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How much is too much for a top?

(215 Posts)
trisher Wed 09-Sept-20 10:45:32

I love this top. I keep looking at it. But it is totally impractical and too expensive. But it's lovely. Would you pay £165 for it? What's the most you have ever paid for a top?

H1954 Thu 10-Sept-20 10:50:41

I would be looking at the construction of the garment, type of fabric, how it was finished and no doubt work out how much cheaper I could make it myself, so, no I wouldn't pay that price. Apart from that, I don't like it anyway but each to their own.

Yellowmellow Thu 10-Sept-20 10:52:20

If you like it and will wear it (and can afford it)...have it. In the past lve gone for cheaper options and have never liked them so now ld rather have one top that l really like than 2 or 3 mediocre tops lm not keen on. Quality over quantity now.lm older and have no dependants

GrannyGravy13 Thu 10-Sept-20 10:54:01

Unfortunately not callistemon we had nearly four months of remedial work inside and out two years ago (finishing mid December) only for the problems to reappear.

Hopefully these investigations can finally find the reason and it can get sorted once and for all. It’s not much fun having a big house with big upkeep which is currently unsellable

trustgone4sure Thu 10-Sept-20 10:58:41

I wouldn`t pay that amount for a top regardless of my income.
The most i have paid was £75,and i have had it for 14 years and still love it.
Burgundy heavy lace.
Made in England too.

Callistemon Thu 10-Sept-20 11:03:59

I hope they can sort it this time, Grannygravy.
Keep them supplied with brew

QuiltyElaine Thu 10-Sept-20 11:06:12

I have started buying fewer more expensive things that will last. I tend to spend a bit more on basics and classic styles, if it is more of a statement piece like this blouse then I would probably wait and see if I could pick it up on sale, BUT If you can afford it and you love it then I say go for it!

Loobs Thu 10-Sept-20 11:12:27

I caught the end of the Mary Berry programme last night and she tried on an absolutely beautiful dress - it looked stunning. It was in Paris and I can imagine it would have cost a small fortune but it was lovely - I would have been tempted.

knspol Thu 10-Sept-20 11:16:22

You obviously really like it so, as long as you can afford it, buy it! It's a treat and we all deserve one of those now and again. Enjoy your new top!!!

NemosMum Thu 10-Sept-20 11:20:45

I think it's a huge amount of money to be paid unless it's made of silk woven by fairies! If I ever feel like spending a large amount, I wait for a week to see if I still feel the same way. Usually, I don't. I think you should ask yourself why you want it - what 'need' would you be fulfilling? However, if you do decide to buy it, you would be putting money in circulation, and someone will benefit from that.

Doodledog Thu 10-Sept-20 11:23:38

I agree with knspol.

If you love it you will find ways to wear it often, and you will feel good when you do. A treat now and then is good for the soul, so I think you should buy it and enjoy it.

At this time of year I might wait a couple of weeks to see if it goes in the sale, but otherwise wouldn’t hesitate.

Paperbackwriter Thu 10-Sept-20 11:26:09

If you really love it and can afford it then why not get it? Goodness, there are few enough sources of delight these grim days. The items I've bought that have cost the most have tended to be 'keepers' and are still being worn years later. I'd buy it. Which brand is it?

Paperbackwriter Thu 10-Sept-20 11:27:25

Loobs I saw that dress on Mary Berry too and I thought, if she left that shop without buying it, I'd be Very Cross. It was sensational and looked terrific on her. I so hope she got it.

Romola Thu 10-Sept-20 11:35:04

I'm with Dee1012 on this - I do think about cost per wear and only spend £££ on something I know I will wear a lot.
The suit I bought for my daughter's wedding, lovely but too showy for other people's weddings, went straight to a posh second-hand shop the following week. I got back half what I paid for it but better than having it hanging in my wardrobe unworn.

Craftycat Thu 10-Sept-20 11:46:11

If you love it & can afford it then buy it. You can't take your money with you so enjoy it while you can. It is lovely.

Humbertbear Thu 10-Sept-20 11:46:36

I’ve only once paid that sort of money and it was for an outfit to wear for three weddings. The questions to ask yourself are
Can you afford it
Where / when will you wear it?
Will it just hang in your wardrobe!

Oopsminty Thu 10-Sept-20 11:47:46

I'm with the 'if you can afford it, buy it'

As my Grandma always said, with regards to money, 'you can't take it with you'.

ElaineRI55 Thu 10-Sept-20 11:54:12

If you can afford it, know you'll wear it often, and won't feel guilty later then why not.
It's probably not a straightforward decision or you wouldn't have brought it to GN.
Could you treat it objectively and list the pros and cons and ask yourself:
Could I make something almost identical?
Could I buy something very similar for a lot less?
If I make/buy something similar for a lot less, what could I do with the balance?
I would probably spend up to£40 max on a top. More likely to sew one, go to charity shop or wait for the sales. However, we need to keep buying some stuff to keep businesses going in these difficult times.

Aepgirl Thu 10-Sept-20 12:01:39

It depends on how much you like it, how good you look in it, and how often you would wear it. It’s always good to treat yourself occasionally, and a good top can look good with ordinary skirts, trousers, jeans, etc.

coastiepostie Thu 10-Sept-20 12:09:32

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

QuickFire9 Thu 10-Sept-20 12:11:24

If it’s something you really like then yes. Obviously if you can afford it too. I wouldn’t get into debt for it.

Unigran4 Thu 10-Sept-20 12:11:57

Annsixty: I agree with your comment
about being so distinctive that people would recognise it every time you wore it and think "she's wearing that again".

Gingergirl Thu 10-Sept-20 12:13:00

I agree that if it will give you pleasure, then why not buy it. If these Covid times have shown us anything, it’s that there’s no future...only the present...so do what will make you happy now.

Grannynannywanny Thu 10-Sept-20 12:16:23

As my Grandma always said, with regards to money, 'you can't take it with you'
Oopsminty my Mum used to say “there are no pockets in shrouds”

Iam64 Thu 10-Sept-20 12:16:30

What kind of people would think "she's wearing that again"
Does it matter

lizzypopbottle Thu 10-Sept-20 12:18:37

I just bought a jacket from Hobbs and the enthusiastic assistant told me all about the British wool and British manufacture. It was tempting but I remarked that all that would be reflected in the price. She told me the price. It was expensive and my face showed no sale. However, surprise, surprise, I got 20% knocked off for supplying my details as a new customer. Reader, I bought that jacket and certainly will wear it for years! ??? I doubt if I'll even set foot in there again so the moral is, haggle! They need your money and can usually do a deal.

As regards the OP top, I like the fabric but dislike the grandad neckline. It's fine if you have a nice, long, smooth, young neck! Sadly, I don't!