I totally understand. IMO buying 3 or 4 good pieces a year is so much more cost effective than buying cheap stuff. For example, in 1988, I picked up a simple, classic, lined Pendleton lined red wool coat at a base exchange. It can be dressed up or down. I think it cost around $80.00 but if it had cost $300.000, it would have been a bargain. It was my favorite for years and since my daughter loved it so much I gave it to her. Some of the buttons had to be sewn back on but it still looks and fits wonderful--a wardrobe staple for my daughter or me for nearly 30 years. Buying classic, quality clothes is a VERY smart way to spend money. And IMO, the most importart part about looking good is to find things that fit well (neither tight nor loose). Many people on my H's side of the family do not understand how important it is to purchase clothes for me that are *P (petite). I am only 5'1" and simply buying a *P rather than a regular * makes a HUGE difference in how my clothes look. Many times cheap is fine with me if you just select the right size!