▎❝ Fashion math: does my collection hold value? ❞

Fashion math is a subject we frequently talk about here at this blog and today, I thought I would break it down by comparing a few items from my personal collection with the same or similar ones currently for sale on preloved sites to see where their value is today in the hopes of figuring out if my investments were worth while. Heads up, this will probably be a pretty lengthy post! I get a lot of questions about the specifics of how I choose things or if the items that I purchase really do retain their value. Most collectors aren’t comfortable with sharing the costs behind their collection which can lead to confusion or skepticism but I feel like seeing the numbers is the only way to truly understand the process and see that I may be eccentric but I’m not crazy! I’m going to be answering my most asked questions with lots of pictures and comparisons including purchase dates to show if it’s worth more or less now than it was when I got my hands on it so you can see for yourself.

This is aimed to not only show you what kinds of deals you can get on iconic pieces if you know what you’re doing but also show how fashion can either increase or decrease in cost from a collector’s stand point. I also want to give a brief summary of what makes a valuable buy from my perspective so I will explain why I decided to snatch. If collecting is not something you’re interested in personally but you just want to know the math behind it, that is totally fine! My only ask is that you keep in mind that I don’t go out and spend this kind of coin on clothing every day and that I have been slowly collecting for over a decade now. Not only do many of my purchases benefit charities but I am a collector which means that while I may wear some of my pieces, my goal is to ultimately keep them in good condition as a long term investment—some never actually leave the vault. Also remember that these numbers are based on the current market and may change with time. Hopefully you will be able to see from my math that I know a little bit of what I’m doing and I’m not just a frivolous strawberry blonde with a blog!

How do you estimate an item’s value

Estimating the value of an item can be precarious—especially for beginners just starting out. This is because there are many different factors that can affect whether something holds value or doesn’t like time and current financial landscapes. To make it easier, I’m going to break it down into three simple parts below that will be able to help and hopefully speed up the process a little bit for you.

Price: What did you pay?

What you pay for an item is a direct consequence of your purchase affecting the entirety of your ownership. It serves as the cornerstone of your investment journey, anchoring subsequent financial and strategic considerations into a baseline. It becomes the floor for any potential investment in the future and acts as a starting place to track whether it will appreciate or depreciate over time.

Condition: What condition is it in?

The condition of an item directly affects whether it will appreciate or depreciate in value. For example, items new or in near to new condition can command a price closer to the original sales value. The newer the item, the closer to retail. Preloved or used items can still retain value, but you will have to account for any imperfections from wear in the form of a price reduction. Items that are in poor condition should also be marked down accordingly and advertised correctly should the time come to part with them.

Market: What it’s currently selling for?

The final factor in estimating an item’s value is to research the current market to see what it’s being sold for by other sellers. Ideally you would be able to find the exact item but if you can’t, you can find something similar as long as it’s from the same brand, time period, and preferably collection. An example of this is the vintage orange floral Louis Féraud top below. I could not find this exact top to compare so I found another piece from Féraud in the same print from the same period meaning both pieces are vintage. These factors are essential and shouldn’t be overlooked.

The rule of 50

When evaluating whether an investment was worthwhile, I rely on a clear set of criteria that categorizes the outcome into three levels: Good, Fair, and Poor. A Good investment is one that has significantly appreciated in value, far exceeding the original purchase price and delivering strong returns. Good investments also tend to rapidly appreciate in value rather than crawl upwards in price. This is the ideal outcome, indicating not just success but exceptional value growth over time. I classify any item that is worth at least $50 more than my original purchase price to be labeled a “good investment”.

A Fair investment, while less impressive, still represents a positive result—it refers to any item that is worth more than what I initially paid, even if it’s just by a single dollar. The key here is that the value has increased, no matter how modestly, meaning the investment has technically gained rather than lost value. It’s important to understand that fair investments tend to continue appreciating value, they just do so slowly. This means that the longer you have this item, the more it will probably be worth when you decide to sell it. Any item that is worth more money than I originally paid but has less than $50 in appreciation is considered a “fair investment”.

On the other hand, a Poor investment is one that has depreciated, losing value over time and falling short of the initial cost. This means that if the item is selling for the same price that I paid or less, I call it a “poor investment”. It’s worth noting that just because an item seems like a poor investment, that’s not always the case. There are always exceptions to the rule. You also shouldn’t only buy things that are going to be worth more money in 5 years. If you like it and you can afford it, it doesn’t matter if someone else would buy it off you, does it? Just keep this in mind.

