When to Splurge, When to Save

Whenever I receive sample sale email reminders in my in-box, my shopping instinct gets a bit tingly and excited I must confess.  And the main reason is that top design houses are giving an opportunity to purchase potential investment pieces at shockingly reduced prices.

However, during the rest of our shopping adventures, we must make up our minds – what is worth spending a very pretty penny on and what is not.

The key to keep in mind is that the foundation pieces, the skeletal system of your wardrobe, should consist of quality fabrics and tailoring. These items, if you want them to go the distance and always look fabulous, are going to be pieces that will cost more, but will be worth it in the long run (remember cost per wear?).

On the flip side, those items that only are worn one season and never pulled from the closet again, or can look just as striking as a faux, are okay to scrimp on. 

Below is a list of items to save up for and items to not break the bank over.  As always though, there are exceptions, so I have made a list of limbo items that might go either way depending on the situation.

Splurge/Investment Pieces:

jeans
dresses/skirts
suits
sweaters (cashmere)
coats/jackets – winter & seasonless
shoes (work, flats, boots)
dress pants
couture
bras
handbags

Limbo

panties
sneakers
exercise clothes
classic button up shirts
pajamas
vintage
scarves
jewelry
swimsuit
shoes (occasional)

Save

trends
t-shirts
belts
hosiery/socks
shorts

Do share what items I may have forgotten, as I’m always looking to learn from my fellow fashionistas.

Image: Southern Sophisticate