when to splurge and when to save

Sabrina: On which items should I splurge and where should I try to save?

Alicia McCaslin: Basically, I like to suggest using the “cost per wear” approach to where to invest. Summer is easier on the wallet since we don’t need as many pieces and the ones we do need don’t have to cost a lot. A great bag, a pair of neutral shoes, and a killer pair of shades (unless you keep losing them) are places to spend some jake. Flip flops, t-shirts/tanks, and shorts are where you can save money. Let’s be honest, I can make a case to splurge on just about anything if it’s “that good,” but when I do splurge, I make sure that it is used so that my “cost per wear” measure can justify the purchase.

I spend a lot of money on my hair and I can justify it because it’s part of my everyday attire. I don’t spend on manicures since I work with my hands on a variety of projects and inevitably I will ruin a $25 manicure within 24 hrs…money not well spent. On average, women do not spend a lot on a bathing suit and will go to the misery of finding a new one year after year. I would advise finding a great (quality comes at a price) black suit that will stand the test of time from a brand such as Italian-made swimwear line Eres and know you at least have that one fabulous expensive suit when all else fails. Time is money and finding a good suit takes time. When you think about the number of so-so suits you have purchased over the years, this could make more sense than you realize.

Also, utilize boutique shopping for your splurges since someone with a lot of knowledge and taste has deemed a splurge item, “splurge worthy”. Staying within a budget is not only valuable on the financial end but also keeps you making the best decisions for your wardrobe.
Here are a few of my own splurge worthy items from The Shoe Hive ~

Clockwise: Annabel Ingall Tote, Tory Burch Black Patent Pumps, Vaubel Bracelet, Stuart Weitzman Shooties

Splurge items include the following…
great denim
quality bag
black/nude pumps
your signature jewelry piece (Diane’s link bracelet) (vintage locket)(the perfect watch)
sunglasses (unless you lose and abuse them!)
your hair
jackets and coats
scarves
wallet
skincare
face moisturizer
great concealer (the consistency is key and it will last for a long time)
well fitting bra/underpinnings – makes all the difference

Budget items
distressed denim
shorts
tanks and tees
maxi dresses
rompers
flip-flops
trendy clothing/jewelry
mascara
body moisturizer
face cleanser

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