Last Friday, Kyle and I went to dinner at a new spot near our home. Shortly after seeing the menu prices, we started discussing the disconnect that is forming between the cost of things and their value. It’s something I’ve been pondering a lot recently.
I love shopping, but I find myself doing more window shopping than ordering lately. Few things are worth their price. I cling to the things that are. The makeup primer that makes you look alive. The sweater that always feels like a good idea. The pajamas that bring me joy. The pants that really fit comfortably.
I have always tried to make this blog a place where you can find those things that feel worth it. But as the pool of merit recedes, I am genuinely struggling to keep it up. The returns pile has always dwarfed the keep pile, but it’s positively Lilliputian now. A world where quality and price were aligned feels like a relic, a 2006 J.Crew Cashmere sweater in a land of Shein-hauls.
If you have something you’ve purchased recently that felt praiseworthy, like the dollar value on the tag matched the joy it brought you, its efficacy, or its usefulness, please leave it in the comments.
+ Why we procrastinate joy and how to stop. (gift link)
+ The near-perfect $30 money clip wallet that needs to come in more colors.
+ Face yoga to reduce a double chin (yes, we all have one).
+ These dotted navy-black pajamas would make a great MIL gift.
+ I am so excited for Skip Hollandsworth’s latest true crime book. Buy it here.
+ Browned Butter Miso Chocolate Toffee Cookies. Yes.
+ Speaking of cookies, do you think this candle is legit?
+ This Ann Taylor dress is a holiday party fever dream. Get on the waitlist.
+ If you’re more Diane Keaton than Reese Witherspoon, try this velvet Mango suit instead.
+ Or if it’s the Griswold’s for you, a holiday sweater that’s not awful.
+ We need to talk seriously about the dangers of AI in schools. And everywhere else.
+ A collection of stacked magazines as home decor is so chic. But what a nightmare to dust.
+ I bought an oversized comforter to prevent fighting over the covers.
+ Tube TVs are suddenly en vogue. My parents keep one so the Grands can watch movies on VHS. They were protesting Disney+ before it was cool.
Leave your worthy purchases in the comments. I hope you find some joy this week, maybe in an unexpected place.
xo, Abra
{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}
The Muslin Comfort brand blankets. Oversized so they look nice as a top layer on a bed. Super soft, not too hot (yay hot flashes) and I can wash the king sized blanket in my regular washing machine.
I mainly buy their pieces on sale but everything I buy from The Fold London is incredible.
OMG I needed this recc.
A Roborock vacuum is definitely worth the cost! We have one for each level of our home and run them daily. Our Q5 does a great job with two shedding dogs!
Second this! My husband bought one and I didn’t think we needed it, but it is life changing. Setting up routines and having it go has been amazing. It frees up a lot of time I spent cleaning floors with a toddler running around and is a good motivator to have everything off the floor!! I want to get another one so we can have one for each floor, but waiting for a good sale 🙂
Yes! It’s so good!
I love sweaters and these two from the Gap were worth every penny this season. Thick, heavy and delightful in every way. I bought the first one in three colors.
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=820732032&vid=2&tid=gppl000085&kwid=1&ap=7&ds_agid=17693892633-&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17703923696&gbraid=0AAAAAD_AT8v4pLQMG39kFUsGd1pZHIEID&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIytfGwsyhkAMVCllHAR3QBzdSEAQYASABEgIup_D_BwE#pdp-page-content
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=820733&vid=1&autosuggest=true&searchText=cable%20knit%20&position=0&results=6#pdp-page-content
Really good loose leaf tea from Yerba Buena Tea Company. An exceptional cup of tea can’t fix everything but it helps and their loose leaf teas are worth every penny (and really aren’t pricey).
Seconding good loose leaf tea with a recommendation for Full Moon Tea Company.
Thank you for saying this – it definitely puts words to how I’ve been feeling lately. It seems that no matter where we go, it’s like $100 here, $300 there and our regular spending for everyday, basic stuff has gone up so much :/
Haven Well Within’s basics are worth it, especially when on sale. I adore their Essential Organic Cotton line which comes in long sleeve, short sleeve and tank versions. https://www.havenwellwithin.com/essential-organic-cotton-long-sleeve-tee/P253730198.html?cgid=haven-categories-lounge-tees-and-tanks&dwvar_P253730198_color=BURGUNDY%20BERRY&dwvar_P253730198_sizeType=MS#start=1
Land’s End has felt worth it recently in the <$100 price point. Their wide leg jeans are a go-to for my "more casual than business" office so I own multiple pairs. I also got a sweatshirt to throw over workout gear that I end up wearing regularly for wfh because it's a good weight and has held up well in the wash.
