Val asked me recently in a comment on grechenscodes.com what makes a tank top worth $51 – I was referring to a Vince tank top -and here was my answer:
it’s only worth $51 if you love vince, and you can spend $51 on a tank top
I also added that a tank top to wear around the house, or layer with others isn’t something I’d spend a lot of money on, but for a wear-alone top, or something other than just a plain “beater,” I’d spend a little more. But you know me, and I spend “more” on plain t-shirts, etc., anyway because I’m tired of spending any amount of money on anything that doesn’t last more than a few washes. (I also like interesting cuts, details & fabrics, which tend to cost more). I’ve had most of my James Perse tees for many years, and they’re still holding up perfectly. Any gap tees or tanks that I’ve had, are mostly long gone…even my beloved LnA tees/tanks are starting to get holes and the hems are coming out, so they’re mostly relegated to around the house wear, or for layering purposes only.
This DEFINITELY does not mean that the more you spend on something, the better it holds up – my latest T by Alexander Wang tee had some stitching start to come out DURING my first wear, and as I mentioned before, some of my LnA tees are wearing out. I simply go by personal experience, and buy what I know holds up to my wearing & washing. So far, that’s mostly James Perse, Splendid and Inhabit NY. I don’t have good luck with Gap tees, and J Crew just doesn’t fit me at all. But I do love my Vince tee even though I think it’s a bit too big (see today’s outfit) and would love to collect more, on sale of course.
Anyway, besides the fact that this is just a really long way to introduce the Vince 40% off sale, I wanted to clarify my own opinion that it IS worth it to pay more for basics – they are the foundation of your wardrobe. Regardless, you should always try and buy the very best that you can afford, whatever that is for you.
so..on to the Vince sale 😉
Through July 11, select Spring/Summer items are 40% off on Vince’s e-commerce site. The aforementioned tank top is now marked down to $40.80. I love it. The asymmetric tee is $58 and the long sleeve circle tee is $69.
What would you pay for a tank top? Do you spend more on basics? or less? what are your favorite basics designers?
in defense of a $51 tank, or $XX anything for that matter, i can say that i’ve spent more on less: like a $175 dinner for instance. at least you get to wear the top more than once!
I agree that some tanks are worth more than others, and James Perse definitely counts as what is worth the price (although I try to get as many while it is on discount or sale). I also have had mine, some for more than seven years. It’s just timeless. Let me know how the vince tops work out!
.-= nanashi´s last blog ..Rachel Comey Dresses on Sale at Domahoka =-.
Thank you for a VERY articulate and well-thought out response!!! You’re awesome! (not so articulate, but true! ; )