By using these 3 categories, I can objectively assess my purchases and make more informed financial decisions in the future. This is also the rating system that I will be using below when sharing my numbers. You’re welcome to use my tips if you find them to be helpful in your own shopping adventures but I also encourage you to come up with your own formula if that works better for you! There is no right and wrong way to these things, it’s all about learning.

Vintage Versace Baroque Blazer

I purchased this vintage Gianni Versace Baroque blazer off Etsy in 2017 for $258.27 with shipping. The cost of the jacket itself was $239.62 before mailing costs. When I price checked it now in 2025, I saw it ranging from around $350 to the listing above—also from Etsy—advertising it for $748.74 without shipping. Either way, I still bought mine for well below the current asking price which means I got an amazing deal at the time or the value of this jacket has skyrocketted in 8 years. I would say that this is still not only one of my favorites but a fantastic investment.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

We have spoken about Versace as a brand on this blog and if you read this post about baroque fashion, you would recognize that this particular style is a trademark of Versace. It’s also from the 1990’s which was the golden age for this brand so anything from this era is usually more popular. Baroque fabrics, big gold buttons, and colorful blazers have long since been easily recognizable to Versace since it’s creation in 1978 in Milan. Any collector knows that an item featuring a designer’s signature style is worth more than other pieces of theirs that don’t. Such is the case with this jacket that perfectly embodies the essence of Versace. A baroque piece by Gianni is worth three of his regular shift dresses. It also helps that this jacket is not only vintage but designed by Gianni himself, the founder of Versace, making it of particular interest to collectors like myself who prefer to snatch items from a founding designer’s catalogue.

Good Investment ✓

Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Handbag

l was gifted this black vintage Salvatore Ferragamo baguette handbag from Etsy in 2017 for $151.26 including shipping. Without shipping, this handbag was priced at $134.61. I was able to find this same bag in gray on Ebay listed presently in 2025 for $250. This same handbag in other brighter colors has sold for well over $300 preloved. Again, we see the value of this handbag has slowly crept up over the last 8 years and has remained steady in the market. While it hasn’t completely sky rocketed or shot right up, it has gained value rather than lost which makes it a good investment!

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

Not only is this piece classic Ferragamo with it’s logo handle front and center but it’s a neutral color which is popular and retains it’s value. Before I would’ve said that the size of this bad didn’t necessarily matter but in the age of the mini bag, the baguette has seen a strong resurgence. Elegant and sophisticated, this handbag remains a sought after piece and I have no doubt that if I wanted to resell mine, I definitely could without any issue! Obviously, I’m not but I could!

Good Investment ✓

Vintage Louis Feraud Orange Top

l received this vintage orange floral Louis Féraud top as a birthday present from Ebay last year in 2024 for $27 including shipping. While I couldn’t find this exact top for an accurate price comparison, I did find this same print in a matching blazer on Etsy selling for $100.62 without shipping. Because they feature the same pattern, this is still an accurate determination of what my top is worth as most items in the same collection command the same price when resold. If you are trying to estimate value on an item and can’t find it, find something from that designer with the same print! Considering the fact that the shirt I received is in fact in mint condition despite being vintage, the $27 it cost was fabulous beyond words!

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

In case you missed my post about Féraud, he is known for bright and bold prints. Though he was a French designer, his style was very unique with vibrancy being one of his biggest trademarks. If you can get your hands on a piece of Féraud featuring saturated abstracts or big color blocks, you’ve got something that will hold value. Because of his signature look, a printed Féraud garment will almost always command more than one that is solid in color. If you are getting Féraud, go loud—the more unique the piece, the higher the price tag!

Good Investment ✓

Vintage Quilted Chanel Handbag

I got this yellow vintage Chanel quilted handbag as a Christmas present from Etsy in 2023 for $329.47 including shipping. Without international shipping this bag cost $288.33. I was able to find a similar bag on Ebay presently listed in 2025 for $4,000. To be absolutely fair, I got my handbag in need of very minor repair. It’s stitching was a little loose in one place which I easily fixed and it was missing a hardly noticeable rhinestone. Given the condition of the bag I received and the bag being comparably sold, it’s fair to knock at least $500 off my estimation to be generous. That would put my bag’s tentative evaluation around $3,500.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

It’s classic Chanel with a quilted exterior and chain strap. Chanel never loses value and it is one of the few handbags that could be literally hit by a bus and still command top dollar. This why I only have one Chanel handbag at the time of this posting—they are expensive. Whether you get them preloved or new, they cost a kidney just the same. It took me years to find just the right Chanel handbag to invest in because I wanted something unique, yet something that would be timeless. When I found this yellow one for such a good price, I couldn’t believe my luck, You can’t get anywhere near Coco for under $600. I don’t care what you buy with Chanel on it, it will hold it’s monetary worth and that’s the tea.

Good Investment ✓

Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Cardigan

I got this green wool Salvatore Ferragamo Cardigan for Christmas in 2024 on Ebay for $47.90 including shipping. In 2025, it’s selling on Ebay for around $125. Considering it hasn’t even been a full year since I got this cardigan and it’s already gone up in value, I’m assuming it will continue to do so. It’s worth mentioning that there are many Ferragamo cardigans like this listed in a variety of colors for several different price ranges but you have to take the condition into consideration. For example, I saw another lighter green one exactly like this for about $35 but it looked like it was trampled by many elephants—a whole herd of them. Mine was only a few dollars more and it’s in mint condition for vintage so these things need to be considered when factoring in price.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

Like many of the other items I’ve mentioned, this cardigan holds it’s value because it is classic Ferragamo. The thick ribbon is such a staple of the brand and is frequently featured in the Vera collection. The gold buttons are also a hallmark of Ferragamo as well as the unique pocket placement. There’s nothing classier than a nice, simple cardigan. A piece like this one will never go out of style and has remained popular since it’s manufacture despite fluctuating fashion trends. This is a very sophisticated yet financially safe investment for any wardrobe.

Good Investment ✓

Vintage Vivienne Westwood Bag

I got this vintage Vivienne Westwood gray croc handbag from Etsy for $316.94 with international shipping in 2023. Without shipping, this handbag cost $299. Currently in 2025, this handbag is being sold on Ebay for $340 excluding shipping. While this bag has increased in value since I got it two years ago, it has been a slower rise than other handbags. This could potentially be due to more handbags being made with this top handle style or charcoal color—both of which are common in the Westwood brand. While it’s a neutral piece worth having because it’s a practical option, it is not unique enough to command the quick jump to a large value increase right away. This means that it will hold it’s value but may take a more time to actually gain the kind of value we’ve seen in other bags.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

I got this handbag just after Vivienne Westwood’s death not only as a tribute but also because I suspected the price of her handbags would increase when she was no longer able to design them. When a namesake designer or brand founder passes away, their work becomes much more valuable because they’re sadly not around to create new pieces. This means that as new designers join already established fashion houses, their work is usually not as prominent as their predecessor. From a collecting stand point, you want to get your hands on pieces from that designer. If you want Vivienne Westwood, you need to buy Vivienne Westwood not another designer for Vivienne Westwood. The original designer’s work will always retain resale value. I also liked that it was a neutral color and would match many things.

Fair Investment ✓

Christian Lacroix Tweed Blazer

I got this Christian Lacroix tweed blazer off Ebay for $85.04 with shipping in 2024. I was able to find the same jacket currently selling on Ebay for $150 without shipping. It’s worth mentioning that this is a very popular blazer and there are many sellers listing it for sale with a variety of different prices between $50 and $180 so I decided to split the range and account for the new condition that I also got mine in. When you take all of those factors into consideration, you can see that this blazer has gained value and will retain value due to it’s popularity and high demand.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

Tweed never goes out of style. Every fall and winter, there is a huge resurgence in the tweed trend year after year so anything that you buy with tweed is sure to not only remain fashionable but retain it’s value. Most designer tweed pieces command top dollar because they are similar to Chanel’s trademark tweed suits that many buyers can’t afford so they settle for finding the style in more cost effective brands that are still luxury just less coin crushing. The gold chain detailing is also a detail that will keep this piece priced well because it’s an added feature that looks expensive and classic. Basically, this blazer will always be on trend therefore it’s a good investment.

Good Investment ✓

Michael Kors Susannah Bag

I got this Michael Kors Susannah bag in late 2023 for $88.20 including shipping costs. I was able to find the same handbag currently selling for $125.00 without paying potential shipping costs. The average sales range for a new Michael Kors handbag is $100-$600 depending on the bag. Luxury or limited addition handbags from this brand can reach over $700. It’s worth mentioning that if you pay attention to outlet sales, you can probably find a bag for around $100. In store at regular price, smaller bags and crossbodies are $50-$150 while larger bags like totes are about $90-$300. All of that being said, I still got a good deal on my bag!

