What do you know is overpriced but you splurge on it anyways?

thisismynickname2 · July 2014

1) Fine dining!

Chicago has so many incredible restaurants, but ever since I got engaged, that dining budget has taken a hit in favor of saving for the wedding. Oh, yeah, plus a second masters degree, that kind of eats into one's time.

2) Designer accessories. I have no problem wearing clothes from Target and shoes from Payless, but I'll pair them with diamond earrings and designer purses and sunglasses. I figure if I'm going to get a ton of wear out of something, I can spend good money on it.

wandajune6 · July 2014

I'm snobby about brands for some products but not for everything. I'm also a great shopper. Things I'll splurge on:

1. Great suits for business. I wear suits a lot and cheap ones look cheap and don't wear well. The suit doesn't need to be hideously expensive but it needs to have great quality fabric and help from a tailor. I love Nordstrom house brands.

2. Good dark chocolate. I love some of the options from Aldi. Otherwise, Valhrona is my favorite.

3. Like @ohannabelle, cashmere is worth the splurge. My sister worked at Marshall Field's (now Macy's) after college and got me amazing cashmere sweaters at 90% off when I was building my post-college wardrobe. I still have most of it and got spoiled. Cheap cashmere is disappointing. Not all sweaters need to be cashmere though - I still buy my black cardigan sweaters (I have a ton) and random bright colors/patterns at places like Target or Old Navy because I don't plan to wear them forever.

4. Walking sandals and walking shoes. I avoid heels as much as possible and love flipflops too much. But a good pair of Merrell or Keene sandals keep me going through the summers.

5. Milk. I'd buy organic/hormone-free/local/etc. for all of our food if we could afford it but, with a teen boy in the house and picky eaters, it's out of our budget. However, milk is always organic and hormone free. Organic milk usually has a longer lifespan (not sure why but it always seems to be the case) which is helpful since we're inconsistent with our consumption and it just seems less scary.

6. Foundation. I don't wear makeup often but it's almost always for work. I can never find drugstore brands that match my coloring quite right and feel good on my skin. I'm currently using Guerlain but think I'll go back to Estee Lauder soon as I like the feel a bit better.

7. I just spent an absurd amount of money on a bra to wear under my wedding dress. I am snobby about bras but also pretty cheap- I stalk my favorite brands at Nordstrom Rack so I can get my $80 bras for $20. I try to take good care of them but somehow destroy bras quickly. Sadly, I couldn't wait any longer on the wedding bra with my first fitting coming up soon.

emmaaa · July 2014

When I first read this post I was like, "Oh, I barely splurge!" FI and I are on a set budget with im being a full time student and me in my first year full time post-grad. However, after reading through the posts, I realized we do have luxuries.

Any kitchen appliance, electronic, or cookware: You get what you pay for in many cases.

Clothes: We don't shop often, but when we do we buy staple pieces that are made to last.

Car: We just bought a brand new car in February. It was the base model instead of limited though to save money.

Satellite: We have satellite TV basically because I enjoy watching television shows to relax. We also rent on pay-per-view movie each month.

Eating out: We eat out about once a week at our favorite wing place.

I see it as, when we buy different items, whether it is clothes, a mixer, or furniture, we want it to last.

southernbelle0915 · July 2014

Bedding. If I'm going to be in that sucker for 8 hours a day, it's going to be a damn throne.

theartistformerlyknownas · July 2014

Oh man, we have an Anthro on the same block as my office so I have to walk by it whenever I go out for lunch. I catch myself ogling everything in the windows; I'm sure people think I'm that jackass who stares at her reflection but I'm all "ZOMGTHESKIRRRRRTTTTTS!" AND they're opening a West Elm across the street soon. I may need to get a second job there.

