What Makes An Article of Clothing So Expensive?

One word. Quality. Sonya, owner of SoLia Boutique and I were having a conversation this afternoon about quality of clothing and what makes an article of clothing so expensive? In the age of disposable fashion, we are so used to cheaper quality that sometimes when we see a higher quality and higher priced garment we are in shock!

As our tastes mature, we get used to quality over quantity. I remember when I first started working right out of college, I was in the discount stores every weekend buying clothes. Now I would much rather have three to five key signature pieces to work into my wardrobe than several pieces that I will have to throw out because they have worn out.

To train your eye, start looking at fabric, workmanship and overall style. Close your eyes and feel the fabric. Look at the fabric and see how it drapes across your body. Compare fabrics--is it shiny-sometimes, not all of the time, sheen can be an indication of a cheaper fabric. How does the fabric feel against your skin? Is the fabric soft such as the Modal cotton tees from Kiyonna that our customers love and we sell so much of in our store. http://stores.blackcatplus.com/Categories.bok?category=Kiyonna.

Take a look at workmanship-how are the seams finished, and evaluate the quality of the overall garment? Do you have to dry clean the fabric or is it machine or hand washable--sometimes that makes a difference in price? How about the zippers and buttons?---do you have a hard time pulling up the zipper or buttoning the buttons? Canadian Designer, Linda Lundstrom, has some of the best quality workmanship I have ever seen. Take a look at her pieces on our site. http://stores.blackcatplus.com/Categories.bok?category=Linda+Lundstrom. There is not a single item that is unfinished and each item of hers can be a staple in this season's wardrobe. Her pieces are show stopper pieces for sure!

Also, take a look at where the garment is made. A garment made in the U.S., Canada, or Europe is simply going to cost more.

For plus size women, clothing quality is so essential to looking our very best. We cannot get away with cheap, unflattering pieces of clothing. This year make a promise to yourself to pay attention to what you are wearing and how you are dressing. Does your outfit make you look and feel your best. If not, take it off and donate it! Yes, you can still lose those ten or twenty pounds by all means, but dress for right now. It is the truth that people judge us by how we look. It is about confidence and how confident we are when we are wearing clothes that are made well and that we wear well.

Here's a practical suggestion for the New Year! Evaluate your closet and take a look at where you can add a few "keeper" pieces of your own that can be mixed or matched with anything in your wardrobe. Looking to donate old suits and career separates? Dress For Success, our favorite charity is the place. Go to our site for info or http://www.dressforsuccess.org/ for additional info. For those customers who donate in January, take 10% off of your order on www.blackcatplus.com! Use Code DFS when checking out! Jodell