Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Style Splurges

Someone recently left a comment and asked how many cardigans and jackets I owned. I went and counted them up only to discover that the answer was too many (about 100 of each). Even if they were a minimum of $20.00 each (and that's a dream amount, trust me) that's just too much money. As my mother would say, it's probably not the best idea to wear your assets on your...well, you know where she meant.

Now I am learning the lesson of saving on the trendy items and semi-splurging on the classic, luxe pieces. Classic and luxury for me may not be the same for you, however. Luxury for me is Banana Republic, Jcrew and Talbots, not real uber-expensive items like Manolos or a Louis Vuitton bag, even if I wish it was. All the splurges on this list (save for the last one) were $100 or less. My personal splurges have to be items that go with several pieces I already own, have a traditional fit, and are neutral, go with everything colors.

The recent items that have been splurges are:
-White tailored fit, no iron shirt from Brooks Brothers (but on sale at the outlets).

It's great with a suit, under a sleeveless dress, or under a tank.

Here it is 2 ways, one for work and one a little dressier:


Jcrew Driving Scarf (at the outlets)

Normally I buy scarves at Marshall's because they tend to be trendy, but this one was too eye-catching to ignore. I think I loved the colors, that I have cardigans and jackets to match through the seasons, and the 100% silky softness.

-Clarks sandals 


Shoes are typical splurges for me because I hate shoe shopping. If I find a great pair of shoes that I know are comfortable, can be worn for a while before wearing out, and come in great colors, I'll spend $50-$100. But I also look for coupons, outlet sales, etc. Clarks has a frequent buyer card that after spending $400 you save $40 on your next purchase. Since both my husband and I buy at least 2 pairs of shoes each per year, we do end up saving quite a bit with that incentive.

-Vera Bradley Convertible Bag in Black


I like me a nice bag. I have since my cousin took me shopping my junior year of high school to pick out any Coach bag I wanted (I opted for the Hobo Clip and I still love it). I've amassed a silly collection of Vera, Coach, and Dooney and Burke bags, but this one microfiber bag is perfect for travel, day-to-day use and outdoes any pricer bag I own. I'm very pleased with it.

-My Hermes scarf, the biggest splurge of all.
We bought this scarf on our honeymoon to Paris (one of two actual souvenirs) and I do have a regret about it. I wanted it to be a noticeable Hermes, so I bought it in the traditional Hermes orange. Now, it's gorgeous and I love it and I will always treasure it, but I should have opted for a navy or black scarf. I would just get more use out of it.

What are some style splurges for you? Or what pieces do you invest in (jackets, boots, etc). I hope to do a post next week about my favorite saves. There are just so many pieces in my wardrobe that I have happily purchased for a steal and they have been wardrobe staples almost by accident.

 

2 comments:

Paige said...

You know how much I love your Hermes scarf! It is so beautiful!

Morgan//Nuts and Bows said...

Ooo love all of your finds girl! That scarf from marshalls is divine!

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