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

Michael Kors is a very popular and accessible brand which means that his items may sometimes sell for less but they will definitely sell due to demand. Every woman that I know—I’m speaking of the ones who don’t read vogue here—know Michael Kors and would buy his brand. The popularity paired with the affordable pricing makes Michael Kors handbags an easily resold item. Now, for this specific bag, I liked the texture of the leather as well as the color. Michael is known for repeating trends in his bags so when you come across one that looks a little different, it’s going to appreciate in value because it will stand out from many of the other bags that look very similar. Obviously based on what it’s selling for now, I made a good call!

Good Investment ✓

Vintage Versace Collection Abito Donna Dress

I got this dress for a birthday present in 2021 for $135 including shipping costs. Vintage pieces are harder to find a price comparison for because they usually go to collectors which makes their reappearance on the market less frequent. These one of a kind pieces are rare and you have to really search for them. However, I was able to find my dress in yellow currently selling for $799.00 without shipping costs. Back in the day—probably the 1990’s or early 2000’s if I had to guess—when this dress was on sale in an actual store, it’s recorded retail price was between $380-$600 with some variations exceeding this range. When this dress sold from the Versus Versace line, it sold in stores for $1,290. This dress has gone up in value much quicker than I anticipated it would but the proof is in the price tag!

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

I invested in this piece because I love Versace and I know that it holds value. Vintage Versace is my favorite brand to collect and it rarely loses it’s appeal on the resell market. This dress specifically is a popular style because of it’s drapery and silhouette—it’s full of repeating trends that make it timeless. Also, designer pieces made of fabric with a print or texture are often more sought after by collectors than solids because they’re seen as distinctive. Honestly, I just really liked the dress!

Good Investment ✓

Roberto Cavalli Class Terre Triple Handbag

I purchased this Cavalli Class Terre Triple top handle bag in cognac for $52.16 new with tags including shipping costs. Cavalli Class is an affordable handbag line from Roberto Cavalli that shares similar popularity and price range to Michael Kors and Kate Spade. I found this same bag selling for $80.00 on Ebay in the same new condition without shipping cost. This bag retailed in stores for $98 which means that I still got it for about half the original price.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

I invested in this piece because I was really in need of a brown bag this color to go with a pair of boots. Neutral colors—specifically ones that are easy to match with shoes—tend to hold value due to versatility. In the same way that bright colored hand bags are sought after for being rare, neutral handbags are wanted for classic wardrobe staples. While this piece did not appreciate too much in value, it is worth more than when I purchased it which means that it’s a fair investment.

Fair Investment ✓

Vintage Christian Dior Blazer

I got this vintage Christian Dior button blazer for $50.94 including shipping costs. It was sold in excellent preloved condition in 2025. I was able to find the same blazer along with the matching skirt selling for $800 without shipping cost. Like the blazer that I purchased, this suit is in preloved condition. Let’s be fair here and say that if I halved the $800 price of the suit to accommodate for the 2 pieces instead of one with $400 for the blazer and skirt respectively, it would still be an amazing value compared to the $50 that I spent.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

Christian Dior is one of the top designers that collectors look for. This is not only due to the popularity of his label but because of his major contributions to the fashion industry as a trail blazer. If you can find a good Christian Dior piece in decent condition, it will almost always hold it’s value but is more likely to gain value. The classic design of this blazer and tailoring are staples of Christian Dior’s brand. If I saw it on the street, I would be able to tell it was definitely Dior. Again, it’s something that will never go out of style.

Good Investment ✓

Versace La Medusa Handbag

I got received this handbag as a Christmas present from my beloved mother in 2021 who paid AU $380.54. In our American money, this handbag cost $264.86. Not only was this handbag rare to find but it was also brand new which makes the price she paid even more of a steal. As you can see, the same bag that I found in green—also new—is currently selling for $671 on Vestiaire Collective. This appears to be a markdown from the original listing price of $744. It’s worth noting that Versace La Medusa handbags generally retail between $1,195 and $2,795 new in stores which accounts for the higher original price. Ma and I got an amazing bargain on this one!

