Leather Biker Jackets: Let's Discuss Business Models

In last week's Dior blog I discussed how we can't always get what we want, but if you apply yourself you can often come close enough! So today let THE SAVVY SHOPPER take you shopping, and away we go ... 

At the top of the blog, we have a gorgeous and classic leather Dior Biker Jacket. The leather is goat skin which is durable leather, usually not as buttery soft as lambskin, but tough, enduring, and Dior-quality smooth. Cost: $5,700, a gasp-worthy sum for an average person. 

Let's say you don't want to part with 6 Grover Clevelands and you don't want to do without as you pine for a leather biker jacket! First, examine Dior's Baker Jacket to know what details you like about it so you can find something comparable for less moola.

All Saints $529 (left) and Bernaldo $269 right.

Now let's find several stellar brands that are more affordable than Dior. Some are still pricey (although not nearly so!) and those a Savvy Shopper keeps an eye on. Do frequent google searches, as well as, wait for sales!! 

Look at the online pre-loved markets also where you might even find your first love, the Dior leather jacket. If it's still too expensive, move on to your 2nd and 3rd choices. Decide if there are any bells and whistles you don't need that might lower the price (for examples (1) some of the biker jackets have belts and others don't; (2) some are more insulated for warmth than others). When the price is right, be ready to move the wish list jacket into your shopping cart.

Lauren Ralph Lauren $440 (left) and Rag and Bone $695.50 (right)

Karl Lagerfeld Paris $329 (left) and Angel - Ninfa $189

Sam Edelman $250 (left) and Rebecca Minkoff $498

Set leather jacket $455 (new) and preloved $212 here and $various here.

Know that the price of garments doesn't always reflect quality but instead follows a company's business model. For example, the apparel company Set has a lower price point as its business model than Dior, and yet both jackets are well-made. Retailers whose business model is to give customers good and fair value for the money are your friends. Figure out who they are by doing your research. Another example: Coach stands toe to toe with Dior and Chanel in quality and craftsmanship, yet doesn't market its leather goods as luxury. Buy from your friends to save those Grover Clevelands for your retirement!

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Ralph Lauren Come Decorate My Apartment

This top image is Ralph Lauren's spacious flagship store on the west side of [address 867] Madison Avenue at East 72nd Street in New York City. I'm sure the designer's tasteful decor is similar at his other stores in major cities throughout the world. 

Although the merchant's home decor style is a tad more masculine than mine, I use what I see at RL as inspiration since I love his rich, sophisticated, yet unfussy American style.😍 Mr. Lauren combines classic, clean, simple elegance with old-world charm. Just like his clothes, RL's home decor is stylish and cosmopolitan without pretentiousness.

It's always a joy to enter the flagship store (in fact there are 2 stores on Madison Avenue at East 72nd Street opposite one another on the east and west sides of the street), where you are always greeted with friendliness and never stuffiness, disdain, inaccessibility, indifference, or the rudeness of some upscale businesses. Furthermore, RL's price points are neither cheap nor outrageous. They are high-end and expensive, yet not gouging.

Mr. Ralph Lauren, please come decorate my home! Hey, already I have your bath towels and bedsheets and if you agree to come, I'll turn the rest of the place over to do with what you will. I trust you completely, Ralph! Your style is my style.😍

Readers … I'd also love to have the huge space to go with the substantial furniture in RL's flagship store. In NYC, large rooms are a rarity. First a dreamer, then a realist I like to say. Perhaps you don't have the budget or space to fit the whole shebang of furnishings into your home, but you can get the feel by adding several of the smaller, less costly pieces. Perhaps I'll have to settle for the one martini/wine glass above.🍷😉 However, I'll be sure to buy more than one if Mr. Ralph and his team stop by. Call me!

 

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