Comments on: Sometimes, spending more is cheaper

By: Men: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know About Buying Shirts for Work : Brazen Careerist

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:56:26 +0000

[…] a lot of people are, invest in Brooks Brothers wrinkle free shirts. I know a ton of people (like my buddy Tad) who swear by these […]

By: Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » Business Casual - Men’s Clothing as a Young Professional Part 2 - Shirts

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:49:57 +0000

[…] people are, invest in Brooke’s Brothers wrinkle free shirts. I know a ton of people (like my buddy Tad) who swear by these […]

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:51:03 +0000

As the ever-appreciative recipient of this very piece of fashion advice, I can say that I was about to go the same route and buy a cheap suit, hoping a few successful months in my new career would give me the footing to dress for success later on.

. . .And then I emerged from the dressing room, was berated by my roommate, and three hours later ended up with a suit that would make Condoleeza Rice blush.

I’ve never looked back, because every time I wear that suit I can count on the fact that not only am I probably better dressed than the HR person interviewing me, I also look considerably more qualified for the position than I actually am.

Thanks (former) roomie,

Melissa

By: Tad Johnson

Tad Johnson — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:34:56 +0000

Zak - I’ve been curious about the DIY dry cleaning. Since I’m a big fan of wool sweaters, I’ll have to give that a try!

DP - Good call on the shoes. Comfortable feet are definitely worth a few extra dollars at the shoe store.

By: DP

DP — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:31:11 +0000

I’ve done this with shoes.
I used to look for cheap-and-chic shoes, but these are awful for work. They’re usually uncomfortable to walk around all day and they wear out soon.
I now think of buying shoes as an investment on my feet. I’m willing to pay more for a pair, but I make sure they’re not uncomfortable and look for the more classic wear-them-with-anything-for-work models, so I can use them more often.
It’s awful having to sacrifice really neat models, but if you look around for a while, you find good deals that fit with all the requirements…

By: zak

zak — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:25:39 +0000

You leave out the ever important cost/use ratio. Do you invest in a $600 winter coat you’ll wear 120 times a year for 5 years because you experience Chicago winters? What if you live in Los Angeles and you’ll wear that coat 5 times a year over 5 years?

If I live in Chicago, that $600 coat is worth every penny if it keeps me toasty. LA, not so much.

I would also like to note that Dryel and other do-it-yourself dry cleaning kits work wonderfully. I only go to the dry cleaner when I manage to stain a cashmere sweater or the like; it’s just not worth the battle and potential damage to the sweater.