Form, function, and frugality

At one time, most material things that we consider an expression of our style or identity only existed for their utility. The necktie was originally a bib to protect men’s shirts. Watches told the time. The first automobiles (magically!) moved people from point A to B. And now, the pricing of these items is so diverse that you have to move several decimal points to capture the range.

Form and function. We all have preferences. No one wants to drive an uncomfortable, unstylish vehicle. But being frugal on things that we only care about for their utility leaves us more to spend on items whose form or style we DO care about.