SPEND VS. SAVE | WHAT IS REALLY WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

[@magdalenakrzesniak7137]

In Poland we have many small family companies when we can buy great quality shoes,belts,bags and clothes. We are into slow fashion and to spend money locally and support local companies.

[@hanawoutersen9266]

I try to invest in good quality leather shoes and bags. Not designers though. Just good looking and confortable/practical

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@hanawoutersen9266 yes I think that’s key too! Definitely doesn’t need to be designer! But quality is key! 🤍

[@MillieonaVespa]

Same !

[@TheFashionLina]

yeah I do same! only leather

[@mia4567205]

I would add knitwear to the "Spend / Invest" list. I find that wool or cashmere knitwear just last so much better in the long run, knitwear with a high amount of synthetics in it like polyester or acrylic I find generally look worn / not very nice very quickly. I find myself reluctant to buy such knitwear since I started buying more wool and cashmere.

[@KatyaByankina]

Totally agree! Knitwear is the one to invest in

[@sausana2501]

Polyester also tends not to be as warm as Cashmere and wool. Kind of a waste tbh

[@TheFashionLina]

oh definitely! I hate acrylic, polyester jumpers!!!

[@katherinelawrence1608]

You are the influencer that speaks to me the most! Your style is impeccable and your advice is accessible even to a 60 year old woman from Raleigh North Carolina!

[@CarolineStevenson-gi8wc]

I think she means clothes that you can have for years and don’t go out of fashion, investments in coats, bags and blazers are my go to concepts. Just bought the De Mellier Vancouver, that’s an investment to me.

[@Isawthat411]

I always love seeing there is a new video to watch! I realize not every place has good thrift stores, but don’t forget that as an option when trying to buy quality items! You would not believe the cashmere, wool, designer items I have found at under $10! I’d love to see a somewhat elevated lounge wear video that can also be worn out to run errands. No boots. No trousers. Super comfy with sneakers outfits that still look stylish;) Thank you!!!!!!

[@effiepatricia3610]

Agree totally.

[@christinecoates2499]

I agree with all your suggestions Lydia. I look for quality coats, blazers, silk shirts and cachemire on the pre-loved market but buy new and spend less on t-shirts, sweatshirts and summer items.

[@misswiss278]

to me best investment was a real down feather puffer jacket..looks so good and is soooooooo warm

[@jandaniel9133]

Not for vegitarians and vegans.

[@Gavriela_AM]

@@jandaniel9133😅

[@JanetChristophersen]

I bought 2 jcrew down puffer coats black with gold buttons and preppy style. Washable too, I machine washed and dried and they came up like new. I could not find any other style I wanted at any price, so bought cheaply second hand as style is discontinued. It’s getting colder where I live so needed warmth like these for the first time.

[@olga.methodologist]

​@@jandaniel9133In cold climate like Siberian one, you buy natural fur or real down feather. Nothing else will keep you warm

[@lynndupree1205]

Boots! I bought a pair of classic riding boots 20 years ago, and they still look current and elegant. I pair them with classic straight jeans tucked in, or with a pencil skirt. I take care storing them away in summer, laying them out flat and stuffed with tissue, in a sturdy box. I had them re-soled a couple of times through the years, and honestly they are more comfortable now than when new. I love my riding boots every time I wear them!

[@beverlymccomas4257]

I think spending a bit more on handbags is worth the investment. Great video. Thank you

[@charlotte8852]

I agree with you for jeans. What’s important is to find a cut that suits well, which is at least 95% cotton, and which is not bleached too much. Then, the quality is similar between 30-50€ jeans vs. 100-150€ jeans. If you go higher than that, I think it should be because it’s a special jean fabric (I believe Japan is very well-known for that, at least in menswear), not because of the brand. Also, organic cotton is more expensive, but it doesn’t change the quality, it’s more a sustainability preference. About sneakers, I didn’t think of it as a « save » items, but I think you’re right! I bought 2 Veja Venturi pairs which are nearly 200€ each, and even if I love the style, I’ve been very disappointed with the quality. The sole is damaged in a few months and after a year it looks very worn. On the other hand, some Reebok or Nike sneakers of 100€ or less lasted me a few years with no sign of wear.

