Jerry Bailey47 said:You completely missed my point. Believe me, I would love nothing more than to shop online constantly, but unfortunately, I just can't. 🙂 What I meant was that the dresses I actually like on ASOS—the ones that would actually look good on me—tend to run in the $100-$200 range (which is basically what I ended up spending on the one I finally bought). Look, weight isn't the issue for me, but I'm busty, and finding off-the-rack pieces that fit properly without trying them on first is an absolute nightmare. It’s even tougher if you’re plus-sized. I was trying to say that you have to account for way more variables than someone with an "average" build; you have to obsess over the cut, the fabric, and—for instance—making sure my bra straps don't show. Since I can't wear a strapless bra to save my life, I’m stuck with spaghetti straps or one-shoulder styles, which narrows my options significantly. And once the selection shrinks, you lose all control over the price point. Last year, I struggled so much looking for this one specific dress—hunting for two whole months both online and in stores—that I seriously considered skipping meals for a month just to afford something that actually fits and makes me feel comfortable. You have to understand that when you carry extra weight, the cut and how the fabric drapes (or holds you in the right places) is everything. That is incredibly hard to judge online, let alone on a budget. And what’s the point of spending $20 if the dress doesn't even fit? Then you're stuck dealing with returns—and *that* is the real hassle. 😉
Between this year and last, I’ve been to 14 weddings. Ten of those were close family stuff where it’s always the same group of people, so obviously, I needed different outfits—and yeah, I got them all from ASOS.
My cousins and friends have asked me a million times where I got my dresses, and on average, I’ve paid about $20 per piece. Just to be clear, I’m far from skinny—I’m not an XXL or anything—but things don't just "fit perfectly" on me, and the hunt is a marathon. Around here, I know my size, I don't hesitate, and I just buy. Even if I do have to get something altered (like that maternity dress I bought once—it was gorgeous and only $20, but it was huge in the stomach), the tailoring ends up costing me $6.75 more, and honestly, you wouldn't find a dress like that for that price in any Zara or any local boutique around here (a formal dress under $67 is basically a myth!).
So, there's no way we can compare our prices to online shopping, especially when you factor in the customs fees and shipping they tack on.
Jack Gray51 said:You basically took my "logic," twisted it into this weird little bucket, and now your conclusion doesn't even match what I actually said.
Basically, what I was saying is that I find it totally bizarre how people have zero issue dropping $267 on a dress they’ll wear once or twice, yet suddenly act like spending $133 on everyday clothes—stuff you'll wear for at least two years and probably ten times a month—is some huge deal.
Yeah, I honestly don't get it. Especially when we're talking about a city that isn't exactly mid-sized and where having decent, well-made clothes actually matters.
I mean, look—you buy a shirt in NYC for like $30, wash it three times, and the seams warp so bad it looks like trash. I'd much rather go to an upscale spot in the Upper East Side and spend $83 on something I can wear for three years where the stitching actually stays put.
@Peter Gray2: yeah, you're right, you aren't gonna find a high-quality gown for $50. But do you seriously think some pair of jeans from Topshop in NYC for $50 are going to be just as good as a $150 pair from Esprit or Mustang or whatever?
Let's get real here—just because something has a higher price tag doesn't mean it isn't cheap junk. I've wasted so much damn money on jeans from Esprit and S.Oliver only to have them stretch out two sizes between breakfast and lunch. Now, I just pick up stuff at Target for $50 and they don't lose their shape no matter how many times I throw them in the wash. It's not a universal rule, but hey...