If you sift through some of the less-fashionable colors and patterns there are other things that look good, but fair warning they have a $9 restocking fee. I know the era of "free" returns is ending, but $9 is enough to keep me from taking too much of a risk.
I have also bought the Lands End high waist wide leg jeans in multiple colors! Some of the washes are “off” but I have several pairs on heavy rotation!
Unsexy: I just got a Ruggable rug for my entryway after one/both dogs felt like peeing on my other one was a daily habit they could get used to. It’s soft, thin, and nonslip. And now they’ve stopped peeing on it? Worth every penny. 🤣
Sexy(ish): Sam Edelman Vienna pumps. Not too tall, but tall enough to look nice with trousers, etc. And still comfortable, for when you need to run back and forth to court.
I think the Spanx denim is worth every penny, but I have been getting a lot of joy from bargain hunting for them on Poshmark.
There is always a great deal to be found, and it feels good to buy second-hand and keep things out of a landfill!
I find Postmark difficult to shop/look for specific items…unless I am missing something you cannot i.e. type in an item’s name and search?
This is why I use ThredUp instead. I find it easier to navigate and the prices are better. I just have to stop myself from adding everything to my cart just because the price is so low!
I get really specific on Poshmark. Sometimes the seller might not have all the info listed, but I can usually compare the listed stock photo with an image of the style or denim wash I want (e.g. Paige Denim Claudine Bootcute Stretchy jean in Moody wash, size X), or I reach out with questions. I also save searches, but you can only do that on the app. There is a little flag/save icon up to the right of the search bar. Once saved on the app, it’s saved on the full site.
Adama vinyl floor mats: https://adama-alma.com/
My iPad: I was able to cancel all of my news/magazine subscriptions by downloading PressReader and signing in through my library to read everything on the iPad. The savings will pay for itself. On a similar note, the new AirPods with noise cancellation are truly magic.
Thrifted clothes (mostly through ThredUp): I buy the ones made a decade ago before the demise of quality construction.
Fancy cheese, crackers and dips: It feels like an indulgence, but it’s still cheaper than takeout on an “I don’t want to cook” weeknight and often tastes better, too.
The ChomChom: that thing picks up pet fur not even the Dyson can get.
I put in a large Banana Republic order when they had 40% off recently and I kept everything. Everything! As I was taking things out of the box, I was yelling down the hall at my husband “I forgot what quality clothes felt like!” Sweaters thick and 100% wool or cashmere, cotton pants that feel velvety, pencil skirt, button-up shirt. Everything natural fibers, everything beautiful. I’m going to start checking there first when I need/want something new, now.
Would love to hear the specifics on the pieces in that big keep pile!
I ordered and kept:
High-Rise Wide-Leg Lightweight Stretch-Cotton Pant (chocolate brown). I’m pear-shaped and had to have the waist taken in as always, but they drape so nicely and make me look so tall! The fabric feels really soft, almost velvety, but they are lightweight. The Oversized Shirt in a striped pattern – arms are a bit short, but I always roll to the elbow. Great basic. Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Short-Sleeve Sweater – I have similar from Quince but prefer a v-neck. This one is both thicker and softer than the Vince one, and has a few nicer details. Corduroy Midi Shirt Dress – as gorgeous as it looks. Bought in the dark blue. Everywhere Ponte Pencil Skirt – loving the longer length. Looks more va-va-voom on my shape than in the pic, but fits so well that I’m pairing with larger shirts to tone it down and wearing it anyway.
Cotton-Alpaca-Merino Raglan Cardigan – wearing this today. Thick and sumptuous.
10-15 years ago I was the person that had an app tracking my online purchases coming in – there were so many! Now I order something one or twice a month, and I switched to having most of my clothes come from Poshmark and TheRealReal – mostly brands that I cannot imagine paying $500 for a sweater, but secondhand in excellent condition at 1/10th of a price seems like a win for me and for the planet. Not sure how many millennials did the same – did we all walk away from JCrew and BR to the point that the middle mass market was forced to disappear?
Four things that I bought full price and were amazing this year:
Teva Slim Sandals – I saw them on a mom at a playground, and drove to a store next day to buy them. Amazing summer shoes!