[@rosadamico2726]

I think good quality shoes is a must! Loved your video❤

[@ja-ewela]

Coffee and a video from Lydia, my Saturday morning routine 🤎

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@ja-ewela 🥹🥹🥹🥹 day made! Thank you 💕💕💕

[@ja-ewela]

@@LydiaJaneTomlinson I'm glad I returned the favour 🥰 Have a great one and enjoy spring this fall 😉 xx

[@angelaleishman1570]

Completely agree!!! 😂 I also had a cream bun with my coffee as a Saturday treat! And a Lydia video is the cherry on top! 🍒

[@barbeckiss]

Exactly! ☕

[@thandosdance1504]

I think it's easier for people to invest in the other things but underestimate the importance of a quality belt.

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@thandosdance1504 agreed!

[@staceyrodriguez8048]

I would love a part 2 that covers the different dress codes. It would be very helpful. 👍🏻

[@smjames4808]

I agree with the sentiment on jeans. Finding a pair that fits you really well doesn't correlate with price at all IMO. I would also add knitwear to the spend list as fibre composition is going to be better at a higher price point.

[@RegularHuman]

Love what you are wearing in this video

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@RegularHuman thank you so much 💕

[@arigato22]

Completely agree with you. My problem with longer coats is that I'm petite (5'2") and big busted with an apple shaped body so I aim for single breasted, not double. But because I am short, it's kinda hard...

[@antoniamedel9355]

A pesar que soy de España y no entiendo tu idioma no me pierdo ni un vídeo

[@wendynicholss6886]

Viva Espana ♥️

[@julieloewy1815]

Lydia, great video and great tips. thanks for all your efforts!

[@deborahjoyce591]

Oh and I also would add accessories like jewelry to the investment category. Especially if you buy solid gold ( even pre loved) you are literally investing in something that has the potential to go up in value as well.

[@ninaalmo2117]

I totally agree, I’ve bought a mom jeans from bershka and I’m still wearing it +/-7 years 👌🏼

[@martakuroszczyk2039]

I bought one from zara and they have knee- holes after 1 year! 😮

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@ninaalmo2117 I also have a lot of high street pairs that I’ve owned for years with zero wear!

[@JanetChristophersen]

I bought a jcrew tweed coat, wool, herringbone, Moon fabric @120gbp per yard, beautiful coat in a golden tweed. And I bought a navy and ecru same coat as well. I get many comments and from men who recognise the quality. Both were new and sold before reaching the shops.

[@Boyhowdy875]

In all honesty… You're awesome!

[@giuseppinasanger6410]

I’ve seen many of these videos, but I would love more specifics of the best brands to find the best quality of each category for different price points.

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@giuseppinasanger6410 noted!!

[@kathleenp3135]

Great idea!

[@JenParker-xn6ju]

Great video ❤I’d add jewelry to this list, be interested in your opinion and actually accessories in general

[@Zan-y9l]

This was a good one Lydia! 💜

[@Aysxx]

Another video, another list of super helpful tips! ❤

[@michelledecruise]

Hi Lydia, great advice as always. However, I would love to hear your take on handbags.

