Is it just me, or does it feel like a lot of brands we used to love have completely dropped the ball? Today I’m talking about the stuff I’m personally done wasting my money on. And before anybody loses their mind—this is my opinion. If you love these brands, buy them. I’m not saying they’re trash. I’m saying the value just isn’t there anymore.
As I’ve gotten older, I care way less about hype and way more about quality, longevity, and value. Spend your money where it actually makes a difference—and stop getting “the business” just because a brand used to be cool. Now I want to hear from you: what’s a brand you’re done buying—and why?
I’m Done Wasting My Money On These
1. Outlet clothing
Banana Republic, Gap, J.Crew outlets used to be clutch. Now the quality is trash—shirts shrink, fabrics wear out fast, and the value is gone.
2. Mall shoe stores
Brands like Johnston & Murphy and Cole Haan used to offer solid shoes. Prices stayed high, quality dropped. Not worth it anymore.
3. Department store shoes
Macy’s and Nordstrom shoe departments used to be incredible. Now? Weak brands, poor materials, bad value.
4. Department store suits
Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Macy’s suits—overpriced for the quality. Hard pass.
5. Most suits except SuitSupply
SuitSupply is a category killer for suits. Best bang for the buck. That said, some of their shirts and knits are overpriced for how long they last.
6. Overpriced outerwear (Patagonia, etc.)
I’m not paying hundreds when an Old Navy puffer keeps me just as warm and lasts just as long.
7. Luxury logo belts
Hermès, designer belts with holes—total waste of money. You’re paying for the logo, not function or longevity.
8. Any belt that isn’t Anson
Anson Belts are a category killer: no holes, track system, interchangeable buckles, insane value. Everything else feels outdated.
9. Expensive glasses & sunglasses
$500–$700 frames are a joke. Affordable options look just as good and work just as well.
10. Natural (mined) diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds at a fraction of the price. Paying tens of thousands makes zero sense to me.
11. Rolex (at current market pricing)
Amazing watches, terrible buying experience. I’m not paying 20–40% over retail just to play the game.
12. Ultra-expensive niche fragrances (like Creed)
Smell great, but $400–$500 is absurd when there are incredible alternatives that get just as many compliments.
13. Designer razor blades
Overpriced and overrated. Affordable blades shave just as well and don’t last any longer.
14. Premium “luxury” skincare
Most high-end skincare is massively overpriced. Better formulas exist for way less money.
15. Hype designer fashion brands
Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Supreme, Off-White—mostly paying for hype, not quality. A few exceptions exist, but most aren’t worth it.
