I think it is pretty apparent by now that I enjoy shopping ... despite the fact that I am a cheapie at heart. I love a good deal and do most of my buying on sale or at minimum on discount. But like anyone else, I've got shopping priorities and have items I'm more willing to spend more $$$ on than others.
Things I don't mind spending a few more bucks on -
Handbags - I'm totally that person that thinks I can walk around in jammie pants and Uggs as long as I'm carrying a proper purse. Plus purses are items that people usually keep and use for years, so I like veering towards better quality now. Note: I think I can walk around in jammie pants and Ugg, but I don't - jammies pants and Uggs (in my opinion) are not appropriate for public consumption. Crack of dawn dog walking aside.
Coats - When it's cold outside, no one cares if I'm wearing Chanel or Walmart on the inside. So my coat represents me. Plus they're another item people keep for a while, so best buy something nice (and warm).
Sneakers - I want to save my feet and my knees when I'm working out. Super duper special fluffy cloud-powered insole cushions, I'm in. I'm currently racking up the treadmill miles in Asics.
Things I prefer buying cheap -
Basics - Pretty much every retailer nowadays carries a cotton tee or a stretch jean or a crisp button-down. So for something I will likely have multiples of anyways, I go by what I like, what fits well, and what I can afford to buy multiples of.
Workout Gear - I buy most of my stuff from either Target or Old Navy. In my opinion, one dry mesh poly-whatever tee or tank is as good as another.
Fashion Jewelry - This is where I get my "feet" wet on new trends. I can buy fun pieces that add a lot to an outfit and won't give me heartburn if I only wear it a few times. Etsy, Forever 21 and J.Crew (on super duper sale) are my go-tos.
What about you ladies? What items for your wardrobe do you prefer to spend more money on, and where do you scrimp?
Jacket: F21 (worn here - sim, sim, pricey)
Top: J.Crew factory printed pintuck (sim, long-sleeved, tank)
Skirt: J.Crew factory colorblock (worn here - same in solid, sim sequinned)
Belt: J.Crew factory (worn here - sim, sim, steal)
Earrings: J.Crew crystal shimmer (worn here - sim steal, smaller)
Rings: F21 rhinestone square set
Shoes: Vince Camuto signature rekha (worn here - sim blinged out, flats)
Bag: J.Crew claremont (worn here - same perforated, luxe)
In every other post I see we have similar items, I think we are closet twins I have that skirt and love it. You look gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike, girl ...
DeleteI love your polka dot and leopard print combination! I love pairing stripes with leopard print but for some reason it never occured to me to add polka dots! Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteI like to think of a leopard as a neutral and go from there! ;o)
DeleteI love this look so much!! Very posh :) Subtle but lovely pattern mixing; chic lady!
ReplyDeletewww.fashionistastyle1.blogspot.com
I'm grabbing those shoes from off your feet. Or, uh...I'll just go buy them.
ReplyDeleteI think the most pricey items I own are jewelry, shoes, and coats. While I own quite a bit of jewelry from all price ranges, I do like to splurge and buy myself what I consider expensive jewelry (or ask for it as a gift) when I see that perfect necklace/pair of earrings that I just know will set off an outfit.
I'm in with splurging on outerwear coats/jackets too since they make first impressions it seems. I'm also willing to splurge on the basic heels (like black pumps) if it's well-made and super comfortable at the same time (which is rare actually)! For all other stuff, I prefer them cheap because I'm cheap and it does feel good when you can say "hey, I got this on a deal for $5" haha!
ReplyDeleteComfy and stylish shoes are hard to find actually, I agree!
DeleteI spend more money on boots, tennis shoes, and bags. If I know I want to have it a while, then I will pony up the cash! ;) Love your polka dots and leopard!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely spend more on handbags, probably a bit more on shoes, and I'll splurge on a coat, but even then it's got to be on sale, because even sale coats tend to be pricey.
ReplyDeleteI'll spend more for quality fabrics, and if it's made in the USA.
I'll spend more on something totally ridiculous that I fell in love with and have to have (IE panthere dress!)
Chic on the Cheap
Love the mix of polka dots and leopard print! I will splurge on sunglasses since my petite face means I can't just buy them off the rack in Target.
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Haha, I have the opposite problem with sunglasses! I need big ones!
DeleteI agree on these too! I'm still so cheap, but I've learned that some things are worth spending the extra buck on. I love this skirt on you!
ReplyDeleteI am with you on handbags, and I'm beginning to get there with shoes. I'm dirt cheap on things like t shirts, shampoo, etc. ;)
ReplyDeleteI splurge on shoes, both workout and regular. I have to be comfortable, I am on my feet too much and they can be fussy. I love my Fluevogs for funky style and great comfort.