[@Yoga4SpiritBodyMind]

I love your video look and your nail color - just got the same today. Beautiful reminder tips!👌🏻🫶🏻

[@deborahjoyce591]

I have very expensive taste so I shop mainly second hand and in those 4 categories of spend you can find incredible quality for a fraction of the price if you look for pre loved. For example I have two 100% cashmere coats that originally came from expensive stores that if I bought a comparable coat 100% cashmere would be like 1000 dollars today and I got for $60-$100. Also great wool blazers and 100% wool trousers made in Italy at the thrift store ( even in the men’s section). Also there are so many great leather and suede belts for a fraction of the price second hand. I only say all of this just to show that you can have incredible luxurious quality at a fraction of the price is you know how to search for quality pieces ❤️

[@juliyastewart6714]

Thank you Lydia for your great advice, another helpful video!😊

[@ifeyhome]

The most important thing when looking for a good quality coat is the composition. So many coats on the high street have high percentages of polyester & other polys on the outer shell. I'd not buy any coat with less than 70% wool.

[@misswiss278]

@@ifeyhome one of the coats lydia put in her suggestions has so much polyester in it for 320 quid... I honestly don't know why she recommends the black one..

[@dianabalkena1513]

Unfortunately even coats with high end prices are mainly with syntetics. The composition should be checked at all times. Price might be misleading.

[@ifeyhome]

@dianabalkena1513 i don't necessarily agree. Max Mara is high-end & their costs have very high wool & cashmere content

[@Louby73]

Ive just bought a fabulous Whistles coat on Vinted, it looks brand new and some amazing KG loafers. Together they were less £40 including postage. I would definitely recommend!

[@DanaDobre-r3t]

Thank you Lydia for the tips! Very helpful!

[@patmartin9727]

Great advice some very nice items.

[@shellbell8062]

I think it's always worth investing more in knitwear. Not only do unbreathable synthetic fabrics make you smell not so great within a few hours, but they are often worth retiring after one or 2 washes. Wool, cashmere and alpaca barely need washing, never smell and stay looking great for ages, even if it does mean de-bobbling once in a while and washing gently. I have never bought a cheaper piece of knitwear that has worked out for me.

[@jandaniel9133]

As always brilliant

[@donnamcdermott443]

You can still wear your summer trousers just layer up tights underneath not everyone can afford to splurge on all these things i think a good quality coat and good quality footwear and accessories go a long way 🥰 just making sure your clothes fit you well makes them look better quality and be careful of buttons zips patterns not lining up at seams loose threads you don't need expensive fabrics yes they so drape better sometimes but you can do affordable and still look expensive ❤

[@carolmcinroy8321]

Hi Lydia I think it’s really worthwhile buying expensive trainers for walking & running.I buy On cloudrunners. They cost about £130 but they are so comfortable I can’t wear anything else now. Great for anybody with knee problems.

[@janerothrock7416]

I live in sunny CA and a good quality coat and blazer are my top items I want in my wardrobe. This your video showed up!.

[@mariadias1373]

Great theme for a video Lydia 🙂 Very helpfull 🙂👌!!! 🫶 from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@fleurcraven9862]

Hey Lydia, this was so helpful ❤ could you add more items to another video, such as shirts and knitwear, jewellery etc❤ so useful x

[@gillian2471]

I have those Uniqlo jeans and they are so good!

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@gillian2471 they are!!! I have them too!

[@gillian2471]

@@LydiaJaneTomlinson love them. They measure up so well to my way more expensive jeans. I think they were under EUR 40.

[@Hello-Stoiko]

Yes they are, I’m surprised that more influencers don’t mention them

[@lindaoregan9599]

Definitely coats but my choice would be shoes, bags, jewellery.

[@joh4647]

Hello Lovely!! Thanks for your videos!! 😘😘😘😘 Because my climate is so hot, I’d love your thoughts on button down shirts, cardigans, skirts and brunch dresses or co ord sets… Also, another topic I’d love to hear your thoughts on are a few for eg. US, Italian and French brands for suede bags, not designer designer but mid-range.. as I sometimes feels the high enders your paying for the label! 😝😘🥰❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@paulam6182]

I think bags should have been on here xx

[@elisabetbarth5573]

Belts... Ive bought Italian mens leather belts for years on outlet sales... Look good on women too.

