Cost-Per-Wear: The Nude Margiela Dress
This nude Margiela dress with a U-neckline is my favorite item in my wardrobe right now. When I saw it in the Margiela store in NY I had to have it because I saw myself wearing it in so many different ways. When I got back to Dallas I had a really weird feeling about the dress. On the one hand, I was mad at myself for purchasing the dress during the recession. On the other hand, I thought that it would be an item I could blend into my closet easily and mix with a lot of things I already had.
But I still felt guilty. Was the guilt from spending so much money on the dress during such a hard time for so many people? Or was I feeling guilty because I had a momentary obsession with an object that might not be as practical as I had thought? I half wanted to return the dress and half wanted to keep it. I was confused.
After doing some fashionista soul searching, I realized that I felt guilty because I had spent too much money on the dress. For this kind of shopping dilemma, I like to figure out whether an item is worth the price I paid using a technique called Cost-Per-Wear.
I analyze the purchase by breaking down the cost by the amount of times I think I will be able to realistically wear it in one year. (TIP: If you are watching your budget, make sure the item will last through at least two seasons or more. If it doesn’t, you might want to think twice about the purchase.) For example, the nude Margiela dress is something that I can wear quite often if I combine it with other items in my closet. I would guess that I could wear it at least 5 times a month. If I wear the dress 5 times a month, I will have worn it 60 times that year, so the cost-perwear of this dress in the first year will be $16. After considering the cost-per-wear, I decided to keep the dress.
I work hard and I hate to see the money I earn go into clothes that I obsessed over for a second and hated the next day. There are a few ways to avoid this. Think of holding on to the items you buy as you would think of a long term relationship as compared to a momentary love affair. Spend more money on the classic and spend less on the trendy “must have” items. “Must have” is just a term used for marketing! Listen to your fashion instincts instead of looking for the popular items of the season and when you want to make a new purchase just do some math in your head. Cost-Per-Wear is a great technique to keep from burning your money and for shopping smartly.
Loc took some photos of me wearing the Maison Martin Margiela dress yesterday:
Wearing: Maison Martin Margiela dress, Forever 21 short, American Apparel black mesh top, Club Monaco lucite cuffs.
I just listed couple of things on my Ebay store and the black transparent hooded that I worn on my last photo-shoot is included. Click here to see the jacket. It’s one size fits all.
Have a happy memorial weekend everyone!!! xxxxxx Nini Nguyen
Hi Nini, I concur with you how we need to look at the cost of clothes and uses of them. We sometimes spend too much $$$ on some pieces of clothes that can only wear a few times and then put them away. At least you are working in the fashion world, so you have more chances to dress up often. By the way, You look fabulous as always. Irene
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH(breathe)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH
THAT NUDE MARGIELA DRESS IS HEAVEN!
PLUS: THE MODELIN’ PICTURES ARE GETTIN BETTER & BETTER!
You’re addition makes me smiling: I’m also bringing the cost in relation to usage
I’ve already added you to my blog roll months ago, something has failed here and so I added you again!
Have a wonderful long weekend and a great free Monday there!!
xoxo, s.
OMG!
These photos are absolutely beautiful!
I really love the photo effects!
LOc really did a good job!
I always like your idea on fashion, Nini!
You’re a great fashionista and fashion advisor!
Oh my! That dress is worth every single cent! It is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS, Nini!!! I do the same as you (most of the time), and try to factor the ‘cost per wear’, I am now also trying to make sure that I can wear an item with at least 3 other items already in my wardrobe. This dress is timeless, and will see you through 1001 occasions, so great purchase!
xx
PS. Margiela items are so unique and versatile – and timeles. That’s the most coolest thing about them. I’m loving my MM dresses, tops and accessoires since ages – so I have no doubt at all you’ll enjoy this most adorable dress for a very long time!! Congrats! You look very beautiful in it!
Also when we’re on a trip, it’s more of rushed decision as opposed to seeing something when we’re at home. But seriously nini, that dress is amazing, dramatic, i think it suits you. i LOVE what you’ve done with the mesh top & clear bangles. the pictures are fabulous. carine would be proud
i think it’s rare to find something expensive that really merits it, but for me that purchase is my blue dior homme jeans. i have so many jeans, and time and time again those are the ones i always go back to, because they are PERFECTION, and go with EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING. plus, it helps that i hid the receipts from myself, so i dont really know how much they cost.
@Prêt-à-Porter P
.. I love her!!!
I know Carine would be so proud
Gorgeous!!!! I also would think about resale value if/when you get tired of the item. xo Cari http://isnotfashion.blogspot.com
nini! you look absolutely stunning in that dress! Is it like a cape? Its just so amazing, I’ve seen it in black but not in nude but I have to say Nude is just spectacular. I know that feeling of guilt too, but sometimes you just have to let it go, it doesn’t matter how often you wear it, an amazing piece is something you can keep forever and pass onto your daughters..
Loc did such a good job with the photos!
