04 9 / 2011
Sometimes it’s Okay to Splurge Away
Most of the time, I avoid pricey items like the plague. Tough times call for tough shopping strategies; many of which include shunning designer duds for budget beauties. But sometimes, (and only sometimes), it’s okay to spend away on a piece that’s “worth it.”
But what makes something “worth it?” I’ve made up some FlatBrooke rules for a (justifiable) case of the splurges.
1) The piece is of good quality and fit. The only exceptions are if something is easily fixable, like a few loose threads on a button. If it needs tailoring, it’s out.
2) The piece makes a statement. T-shirts, jeans, and the like can be found almost anywhere, at almost any price. That gorgeous trench you’ve been eyeing cannot.
3)You want this purchase and you know you’ll use it. It’s the kind of thing you’ve been passing in the store window for a few weeks and can’t get out of your head. Do not, and I repeat DO NOT, buy something expensive just because you’re feeling bad or are shopping with richer friends who buy 8 things and look at you with those terrible pity eyes when you just buy a frozen yogurt. Pretend you don’t see the pity eyes, because you will be making the same face at your wallet in a couple weeks if you buy something you will never wear.
Expensive means different things to different people as well. To me, expensive means over $50.00 on a purchase. That’s why I was almost hesitant when I found this Bebe trench coat at my local Plato’s for $60.00.
(Photo from thisnext.com)
I happen to love the Bebe aesthetic, but not the price. So when this came along, in a great color with a great fit, I put aside my fears and purchased it. Not only was it $70.00 off the original, but it was a unique purchase in such great condition that I couldn’t afford not to snatch it up.
(P.S. I don’t know if all the Plato’s are on the same schedule, but mine is Jacket City! A good five racks were just full of leather, wool, and satin blazers and jackets. I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to fall weather this much!)
To playing by the rules,
Brooke
