Spend or Splurge Fall 2009

I buy many pieces of clothing throughout the year. There are some that I “save” on and there are some that I “splurge” on.  Every season they change; for example during the summer I may save on shoes by buying Old Navy flip-flops, but I may splurge on swimwear.  I usually end up making a list and checking it twice, tallying up whether or not I should “save” or “splurge” on certain items. For the Fall season this is how it’s looking….

The Hair

I don’t mind splurging on that Burrbery headband that will last forever, or that snazzy glittery headband that you’re going to wear to every single gala for the next five years.  Headwear is a definite save. You can get headbands, which seem to be the “it” thing this season (and will continue to be as long as Gossip Girl continues to be popular), anywhere from Wal-Mart to J Crew. Save your money and purchase something bigger.  Save-1 Splurge-0

Jewelry

I am always for big jewelry.  If you love trends, you have probably already jumped on the “chunky” jewelry” bandwagon.  Just like headbands, you can get great small accessories at any small shop. But, jewelry is such an essential. I would advocate having a great luxury standby piece. This could be anything from the Bijoux Heart Whiplash Ring to something glitzy and glamorous from Yael Designs to a classic strand of pearls.  Splurge on this one.  Save 1- Splurge-1.

Scarves/Wraps

This is a toss-up. This is all a matter of opinion. For some people the scarf/wrap option is a must have and it must be made of a great material. It must feel great against your skin and it must look “luxurious.” For others the scarf/wrap is a very small accessory that is worn once in a blue moon. It is just a trend that will pass, and thus can be bought cheaply and thrown around.  For me, because I do live somewhere relatively warm, it’s the latter. However, if you live somewhere cold, then it’s a splurge. And apparently snood is the word this season. I’s still a toss-up though. Save -2 Splurge -2. To the left Missoni Knit Wrap Snood- $205

Pants

The Fall season is one of the best times to purchase work clothes and jeans.  Everyone is ready to cover up their nicely tanned legs and arms. Why? Because the designers say so!  Anyway.  Point being, pants are a universal part of the wardrobe. If you’ve ever watched an episode of What Not to Wear you know that Stacey and Clinton struggle with the fit of pants with lots of their shoppers. So, spending more than $30 on a pair of jeans of dress pants may just help you find that perfect fit.

I am a guilty party. I was one of the first people in line at Old Navy last year when they had $10 jeans. I bought three pairs of sweetheart jeans, but that was $30 that I could have put towards better longer lasting and better fitting jeans. Jeans like J Brand Pencil jeans. When you move up to luxury denim, the material gets softer, more durable, and it doesn’t stretch as quickly. That also means you won’t have to buy three pairs to last you one year! Thank you, J Brand!

Great dress pants are also a must have in every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you work at a casual work environment or a business environment, having that one pair of great black pants is almost like having that pair of Louboutin shoes. You just have to have them. Try out these J Crew Favorite Fit  Stretch Wool pants for sure. They’re real winners.

The pants category is easy. It’s a splurge. Save -2 Splurge-3.

Shoes

Like I mentioned before, shoes can be tough. Sometimes you can save, but sometimes you have to splurge. In the summer you can save by picking up cheap sandals, but then there are other times in the Summer where picking up some great bright heels are just a must.  The Fall is no different.

A few years ago, while still in college, I bought a pair of moccasins for about $20. They were my winter shoes. I loved them. They were my security blanket. But, last winter, around February they just bit the dust. It may have been raining, or it may have just been cold, I don’t quite remember. Point being, it was time.  It was time to get a pair of good, luxurious, oh my goodness feeling winter shoes. Those shoes were my Roam Moccasins from Uggs. They haven’t come out of the box yet (I don’t want to ruin the new shoe smell!) but they’re mine.  But, these are my everyday winter shoes.  And they were so worth the $80 I spent during the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale.

On the other hand, I have not splurged on boots. Winter boots have not caught up with my luxury fashion taste. I covet them, and I may say that I want these Christian Louboutin Velours Scrunch Boots, but I won’t actually buy them! However, I can understand why someone would want these shoes and why splurging on them is a must. Much like the wrap, the boot is a necessity and an every year purchase. To the Right- Juicy Couture Ruffle Zipper Ankle Boots-$395

Shoes are a splurge. Hands down. Save -2 Splurge -4.

It looks like the splurge has won out. Even with a tie on the Scarf/Wrap category, splurging in the fall is alight to do. I am giving all the fashionistas out there permission to spend, spend, spend this season. It may be one of the ways to get us out of this recession!

And I’m also giving you permission to spend on a coat, that’s a given..because it’s cold! burr!