To Splurge or Not to Splurge

This time of year I do a bit more shopping than usual, and give a little more thought to what I'd like to splurge on. Today, when I looked through our local newspaper, the News and Observer, the fashion editor asked this question - What's worth it? Perfect timing. I have quickly realized that "you get what you pay for" after a bad experience with pair of cheap jeans (they shrunk in length and the waistband stretches out way too much).

Ok, what's worth it? Here are the top 5 things I don't skimp on.

1. Lingerie. Taking a little extra time to have a bra fitting, and buying a quality bra (along with matching panties/thongs/boy shorts) can be well worth it! When you have lingerie that fits, and fits well, it makes your clothing look that much better too. Also, quality lingerie lasts longer and launders better than the inexpensive variety, which can stretch out and fall apart after just a couple of washings. My hands-down favorite thongs are Body by Victoria. The fit is great, and I've had a few of them for several years now. There's no comparison!

2. Skincare. Forget the too-good-to-be-true promises of the snakeoil salesman, with products priced sky-high. Go with what you can believe - all natural skincare make with pure ingredients is the best for anti-aging and keeping your skin looking it's best, plus getting regular facials (great organic facials that leave my skin looking fabulous!) makes a big difference.

3. A Raincoat - Something classic, that will trasncend the trends (such as a great trench) and always look good. This is an item you don't want to have to buy each season or year, so having something well-fitting and well-made hanging in your closet will surely deliver on those oh-so-rare days of downpours.

4. Premium Jeans. A great pair of jeans jeans that gives you a fabulous fit will be worn for years. Those cheap brands shrink, stretch out and just plain don't last.

5. A great haircut. Even on bad hair days, your hair will still look good when you have a hairdresser that understands your hair and knows how to cut it. You can also go a little longer between cuts, as it looks great growing out, giving you more bang for the buck with each cut.

6. A Little Black Dress - always good to have in a pinch, and when it's high-quality and fits well, it can be both simple and stunning!

Also, here's what I think is NOT worth the splurge.

1. Handbags - Unless it's a classic that you'll use year after year (like a Birkin Bag), handbags are something you'll probably change each season, if not sooner. Go with something you can have paid off before you're on to something else.

2. Pricey shoes - my sister is manager of a high-end shoe store and, according to her (and based on some of my experience), some of the $300 + shoes just don't wear like a $100 pair of Dansko's. There are great shoes at all price ranges these days so I usually go for something mid-priced from a dependable brand - especially since I have two kids and am pretty rough on shoes.

3. Sweats - I know it's great to look fabulous at the gym, but I just stick with the basics from Target that are still cute and save my $$ for other things

4. Cute tops - I usually wait until I go to DC or New York to hit H & M for these!

5. Nail polish - It seems the Bobbi Bown and the Chanel chip just as quickly as the Revlon or the L'Oreal (on me, anyway - I'm rough on my hands) so I go for the inexpensive, quick-drying. Especially now that my daughter is into my nail polish...