ReplyDeleteI also splurge on work out wear. I initially did target, JCP, but great workout wear for me makes me feel good and I actually work out better. Plus, when I started increasing miles and getting really sweaty, I do think the better stuff performs better. Love Nike half zips (dri-fit) but I usually pick them up on sale. I have an Athleta problem though, and they never have sales! Oh and bras, they are the foundation of everything and given my size is hard to find in good quality cheaper, it's just a necessary evil.
I save on tanks and tees (especially anything white, it will need relatively frequent replacement to look crisp no matter what I do), love scarves on the cheap, jeans (since I don't wear them that often), fashion jewelry, socks and underwear (yes I love my hanes 5 packs from target, thank you very much!). Casual wear in general I don't splurge on. I also try not to splurge on dressier/formal items as my cost per wear will be very high since I don't reach for these often.
I've never purchased a piece of "quality" workout gear, so I'll need to try it out sometime. Hey, if it makes me feel good and makes me want to work harder, then I'm all for it!
DeleteGreat outfit, I'm all about fresh neutrals. I agree about sneakers. Not having good support could cause major problems! I actually just purchased a pair of asics the other day!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous outfit Lisa! I love that top and your shoes! I have to spend on good shoes because of my long feet! LMAO So I save on everything else. HAHAHA Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
I am cheap about everything. Haha! But seriously. The only things I spend more than 20-30% of the original retail on (activewear aside) are long lost old school items I have to buy on eBay. But, cost aside, I am with you on only buying quality coats, shoes and purses. But that still doesn't mean I have to spend more on a nice pair of all leather shoes than I would on a full price pair of shoes at JCPenney. I do love to bargain hunt, which helps. I love your outfit in this post - perfection!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't Old Navy have the best workout wear? Seriously, their full length compression pants are the best I've found anywhere. I have at least 5 pairs... and I love them!
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYes to ON leggings! I buy lulu tShorts and skirts bc the ride up the least, but the on leggings are great. Wearing a pair now, ha.
DeleteI have two pairs of the ON compression capris (I'm a shorty!) and they rock! Though I actually think I prefer the Champion ones from Target, I find them a little thicker and yes, I've totally worn them as pants with a tunic and boots before!
DeleteI think I have already said that I love your style! You are a perfect lady!! Very feminine outfit, delicate and elegant colours, a wonderful bag ( I also think that a bag can do an outfit! ) and delightful shoes...
ReplyDeleteAnother amazing outfit that I want every single piece to recreate your look! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI spend the most money on nice jeans. I wear jeans practically every day and since I live in Los Angeles and am in a casual/creative field, nice jeans that I can dress up are what I wear the most. So I feel justified in paying more for them. Sometimes a nice jacket too.
xo,cynthia
Pieces I can wear for both work and play I would be totally willing to spend more on as well - cause we're saving on cost-per-wear, right, because of the double wear? Oh shopaholic math ...
DeleteI agree, especially about coats! I love outerwear and I keep it for a long time. I like the spend a little more on handbags, too. I once went through a spree of purchasing inexpensive, trendy handbags in faux leather because within a month of getting each one either the handles came off or the finish peeled off. It was back to my trusty classics after that!
ReplyDeleteThat jacket is beautiful, and I like the leopard print and polka dots together! :)
ReplyDeleteWe have very similar thoughts on the handbags! I will always splurge on handbags. Recently I've been spending a bit more on shoes too as leather ones just last longer. But I definitely save on the basics. I'm clumsy with my clothes so I find it best to save on the clothes, have more money so I can splurge a little on accessories. Plus I find I wear accessories (like handbags) more often than I do my clothes. Probably as I have too many clothes, haha!
Away From Blue
I really like this put together look. I'm with you on your save and splurges. My favorite jewelry is Stella and Dot, I fit it so cheap when I was selling it, but now that I'm not the full price is daunting :(
ReplyDeleteSplurge: coats (although I try to buy classic styles during end of season sales), shoes (sneakers, flats, shoes I wear often), bags (my luxury splurge a couple of times a year), and running bottoms (to avoid sweaty bums & rubbing). And sunglasses, bc I really think there's a difference with uv protection.
ReplyDeleteSave: jeans, running tops, tees, and a lot of accessories. Overall, I usually wait til a decent sale for everything, so it's all less than FP except for my handbags.
Fun post!!
I totally agree with you on your spend/save choices. I will spend big bucks on running shoes, as I've been injured in the past due to poorly fitting shoes. As for workout clothes, however, I have no shame in buying them all at JCPenney :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am loving your jacket in this look. I love pretty much anything with quilting!
Lisa, your list is very similar to mine. It's no secret that I splurge on my bags and I'm getting there with my coats! I don't have a lot of sneakers but I do spend more on them and leather boots than regular shoes. As for scrimping, I don't see the point in spending too much on basics or costume jewelry.
ReplyDeleteSince your blog is Respect the Shoes, what's your take on that? Splurge or save?
