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Money Matters: Worth the Splurge? Maybe Not.
May 6, 2009 Posted in Reality
When shopping, I often find my wallet trying to convince my mind that the skirt, the moisturizer, or the heels in front of me are worth the outrageous price tag. But after I make the costly purchase, I wonder—was it worth it?
To help answer this question, I’ve compiled a list of things that I feel are, and aren’t, worth the splurge during our sad and painful recession. My basic rule of thumb? Things that last are worth the cash.
What’s worth it:
Jeans. I always used to laugh at the fact that my friends paid $200+ for jeans…until I tried on my first pair of J-Brands. While you can find cheaper options, the fact of the matter is, most designer jeans are better quality. Invest in a few pairs. They feel softer, they fit better, and they last longer. Your wallet might not thank you but your tush sure will! J-Brand, Hudson, and True Religions are my top picks.
The Iphone–If you can get your fam to join in. Individual plans are pricey, but with a family plan, the monthly rates are much more affordable. The iPhone beats all other cellular choices, plain and simple; it’s genius combo of visual voicemail, thousands of apps (including Shazam, which can detect any song playing nearby and tell you what it is), iPod, internet, and more makes it the clear choice. So worth it.
Haircuts/Hair dying. If you’re looking to change your hairstyle or color dramatically, please go to a salon. Now I’m not saying you should spend $200 to get a trim, but good haircutters/colorists can really make a difference on your do (mom, I hope you’re reading this—put that herbal essences hair-dye DOWN!). So when should you indulge? When you want layers, highlights, or to alter your color dramatically. Or you can get your friend to “work her magic,” just don’t come crying to me when you’re locks are purple and lopsided.
Basics. But only ones that you will use and use and use. This includes: a little black dress, a spring jacket, a few pairs of jeans (see above), a pair of STURDY flip flops–Reef, Teva, JCrew (watch out for water on those last ones–very durable, but zero traction)–etc. You be the judge of what’s a necessity…but don’t go overboard. Those Prada shoes are NOT basics.
What’s not:
Heels: While our feet are precious, you can pamper them without spending hundreds of dollars. There are great shoes out there that are well made, and bargains. I don’t know about you, but when I wear heels out to party, they are usually covered in dirt, sweat, and other people’s footprints by the time I get home. Point being, I’m not about to go throw my savings on a pair of Jimmy Choo’s. Instead, I love to shoe-shop at victoriassecret.com, shiekhshoes and DSW. To get your fix of strappy goodness, check out these (cheap!) beauties.
Manicures: Unless you’re extremely uncoordinated, DIY manicures can yield results just as pretty as those from a salon. Even better than do-it-yourself? Grab a friend and paint each other’s nails. One tip: After clipping, filing, and moisturizing your hands, buff each nail’s surface with a very rough buffer—this will help the polish stick and stay put for weeks. For summer, I adore bright shades. Try Essie, a cheap polish brand that has everything from neon yellows (great with tan/dark skin) to bright reds (beautiful on the fair).
Toiletries: Taking care of your body and face is important, no doubt, but people really underestimate the effectiveness that cheaper products can have. My $7 face cream has quenched my skin’s thirst just as well as my friend’s $50 bottle has quenched hers. And my Maybeline mascara has plumped my lashes just as well as that Dior Show I mistakenly purchased once. Until your skin is ridden with wrinkles and you need some serious skin care products, stick to affordable options.
Underwear: My opinion on undergarments? If they’re not visible, they shouldn’t be blasting your budget. And as for the claim that guys like when girls wear expensive, intricate lingerie? It’s false. I can assure you that the guy you’re sleeping with won’t care whether you’re wearing a bra from gap or La Perla–he’ll just wanna get that thing off! That said, it’s fun to feel comfy and sexy, even if you’re alone in the comfort of your own dorm room. Victoria’s Secret’s 5/25 undies deals are awesome, and they come in tons of cute styles, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice feeling sexy for staying on a budget.
Sunglasses: While designer shades can look pretty sleek, $15 ones can too. And since I lose my sunglasses about every 5 minutes, spending hundreds on them seems pretty dumb. Urban has a lot of funky choices that will fit a tight budget.
Gym Membership: Most universities and colleges offer on-campus gyms, but if you’re a graduate, or your school is lacking facilities, take the opportunity to get outside. Spending hundreds on a gym membership is not worth it when you have the great outdoors! Run, walk, hike, or do some at-home workouts—for free! Whatever floats your boat.
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dee says:
Wed, 6th May 20099:36 am
good tips but i disagree with you on the underwear part. I thik that a good bra gives you extra clevage and an over all better apperance and they last longer and for the toiletries i won't take any changes with generic because i have acne-prone skin
Cassie says:
Wed, 6th May 200910:25 am
Or if one feels as though they must belong to a gym, then join one that's relatively inexpensive like Planet Fitness. Where else can you have a gym membership AND free tanning for $20/month???
Mom says:
Wed, 6th May 200911:00 am
Okay, hon, if you're going to go public about my $3.99 hair dye (it's Clairol, actually), I guess I have no choice. I totally agree about the bras and underwear. Invest in the stuff he cares to see. My man would much rather my nails are red than that my bra is fancy. When will you embarrass me next? Just kidding!
