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. Read More »

I’m willing to bet that the vast majority of CC readers enjoy flip flop season more than winter. Any excuse for a pedicure makes me a happier camper than usual, but a good pair of flip flops are liberating. They’re as laid back and easy as your summer evening or weekend at the beach, and they go with everything. What’s not to love?

In my years of flip-flop perusal, I’ve noticed three big brands that dominate the flip flop contingent. I’ll start with my personal favorite and work my way through the other two recommendations accordingly:

Havaianas, available anywhere from Urban Outfitters to your local surf shop. These are your basic rubber flop, but they mold just so to your foot and are extra comfy. I own at least 4 pair of these, the brown are my favorite as they literally match everything. Sometimes Urban has 2-for or buy-one-get-one deals that inspire a backup pair. They work fantastically for just about everything, from shower shoes to the beach, or to just make a cute little summer dress more casual. They’re genius, and if you have bigger feet (like yours truly), the solid ones are often unisex or available in men’s sizes. No one knows the difference. Read More »

After sporting high heeled pumps or strappy little stilettos, nothing feels more satisfying than slipping my aching feet into my trusty Reef flip flops. I practically live in flip flops during the summertime months, as do most of my friends.

Unfortunately, I recently learned that flip flops were never really meant to be worn as everyday shoes and are therefore causing young women more foot problems than ever. According to an article in USA Today, “the problem, foot doctors say, is that flip-flops offer little cushioning and no arch support, and they force their wearers into an unnatural, toe-gripping, foot-slapping gait.” Because of this, young women are getting foot pain that is usually associated with older, fatter women.

I don’t know about you, but I would like to keep as much of my youth intact as long as possible and try not to show signs of becoming a middle aged woman at the spry age of 22. Along those lines, something that grossed me out were the possible consequences of constant flip-flop wearing… Read More »

So you need some way to covertly carry your alcohol. You can’t use your Nalgene because the booze will seep into the plastic and taint your regular water. You won’t wear a hip flask because a) it’s totes obv, and b) your hip bones are too sexy to be blocked by a chunk of metal. So what’s the moderately alcoholic college gal to do?

Oh, y’know, invest in some… flask sandals?!

Yep. These Dram Reef sandals have a “polyurethane encapsulated canteen” in the heel (read: a flask built right into the sole). Uh-huh, go on your morning walk (I can only assume that people who buy flask sandals also drink in the morning), get to your undisclosed watering hole, and liquor up the old fashioned way: from yer shoe. Read More »