No More Shopping Mistakes — Build a Luxe Wardrobe That Lasts (Without Breaking the Bank)

If your clothes start to look worn out after just a few wears, chances are, you’re making one of these common shopping mistakes. I’ve made them too! Over the years, I’ve learned how small shifts in how you shop can make a huge difference in how your wardrobe looks, feels, and lasts.

In this post, I’m breaking down the three biggest shopping mistakes that might be costing you time, money, and confidence — and most importantly, how to avoid them. From the very beginning, my mission has been to help you build a wardrobe you love: one that feels elevated, timeless, and realistic for your lifestyle and budget.

So if you’re tired of dealing with pilling, stretching, or pieces that fall apart after one season, this is for you. These are the mistakes to stop making — starting today.

Let’s dive in…

If you’re searching for a flattering pair of jeans, check out this blog post on the silhouette that flatters every body shape. 

Mistake #1 – Ignoring The Fabric

One of the biggest reasons our clothes start to look worn out too quickly is the fabric. If something pills, loses shape, or feels cheap after a few wears, it’s usually because the fiber quality wasn’t there to begin with.

Natural fibers are the foundation of a luxe wardrobe, but even then, not all fibers are created equal. I always look for very specific indicators of quality on the label. For cotton, I try to stick with organic cotton because it’s typically softer, stronger, and less processed. (Here’s a great cotton modal blend tee.) With cashmere, I look for 100% Grade A Mongolian cashmere or a cashmere-silk blend — the fibers are longer, smoother, and much less likely to pill. I have a few of these cashmere sweaters from Quince, and they’re so good…AND only $50! I also just picked up this woven cashmere shrunken knit sweater for fall and love the fit and cable stitching. This cashmere wrap coat is absolutely gorgeous. It is double-faced, meaning finished on both sides, which like lining, is another indicator of quality.

If I’m buying silk, I look for Mulberry silk, which holds its shape and sheen beautifully. I love this gorgeous mulberry silk bodysuit shown above. And with linen, 100% premium European linen is ideal because it softens over time without breaking down. These seemingly small label details make a massive difference in how your clothes look, feel, and wear over time. When you choose higher-grade natural fibers, your pieces don’t just last longer — they actually get better with age.

Bottom line: Don’t shop just by style or price — check the fabric. When you invest in better fibers and construction, even your basics look more expensive and last so much longer. Avoid fabrics like acrylic, nylon, and polyester.

Mistake #2 – Assuming All Leather Is Created Equal

Not all leather is the same — and when it comes to your wardrobe, this one detail can dramatically impact how polished, elevated, and long-lasting your look is.

This is especially true with handbags. Even the most beautiful outfit can be dragged down by a bag that looks cheap, worn, or poorly made. Quality leather instantly enhances your overall look, while low-grade materials can age quickly, lose structure, or look overly trendy (and not in a good way).

So, what should you look for? Let’s talk about leather types:

Top Grain Leather is durable and soft, with just a bit of sanding to remove imperfections.

Full Grain Leather has a natural, untreated surface that ages beautifully over time.

Pebbled Leather offers a textured look that’s less prone to visible scratches and wear — great for everyday bags.

Nappa Leather is exceptionally soft and smooth to the touch, Nappa is often used in luxury handbags and known for its buttery feel (but can scratch easily!)

Italian Leather is often full grain or top grain (both excellent quality), prized for its craftsmanship, buttery texture, and luxurious finish.

For the most versatility and longevity, opt for high-quality leather bags in neutral tones with minimal hardware. Pay attention to details like texture, grain, structure, and stitching — they all matter. A well-made handbag doesn’t just complete your outfit… it elevates it.

Here are a few of my favorite bags that strike the perfect balance between style, quality, and price.

Handwoven Leather Crossbody Bags

Both of the bags shown above are made with 100% Italian leather and feature a gorgeous, artisan handwoven design. The black crossbody has an adjustable strap and is made of super soft, easy to clean leather. The structure of both bags is so soft but still hold their shape, and the convertible strap on the taupe bag gives it added versatility. Plus, the taupe shade is especially chic and works year-round.

Leather Shopper Tote

This piece is a perfect example of functionality meeting longevity:

•Subtly pebbled leather that’s naturally scratch-resistant
•Multiple compartments for work, travel, or everyday carry
•Elevated texture that looks expensive, even though it’s not

When you understand the differences in leather quality, your accessories instantly start looking more polished and lasting longer. The tote above is available in a gorgeous taupe and olive green that you can shop here (and keep checking back for restocks in their other colors!).

Mistake #3 – Skipping the Reviews

Last, but certainly not least on the list of common shopping mistakes, is skipping the reviews. When you’re shopping online, you don’t need to guess whether something will hold up — the reviews will tell you! Most of us scroll past them, but they’re one of the easiest tools for spotting quality (or avoiding a dud).

A perfect example is this Grade A cashmere crewneck sweater that I picked up from Quince a few years ago — with more than 20,000 verified five-star reviews, it’s proof that affordable doesn’t have to mean cheap. Check out more high-quality sweaters from Quince here.

When you read reviews:

•Look for notes about pilling, fit, and texture
•Pay attention to repeat buyers (always a good sign)
•Watch for photos — they’re often more accurate than product images!

A few extra minutes reading through reviews can save you from disappointment — and help you discover some hidden gems that you might not have considered before!

ready for a luxe wardrobe that lasts?

Here’s the truth… a high-end wardrobe isn’t about logos or high price tags — it’s about being intentional. When you focus on fabric quality, craftsmanship, and informed buying, you’ll naturally build a closet that feels elevated without overspending. It’s always worth it to invest in quality over quantity. Quality pieces that last for years always outweigh the products that need replaced after just a few wears.

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