We're doing these Anthropologie monogram cups for our head table centerpiece! Much excite! I got an antique silver coffee pot to hold my bouquet too.

beethery · July 2014

Bedding is definitely one. Hermés scarves. I only have a few but I budget for them and have 4 now and FI basically loses his mind when he sees the receipt, but he remembers quickly that I don't just randomly splash out on them. They're a planned purchase.

Fancy restaurant food while traveling is a HUGE one. I don't even want to think about how much we spent in Vegas and ATL when we went, but we ate SOOOOOOO WELL and it was worth it.

ohannabelle · July 2014

lolo883 said:

Oh man, we have an Anthro on the same block as my office so I have to walk by it whenever I go out for lunch. I catch myself ogling everything in the windows; I'm sure people think I'm that jackass who stares at her reflection but I'm all "ZOMGTHESKIRRRRRTTTTTS!" AND they're opening a West Elm across the street soon. I may need to get a second job there.

We're doing these Anthropologie monogram cups for our head table centerpiece! Much excite! I got an antique silver coffee pot to hold my bouquet too.

Oh, man. These are my favorite cups. We each have one, and daughter has this exact picture pinned. And yep, I will splurge at Anthropologie, on silly things. There's something they put in their 50 dollar scented candles that goes straight to my brain, and I think, oh, it's logical that the Principessa should have a cowboy print skirt with black tulle petticoats, price be damned. She thought I was crazy, but how adorable is this skirt.

ohannabelle · July 2014

So yes, add Anthropologie to my splurge list. I can't resist it.

theartistformerlyknownas · July 2014

ohannabelle said:

lolo883 said:

Oh man, we have an Anthro on the same block as my office so I have to walk by it whenever I go out for lunch. I catch myself ogling everything in the windows; I'm sure people think I'm that jackass who stares at her reflection but I'm all "ZOMGTHESKIRRRRRTTTTTS!" AND they're opening a West Elm across the street soon. I may need to get a second job there.

We're doing these Anthropologie monogram cups for our head table centerpiece! Much excite! I got an antique silver coffee pot to hold my bouquet too.

Oh, man. These are my favorite cups. We each have one, and daughter has this exact picture pinned. And yep, I will splurge at Anthropologie, on silly things. There's something they put in their 50 dollar scented candles that goes straight to my brain, and I think, oh, it's logical that the Principessa should have a cowboy print skirt with black tulle petticoats, price be damned. She thought I was crazy, but how adorable is this skirt.

OMG I need that skirt now. Dammit.

I'm gonna need to go get a J cup for FI... we'll still use the other cups after the wedding because I have nephews with first initials E and O and a niece V! They'll be so excited to see cups with their initials on them at Auntie Lolo's house. Then I just need a D and another E...

arrippa · July 2014

jenna8984 said:

arrippa said:

jenna8984 said:

Is Anthropologie a West Coast thing? I've never seen one.
There is an Anthropologie in Boston. It's on Newbury St. So I don't think it's just a west coast thing.
Oh gotcha. Newbury Street is the Rodeo Drive of Boston so I can't afford to go anywhere near there LOL. Even the Nike store on Newbury Street has like running shirts for $98. No thank you.

Tell me about it. My office is moving a block away from Newbury and all I can think is "there goes my paycheck".

ohannabelle · July 2014

This splurge thread has been an eye opener. Or a reality kick in the ass.

Because initially, I say, oh, I only splurge on durable, long lasting things. And then with each post, I think, oh, yes, that too. That matters.

So I need to revise.

Only serious durable long lasting things. And perfume. And expensive makeup. And cheese. And food. And kitchen things. And sheets. (Scented with the fore mentioned overpriced perfume) And good Italian restaurants. And nice soap. And Anthropologie. And hotel rooms. I'm sure there are more.

Screw it. I'm exposed. Yes, I'm a splurger of the worst degree. Splurge splurge splurge.

theartistformerlyknownas · July 2014

beethery said:

Bedding is definitely one. Hermés scarves. I only have a few but I budget for them and have 4 now and FI basically loses his mind when he sees the receipt, but he remembers quickly that I don't just randomly splash out on them. They're a planned purchase.

