Style: Splurge or Steal
Splurge or steal on a warm winter wardrobe.
As the joy of gift giving fades and the reality of holiday spending hits your bank account this January, bargain shopping for fabulous style is a resolution must. Ideally, we could buy anything we wanted at Neiman Marcus, regardless of the price tag. But that’s not the real world, and besides, it’s just as easy to achieve that $1,000 look without breaking the bank.
My motto is wear what you love, no matter your budget. Either of these almost-identical winter looks is perfect for cozying up by the fire or toasting the new year with your girlfriends. With drastically different price tags, you can strut a winter-chic wardrobe in style and within your own budget.
When to Splurge, When to Save
Save: Jewelry
Jewelry is a great example of how to look like a million bucks without spending a fortune. While nice watches and classic jewelry are great investment items, inexpensive costume jewelry is a fabulous way to stay on trend without dipping into your savings for a new pair of earrings.
Save: Boots
Over-the-knee boots are the trend right now, and we are seeing them everywhere: in magazines and style blogs, on models and friends. Boots are usually a splurge item for me because a well-made (and typically more expensive) pair of leather boots will last much longer than a poorly made (and typically less expensive) option. However, I broke the bank buying the seemingly splurge-worthy Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots, but then I found a similar pair for less than $300 that I actually receive more compliments on. In this case, save your money for another splurge!
Splurge: Handbags
Classic handbags like this Chanel Boy bag are wardrobe staples that can be passed on to your kids and grandkids. These types of handbags are iconic for a reason: They last a lifetime. Years of good use and impeccable style help justify the designer investment. Luckily, if you’re simply not in the market for this type of luxury item, there are countless alternative options that will give you the same style at a fraction of the cost.
Save: Clothes
Bottom line: I can’t justify $595 on a brand-name cardigan when I can find a look-alike piece from Forever 21 for $21.80. Except for staples (like a black leather jacket), clothing is a savings goldmine. If splurge money were no object, I would regularly purchase higher-quality garments. However, until I hit the jackpot, I will be saving on affordable look-alikes, especially for trends that may come and go in one season.
Splurge
Chanel Boy bag, $5,200
Chanel black ceramic J12 watch, $5,000
Stuart Weitzman Highland over-the-knee boots, $875
AG Twilight shredded jeans, $225
Eileen Fisher V-neck long-sleeve tunic, $238
Vince gray cardigan, $595
County Line hat, $150
Louis Vuitton gray shawl, $590
Gold titan bracelet, $290
Bag, watch and tunic available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.
Jeans available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com.
Hat available at Goorin Bros., 1323 S. Congress Ave., 512.326.4287, goorin.com.
Shawl available at Louis Vuitton, 11600 Century Oaks Terrace, 512.832.0327, louisvuitton.com.
Bracelet available at vitafede.com.
$13,163
Steal
Rebecca Minkoff Love crossbody bag, $295
Nixon Sentry watch, $150
Sam Edelman Kayla over-the-knee boots, $285
Gray jeans, $30
V-neck tunic, $15
Long gray cardigan, $22
Black hat, $30
Halogen gray scarf, $48
Jules Smith gold spike bracelet, $39
Bag, watch, boots and scarf available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.,512.691.3500, nordstrom.com.
Jeans, tunic and hat available at H&M, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 855.466.7467, hm.com.
Cardigan available at Forever 21, 3409 Esperanza Crossing, 512.719.3988, forever21.com.
Bracelet available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.
Style for the Ages
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