Fissler Stovetop Pressure Cooker – the largest one they had. Expensive. Bought it on recommendation from America’s Test Kitchen. It can cook a 6lb whole chicken in 35min. We use it now 3-4 times a week, with full dinner usually done in under 25 min. I bought several used books on pressure cooking to help with meal planning.
Breville blender – this was also an ATK recommendation. Who knew that you could make fresh peanut butter at home? Tastes much better than the store variety. Actually this was a “refurbished” or “returned” option from Amazon – so not full price, but works just as well.
Merino wool socks – anything that REI has is great. As the weather is starting to turn my feet are warm and cushioned.
Recently discovered Everlane t-shirts. Perfect length, not too tight and I feel good in them even with some extra weight around the middle and back.
I also spend a lot of time thinking these days about both the growing wealth and income disparity and the enshittification (HT to Cory Doctorow) of everything. That is the time that I’m not already spending figuring out how people are supposed to live their lives when everything (being able to see a doctor, knowing your kids and neighbors will be well educated, knowing there will be appropriate housing and jobs) is uncertain and volatile.
Best value for money recently: weekly CSA box of produce from our local growers collective.
Question for everyone/anyone: the Essie ridge filler has been discontinued. Any suggestions for an alternate? TIA.
We moved into our house three years ago, and I still haven’t personalized much of it. But I’m finally on a roll. My favorite purchases have been paint, inexpensive picture frames from Amazon, art in the $150 range from a local gift shop, and photos printed from Shutterfly to put in the frames.
I adore Ann Mashburn, Kule and St James – grateful to find quality pieces on Poshmark.
Best recent repurchase was Altra trail shoes with my REI dividend. The wide toe box is heaven!
Around the holidays, we’ve been treating ourselves to Boarderie. These are pre-made cheese boards shipped to your door. Could I get more food for less money, probably. BUT the quality is astoundingly good and the variety on the board is excellent. I’ve found that even the small board (which supposedly feeds 2-3) is actually a decent two (even 3) meals.
We recently re-stocked on another set of lunchtime bowls and ceramic tumblers from W & P. If you make your own tea or coffee and have a travel mug, really, switching to ceramic is such an upgrade. Huge fan. https://wandp.com/
It’s kind of niche but best product I bought recently (so good I actually wrote to the manufacture to compliment them) was my Nama Nut Milk maker. It’s expensive but incredibly well made and feels like it will last a lifetime.
I bought this cute dress from LOFT recently: https://www.loft.com/clothing/dresses/catl000013/lou-grey-scubasoft-mini-pocket-dress/752121.html?dwvar_752121_color=2222&priceSort=DES
The fabric is a really nice, thick weight but also super soft. So much of current fashion is not for me (elder millennial and I just cannot abide wide leg pants) but I really loved this one.
I feel this so hard right now. I don’t want to be buying cheap stuff that will fall apart after one season (or one wash?!) but I don’t have the resources to just drop $300 on a sweater right now. This is true for clothing and beauty, as well as just regular grocery items.
A few things that have been worth it:
1) really high quality coffee. I’m based in the Boston area and buy locally roasted coffee from GraceNote (they ship nationally!) and it’s a major expense but it makes me really enjoy drinking my coffee at home and is something I look forward to every morning.
2) Lake PJs. Worth the hype. I bought my first pair when I was pregnant with my first child as a treat and I do have to say that getting into matching PJs that feel great on my body is worth it. Especially since I wear them every night! I always try to wait to buy them
on sale.
3) Rent the Runway. I have been an RTR stan since 2017. It really helps me manage my desire to buy more stuff. Yes, $170/month isn’t cheap but I save myself from buying more clothing and gives me room to experiment. Then, I only invest in the classic staples that I know I’ll need.
I’m in a similar place. I’m buying far, far less – in part because my values have shifted over time (more 60% of my wardrobe purchases are Poshmark, for example; I really value buy-it-for-life where possible – Darn Tough wool socks are amazing) and in part so many things are just not worth the asking price – even before tariff impacts made things worse.
It isn’t just the dollars at the time of purchase – it is also valuing my TIME. If I never have to purchase product X again, or if I can go 3-4x as long before I have to purchase it or a substitute, that is of tremendous value to me. It’s time spent shopping, its the mental load of, “oh, xyz broke or is at the end of its service life, I need to research, decide, order, dispose of the old one.”