Fancy restaurant food while traveling is a HUGE one. I don't even want to think about how much we spent in Vegas and ATL when we went, but we ate SOOOOOOO WELL and it was worth it.

Definitely this. I went to Boston on a work trip once... submitted my expenses for an $85 dinner. Admin said "I need you to list out whose dinner you paid for on your tab; was this all 4 of you?" Nope... that was just me. Best damn scallops I've ever had, and butternut squash ravioli that melted in my mouth. I didn't get reimbursed but it was totally worth it. $35 crab cake eggs Benedict for breakfast the next morning? You betcha. #noregrets

That was the best part about cruising though... FI ate 6 lobster tails one night. I had two plus a prime rib and like 3 appetizers. That was heaven for me. We left the dining room and went straight to the buffet for pot de creme

wandajune6 · July 2014

arrippa said:

jenna8984 said:

arrippa said:

jenna8984 said:

Is Anthropologie a West Coast thing? I've never seen one.
There is an Anthropologie in Boston. It's on Newbury St. So I don't think it's just a west coast thing.
Oh gotcha. Newbury Street is the Rodeo Drive of Boston so I can't afford to go anywhere near there LOL. Even the Nike store on Newbury Street has like running shirts for $98. No thank you.
Tell me about it. My office is moving a block away from Newbury and all I can think is "there goes my paycheck".

I lived in Boston years ago and would always pass the Anthropologie. It's been a long time but they used to have the best clearance room.

Jells2dot0 · July 2014

ohannabelle said:

This splurge thread has been an eye opener. Or a reality kick in the ass.
Because initially, I say, oh, I only splurge on durable, long lasting things. And then with each post, I think, oh, yes, that too. That matters.
So I need to revise.
Only serious durable long lasting things. And perfume. And expensive makeup. And cheese. And food. And kitchen things. And sheets. (Scented with the fore mentioned overpriced perfume) And good Italian restaurants. And nice soap. And Anthropologie. And hotel rooms. I'm sure there are more.

Screw it. I'm exposed. Yes, I'm a splurger of the worst degree. Splurge splurge splurge.

LOL I am thinking the same thing! I know my travel addiction ends up costing me tens of thousands of dollars a year, but other than that, I always thought I was somewhat frugal because I'm so laid back and causal. WRONG. I'm really bad- REALLY bad.

beethery · July 2014

lolo883 said:

beethery said:

Bedding is definitely one. Hermés scarves. I only have a few but I budget for them and have 4 now and FI basically loses his mind when he sees the receipt, but he remembers quickly that I don't just randomly splash out on them. They're a planned purchase.

Fancy restaurant food while traveling is a HUGE one. I don't even want to think about how much we spent in Vegas and ATL when we went, but we ate SOOOOOOO WELL and it was worth it.

Definitely this. I went to Boston on a work trip once... submitted my expenses for an $85 dinner. Admin said "I need you to list out whose dinner you paid for on your tab; was this all 4 of you?" Nope... that was just me. Best damn scallops I've ever had, and butternut squash ravioli that melted in my mouth. I didn't get reimbursed but it was totally worth it. $35 crab cake eggs Benedict for breakfast the next morning? You betcha. #noregrets

That was the best part about cruising though... FI ate 6 lobster tails one night. I had two plus a prime rib and like 3 appetizers. That was heaven for me. We left the dining room and went straight to the buffet for pot de creme

We're on our way to Maine right now, I'm already planning my lobster ingestion tour. FI can't have shellfish but I plan to put myself into a lobster/scallop/butter coma by tomorrow morning. One of the restaurants had a fucking lobster + dill havarti omelet. Oooooooh yes.

JCbride2015 · July 2014

Oh God ladies, speaking of walking by Anthropologie, my physical therapist is on 57th and 6th-- right next to the famed Fifth Avenue stores. All the temptations. Good thing 5th Ave is too astronomically expensive for me really even to go inside anything. But the windows are so pretty.

