Can I justify £115 for a blouse?

[Daughn]

Me+Em Swing blouse I bought a lovely cotton swing blouse in Monoprix when I was in France last year and the shape is lovely in this heat. I have been looking for one with short sleeves and a v neck and this is the only one I have been able to find. It's perfect but £115. I've tried searching using "cotton swing blouse" but nothing as perfect as this turns up. I am trying to rationalise it by thinking I will wear it a lot but can anyone suggest alternatives that are cotton, v-neck, short sleeve, and khaki colours? Up to £50.

Just seen the other thread on here about Me+Em clothes and I just want to add that this is not a Me+Em bashing thread! Genuinely interested in seeing if anyone can find something similar but I may end up buying this one as it ticks all the boxes (apart from price)

I am of Indian heritage. I can get you one like that for £15.

Where from?

Have you had a look at Uniqlo?

Anokhi probably. Or Fab India.

Search for a boxy shirt. Lots of options come up.

I know - last time I was in India I took a couple of my favourite shirts to be copied in some beautiful Indian cottons.

It comes down to 3 questions- do you want it, will you use it & can you afford it? If it’s 3 yes then get it

Having wasted inordinate amounts buying things that aren’t quite right when I’ve seen something I love but am reluctant to fork out for, my personal view now is to spend the money and enjoy wearing it.

As PP says, 'boxy' will produce cropped oversizes styles with wide sleeves. Or search for short-sleeved A-line blouses if it's more the shape you're interested in. Muji has a nice one for £30.

But if you really want the Me + Em one and can afford it, and just want people to say it's okay to buy it, then it really is okay. Otherwise you'll buy three different suboptimal blouses and spend just as much money.

https://www.soliver.eu/p/blouse-193933/

This maybe?

Edited to say sorry just noticed it's not cotton from the title 🤦🏻‍♀️

It's the particular gathering at the yoke which is appealing - and the same as the Monoprix one. Boxy isn't quite the same shape as this gently gathered swing shape. I'm inclined to agree with @Iheartmysmart and @BarnacleBeasley. My husband says to me when I hesitate "you see it, you like it? you buy it!"

I'm not averse to viscose - and although this is a different shape, I really like it too. Thank you! The colourway is perfect.

If you really want it that bad, buy it. Have you looked at East? They often have blouses like these.

I’m a big fan of Monoprix and MeandEm.

Bought a silk blouse from the latter and it’s a beaut.

I wouldn’t

Yes, I have a beautiful 100% silk blouse from Monoprix which is stunning.

I'd rather have a few really excellent blouses in natural fibres that will wear well than three or four cheaply made tops.

It's Sam Vine's Boots all over again; one quality item will outlast 4 cheap ones. If you love it, buy it. It you feel guilty, give up take away drinks until October to offset the cost.

Another that thinks if you can and you’ll adore it, go for it.

30+ years ago I bought a "designer" black silk shirt for £50. That was a lot of money back then, especially as I wasn't earning very much.

I loved that shirt, I wore it so many times in so many different outfits and felt fabulous each time. The cost per wear was, in the end, pennies.

30+ years later I wish I still had it, but I wore it until it literally fell apart. I STILL look at every black silk shirt I come across, hoping to find something similar, but I never have.

I think this is what's called "investment dressing". £115 for a well-made blouse that you love (against which all other blouses will be compared, and found wanting...) and which you will wear repeatedly is sensible spending if you can afford it...and maybe even if you can't 😀

i could if it was a pretty one, choose something else ffs

As a rule, I don't spend as much on blouses because I sweat plus I'm clumsy and spill things down them, so they rarely turn out to be much of an investment.

That said, I don't think I've ever fallen for something expensive, found a cheaper dupe and been happy with it because, whenever I look at the dupe, I remember the original and feel dissatisfied.

It's lovely OP, just get it! I am also a serial buyer of cheaper things that aren't quite right and ending up spending more than the actual thing and still being disappointed.

I've decided from now on, no more compromises, just get the thing!

Thanks, everyone. I went for a little walk, picked some blackberries, and decided to buy it. Fingers crossed it lives up to my expectations!

Good!

I can’t see why anyone should have to ‘justify’ buying a piece of clothing they think will be perfect for them, that they can afford.