Joel says:
Wed, 6th May 200911:03 am
You're so right. Paint the nails red (I don't care where you get 'em done), wear jeans that fit, hide the panty lines (Spanks are my babe's favorite, but that's a fall/winter thing) and don't spend more than a few pennies on a bra. Great advice!
kat says:
Wed, 6th May 200911:16 am
I disagree on two counts. Bras – because most people don't get the right fit and therefore right lift, etc. The only places I know for a proper fitting are very high-end. Though technically you don't have to buy from them after a fitting.
two- sunglasses. the difference between cheap sunglasses and expensive ones is incredible. I always find myself still squinting in cheap ones because they don't properly filter the light…or something like that. If you're worried about cost, get some ray bans. They're really not very much.
Liza - University of says:
Wed, 6th May 20094:53 pm
100% agree, especially on the jeans! The only thing I would question is the value of a perfect-fitting bra, especially if you're a weird size like I am! It's worth paying extra to have the right fit!
Liz says:
Wed, 6th May 20098:30 pm
I don't think I've ever found a worthy bra for less than $40, unless it was on sale. It doesn't really matter what you're wearing on the outside if you have a terrible cheap bra. Underwear, I understand not splurging on. Even Target has cute undies that are cheap. But I would never buy any bra from there. If you're willing to spend money on jeans, which have no physical repurcussions, you should spend the money on a bra. A good bra gives you the proper support, saves you from oddly shaped/saggy boobs too early in life, and is good for your back. Also, make sure your bra fits. There's no reason that so many people should be wearing ill-fitting bras. And believe me, it does show when you do.
Sheila says:
Wed, 6th May 20099:50 pm
I'll leave the underwear alone, as so many disagreed before me. Though on a slightly feminist note I'll add this: it's not only about proper support, but about feeling good about yourself! Lingerie doesn't have to be only for men – you too can enjoy knowing you're wearing something scandalous under your bulky winter clothes…
What I really disagree on is shoes. You get what you spend. Cheap shoes are definitely cute, and I'll easily pay $40 for a trendy H&M pair. But I don't expect them to last longer than one season (which for trendy shoes, isn't really a problem). But evening shoes, leather boots, classic black pumps, elegant summer sandals? When I fall in love with a shoe, I want it to stick around! And not only do they last longer (I've had a pair of black pumps for five years and they still look as good as when I first bought them), but you can feel the difference. There's comfort, quality and, much like underwear, proper support for your arches, careful spacing for your toes, and have the right design for your spine (yes, it is possible for shoes to damage your spine and posture, which leads to uncomfortable old age). If women regularly wear heels between 18 and 60, then believe me, you're gonna want something that lasts and is healthy for your body.
Gurinder Kohli says:
Thu, 7th May 20097:19 am
Great list, especially these days every bit helps. Also wanted to share another site for jewelry lovers either for yourself or to give to friends, family and others.
Visit them Fashion Jewelry For Everyone
Thanks.
Aislinn says:
Fri, 8th May 20091:51 pm
For boots I always go vintage then have them spruced up a bit at the cobblers. Boots from the 60's and 70's were made so much better and my local thrift store as well as ebay make it all too easy to get quality without cost.
Jes says:
Mon, 11th May 20098:30 am
I wouldn't really call victoria's secret high end, and they definitely give proper and free fittings… plus have about a billion sales going on. so you can get nice and affordable bras! Plus you could just save on cash by going commando… everyone is doing it anyway!
sandy says:
Mon, 11th May 20099:07 am
I completely agree on the jeans. But on the sunglasses…
I used to feel the same way as you, but once I did finally buy a pair of nice sunglasses, I took a whole lot more care of them and they look the same as they did 2 years ago. Which I cannot say the same for my $5 H+M pair.
Tot says:
Sun, 24th May 20096:49 am
How about bags…? Worth the splurge? Or is it best to stick to F21, H&M and Zara?
Tarin says:
Sun, 24th May 20097:06 pm
Whenever I need to amke a shopping decision, I remember when I saw this film, The Story of Stuff which is at Story Of Stuff (dot) Com http://www.storyofstuff.org/
A.G. says:
Mon, 9th Nov 20091:48 am
I don't agree. A good bra is hard to find. I always shop at either Macys, Nordstrom, and Nordstrom Rack. They have sales. I always wait for jeans to go on sale. I never buy good jeans at full price. I splurge on is Leather boots, my hair, skin, and coats. I splurge on things I will wear all the time.
I used to think I was a 34C but then found out I only wore a 34C because stores rarely have 32Cs! Go to the upscale department stores for bras. It's worth it.
A.G. says:
Mon, 9th Nov 20091:52 am
Someone asked about bags. It's always good to have one sturdy bag. I have this one suede shoulder bag(lucky brand) I have had for 3 years now. It was about $220. The other bags I have are messenger bags or vintage tooled leather bags from ebay(under $30).
fashionclothingmood says:
Thu, 1st Jul 20109:48 pm
abercrombie fitch clothing,