My mom got Fi and I those Anthro initial mugs several Christmases ago. Mine is smaller and rounded, and Fi's is the big one in Lolo's picture. Fi accidentally broke mine in the sink and we promptly ran out to replace it! They are so darn cute.

I suppose I also splurge on food. I buy organic for most things, especially dairy and meat, and fruit/vegetables you don't peel. We get our food delivered but that isn't much of a splurge here, as the only options are bodegas and super expensive specialty markets, so I think the delivery actually saves us money. But it feels like such an awesome luxury to have a guy ring your intercom and bring the food literally into my kitchen.

buttercup1958 · July 2014

JCbride2015 said:

JCbride2015 said:

buttercup1958 said:

JCbride2015 said:

buttercup1958 said:

JCbride2015 I know what you mean! I have gotten most of my clothes from modcloth and francesca's. V always jokes how I could be a spokesperson for those stores. Francesca's and the loft also have student discounts too! V also jokes saying one day I'll just snap and constantly say kate spade ha.

@Jells2dot0 I love their button downs on me! They aren't boxy at all and they have a lot of cute skirts too. I was able to get some discounts because I went when it was tax free weekend yay!

ETA because I wanted to talk more ha

Francesca's has a student discount? Wha???? Oh no you di'nt. This is dangerous information.

Oh yes I did! I'll gladly share my information. I love most of their clothes. I just wish their jewelry wasn't so big. I wish I could pull them off but it looks like most of their necklaces will snap my neck in half ha.

Just do it, I promise you can pull it off. I've never seen anybody in a big necklace and thought it looked like they would snap!

I have several, mostly from J. Crew (where else) and get compliments on them all the time. I wear them at work with professional attire, under my collar where a man would wear a tie. It's a nice way to add interest to your outfit. I especially love them with suits.

Ok, you have convinced me to try them! Gosh I wish I could wear nice suits right now. But I'm still in undergrad and all of my current jobs require me to possibly get dirty. Maybe one day when I get my dream job I can treat myself to a nice suit. Until then I'll have to do with chunky necklaces! What do you think of this one?
http://www.francescas.com/product/avalon+floral+glass+bead+necklace.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=

ETA because picture won't show grrr

Omg I LOVE it! So pretty! (Chanting) do it, do it!

Ok! I have to wait for my paycheck but on August 1st it will be mine! You are an enabler of the best kind!

shaylagirl · July 2014

FiancB said:

Horse stuff. All the horse stuff. The barn I'm at now is definitely overpriced but I really liked it and blah.

**SITB**

I always tell people my horses get manis/pedis regularly; I don't. They get bumps or 'owwies' I'll call the vet. If I'm coughing up a lung, I'll still go to work, no biggie. Special suppliments? CHECK! Piece of tack needs to be replaced? On it! Oh, and tack on that hour-long drive to get to the tack store if I need it "OMG RIGHT NOW!", no problem. Need a heavy duty truck to haul the trailer? It's up next after we replace my car. Oh, and maybe upgrade the trailer too to something with living quarters.

Funny though how it doesn't feel like a splurge, but a necessity.

Beyond that, I splurge -OCCASIONALLY- on books. It's why I won't go in to a book store, I'll go bonkers buying books. Nevermind I've got so many unread ones on my Kindle or a few sitting on the book shelves. Books need homes!! I'm happy to give them ALL a good home!!

Kauris · July 2014

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body Oil is the best splurge investment I've ever made in my whole life. I will splurge invest in that stuff ALWAYS. Plus, if I put it on at night, the sheets then retain that smell for days.

I'm currently debating splurging on YSL mascara, I got a sample and my lashes were ridiculous!

