The Art of The Splurge & Save
Okay, we all love labels! I'm not here to preach "save, save and save", because as hard working females we sometimes under compensate ourselves, and damn it- we deserve a splurge! But, it's what to splurge on that is often the conflict. I'm here to make it clear, so our buyer's impulse doesn't get the best of us and we end up squabbling in regret:
HANDBAGS

When it comes to handbags, classics are always worth the splurge. Like this Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Galliera PM bag ($1,270), a classic will never go out of style. Whether it's Gucci, Fendi or the ever popular quilted Chanel bag. 2 years after the studded, ruffled, bedazzled bag goes out of style, you will never look silly walking around with your classic! How do you tell apart the trendy from the classic? This Sonia Rykiel Dita Grande stud handbag ($2,450) for example is too detailed to ever stay in style. Little details like studs, rhinestones, fringe, ruffles, etc. are never guaranteed to stay in style. This season they're in, next season they're out.
SHOES

Seasonal shoes are always tempting, but can never be trusted! When it comes to splurging on shoes, simplicity is best. Don't go for the criss-cross multi-strap lace-ups that Rihanna, Beyonce & Cassie all have! If you want a pair of designer shoes, go for the more simpler shoe such as this Christian Louboutin Rolando platform pumps ($695) instead of this Marni crossed slingback sandals ($845). Stay classic. Louboutin's are always worth the splurge, they have classics and you can see those red bottoms from a block away and know what it is! I would recommend that brand of shoe if you need some designer shoes in your closet.
DRESSES

Dresses are tricky. They are the most necessary part of our wardrobe, especially if you live in a city like LA or Miami, and it's almost impossible to avoid buying! Understood. But you have to remember when splurging on dresses, like anything else, stay off trends and stay classic. Dresses like this Rachel Gilbert paige bow sequin dress ($600) will most likely be out just as fast as it's in. The sequin, with the sheer panel and shoulder bows are too detailed to ever stay in style for too long. The little black dress, such as this Marley stretch sweetheart strapless dress ($365), on the other hand will never go out of style because it is a necessity. Now, when splurging on a dress it doesn't have to necessarily be the LBD, it can be red, blue, purple, whatever- just as long as it's simple!
JACKETS

I think this buyer's impulse should be the easiest to resist and understand. Usually, jackets last longer than most things in our closet and some of us only have one jacket that we wear everywhere, with anything, for everything! But for those of us looking for that one great item to splurge on, it's best to go for a more classic look such as this Burberry Ivybridge trench coat ($1,295) as opposed to this Rachel Gilbert Phoenix studded leather jacket ($745). A trench coat can be worn almost anywhere: work, lunch, dinner, etc. where the leather jacket is a more edgy look reserved for the night scene or casual strolls.
When you splurge on items, you always want it to make sense. Never got what's "in" at the moment, because you will regret it when it goes out of style! Stay simple, stay chic, and stay away from detail (sequence, ruffle, fringe, studs, etc.)!
