My wardrobe is a mix of splurges and saves. I’m also a really big sale shopper, I love to get a great deal, but I also just love to shop—a lot. My girls know when we hit the stores my first stop is the sale rack! If you like shopping sales, look at the end of the season for items you can wear the following year (for example, look for sweaters at the end of winter and bathing suits at the end of the summer). Try to find classic pieces so you don’t have to be concerned about trends, but if you’re like me, you’ll look for what you like. I don’t care if something is from last season, if I like it I’ll wear it.
When my kids were younger they always wanted to go shopping and I would tell them they had to love what they were trying on. Then I’d say ok, if you want it you have to pay half. They really didn’t have to pay, but if they loved it enough to say they’d be willing to pay with their own money then I knew they’d wear it. I use a similar philosophy myself when I’m shopping, I have to love the item if I’m going to buy it! If I look in the mirror and feel special then I know it’s something I will purchase.
Here are some items I think you can either splurge or save on, or do a mix of both. Just remember whether you splurge or save, whatever you choose to wear, wear it with confidence and it’ll be worth whatever you paid for it!
Bags, to me, are a splurge. Nothing makes me feel more special than using a great bag. I used to purchase inexpensive bags and had a number of them, but then I received my first designer bag, a Louis Vuitton Neverfull Monogram Tote, as a gift from my daughter (she saved her babysitting money to buy this for me for my birthday, how incredible is she??!!) and I was hooked! I’d rather have fewer bags but good ones. I typically look for classic styles so my investment will be something I use for years to come.
A well made and well fitting bra is so important, so this is a splurge item. You can be wearing the most incredible outfit, but if your undergarments don’t fit well it can ruin the entire look. On the other hand, if they do fit well, they can escalate your outfit. Honestly, when I go bra shopping I often take a deep breath when I see the prices, but I know how important it is to wear a good bra so I tell myself to suck it up! I do take care of how I wash my bras. They go in a lingerie bag, gentle cycle, and then I reshape each cup and let them air dry. I also have a few bras so I can rotate them, not wearing the same one two days in a row. Someone explained to me that this gives the elastic a chance to rest and will extend the life of the bra. Given how much they cost this is a good idea, right??!!
Shoes can be both splurge and save. I believe good shoes are important for the health of your feet so whether you want to splurge or save on shoes make sure they fit well and are comfortable. I’ve purchased some of my better shoes from places like Barney’s Warehouse and Yoox. Here I’ve found some incredible boots and shoes for a fraction of the original price. I like to purchase designer shoes (and bags) while one vacation. There’s something about buying on vacation-it is special and makes for a great memory. In save mode, I have some really cute shoes from Zara. Also, brands such as Jeffrey Campbell, Steve Madden, and Sam Edelman are a really good price point and offer some fun options.
Jeans are another area where I will sometimes splurge, but also look to find where I can save. I love Levis and have found that I can purchase them in the boys department. I usually find them at Kohl’s and since they are such a great price I’m fine cutting the bottom for the raw hem that’s so in right now. Or I’ll cuff them for another cute look. Zara is also another great place to look when you want to save on jeans. I will often splurge on jeans if I find ones I love. My daughter was wearing dl1961 jeans and I loved how they looked on her. I ordered a pair for myself and I’m so glad I did, I feel great whenever I wear them. Frame jeans are another of my favorite brands. They consistently fit well and are really comfortable so they’re worth the splurge.
T-shirts are a save item to me. They get a lot of use and, as a result, frequent washings so this is definitely an item I look to save on. That way I can replace them as often as I need and don’t feel bad. Lighter colors often need to be replaced more frequently, especially if worn during the summer months-yup, I sweat!
Another save area for me is work out clothes. Admittedly I’m not not the biggest exercise person, and for those who are I do understand the desire to splurge on your exercise clothes. For me, however, I’d rather spend my money on everyday clothes. I frequently purchase my work out clothes at TJ Maxx and have found some great leggings and tops. I also like Zella from Nordstrom, especially during their sales. I throw all my exercise clothes in the dryer (except for sports bras) and they’re fine.
I mix and match my splurge and save items when I’m putting together an outfit. By this I mean you can see me wearing a pair of Chanel shoes with a dress from Zara. As I said before, whatever you wear, wear it with confidence and no one will be the wiser!! Have fun shopping your closet, putting together new outfits, and deciding what you need to add, as a save or a splurge, to complete your looks.
SHOP SIMILAR TO THIS POST:
