This is going to be a long read, dudes.
I'm not going to reply to anything because I don't want to drag it out so FYI...it's just my 2 cents.
I understand what Rolli is trying to say. I lived through it. I basically redid 99.5% of my wardrobe in the last 3 years or so when I started commanding a real salary. I was a part of this thread from the start and I bought a lot of stuff from Macy's, BR, H&M, etc. At that point, I replace my fitted caps and NTs definition of streetwear with whatever I found on sale even though if I didn't really liked it, and I did it pretty quick...in several months. This is why I have advised for the new guys to take it slow and not try to revamp their wardrobe in a short amount of time. You may have a buyer remorse. Rolli is (I think) saying quality over quantity...picking a pair of Alden instead 5 pairs of Aldos or 3 shirts of decent quality instead of 15 H&M shirts..basically a minimalist set up if you must.
Now, I want to introduce the concept of perceptual map...my biz guys should know somewhat about it. Picture the X axis being the price, and Y axis being the quality. As price goes up, you would expect quality to go up as well. However, at all points on the map there are consumer bases. The lower ones being targets for brands like H&M and Zara, and the higher points being the likes of Tom Ford and Prada. The point here is that there are consumers that want to dress better at all target points. Some people don't want to spend much money and would be happy to replace those items in a couple of years. Some people want high quality items so they can wear it for years and years to come. Different folks want different things....it applies to this thread too. If you want the finest items out there, the mall basically does nothing for you. You'd be shopping online and visit high end stores only.
Everyone has their own comfort zone in term of spending. This does not necessary correlate to income. There is a gent on StyleForum I talk to about business/current events. He makes nearly $200k/year and is comfortable buying AEs. He thinks Aldens are too expensive for him. He has other hobbies that other folks may not be into. On the other side of the spectrum, I know guys around my age who are really into expensive things and make a lot less than the aforementioned guy. Guys would always want to stay in their comfort zone.
The goal of this thread is to help a user develop his own style....this is why a lot of pictures are posted and discussions are debated. A lot of the gents here are in their late teens or early 20s. It is obvious that menswear and a dash of streetwear dominate the thread. It is not a unique mix like SF where you may have guys wearing flannel around the waist for the heck of it or a leather skirt or rock the anti fit. If a new user can benefit off this thread by getting the foundation started or at least get a direction of where he wants to go, then the thread has done its job. The users may venture off to other boards for further learning/growth, ie they may go onto Ask Andy or the Men's Corner to really learn about menswear if they take a liking to it. Because a lot of the gents here are in that bracket of late teens to early 20s, budget is a concern. I couldn't even afford Red Wings in college so I can relate.
I'm an easy going guy, so I don't mind how this thread turns, as long as it stays positive and everyone is respected. If dudes want to talk about mall brands and sales, so be it