Lessons Learned at My Wallet’s Expense

In the past few years I’ve spent several thousand dollars on RJ clothes. I was taken in by the aesthetic and especially the idea of viewing clothes as “heirlooms”. Yet, I’ve spent hundreds on a piece and had it splotched and ruined by lemonade. These clothes don’t last years let alone lifetimes. I want to give my children or grandchildren some old rags to wear? The utilities I have are nice, but the fit has never been comfy which I attributed to rigid denim. I’ve worn them many times. However, I just recently purchased a pair of new Levi’s 501s. They are rigid denim and right away I felt like they were comfortable because the pattern and execution is tested and high quality. They actually feel like “person shaped” while my RJ denim feels like the shape of a drawing of pants. (If that makes sense)

Sustainability is important to me but I am doubtful of the sustainability of Rjs factories- why have we never seen the actual factories where the clothes are made? I’m skeptical of the working conditions of the employees.

I’m the kind of person who will spend money on something because it’s higher quality and ethically made. (I’m obsessed with my babaa sweaters, for example). However, I feel like some brands take advantage of this type of consumer. For me, I think I’m going to focus on purchasing less and not just thinking that because something cost $300+ that must mean it’s a high quality product. I want to have a “lived in” personal style and there’s not an expensive shortcut to that.