[@janetdaniel9661]

Excellent advice

[@cynthiadefehr6272]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@lisarnkjaer]

This are some great tips. I will invest in suits and workwear in general, as it is a part of the career investment so to say. Your image on work is so so important if you are looking for promotions.

[@carmenbenitez141]

I purchase all my shoes in Colombia. The quality is unmistakable!

[@TheFashionLina]

Wonderful video, however I had some bad experience with cheap denim, it often stretch fast and even buttons can get out, so I would still go for something like arket tbh, on sale they are not expensive

[@merica4realz630]

Agree with all! ❤

[@eugeniaplat]

Very interesting video, would love more like this one

[@alanaliciamittelstadt8214]

Agree with your worth the investment list but I would add any kind of shoes. Comfort and quality are so important. Also means you are likely to have them for a long time.

[@tamazina]

I was chatting with an assistant about their (high street) jeans and she said sometimes a higher price can just mean the style is popular - no improvement on quality at all. Luckily I have unfashionable taste 😄.

[@МарияАвито]

Tell more about how you care about your clothes and your wardrobe routine.

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@МарияАвито noted!

[@sammi0816]

Hi Lydia would you use skinny pants still or not at all? I don’t know if they are completely out of style 🥺

[@niewieder99]

Can I also add - don’t assume that something is good quality bc its price is high. I looked at a Sandro coat (the latest season navy blue pleated coat, here in Australia) priced at AUD1035. I checked the stitching, that the seams were aligned, that the pockets were of equal depth with smooth edges (no snagging), that the coat was properly lined with flush edges. On all of these points, the coat failed in the piece they brought out in my size. I noped outta there. I’m no fool. Check your pieces before you buy.

[@LiLi-ps5vb]

I would definitely spend on winter boots.

[@demilyndem1070]

Hi Lydia, thanks! I wanted to ask which coats you recommend for long, wider skirts in autumn and winter. Thanks again!

[@JanetChristophersen]

35gbp is a lot in aud. Unfortunately decently thick tees with good cut are hard to find like arket does.

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

I have purchased many coats at a variety of price points and they all seem to last…..I’m still wearing a red J Crew lady coat I purchased in 2011, but I want to wear more than red…..so I have quite a few coats.

[@JanetChristophersen]

I wear vivobarefoot instead of sneakers or hard soled boots. I did have a big collection of beautiful leather loafers from Italy, the best my shoe repairer in a posh suburb had ever seen, but when I moved the movers stole the carton…thought it was wine. So I have had to buy others, my previous choice is no longer available. So wearing vivobarefoot a lot for preference and foot health.

[@filosofia3394]

True luxury is quality and value. High price is not luxury.

[@DeeJJ87]

I would save on poplin shirts and faux leather pants. I have a leather jacket from Massimo Dutti which is buttery soft and found a pair of faux leather pants for $60 and they feel the same to the touch. Of course the pants may wear out sooner but faux leather has come a long way.

[@FathyaNella]

When people are saying *xbagy* ’s bag is a better option,I very much agree!

[@nikkisue1715]

I think investing in a good handbag is worth it. I don't buy designer bags, but I have several leather purses from Coach that wear very well.

[@hollylovesr]

I would add trendy jewelry to the list. Chunky gold chain necklaces comes to mind. Why spend so much on a piece that might be out of fashion in a short time?

[@AirBeat-lk3pl]

I only buy second hand, really cheap, but sometimes I go to a more curated vintage shop. So I’ll pay 40-60$ for a good vintage trench coat, jeans etc.

[@AirBeat-lk3pl]

For jeans in only agree if it’s 100% cotton, NO elastane

[@hiumansproject]

Creo que en zapatos y bolsos también merece la pena invertir, aunque en bolsos puede. haber algunas excepciones

[@msreesebarrett]

I wonder which category knitwear goes to. I’m looking for a nice wool oversized sweater, but I can’t find any nice affordable ones. So I guess, knitwear would be an investment. But it’s not great cause I tend to get tired of pieces (there’s a lengthy cold season where I live), so I’d rather buy and recycle than buy and keep forever.

