funny that someone should say you should pose different! This morning that was what I was noticing – how you always pose and how great it makes you look. In Michigan we have a premium outlet mall but it does not have QVC, wish it did!
I am equally jealous of that QVC store you have! A trip to one is on my Bucket List haha. I guess I should be happy I have DSW here in Atlanta. They do have a fantastic sale rack… Good job on the poses, by the way, but you always take a good picture : )
Thanks for keeping it real Tania and have a wonderful weekend!
Susan
Like the others, I am jealous of your QVC outlet too! Love your outfit!
I am sorry that I made you jealous, Ali. 🙁
I am a huge fan of qvc!!! I would go crazy in that outlet store! !! Where is it??? Ypu look great as always love the blues on you!!!
Kristie, it is in Grundy, Virginia. I hate to make things worse, but we actually have TWO of these type stores in town. Lol!
I love today’s outfit. Blue is definitely your color. I’ve got to find some of those floral wedges. Do you have any tips on finding jeans that fit? Your jeans always look great.
That is a wonderful question Rose. I have never given it much thought, I just find a brand that I like, and tend to buy from those. But now that you’ve asked, I think I will do some research and try to do a post.
Wish we had a Q clearance center close by, you’ve scored some great deals. Loving your outfit today. Wish I could wear checks but with grey hair they don’t really work well on me. But I can substitute! Those print shoes are adorable. I’m limited with the shoes I can wear, foot problems ?. I love shoes and recently had to get serious about purging ones I couldn’t wear. But I love hunting for new ones. I feel buy what you can afford or are willing to pay. Maybe more for classic less for trendy. I like do that with everyday shirts. Keep on sharing – love reading you daily.
I hate even mentioning that I bought something a the Q outlet, it almost feels like I am rubbing it in. Hahaha
I like Tue first pair of shoes, but alas you didn’t say anything about the second. Also super cute by the way!
Ardith, I didn’t mention the 2nd pair of shoes for two reasons. 1. I was comfortable and would have had to have gotten up off the couch and went to see the brand. 2. They looked filthy in these pictures and I was hoping you wouldn’t notice them. Hahaha I guess I need to clean some shoes today.
Love your ideas! and I agree about price doesn’t mean something great, not just clothing but makeup too.
I agree Karen. I’ve tried the expensive lip stains, and I always go back to Maybelline and CoverGirl. You just have to experiment.
You look great! Your outfit is so cute, and I love the checked blouse. You certainly have a knack for adding just the right shoes, bags and accessories.
Thanks Sandy!
I never pay retail, the markup on clothes is so high. Outlets can be a great deal, but I realize that most of them have merchandise specifically for their outlet stores. Even so, good quality at a reasonable, or bargain, price is a “good deal” for the consumer. I believe in quality over quantity and try to stick to that mantra. Love your blog and outfit choices!
I almost never buy full retail. There is just so much you can find on the sale racks. It has to be something that I truly LOVE, and already at a reasonable price, before I pay full price.
Talbots used to have a clearance center in Garden City & Commack, New York and they were my fashion life savers. So jealous of that QVC store! Your poses are great! Don’t change what’s working so beautifully!
Oh, I love Talbots!!! New poses are fun, just hard to come up with. Haha
Your posing is great! I have really enjoyed your blog and your style! I am a bit jealous of your access to the QVC outlet!!! I am planning a shopping trip there with my girls as soon as I figure out how far they are from me! It sounds like heaven. I love the Q! cannot wait!