We both have demanding tech jobs and between us have 3 sets of parental households all hitting the phase of life where they need more support, and I’m an introvert to boot. If I don’t have recharge time, I am a nightmare. I *will* buy time because I need to, to survive.
Though we do lean on takeout more often than I’d like (trading money for time when we’re drained after long work days), we tend to choose lower price-point places for that. We don’t go out to eat. Part of that is that (at least in my area) people don’t seem to know how to behave in public spaces like restaurants, and I don’t want to spend the money on a nice evening out only to have it ruined by boorish behavior. The other part is that costs are obscene at these places. Can I afford it? Yes. Do I think it is a sufficient value? No, so we don’t.
It isn’t just inflation, it is also greed that companies are trying to hide under “oh, yeah, inflation is just SO tough isn’t it?” and I am choosing not to participate.
I really love the Quince fisherman cardigan and the fisherman crew neck. Have had these a few years and love the heft and they have held up well. As a mom of a toddler and infant the $50 price point means I feel comfortable wearing this sweater all the time knowing that if it got a really bad spill or stain I could replace it (so far haven’t had to though!). I’ve worn it way more the last few years than my nicer more expensive sweaters and haven’t seen any pilling or wear issues! Price per wear definitely zeroed out at this point!
Such a good observation about value. Being back in the office 5 days a week meant gearing up my work wardrobe. I’ve found a few MM LaFleur pieces that really work for my body and they are pricey but workhorses I reach for constantly. I just got the Elena culottes in crepe for fall/winter (they are basically full-length on my 5’2 self). They also have a great secondhand site where you can save searches.
Yes, Abra. Thanks for putting into words what we have all been thinking. Like others, I have turned to Poshmark a lot.
Recently, I purchased the Ultra-Stretch Ponte Cropped Wide Leg Pants from Quince for $45. Great quality and price!
I’m curious about the new restaurant you tried…did you enjoy and would you recommend? Always fun to look at new restaurants in Spokane.
Honestly, I think Quince has great value for the dollar, both home
goods and clothing. Also, don’t laugh, Brandy Melville has some pieces, such as long sleeve tees and pull on drawstring pants that are great quality and very reasonably priced. Some of them are made in Italy!
I’ve been on team separate-comforters for years now and have never slept better. I spent many a restless night wondering when the comforter would get pulled off of me!
Another rug recommendation: Tumble. Very similar to ruggable, little lower in price. I have a dog that often has accidents and I had to remove all area rugs. The liquid actually just sits on top of the rug and doesn’t stain! I can’t wait to buy more.
Another worthy purchase, a candle warmer (Amazon). I splurged on a couple of Hotel Lobby candles (which are lovely and a great gift), a friend recommended a warmer and I’ve had them burning for months and they look barely used! There is also a timer which is SO helpful.
Can you please link to your candle warmer? thank you.
This is the perfect basic tee I’ve been looking for: https://www.loft.com/clothing/tops/catl000011/lou-grey-brushedsoft-tee/782068.html?priceSort=DES
Honestly, the gap between the cost of things and their value is helping me make some life changes.
I’m prioritizing quality over aesthetics (and no more shopping for dopamine!). My wardrobe is getting smaller – and more manageable – and built around what’s flattering -seasonal colors, fit, and lifestyle. I’m loving Everlane, Quince, and Gap (ever since Zac Posen took over design). I love buying my sweaters and shoes from heritage brands.
Aveda and Olaplex haircare remain a worthy splurge, and salon balayage hair color every other month. Coola rosilliance tinted moisturizer, committing to one lip color (Clinique black honey), and a brow gives me a good low maintenance look. I used to love shopping for hair, skincare, and makeup but now I try to stick to ONLY what I know I will use. Those products expire quickly so it feels wasteful to buy more than I know I’ll use.
Anthropologie’s Meave Collette Pants. I now own 4 pairs (kahki’s, linen, jeans and now work pant). As a post-partum of #2 mom, these are flattering, fit well and are what I reach for over and over again.
Tinilux earrings! My skin is so sensitive and I have never been able to wear earrings, even pure fold or hypoallergenic. These earrings are made from titanium and I can wear them with no problem. Small, woman-owned business and a fantastic product that finally solved this issue for me!
I have been looking for earrings for my sensitive ears!! Thank you for sharing x100!!
We were recently having the same converation regarding local restaurants. Not many choices that feel worth the extra spend.
