The first thing I pay attention to is where the clothes were constructed and where the fabric was woven. That isn't to say I don't own articles of clothing made by children, but I try really, really, really hard to stay away from things that weren't made in North America. I try to buy American, but you have no idea how hard that is.

Second, it depends on look and feel. Right now I'm wearing a black t-shirt from Wal-Mart (even though I hate shopping there.) It feels good, it looks good on me, it was made in the US, and I've had it for about two years now. I've bought much more expensive clothes made of the same material that have started to pill.

I don't have to shop at expensive stores. It's important to develop an eye for good quality in cheap places. For example, shopping the trend at Target pretty much guarantees you're going to be replacing a top soon, but buying a jacket there is a pretty good deal.

The only thing I'm really picky about are my bras. I don't understand why some companies make such crappy bras. I have to budget very carefully to buy mine, but they last for years.