SPLURGE VS. SAVE

splurge vs. save all black street style black lace top, statement earrings how to decide what to splurge and what to save on black culottes, lace top, marion parke shoesblack lace top, adia kibur earrings from shopbop all black outfit, street style

You know those splurge vs. save features in magazines? I used to love those. I would pour over them, trying to figure out which was which (and, to be honest, I was usually right 🙂 ). But even with my extensive market research from my youth, it has taken me a while to figure out what to actually splurge and save on in real life. With fast fashion being such a prevalent concept in our fashion industry today, it can be hard to discern what will last you a few months and what you’ll want to be wearing years from now. It is for me, anyway. So today I’m sharing my tips on how to decide what to splurge and what to save on:

1. Fabric contentWhat is the garment made of? Natural, high-quality fibers? Or cheap polyester? If you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on something, you want to make sure it’s going to last for as long as you love it.

2. Timelessness: Is it a classic? This doesn’t mean it needs to be conservative pearls or a Chanel bag, but will it stand the test of time? For example, if you wanted to splurge on a choker, I would advise going with a delicate gold one as opposed to a velvet choker. It’s less trendy and you’ll probably still love it years from now.

3. Versatility: Can you wear it with at least 5+ of your favourite outfits/pieces from your closet? If you’re going to splurge, you need to make sure the item will stand the dollars per wear test (price/approximate number of times you’ll wear it).

4. Wait: Once I’m seriously thinking about splurging, I wait. I put the item aside and keep it in the back of my mind for a few weeks or even months. If I can’t stop thinking about it and mentally start putting together outfits with it, I know I’m good to go (if I can save up for it, at least- I waited and saved for years for my Celine bag). Waiting also spares you from splurging on items that are too trendy, as they may not be around anymore if you wait a few months.

How do you guys decide what to save and what to splurge on? Made any good splurges lately? Let me know on Instagram or in the comments!

PS My favourite sale of the year ends tonight! Check out my picks here and stay tuned for a haul video 🙂

Brunette the Label lace top | Black culottes | Marion Parke shoes | Adia Kibur earrings

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12 Comments

  1. 10.15.2016 / 9:06 am

    These are all great tips! I always try and think of a couple of outfits it could go with as well as the quality. Waiting it out is also important, sometimes it’ll be months later and I end up not wanting an item anymore and happy I didn’t buy it on a whim!

    http://www.insearchofsheila.com

    • August Diaries
      Author
      10.16.2016 / 5:00 pm

      Thanks Sheila! Ya, waiting can be hard, but worth it!

      xx Jill

  2. Janet
    10.15.2016 / 2:35 pm

    Great post! I was curious to know which are your favorite fabrics? Or which do you recommend?

    • August Diaries
      Author
      10.16.2016 / 5:08 pm

      Thanks Janet! I try to stick to natural fabrics like wool, cotton, silk, cashmere, especially when I’m spending money on an item. Keep in mind that acrylic can pill super quickly in sweaters, so don’t splurge on one with that in it.

      Hope that’s helpful!
      xx Jill

  3. 10.16.2016 / 9:30 am

    You look amazing, hun! I’m totally in love with the whole outfit. You have a great taste when it comes to fashion! And cheers to the photographer who did a great job capturing your style!

    xo,
    Iga
    http://www.STYLENIGHTCAP.com

    • August Diaries
      Author
      10.16.2016 / 5:08 pm

      Thanks so much love!

      xx Jill

  4. 10.16.2016 / 11:56 am

    I do exactly the same. I wait until I’m sure I’m going to wear it before buying it. I hate having clothes that I finally don’t wear at all. Great post, and so elegant outfit! Have a nice day!

    • August Diaries
      Author
      10.16.2016 / 5:19 pm

      Thank you beauty!

      xx Jill

  5. Alexia
    12.03.2016 / 9:16 pm

    I loooove your page. I’m obsessing over this outfit. Where can I find it?! Amazing style!

    • August Diaries
      Author
      12.05.2016 / 1:26 pm

      Thanks Alexia! All the pieces in the outfit are linked at the bottom of the post 🙂

      xx Jill

  6. Quinea
    08.30.2017 / 1:47 am

    Love your advice! I can totally relate to the ‘waiting’ comment. Been saving for a specific leather jacket for some time and the waiting created a good tension of discipline.

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.30.2017 / 9:57 am

      Absolutely! And then you have it forever 🙂

      xx Jill

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