079. RECEIPTS: An Educator from Montana on Shopping Locally, Perfect Pants, and Dreamy Ceramics
RECEIPTS is a mid-week column for subscribers of Every Body Gets Dressed. In it, I ask individuals outside the fashion industry about their shopping budgets, spending decisions, and how they balance investment buys with more affordable ones. We discuss the brands that delighted them and those that disappointed them to bring you impartial takes on the most hyped-up brands in fashion, beauty, and beyond. You can find past editions of this column here. Most of the people I feature are subscribers! If you’d like your answers featured in the column, comment below or reply to this email, and I’ll contact you.
I have never been as influenced by anyone as by the women featured in this column since I started publishing it two months ago. Today’s interview is no different; I spoke to Betsy, a reader from Missoula who has an incredibly thoughtful approach to fashion. I had never heard of Jesse Kamm before and fell in love with her sailor pants. I also removed Frownies from my basket. I hope you enjoy reading through her answers as much as I did.
What is your job, and where do you live? I work in the education field, and I live in Missoula, MT.
Define your style in five words or less. Sustainable, classic, natural, timeless, and grounded.
What percentage of your salary do you spend on fashion? I recently stepped away from my teaching position, and as I look for positions outside of the classroom, I am not making a salary. When I was, it was probably between 3% and 5%.
What's your approach to budgeting? I, admittedly, could benefit from budgeting. I look at the upcoming season and identify gaps in my closet that I’d like to fill. Then, I look for items that fit within my self-imposed spending parameters. I’m happy to invest in pieces I know I’ll wear frequently for years to come.
A brand or product you bought that was worth the hype. A pair of Jesse Kamm sailor pants. The sizing can be challenging to pin down, but the high rise, sturdy canvas, and great cut are flattering and timeless.
A brand or product you bought that wasn’t worth the price you paid. Everlane. Although I own a few pairs of pants from the brand, I find that most of their clothing doesn’t stand up to everyday wear and tear.
A brand or product you bought you’d pay twice the money for. I’m generally pretty frugal. So nothing.
Your most used bags. My top two are both Lindquist bags, the Pal and the Faba. The designs are beautiful, functional, and so well-made.
Your most worn shoes. Living in Montana, this is a very seasonal question for me. In summer, I most frequently wear the Plasticana Sandana jelly sandal, and in the winter, it is a tie between my Blundstones or my Steger Mukluks when the temperature plummets.
Who makes the best underwear? I absolutely love Negative Underwear bras.
Who makes the best activewear? I love everything Vuori and Youer, a local Missoula company that makes great size-inclusive activewear.
What is the best cheap fashion item(s) you’ve recently bought? I try to avoid fast fashion, as my experiences have never been great, but I recently bought a Gap gauze oversized button-down, and it makes the perfect beach coverup.
The most expensive item(s) you’ve recently bought. My Lindquist Faba, Shaina Mote denim workshirt, and a 3T gravel bike for riding remote Montana roads.
Kiss, Marry, Avoid. Spending money on Clothes, Shoes, and Bags. Kiss shoes, I have more than I can wear. Marry clothes, they’re what help me look and feel my best. Avoid bags, although my adoration for Lindquist might change this.
A shopping rule you have for yourself. I always try to wait two weeks to a month, and if I’m still thinking about it and still love it, it is probably worth the investment.
Three beauty products you love. I love the Merit Five Minute Morning set, especially the mascara and brow pomade. I also love the Tula Instant De-Puff Eye Renewal Serum for days when my under-eye could use a boost.
Three beauty products you bought that let you down. Frownies! I hated the smell, the texture of the paper, and the way they adhered to my face.
The best things you’ve bought in recent years. My Haptic Lab Quilt Coat has been one of my favorite purchases in recent years. It is super warm, and I’ve gotten more compliments on it than any other piece of clothing I’ve ever worn. A vintage woven ottoman from At Piece Furniture in Missoula has been the perfect addition to our living room. A few years ago, I also bought a five-year journal. It has become a great way to reflect on my day, note any seasonal changes, and write about what my daughter has been up to. Last year, I added a gratitude practice to my journal, writing down (at least) one thing each evening that I feel grateful for that day.
The worst things you’ve bought in recent years. I typically take so long to consider a purchase that I don’t often purchase stuff I end up not wearing or using. The exception is when I make impulsive purchases and rip off the tags in excitement to wear something before trying it on without considering whether it is right.
How and where do you shop? I try to shop locally first. Missoula has excellent small shops and businesses with great brands that I love to check out. I also try to shop second-hand as much as possible. The app Lucky Sweater is great for trading slow fashion.
What product or brand do you wish you could gatekeep? Pieces by Alexandria Cummings Ceramics. She’s a super-talented ceramicist in Portland, and her collections always sell out! I try to snag a piece I’ve got my eye on before telling anyone that she has new pieces on her site.
[If you’d like to hear more from Betsy, she writes about things she loves here].
I love Betsy's approach to thoughtful purchasing and being willing to spend on items that will spend many years in her wardrobe. That's an uncommon approach. I also like to take time to consider potential purchases, prompting my friends to describe me as slow to the point of madness. Ha!
this was just lovely. so great to read (and see) what a non influencer is buying, wearing and thinking about