Korean Job Discussion Forums

[NYC_Gal]

Fair enough. I always went for supportive shoes, as I'm flat footed and walked everywhere in the city. A pair of trainers would run me $50 (because I bought the kids' version, rather than adult ones, which were $30-40 more), and flats were usually at lot more, but comfy and classic styles that I could wear for years. In a pinch, I'd pick up some Clarks at DSW for $60, but, while not always pretty, they lasted and were comfy.

I could never wear cheap shoes. When one has no arches, one needs proper support. Besides: your feet are your main form of transportation. You wouldn't skimp on tires for your car, why mess with your body?

As for payless: isn't 2 pair at $20 apiece under $100? This is what I was saying.

[DorkothyParker]

I cheat by wearing heels. The heels act like support for me feet. I can't wear flats either. I was frontin'. Like I said, in the summer I wear my Fit Flops (tm) unless I am trying to look snazzy and in the winter I just wear boots or shoes with short heels (<2inches).

I walk poorly (too heavy on my heels) and I would hate to ruin a pair of heels that cost over $30 with my wanton walking ways.

I guess I like cheap things because I know I destroy everything easily.

[Goon-Yang]

Clothes @$200-300 (sometimes more...I wear suits)
wallet :$50
Laptop: $1000
PSP: $200
cell phone: $100 ( I know eh!)
My bag: $100
Shoes: $200
PMP sometimes: $400
2 rings:$500

So I 'wear' about $2800 on a good day. About $500 of that is what I'd call clothes.

[NYC_Gal]

When I used to wear heels, I wore Stuart Weitzman. Super comfy, and, while expensive, really well made. I always kept a lookout at DSW. A pair was usually 300 in a department store, but I always got mine for 100 or less. I had 2 pair, and my friend has them now, since I only wear flats nowadays. They're both over 7 years old, yet, with proper maintenance (getting them re-heeled and professionally cleaned,) they are as good as new. One of my friends wears Payless, and they fall apart after a couple of months. I find that to be wasteful.

[DorkothyParker]

OMG I've never had anything professionally cleaned before. I also have never used an iron. :/

[chellovek]

Chuckling at the whole quality over quantity thing, you sound like you come from a different planet to me.

If I could afford to shell out that type of money on individual items, I would. For me before now during the hardest times I have had to supplement my wardrobe each year with amounts of money which you casually drop for the purchase of single items ~$100.

All this about the quality stuff being so much better for humanity and whatnot is really great but naive pie-in-the-sky. Anyone who has been out in the pecuniary 'field of screams' knows how big a deal spending even a trivial amount more money than necessary for something is. The feeling of guilt and remorse can be feckin' soul destroying.

[NYC_Gal]

@Chellovek:
I was a broke college student. I paid for a shared apartment in NYC while working and studying--both full time--so I know the value of a dollar. The items that I own last an age. I don't go out and buy a new pair of sandals every year because I don't have to; my stuff is well made, therefore I don't have to spend $30-$60 every few months on shoes. The only shoes I have to replace on a regular basis are sneakers, because I kill them running.

These items aren't casual purchases, as you seem to think. My things last, therefore I don't need a new pair of winter boots or sandals every year. I do have a bit more disposable income, as I didn't take out any student loans, choosing instead to work one full time and 2 part time jobs whilst studying. I was burnt out for a few years, but it was well worth not having loans after graduation. I do save a fair amount every month, now, though, as I have no need to purchase shoes, bags, shades, or clothes

@Dorothy:
If you take your bag and shoes into a cobbler, they have a special way of cleaning them that makes them nearly as good as new. You could also get leather cleaner from leather shops (it's a lotion), then spray it with waterproofing mist the next day. The inside of the bag can be dry cleaned, if you don't have a cobbler nearby.

edit* I do have a weakness for bad engrish t shirts at the underground, though, and snap them up whenever I get a chance.

[chellovek]

[NYC_Gal]

It's not a contest. I was just illustrating that I do know the value of money and don't squander it. I don't think my family was poor, but we had rough times at some point when my dad was laid off. My mom told me a story about when I was 4. I REALLY REALLY wanted a Teddy Ruxbin (sp?), but the thing was $80 in 1986 money. Whenever I asked if I could have one, she said "I don't have enough money," because that was crazy money for a doll with a tape recorder.

One day, out of the blue, I asked if she had enough money. She said "Of course I have enough money, sweetie."

I then asked for a Teddy Ruxbin

[.38 Special]

[chellovek]