Re: shoes, I have a LOT of shoes and actually do the splurge and save bit for them. For fun, more trendy pieces, I tend to save, but for items I will likely wear a lot (a basic pump), splurge for me - or at least buying an all-leather shoe. I've torn my feet up too many times with non-leather insoles, I've learned my lesson!
DeleteThis outfit is fab on you!
ReplyDeleteComfortable workout shoes are a must for me!
Actually my list, especially what I spend on, is really, really similar to yours! Funny that! I've also started spending more on good, nice underwear in recent years, so that's the only addition I would make. Plus, since I live in a warm climate, I spend more on summer clothes, that I can wear for 9 months of the year, and less on winter clothes, that I can only get use for during 2 or 3 months every year...
ReplyDeleteMy fave undies, believe it or not, are from Old Navy! They came out with these lace-trimmed ones in fun prints and few seasons ago and I loved them! And I've been on the search for replacements that fit just as well since ...
DeleteI think its quite wise !
ReplyDeleteIn my case, before I would not buy anything that was not on sale - now, I have changed and like you, i am willing to spend more money on quality bags and shoes. I do however like to splurge once in a while in small designer jewelry.
I agree with you on the shoes and purses. My running shoes are Asics too :). I'd also add a good watch. Love the polka dot top.
ReplyDeleteI spend too much on dresses, that's for sure! I am super picky about purses and shoes, but I am also unwilling to spend too much (especially since I'm so hard on them...) I always love the most expensive purses out there though...!
ReplyDeleteI like this quiet mix of neutrals- lovely!
The only pair of shoes that I spare no expenses is my running shoes. I even buy a special insole for them to make sure they are customized for my feet.
ReplyDeleteI buy my workout clothes at Old Navy as well. They have best quality sports bra and at such great prices. I do have a couple pair of Lulus pants/shorts but not sure they are worth the money.
Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
I totally agree with you on maintaining a balance between spending & splurging.....I agree with you too on bags as we don't change them as much as clothes!
ReplyDeleteRebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I go with the rules of good classic pieces and cheap trendy items. Bags, I go all the way to the roof, like you say, we use them for years some can even be pass down to the off spings! Shoes, I buy good staples like black and nude and boots but the rest, nah.. cheepos. Good read, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteMrs Jack Of All Trades
Dubai, UAE
www.mjoat.com
Love the outfit on you. Great jacket.
ReplyDeleteI bought the same top but find the armholes a little large...did you have that issues, and have you found a solution other than wearing a jacket over top?
I agree with you on the armholes, but I usually keep my arms covered at the office with a jacket or cardi (I'm that person who is always cold!) so it's not been a big issue for me. I'm not much of a sewer, but I wonder if adding a stitch or two to the armhole could help make it smaller without affecting the overall look?
DeleteI like to splurge on bags and shoes :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed on coats and shoes. I will add jewelry, I do not wear lots of statement jewelry but like my basics to be the real deal.
ReplyDeleteLOL at the dog walking in UGG comment :)
I agree on the basic jewelry - I've got some studs and more delicate chains and rings that I spend more on because they are pieces I will wear more often and keep on for longer periods.
DeleteThis is a gorgeous outfit. I was trying to choose my favourite part but I just adore everything. It is so classy and well put together. It’s true about handbags and over the last year I have started to love bags more and more. Before that I would always put all my money into clothes and shoes. Now it’s bags clothes and shoes…now I just have more to spend my money on.
ReplyDeleteWomderful question Lisa, I am pretty much aligned with you! although I do save for good jewelry too. But I buy so many things deeply discounted I occasionally spring for a whopper. I like to invest In things that appreciate, too, and things I may pass down to my daughter and daughter in law..
ReplyDeleteYOu, however do not look like you scrimp on anything, This is the hallmark of truly great style Lisa , and I am a loyal follwer because of that
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
This was such a good read =) I, too, think hand bags are worth the bigger investment out of everything I shop for! I also splurge a little bit (but not too much) on better quality heels. There's definitely something about a well made shoe that fits more comfortably :) I also go cheapie on basics too! I used to like to buy expensive jeans but I've grown out of that and don't care too much as long as it fits nicely =)
ReplyDeletei love your jacket and your shoes!
ReplyDeletewww.lisalovescoco.blogspot.com
Love, Love, love your shoes! And I agree about bags, I do tend to splurge on those :)
ReplyDeleteI adore your style! the belt is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI am the SAME way! My birthday was last week and I requested handbags, lots of handbags. I was very happy to receive two Michael Kors, two Kate spades, a Coach, a mini mac and a cambridge satchel. Now I feel like I have all the bags I need! I prefer my facial make up to be of higher quality as well as my eye shadows. even with primer a lot of stuff just doesn't last. But I thrift 70% of my clothing so I can spend a bit more on the bags and the Urban Decay.
-Ash
www.stylizedwannabe.com
This is my kind of combination!! Fantastic. The blouse is sold out now by the way. Your doing.
ReplyDeleteGreetje