For the better part of fifteen years I insisted on purchasing designer clothes made by well-known brands. I didn't necessarily have a favorite brand, so long as whatever I was wearing was purchased for full-price at a brick and mortar store. No discount or outlet stores for me. That all changed after a conversation I had with a good friend of mine.
I was in the process of purchasing a new wardrobe after losing some weight and was complaining about how expensive it was going to be. My friend looked at me and asked why I cared so much about buying expensive clothes, especially since I work from home and get to dress casually every day of the week. It really got me thinking and I honestly didn't have a retort. That conversation helped ignite my conversion to the world of discount brands.
When all was said and done I was able to purchase a full wardrobe for a fraction of the cost I would have spent had I kept my expensive clothing habits. The quality is just as good as anything I ever owned before, just without the all-important insignia or logo that used to mean so much to me.
I fully understand that clothing is a deeply personal subject for many people, but if I was able to change my mindset about what qualifies as "good" clothing then anyone can. I haven't stepped foot in a big-box clothing store in other a year and don't intend to anytime soon. Why would I when I can now buy an entire outfit for the price of a polo?