[@MsMyticBlue]

Thank you for the video, Would like to add leather loafers🎉 also bags leather modest. besides like to add your English is very understandable as i am a foreigner i can tell😊 hi from Turkiye

[@MrsSenichka]

What about shirts and blouses?

[@marygillespie2028]

Scarves: while one can easily save money on these, I don't regret the occasional splurge on a beautiful silk scarf - they last a lifetime.

[@ifeyhome]

I've seen the most beautiful jeans from Toteme & Paige, however I refuse to spend over £300 on a pair even though they look so good!

[@jekaterinajr1590]

Sweaters - I will not buy cheap polyester anymore as it feels like being wrapped in plastic inside and cold outside. Also these get awful looking so fast! In the cold climate natural fibres are the best. I rather pay money for wool and wear it many years.

[@patriciagomez8035]

Please show us your red bottom are those pants or a 😮skirt? Is that a leather piece 😂 so pretty

[@catherinelea5568]

What about sweaters(jumpers) and other tops(blouses)?

[@ninastemson4131]

For me investing in good quality leather shoes is important for comfort and how long they last

[@splendore.ngrandeur3599]

1. Coats. 2. Blazer. 3. Trousers. 4. Belts

[@TheCecilia1122]

Lydia, What about dresses.......

[@lucybloom4781]

I would add boots in the spend list

[@alixeg1334]

was surprised you didn't include bags in items to spend more money on

[@B_MUR]

What about sunglasses ?

[@justinebarton2931]

The picture of the Other Stories grey coat is so strange. It looks like her feet are pointing backwards!

[@TeneishaBundus]

HQDUPE focuses on LV bags and adds points to your fashion look.

[@cristinapiano6190]

Totally correct😊

[@faizaalsafi4594]

What about handbags and shoes?

[@sueleitch6396]

I save by buying one fabulous bra which might be £100 in the sale !!!!! A good one can last for years. Yes, that's right, I only have one, and it's pink 💗 I don't spend money on knickers which I call underpants. Saved a fortune over the years I'm sure. Also alot of M and S boots look like leather and are a great copy for current styles that you find in the more expensive high end shops. I recently bought a pair of black low heel ankle boots that look like Lydia's, but where £45 and I was disappointed there was no discount on them with my M and S card. 😂

[@mafaldanascimento2128]

Thanks so much

[@laurasudderth2060]

I am 5 ft. 2”. Do you still recommend long coats ?

[@nikkisue1715]

I am 5ft. 1/2 inches and I just purchased a long coat in a beautiful dark walnut double face wool blend shawl collar coat in a petite size from Talbots. It fits perfectly allowing room to wear sweaters because it is not lined.

[@martakuroszczyk2039]

I invested in a wool blazer and trousers, but now i have a big problem with cleaning it. I spend 23 eur pro cleaning... 😢

[@misswiss278]

oh god yeah..i really wanted this mohair jumper but i cant wash it myself and thats just a big no for me

[@LydiaJaneTomlinson]

@@martakuroszczyk2039 yes that is the downside!! But possibly balances out buying new versions more regularly!

[@wakanda6547]

Handbags and shoes are just as important

[@anakabakchi6023]

I do not agree with T-Shirts and trainers. You can see the difference in material and cut with a good t-shirt. Not saying designer but middle market. Especially after couple of washes. And trainers, obviously, you do not need designer ones but they should be by a sport brand, especially if you train/run in them. Your feet will thank you.

[@23LaShi]

👑❤Queen 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@azaransari7307]

You did not talk about Handbags

[@operafan0214]

I don‘t agree with saving on Jeans at all! All of my Zara jeans looked worn out and weren‘t holding their shape after 1 year at the latest! Since I started buying Levi’s or other branded jeans I have never had that happen and I have had them for several years now!

[@donnamcdermott443]

❤