Nini! you look so beautiful!! Loc did a great job on the photos!!!! The Margiela dress is killer.
it looks amazing on your…i love nude and the drape of the fabric is stunning.
camille x
p.s i left you a message on your ebay page
You look absolutely stunning! These pics could be ripped from an editorial. And I completely agree with you about the Cost-Per-Wear calculation. If I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons to spend a lot of money on an item, I definitely keep this in mind. Enjoyed this post!
xo, Becs
http://www.stylewithbenefits.wordpress.com
Hi Nini! Sorry about not commenting or talking to you in a while! Been going through hard times, but I am a bit better now. Just wanted to say that’s pretty much how I rationalize my purchases now too. Cost per wear is a good phrase for it. Your MMM dress is definitely worth every penny and is a great investment piece. It’s simple, sexy, and sophisticated all in one. Love this photoshoot!! Hope you are having a good Memorial Day weekend. Take care
The lighting in these photos is spectacular; too bad lighting like that is all up to the weather. That dress is stunning, too.
i definitely think that the dress was so worth buying ! my wardrobe tends to lean towards basics and easy to wear pieces and i think the margiela fits both categories .
xoxoxoxo ,
soho
@luxirare
..
Luxirare- It’s a cape/dress/top
Hi Ni,
The Margiela dress is awsome and you look great on it. It’s a great choice. Loc did a beautiful job. Cheer Loc!
Have a nice day, Ni!
Hanh,
That dress is amazing, and you will definitely get your moneys worth! It definitely looks fantastic paired with the mesh shirt underneath!
xx
wow, this is a great post. I love how you analyze it with cost per wear. The photography is so amazing!!! Loc did a fantastic job. Your MMM dress is stunning on you.
Suzanne
Wooooow Woooow Woooooow You truly look like a Haughty/Dizzy Bewitchment !!!! The stylish mix of the sensual Margiela nude Dress with this “Alcôve-esque” black mesh top, its mesmerizing transparency, creates such a Sexy/arrogant “GLAMazon-esque” effect . . .
à Bientôt, Antoine
I completely agree with the cost-per-wear technique, although I usually find myself willing to spend more on things that I deem special, even if I don’t wear those items frequently. Is that odd?
Great shots, and great look. This is something years down the road, you’ll look at it and think, “Wow, this is such a great vintage piece!”
i agree! it’s better to buy something expensive that you wear so many times, rather than something for 10 euros that you’ll only wear once. i always think like that when i’m shopping
modeliscious! you look so stunning. do you have a professional photographer to take these pictures? because they are AMAZING!
@Elle Victoire
Hi Elle Victoire – My boyfriend, Loc took all the photos for me.
Hey Nini! I think you made a good choice, a MMM dress is recession proof as far as I’m concerned. It has a timeless quality and is sure to get plenty of wear. You’re very smart to take all the factors surrounding the dress into consideration. Btw those pictures are gorgeous! That first one has me smitten! Have a great day.
hehe
Play Audio Comment
@Alyssa
Thanks so much Alyssa for using the audio comment!!! Your voice is so cute!!!! Very excited to hear my first voice comment from my fan!!! YEYYY. There’s a video option as well
xoxo
Nini
thank you
this is beautiful blog!
x
At first, thank you for the comment
That dress is awesome and the photos are great, love your blog, would you mind exchanging links?
xx
wow, i am so glad you kept that dress because it is absolutely AMAZING!!!
i also use that cost-per-wear theory to force myself to wear clothes more often rather than letting it sit in my closet, thus justifying the purchase. kinda goes both ways!
myweekendstyle.blogspot.com
i have blogged about chauss cost-per-wear theory on my blog over and over. i strongly approve.
i would love a hot dog girl’s night out. i wish you all lived closer…:)
xx chauss
honey, anything margiela is worth the money, as long as you can afford it. my one regret is not buying as much helmut lang as i could before he sold out his name. the few pieces i have by helmut are some of my most treasured. plus with all the talk of “mr margiela” retiring, who knows how long the brand will stay original and intact!
hey im new in your blog ! love your style
i add you as links now 
a très bientot !
Boubou xx
the dress is just gorgeous, i mean although its nude, but there’s still this vibrant look when you wear it… and it matches well with the heels… now you had got me thinking about analyzing the cost-per-wear idea… maybe i should view the worthiness of an outfit by thinking about how many times would i wear it in a year….
wow! u look amazing!!!! beautiful photos!!!
xxx
sydneygirl
Amazing photos and a fabulous purchase. I think if you can afford and will use it, why not buy something you’ll enjoy? Going on a spending strike puts more people out of business rather than helping anyone who is already out of a job.
Love the dress, Love you
BEAUTIFUL!!
XOXO
Amazing shots..Love all those photos..=) Looking forward on your next post,have a great day..=)
A Writers Den
The Brown Mestizo
I love the dress… the cost pre wear is good though. I am doing that now because I have alot items i second guess. Like I am debating the gucci sale. I really want a bag that is $389
lovely dress
kisses from
thechicmuse.blogspot.com
D
Ahhh, how beautiful is that..
What a fabulous photo shot!!!So professional with
the light. LOOOOVE IT!!!
Had to smile about your “cost-per-wear” analyize
HAVE A HAPPY SUNNY & JOYFUL DAY, NINI!!!
