Bargain or Bust – How to Tell the Difference

By Brian Maynor

 

Holiday shopping for gifts can quickly decimate a budget leaving very little left to spend on party splurges.  Luckily if you know what you’re doing you can find inexpensive pieces that look high-end.

The longstanding rule is to never invest in a one-time wear or event-specific item, and dressing for the holidays can fall into that category.  Even though we don’t want to spend a lot of money we don’t want to look cheap either.  Luckily the two are not mutually exclusive.  Here are my favorite tips to tell if an item is really a bargain or a bust:

 

1.    Substance.  Weight is one of the first signs of quality.  Whether it’s a shirt, a sweater, pair of pants, or accessory we automatically discount weightless items as lower quality.  The weight of a garment is determined by the thickness of the fabric and you don’t have to wear it to notice it.  Generally avoid things that are thin enough to see through or won’t stay in place and lay flat on their own.  Also close knits look more substantial than open weaves.

2.    Textured.  Vegan leather, a.k.a. faux leather or pleather, can be sought after for any number of reasons, but even the most ethical of us want quality synthetics.  That means looking for pebbled or embossed options in soft finishes.  The variation in texture captures the focus instead of on the material itself, but if you can see your reflection in it don’t buy it.  No natural or natural looking fiber can double as a mirror.

3.    Hardware.  Another detail that screams cheap is shiny gold or silver plastic accents.  Details are important to selling the quality of an item, which is true no matter the price, so avoid buttons, buckles, zippers or any other accent in favor of simple and unadorned pieces.  If accents are unavoidable look for options that blend into the item, not ones that stand out, and if you must choose a metallic go with one in a matte finish.

4.    Sky-high platforms.  Beyond being a personal pet peeve, towering platform stilettos are anything but lux and can ruin a well-crafted look singlehandedly.  Even the most expensive shoes keep the platform under two inches.  Leave the stilts for the circus and if you want to play it really safe skip the platform altogether.

 

It’s no news bulletin that discount store offerings are not top quality, but that doesn’t mean that aren’t worth the price.  Like every thing you buy, however, make sure it’s a smart purchase.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.