Shopper's Dilemma: Is More Better?

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I share some of the basic principals others have posted here and take it to another level. When I was starting out my career I relied on places like the sales racks at Daffy's and Loehman's. Quality basics were even a luxury.
Now I enjoy having a somewhat solid wardrobe that needs some minor replacing and upgrading twice a year. And I'm all about quality - faux fabrics and compromising on fit must be something you outgrow with age. Lately I've been doing most of my shopping online. I can stalk my favorites like JCrew and Anthropologie for items I'm watching to go on sale (and they often do online first.) Not to mention, I cruise Ebay regularly for discounted merch too. It's all about knowing your size and fit, and taking a bit of a gamble.
Ultimately, I just can't stomach full retail price. Prices seem to have gone through the roof with places like Macy's and Crew selling items at were considered luxury prices just a handful of years ago. If I paid full price I'd never be able to clothe myself, even making a decent salary. So yay for the internet sale rack!

Nicole in New York of NJ 1:13PM October 05, 2009

i don't do much clothes shopping but when shopping for traditional consumer products i try and find the best product for the cheapest prices. there seems to be a few sites comparing prices and i recently even found a site that claims this type pf research is their editorial mission. It is called Cheapism and the web address is http://www.cheapism.com .

Robert Cohn of NY 7:59PM September 26, 2009

I wear all my clothes until they wear out, so I shop for clothes at a more or less constant rate (to replace the ones that wear out) regardless of the economy. Personally, I don't mind if I'm wearing this year's style, last year's style, or 1999's style, as long as it's a style I like. And I favor the "classic" type styles anyway, so I feel pretty much immune to the changing trends.
Like Veronica, I buy most of my clothes from the sale racks. I started doing that when I was in grad school, and even though I can afford to pay full price now, it seems silly to do so when I can get something I like almost as much for a fraction of the price.
I took a quick look at the Uniqlo website and was surprised that they have things that I actually like. Other "cheap chic" stores I've been to (e.g., H&M) don't. If Uniqlo opened a store in the DC area, I would shop there.

Johanna of MD 5:29PM September 25, 2009

so true- cheap clothes are perfect for once-a-year occasions. And yay for finding a $320 suit for $80 -wow.

Kimberly Palmer of DC 4:51PM September 25, 2009

I shop sales....drastic markdowns @ higher end retailers or higher end brands. I have a Calvin Klein suit originally 320 that I paid 80 dollars for almost 2 years ago. When Ann Taylor sends me a coupon (and I have the money/time to go to AT), I'm more inclined to shop there than the Gap or Old Navy. However, ON and the Gap still have their places in my wardrobe, in the disposable seasonal attire (like holiday shirts).
The Ann Taylor and Banana Republic clothing survives longer than the disposable clothing. And that CK suit has gotten a lot of use in the past couple years. I feel it was a better deal than buying 2 cheaper suits that may or may not be alive today.

veronica of NH 12:49PM September 25, 2009

It is naïve to conclude that the consumer has done a complete 180 since the beginning of this current recession. Actually, a 360 is more like it. The consumer psyche and wallet has been spun and twisted in ways that most have never experienced before. But will that completely change them forever? Not likely. When all is said and done fast fashion, luxury, discount, et al will still be standing albeit with a changed up following. Every crisis reshuffles the deck, and this one is no different. There will be new winners and new losers and in the final analysis, each will migrate to the retailers who fit their needs and their wallet.

Marge Laney, President, Alert Technologies of TX 12:06PM September 25, 2009