I splurge on champange, face cream and eating out. FI splurges on purses for me though, he has excellent taste:

Jells2dot0 · July 2014

kasmith1 said:
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body Oil is the best splurge investment I've ever made in my whole life. I will splurge invest in that stuff ALWAYS. Plus, if I put it on at night, the sheets then retain that smell for days.

I'm currently debating splurging on YSL mascara, I got a sample and my lashes were ridiculous!

I splurge on champange, face cream and eating out. FI splurges on purses for me though, he has excellent taste:

Oh, crap! I'm a purse splurger too! I order most of mine from the UK (not available here in the US) I need to stop with the splurging madness!

Btw- that purse is gorgeous. I currently carry a B&W purse as well!

csuave · July 2014

It makes me very happy to pay someone else to do taxes. It doesn't matter how easy they are, I can't stand doing them.

DH easily talks me into buying playoff sports tickets. I love it when the teams do well but what an increase in ticket prices! It was totally worth it though to see the first baseball post season game in this city in the last 20 years.

KeptInStitches · July 2014

@foundmymagicgeek, how do you pronounce your cat's name?

WinstonsGirl · July 2014

@Jells2dot0‌ - Talk to me about Business Class. We always fly econo, though I would love to go First class. I just have a hard time justifying 3-4 times the cost for a few inches of leg room and a meal. I know theres no way I could do it on short flights (1-2 hours), but the longs ones would be nice to lie down and sleep on. What exactly do you get and why is it worth it??

jenna8984 · July 2014

WinstonsGirl said:

@Jells2dot0‌ - Talk to me about Business Class. We always fly econo, though I would love to go First class. I just have a hard time justifying 3-4 times the cost for a few inches of leg room and a meal. I know theres no way I could do it on short flights (1-2 hours), but the longs ones would be nice to lie down and sleep on. What exactly do you get and why is it worth it??

When we flew to Japan our coach tickets were $1600 each. The first class ones were $20,000 each. I am not kidding or exaggerating. Obviously a shorter flight would be much cheaper but it would never be worth the upcharge in my eyes. $300 more, alright, but once you get over that hell no.

mrsmagicgeek · July 2014

KeptInStitches said:
@foundmymagicgeek, how do you pronounce your cat's name?

Heh: "new cat"

KeptInStitches · July 2014

foundmymagicgeek said:

@foundmymagicgeek, how do you pronounce your cat's name?
Heh: "new cat"

Oh. Well now I feel stupid.

mrsmagicgeek · July 2014

KeptInStitches said:

foundmymagicgeek said:

KeptInStitches said:
@foundmymagicgeek, how do you pronounce your cat's name?
Heh: "new cat"

Oh. Well now I feel stupid.

Oh my goodness, don't! FI is an aspie so he tends to give things very literal nicknames ( I am "girl", my daughter is "mini girl"). He chose the spelling just to mess with people. He's a bit of a troll

flyingfoxes · July 2014

I splurged on a new bicycle last year. I had bought a cheapie from Craigslist to see if I even liked riding, and rode that for 2 years so I could justify spending the $1k on a Trek. Work has this thing about being green and they offer subsidies, so they paid for half of it, so double score. Other than that, everything that has to do with bikes is expensive. I just bought new gloves Saturday, and some of those suckers were $50 - trying to figure out if buying bike shoes is really worth avoiding the risk of my laces getting caught in my bike chain, but those are stupid expensive as well.

jenna8984 · July 2014

@april182015bride Depends how often you'd wear the shoes, but I think it's pretty darn easy to tuck your laces inside your shoes lol

FI has that issue with snowboarding though- gloves cost $60, goggles cost $150. Not to mention the $600 snowboard that he used exactly one time last winter....lol

flyingfoxes · July 2014

@jenna8984 - I refuse to buy the long leggings - in the fall I wear yoga pants and just safety pin them tight around my legs, lol.

I saw a pair of bike shoes at the Trek store for $172! WTF!

What do you know is overpriced but you splurge on it anyways?

Re: What do you know is overpriced but you splurge on it anyways?

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