A few items I still believe are worth it:
Blazers from Banana Republic. I “save for later” then wait for a sale to purchase.
Hoka and Brook sneakers for high arch/plantar fasciitis.
Modern T’s from the GAP.
Percale cotton sheets from LL Bean.
Nespresso machine and capsules.
Oh my gosh yes, I couldn’t agree more. It feels like everything is $100 and the MENTAL ENERGY required to search for a product, read reviews, wait for the purchase to arrive, and inevitably return it is just too much.
Anyways. I love Lake pajamas but couldn’t stomach the price anymore. I needed a few new pairs and decided to order Kyte pajamas. They’re great — so soft and smooth — but you truly do need to hang dry. I’m interested in the JCrew ones you linked.
I’m also obsessed with Left on Friday crew neck sweatshirts. They are SO soft, thin but still warm, and the shapes are just interesting enough. Hang drying is key here too.
And lastly, this morning I was just thinking about how much value we get out of our at-home espresso machine set up. Profitec Go machine, Turin grinder. And we order Craft Coffee, which was the best value subscription coffee bean service I could find.
Today on my walk home I popped into a charity shop (I’m in the UK) and found a beautiful pair of wide leg cream linen blend trousers, plus a matching cream 100% wool sweater. I will always ALWAYS buy serendipitous items like this in neutral colours and natural fibres because they’ve stood the test of time and still look wonderful.
For the home: I’ve tried Parachute, Quince, and Cultiver linen sheets. For the bottom sheet and pillowcase that gets the most wear and tear, Cultiver is the best. I have Quince shams for our prop-up-in-bed pillows, though, and they match perfectly in white and work fine.
I recently had to replace my years-old bought-on-sale Tumi travel backpack in an emergency (thankfully while I was LA, not Montana, so I could walk into a Tumi store the next day). I paid double what it cost back then, but the so far after a few trips the quality is just as good. I also am enjoying my new Cuyana Fold Zip Wallet (more luxe in the smooth leather than the pebbled); it feels just as nice as my old Cuyana continental wallet, and the size is perfect for the smaller bags that have been trending these days.
For skincare: I still find good value in kbeauty products, especially as someone who is allergic to fragrance in lip products and thus can’t use 95% of the high-end brands anyway.
For fashion: This is the hardest category, so I feel your pain. I can wholeheartedly praise the Quince Supersoft Fleece line, though (I bought the wide cropped sweats and the funnel neck sweatshirt, but had to hem the sweatshirt because it was absurdly long). I put all of my everyday clothes into the wash on cold/delicate and the dryer on low, and after several washes the fleece is STILL SOFT.
Regarding AI slop, I just saw a how-to on insta to disable AI content on Pinterest. Can’t find the video now but it is somewhere in the user settings.
I recently bought some Uniqlo JW Anderson jeans. They are 100% cotton, fit well, zipper didn’t feel cheap. They seem to be much better quality than jeans I’ve spent 2x or 3x as much on.
The Andie Malibu swimsuit you recommended is worth every penny! The fit is perfect, it has held up to very frequent wear, and I love how I look in it which I can’t say about many clothes, let alone swimsuits.
Thank you. MIL gifts are the hardest.
Like others, I feel like I’ve turned a lot to Poshmark for shopping but the things I bought that I like the most lately are things I’ve seen/liked in real life (not influenced on social media).
Things making me happy:
1. Dopamine dressing: I don’t like neutrals and neutrals don’t like me (wash me out). And at the risk of entering my wacky middle aged aunt era, I realize that dressing in bright colors makes me happy. So I have fewer clothes but most in my signature bright color (and a matching phone case, wallet, etc) which is a conversation piece but also improves my mood.
2. Bombas socks. I never understood why my kids are so obsessive about their socks until I got a pair of Bombas. Will. not. go. back.
3. Experiences over items: We are so proud of our teenage son and preteen daughter, they chose to forego Christmas gifts this year and go on a family trip instead. The child of the 80s materialist in me is very proud (and a little relieved, gift giving is hard with the pre and teen set!)
I bought the felted wool chore coat from Buck Mason two years ago. I have it in black. It’s $268 (price up $20 from when I bought it). It has become a daily wear item for me. No pilling, never smells, looks great and chic with so many different outfits. Perfect for Bay Area weather basically year-round. Highly recommend if you’re in a temperate climate or season.