Martina
Aw,you look great on that dress..And Loc did a did a great job!.;D
That’s why everything goes well..;D
Travel and Living
That dress is worth every penny….
these pictures are amazing!
I love the dress is awesome…. it really suits you!
http://aforteforfashion.blogspot.com
Hi Nini! Thank you so much for the sweet comments…
I really love your blog and Hanh’s one too…you girls always look fabulous!How do you do it? Oh, and the changes you made to your blog looks awesome:)
Love the dress and whole outfit! The fact that the dress is a nude color also helps with the versatility in your closet! Great breakdown! That 6th photo from the bottom looks like it’s from a magazine!
http://www.wreckedstellar.wordpress.com
gorgeous outfit
you look amazing
wahhhhhhhhhhhhh SO HOT and SEXY on the last pic! Good post about cost-per-wear. I do that many times on expensive pieces.
Laura
Hello my luv,
Sorry I have been out of the loop and haven’t even posted anything, but I am in Costa Rica now…and on my way back today. I was out everyday doing something adventurous so didn’t have a time to really get in the computer. I will be back tonight and will see if I post something tomorrow.
OMG…..ur photoshoot is amazing! I am loving it! That Margiela dress is just to seriously seriously die for! I love love your style and ur wardrobe. Did Loc take the pics? I got my Canon XSI and started playing with it this weekend but still have lots and lots to learn. Gisela and I will start doing some kool photoshoots as well soon. She just moved and its a little far from me and I am still looking to move so everything is just hectic now.
I will talk to you as soon as I get back!
Much luv from Costa Rica,
Maurenice
http://heightsoffashion.typepad.com/
Hi Honey,
First: Thanks Ur lovely comment on my blog. U have a great taste too.
Second: Margiela’s creations are unique and chic as this…Amazing outfit!
XoXo
@Maurenice
Hi Maurenice!
So good to hear from you! Can’t wait to see the pics from Costa Rica.. And yes, Loc took the pics for me. He got the XSI as well.
xoxo
Nini
You are amazing! I love that dress- and your system is genius. I try to look at purchases the same way. How many time have we all purchased 5 mediocre items that we end up hating when for that total cost we could have bought one amazing thing that we would enjoy for years.
You are gorgeous.
d
These pictures are great as well as your nude dress. Gorgeous!!
Wow Nini,
Long time viewer, first comment.
These pictures are awesome!!! I can’t stop looking at these! So elegant!! Can’t wait to see what you have next.
Jody
That Margiela dress is definitely versatile… so beautiful. Those shots of you are incredible!
I agree with the cost per wear plan. It’s a shame to spend money on clothes you’ll hardly wear. I have no problems spending money on classics such as blazers, coats and accessories. If a dress is too trendy+ expensive and I know I’ll only wear it for a rare occasion I’ll think twice about getting it.
wow.. you look edgy!! that dress is fabulous!! you can even wear it as a very gorgeous top i guess!
Nini,
Just found out about your blog! You have an amazing style!! This nude Margiela is incredible, worth every penny. The pictures look awesome, you have a professional photographer?
Amy
oh gosh this is rad amazing looks like a photoshoot for vogue litterally… your mate is like the best photograph, the lightning is amazing.. and this margiela dress…I’d kill for it waow
xx
bonne nuit
You look stunning. The dress is very beautiful and very modern. Credit will also go to the great photographer.
Thanks for inviting me to your blog! Good night!
This nude Margiela is hot Nini!!!!! Great job on posing for the camera as well.
Those shoes are like a dream
wish I HAD them in my LIFE
x
@Amy
Hi Amy,
It’s just my boyfriend who loves to take photos for me
so that he can learn about photography.
xxxxxxxxxxx
Nini
That Margiela looks like a demented super-heroine cape. And I mean that in the best way possible. You look fantastic!
Waw the photos are so amazing, as your dress!
I love it and i love your blog!
You look STUNNING in that Margiela dress! Great shots dear,
and thanks so much for visit the loft,
xxx
just amazing…
xxx,
G&L
Your photos look like editorials!
Very nice!
that dress is stunning!!!!!!!!!!
hey nini! thanks for the blog visit and sweet comment:) you have a wonderful blog as well and such killer style!
and dont feel too guilty about that fabulous dress, you look like a million bucks–it was so worth it…
stay in touch!
Raez
It looks amazing on you!
I’m probably more jealous of your dress than I have been of any other blogger purchase this month <3
i am enamored. http://enamored-alifeofindulgence.blogspot.com/
Nini- the Margiela dress is stunning and you wear it unbelievably well! the 3rd ph. is my favorite!
hope you visit my blog sometime
jules
Wow, it looks amazing on you! Def worth the splurge.
Great Blog! Kudos to the owners..
Im doing my ph.d thesis on internet behavior and am researching Online Gambling. So far IVe only found http://post691.com. Can you recommend any casino info only sites?
By far the most amazing, sensual, sexy and powerful combination Ive seen yet on your blog!
I like SO many of your creations but I just HAD to comment on this one!
Kudos!