Left: Veronica Beard blazer | Grey dickey | black denim | Prada heels | ATM tee | Right: Veronica Beard blazer | Grey Dickey | White denim | Cami | Black court shoes
Is it worth it? Splurge or save …
Friends and clients ask me this question ALL THE TIME! Whenever they’re considering buying an expensive piece, they ask: is it worth it? Well, we all love making wise buying decisions, and no matter what the price is, if something gets constant wear then it’s very satisfying. The thing is, there are no rules — the art of dressing well is knowing how to mix high and low successfully and stylishly. The trick really lies in knowing where to splurge and where to save! I generally believe in investing in key items that can be worn most seasons, like handbags, sunglasses, blazers/jackets, denim and certain shoes; then again, it all depends on the piece. Some items, like a Veronica Beard blazer, are definitely worth the splurge … but then grab a faux leather blazer (like this favorite) for $69, and I’m positive you’ll wear both often!
Yesterday on Instagram, I joined my #Nordstrom6 friends and we all shared how we mix high and low in our own wardrobes (check it out here). I also spent way too much time making this Tok Tok video! Because so many of you sent me messages, I thought I’d dig a little deeper on this topic and share my findings with you. I hope you like them and find them to be helpful!
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#1 Sunglasses
Left: Sundry dress | Gucci sunnies | Right: Cloth & Stone dress | Similar dress version here | BP sunnies $19
The advice I share with my friends and clients regarding sunglasses is this: in an ideal sunglass world, a collection might include a glamorous black pair, a tortoiseshell and an aviator style. It doesn’t mean you need to run out and get all three, but collecting these few will have you covered for every outfit.
Splurge:
Splurging on a pair of sunnies that you’ll wear all the time, like I have with the Gucci ones above, is worth every penny. We can wear sunglasses all year round, and they add instant glamour, always. I decided to splurge on these new Gucci tortoiseshell ones, and I always love Celine or Tom Ford for a designer splurge.
Save:
Recently I found that the BP sunglasses are right on trend, and they’re very affordable at under $25! I recently tried these Le Specs Air Heart after I saw Meghan Markle wearing them, and they are super cute. So are these by Chimi.
#2 Blazers
If you’re in the market for a simple blazer in navy, cream or black, then splurging on one that you’ll wear all the time is a wise investment. The Veronica Beard blazers, here and here, which I’ve highlighted time and time again over the course of all my blogging, are SO clever! There are hidden zippers in almost every blazer which makes them compatible with all kinds of dickies. Read the BEST INFO here! My favorites include this grey hoodie, this solid black style, and this cream one. There are also a few good options on sale here and here. If you’d like to add a fun blazer like the faux leather one I talked about above or one in a pretty pastel color, like these fashion girls did, then I would suggest a less expensive style (save).
Splurge:
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#3 Denim
Owning the right denim is the key to every single outfit, and therefore worth the splurge. Of course if you can get a pair during a limited time sale at Nordstrom, like I did with this Paige style for only $78, then even better! When I’m in the dressing room with clients, the starting point always is finding the right jeans, and only proceeding once we’ve found the best pair. This is critical when it’s right, then every top or jacket works. Go-to brands are Paige, Mother, AG, AGOLDE and Frame. (I wrote more in depth on denim here.)
Splurge:
#4 Handbags
Left: Loewe Puzzle bag | Right: Bottega bag, Image via Pinterest
Handbags are definitely items where it’s ok to splurge, especially if you tend towards carrying the same one most of the time and you don’t plan on regularly switching it out. Of course, there are varying degrees of “splurging,” and it doesn’t need to be a designer splurge. That said, designer brands I love include Bottega Veneta (wrote about it here), YSL, Gucci and Prada. Solid brands that are a little lower in price include Tory Burch, Staud, and Frame. However, these days there are SO MANY bags that are inspired by designer bags, like the “it” Loewe basket bag, and it’s copy as well. Or, the Bottega Veneta woven bag above, and this inspiring version at Mango. The list is never ending!
Splurge:
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#5 Shoes
Tie dye tank | YSL bag |Valentino sandals
Anything goes when it comes to shoes. If you decide to splurge on a pair, my advice is to consider whether you’ll wear them over and over again. The Valentino sandals above were worth every penny. I’m going on year 3, and I still love them. I also adore the Red Gucci sandals and have almost worn them out! Find shoes you love, and wear them with absolutely every outfit!
Splurge:
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Thank you for reading! xo
