I had an incident recently where I was very excited to share about a new top I had gotten. It’s this one. I know it’s expensive but I had just gotten some extra money and it just stood out to me and made me so happy. Immediately I purchased it and I sent a link when we were discussing clothing. Not once had I even thought about that fact that the cost was going to be shown. Their response was “I sure hope you got that on major sale.”
No, I didn’t. I had a lovely day shopping at one of the nicest stores in Wichita and learned a lot about fit from the store owner. It had been a very body-negative day and you just KNOW that if a top makes you feel good when you are overcoming those thoughts, it’s a GOOD top. I felt very confident walking out of the dressing room.
I was shocked at the reaction asking about how much I paid for it. Honestly, I still am. I don’t think its anyone’s business to react to what something costs when someone is sharing something that makes them happy. Of course, if there was a risk of debt or some other dangerous behavior, I understand. However, this was not that incident. If you don’t want to know how much something cost, don’t ask. What does it benefit you to know?
This falls under the category of: you can’t react to information you aren’t supposed to know. For example, you read someone’s journal or accidentally see an email. Now you know information that you weren’t supposed to know and maybe it’s amazing news. Maybe it’s bad news. But either way, you aren’t supposed to know.
But this is the thing, I don’t care what you spend. I do though have an issue with the thought that it’s expected to share what someone spends on something. If you are happy in a $5 or a $500 dress, I don’t care. But if you find out that someone has spent what seems like an extraordinary amount on something, it’s not your place to react and give input.
I think it’s always cool to see what people are buying. Plus, I think it’s cool to see what bloggers are buying when they do budget round-up posts. I get to creep on someone’s closet and I get to be inspired for my own style. WIN!
Now, I say all of this knowing that you can easily figure out how much I spend on clothes because I blog. You know that I rent from Rent the Runway which has helped me cut back on spending. But, if it weren’t for the sharing of that, no one would really know how much I would spend. So, for those of you that DON’T blog, do you share how much something cost? Not like in that casual way of someone giving you a compliment and you being like, uhhhh, I bought this at Target. (TARGET UNITES US ALL!) I can’t wait to read your thoughts!
Rachelle
I actually don’t because people can get all judgy but I personally don’t how much people spend. It’s their money hence not my problem. This top is gorgeous and you know I believe in fewer better things.
xo
Pinksole
Meg @ Closet Fashionista
Haha yea, when I’m with people who don’t know about my blog and the subject of cost comes up I always find myself saying ‘I got it on SUPER sale, but it was still XX amount’ and feeling ashamed when I shouldn’t. Like the awesome Saint Laurent blouse or Chloe Faye bag I spent months searching for on eBay. Who cares what I spent, I bought them because I loved them (and saved up to buy them)
I do, however love to find out what others spent on their clothes because I’m curious as to their deal finding ways! Not to judge what they spent, haha.
https://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Ute
I totally agree with you. And no, I don’t share what was on the price tag. People even family can be rude when it comes to that topic. The top looks great on you. And when it makes you happy, that’s all that matters.
AJ
I have absolutely lied about how much something cost or where I got it (or even the brand) to avoid judgment. And I don’t know why! I work hard for my money, I should be able to spend it as I please but I still find myself saying, “Oh they were on super sale!” (nope. they weren’t.)
Lyddiegal
I love this blouse on you, and the fact that you love it on you is what matters. You are an adult with a job, you have reached the wonderful place in your life where you can spend your money on whatever the heck you want! I’m not here to judge. I spent too much on a purse last month. I shared it on the blog. It makes me happy, I did get a little deal on it, and no further justification is needed. I am open about my spending more for my future self than for my readers. If I hold myself accountable then I can better keep myself in check!
Chic on the Cheap
Karen
Just thinking from the other side of things, maybe they are jealous that you could spend that on a top. I’ve definitely felt envious when I see a friend carrying an expensive handbag. Now, I wouldn’t judge them about it but I’d feel sad that I couldn’t spend that much on a certain item. We all allocate where our money goes differently and some people forget that. I’d rather spend money on clothes and shoes than a car payment, but that’s just me. Other people might rather have a fancy car.
P.S. I love the whole outfit. 🙂
Beautygirl24
Great post as always Alissa! I agree that what you pay for an item or what your budget is like is nobody else’s business! As a blogger it’s expected to share prices and links, but that doesn’t give others free reign to criticize how much you spent. Clothes should spark joy so when you find something that does, get it!
Francine
I can understand that people would ask about the prices of items because, hey, you’re opening yourself up to it by posting about your life on the internet. It’s really upsetting though when people feel like they have the right to condemn you for how much you’re willing to spend on a piece of clothing. Pros and cons of online life…