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

This bag was on my Christmas list for all of the reasons I already explained. La Medusa bags are incredibly rare to find under $500 and that’s when they’re used and crusty. The fact that this bag was new and selling for under $300 was incredible considering what the market can accommodate for this type of bag. I also fell in love with the color which is a rare hue to find and that will add to it’s value as time goes on. I’m a sucker for a good crocodile texture. I just really love this bag and I probably would’ve still asked for it even if I didn’t think it would hold value. Lucky for me, it definitely did!

Good Investment ✓

Michael Kors Snakeskin Trench

You may recognize this Michael Kors Snakeskin trench coat from this blog post where I talk about how I snatched it in the name of charity. I paid $19.98 for this preloved trench coat in “excellent condition” including the shipping cost in 2023. It’s currently selling for around $89 new with tags without shipping costs. As I mentioned above with Michael Kors as a brand, it is popular. According to my research, this coat retailed new in the store for $199.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

Aside from the fact that it was for charity and I couldn’t resist such a good deal, I know that trench coats are popular. They rarely go out of style and are a fall/spring staple of many major labels. Purchasing this coat not only helped a good cause but it’s something that will always be trending—trench coats and animal print. You can’t really go wrong with either.. The light weight material also makes it super versatile for layering.

Good Investment ✓

New Versace Collection Handbag

l got my hands on this blue leather Versace Collection Satchel new with tags for $100.70 in 2024 including shipping costs. I found the exact handbag in the same condition selling for $537 in 2025. Versace Collection satchels and handbags generally retail between $300-$1,000+ depending on their size. Higher end top handle satchels like this one usually have original retail prices around $1,000.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

It’s no secret that I love this brand and that I favor collecting Versace and Ferragamo handbags above all others. I know that the Versace Collection holds resale value and that it would be a great purchase but I also liked the color. I don’t usually get bags this big but I knew that it was an amazing bargain for a label that usually sells smaller bags at big prices. How nice of a change would it be to get a big bag at a smaller price? The numbers speak for themselves! It’s a great investment.

Good Investment ✓

Vintage Neiman Marcus Jacket

I got this vintage Neiman Marcus cropped silk baroque jacket for $105.52 in 2023 including shipping fees for Christmas. I found the same jacket selling second hand for $71.25 without shipping cost. While this item lost value instead of gaining, I still think it’s a valuable statement piece to my wardrobe. I know enough about trends to know that when baroque fashion starts walking the run ways again, there is a strong possibility this jacket may appreciate value again.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

I liked it—plain and simple. Not everything that I purchase to wear is with the idea that I will be turning around and selling it. In fact, most of my clothes I would never sell. I still like to make smart shopping decisions but I also the things that I like. I loved the colors of this jacket and it’s iconic 1980’s vintage style. Regardless of it’s worth, the tailoring and gold detailing make this jacket look very high fashion to me. It’s Versacesque fabric is everything that I love about wearing prints. I have no regrets about acquiring this beauty.

Poor Investment ✓

Vintage Emilio Pucci Handbag

I purchased this vintage preloved Emilio Pucci bag for $103.57 in 2025 including shipping fees. I found the exact same bag selling on Vestiaire Collective for $598 excluding shipping fees. Historically speaking, Emilio Pucci handbags generally retail between $660 and over $2,000 with some rare bags fetching much more. This means that both second hand prices are most likely still lower than the original sales price.

Why did I choose to invest in this piece?

Emilio Pucci handbags are highly revered and sought after by collectors. Pucci dressed icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy, Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Lauren Becall, and Elizabeth Taylor. He was known for his distinctive abstract prints that set him apart from other designers and made his brand easily recognizable on the street. However, some of the materials that he originally used for his bags—such as canvas and fabric—did not stand the test of time making vintage bags in good condition a hot commodity. In many cases, Pucci’s vintage bags are more popular than the label’s newer ones. I loved the colors in this bag but I also knew what a rare fashion find I was getting.

Good Investment ✓

Final Thoughts

As we conclude this fashion math class, I hope that these tips have helped you learn how to not only shop stylishly but smart. By understanding the cost of your garments, recognizing quality craftsmanship, and evaluating timeless versus trendy pieces, you’re now equipped to make more informed fashion choices that align with both your personal style and budget.

Even just knowing the worth of the items in your closet can help you feel good about your investments—whether it’s a vintage jacket that has appreciated over time or a well made handbag that holds its value. You might find something that you thought was worthless is actually worth a lot—you never know! This mindset shift not only promotes sustainability but also empowers you to see your wardrobe as a curated collection of valuable assets, not just fleeting trends.