While I love a designer item, I also like to be smart about my purchases and always like to browse and compare what’s out there before making an expensive purchase (side note, I’ve been using this free app to compare prices and keep myself accountable with my purchases and talk more about how I used it to buy a new splurge purchase here). Typically my splurges come when:
there’s no similar design alternatives (something unique like the cut, material, shape, etc)
Quality is unmatched and it’s something I could use and enjoy for multiple seasons
Would be something I could wear/use frequently (really trying to be mindful of this and focusing on items that fit my actual lifestyle and not my fantasy one, example: not spending on too many fancy clothes or high heels that hardly get worn)
There’s a vibe/feeling that no other item would give me (this is that gut “I NEED THIS AND NOTHING CAN COMPARE”) I get this a lot with my vintage pieces because they are all very unique and hard to replicate
I asked you all on Instagram recently (always love hearing your opinions, thank you!!) what are the things you consider when making a splurge purchase and some of the most common responses were: unique and special, material and quality, can an item be passed down to children, trend proof (still relevant in 10 years), how long you’ve wanted an item, resale value, cost per wear, colors, and versatility.
I also asked what types of items you tend to splurge on and the answers aligned similar to my own thoughts:
We know I looooove a good handbag and so do most of you at the number one splurge item! Jewelry was number 2 as it is with me as well. I’ve slowly been building my fine jewelry collection, and like to signify special occasions with a piece that I can wear often. Some of my more recent purchases have been my marquise diamond tennis bracelet and cobra snake chain (Kinn Jewelry has just recently kindly extended a code “natalie10” for 10% off, but full transparency I purchased the bracelets myself no connection to the brand), both of which fell into the category of super unique/ couldn’t find the design anywhere else. I also love that they feel very vintage inspired. I’ve also dabbled with buying vintage jewelry, but I do find it a bit trickier to feel like I can “trust” quality on vintage fine jewelry and the current structural integrity of the pieces if that makes sense. It’s just a little more work and finding the right places to evaluate the jewelry.
Designer shoes and clothing are something I’ve slowly acquired a few here and there over the years, although I would say the majority of my designer pieces in that category have been vintage or preloved because the resale prices are so much better, and vintage quality is always superior (although fit can be an issue and everything vintage usually runs smaller).
I also think it’s important to mention in the time of social media where it seems like everyone has expensive items and you HAVE to have the latest and greatest trends, that you can absolutely still find good quality and stylish pieces for better value. This topic can obviously be expanded on so much if we get into the sustainability aspects of fashion, but we are just keeping it more simple right now. I am focusing this article on comparing some designer pieces with more affordable similar styles (not the “D” word, I’m personally not someone who will share or buy items pretending to be something they are not with logos etc). I do love the “splurge” items on all of these, so just depending on where these fall for you on the scale of splurge vs save, I think both options are great!
If you want to shop more high street pieces that feel elevated, I’ve recently put together some edits of items I’m loving :
Let me know in the comments (or give this post a like) if you enjoy this style of splurge/save and high street shopping finds, and I will try to do these more regularly!
Catch up with me:
I posted a new YT video sharing my newest vintage pieces I’ve added to my collection if you haven’t seen!
My updated easy 5 minute spring makeup essentials
What I’m buying/packing for Spring Break (and a few pieces from this Dissh edit)
Thank you for reading, talk soon! Xo Natalie