Splurge items: ba&sh tweed jacket, similar here | YSL bag | Chanel shoes | Frame Jetset jeans
8 Splurge Items That Are Worth Every Penny
… and some affordable options too
With Fall under way, it’s the time of year when we start seriously thinking about our fall wardrobes. That often means picking up some “splurge items,” like boots, coats and handbags. One thing I know, after helping thousands of women in the dressing room, is that most of us strive to have a stylish, accessible wardrobe. After all, we want to easily make beautiful outfits that we feel great in!
So, the most important thing is to add pieces that have longevity, that you absolutely love, and that you’ll wear all the time. Easier said than done, I know. So, which splurge items are really worth it?
Today’s post is about 8 splurge items that are worth every penny. I own most of these, and I can tell you that I wear at least one piece daily. That’s what makes them worth the investment! I prefer to have fewer items that work with all my outfits, even if initially it costs a little more. If you’ve been following me for a while, you often see me wear the same bags, shoes and jewelry over and over again. Why? Because they go with everything! To me, owning these pieces makes getting dressed easier (and faster), and gives me an elevated look. And, you really only need one splurge item per outfit!
What about lower-priced items? I’m often asked to share lower priced items, and here’s the deal. I believe in mixing high and low, and that’s the essence of a really cool wardrobe. After all, most of us love a deal here and there. But, I will only share affordable options that I would either purchase myself, have read about, or own. In other words, I’m picky and very selective with what I share here on So Susie.
#1 Jewelry (specifically my necklace stack)
In the past few years, I’ve paid more attention to jewelry than I ever have in my life. It’s a little addictive, but worth it if you choose wisely 😉 Since jewelry has the ability to elevate all your outfits, it’s definitely worth the splurge! A stylish friend of mine has some incredible jewelry, and I recently complimented her on her butterfly necklace. She thanked me and shared that it was from her sweet granddaughter and cost $12. The point is, beautiful jewelry doesn’t need to be expensive!
Rails cardigan | Naghedi tote | Frame Le High flare jeans | SW boots | Necklaces: here, here and here
Necklaces: I’ve worn this Zoe Chicco necklace every day for the last year. It’s dainty and beautiful, and layers perfectly with every other necklace. This year, I treated myself to this Foundrae butterfly charm that looks great with my Protection necklace and other heart charm
Earrings: Pretty much wear these three everyday — Maria Tash studs, Spinelli Kilcollin hoops and these mini huggie earrings. I have three piercings on each ear
Rings: You might like these Jamie Joseph rings. I wear my white one often, same with this David Yurman ring. Also love these Bony Levy stackable rings, here and here.
Bracelets and watches: I recently got this silver tennis bracelet and it looks stunning paired with a gold watch. Lately, I’ve been wearing this Cartier one, but this Michele watch was the first nice piece of jewelry I ever bought myself 😉
Affordable options
Love these earrings, this necklace and this tennis bracelet. Brands to consider include Mejuri, Jenny Bird, and anything from Anthropologie
#2 Designer splurge items: belt, loafers, and scarves
If you invest in classic pieces, you’ll have them for years. This Insta famous belt with the gold GGs was my first purchase, and then when I was over it I sold it — with regrets, because now it’s back!! I replaced it with the Celine belt — you can wear it with absolutely everything.
Grey coat, similar | Gucci scarf | Ecru jeans
Favorites include:
Gucci favorites: Loafers are super comfortable, and perfect all year around. This year, I’m eyeing these brand new loafers, these gorgeous slingbacks, this new twilly scarf and this bag.
Designer scarves: This scarf was one of my splurge items a couple years ago. After spending hours (no joke) in the boutique, I finally landed on the soft gray color — and have always been happy with it! I also added the black and ivory one to my collection and love that it’s double sided.
Designer belts: Belts are making a comeback! Love this Bottega one, this Loewe one and this Chloe one.
Affordable options
These Sam Edelman mules and loafers are amazing — I have the tan color, and they’re very comfortable. For belts, you can’t go wrong with Rag & Bone or Frame. Anthropologie has good ones too! Finally, for a scarf option, there’s really no better one than this Nordstrom one that I take absolutely everywhere!
#3 Stylish sneakers
I love, love, love sneakers, and thank goodness they’re still trendy and in style! I spotted cool girls wearing them with everything from dresses to skirts to jeans in London, Paris and NYC. Finding a pair or two you absolutely love is worth the investment, since you’ll wear them regularly and all seasons.
Rag & Bone slade blazer | ATM tee | Mother jeans | GG Ballstar sneakers | Chloe tote | Paravel luggage
Affordable options
Sam Edelman always does a great job, and the Ethyl (on sale for under $60 right now) and Josie are both great. Veja is another favorite — I love the Campo, V-10, and Volley. And don’t forget New Balance, Nike or Adidias. Grab them now before they sell out
#4 Favorite fragrances (also splurge here 😉)
I LOVE perfume, and over the years have collected several different ones. I’m not sure why, but the ones I love happen to be a little on the expensive side 😉 Maybe it’s because of all the years I worked at Nordstrom — I got hooked! Pro tip: buy a travel size of the one you like since it costs less and test it out. Or, you can get testers, which I always do before spending a lot of money on a full bottle.
Baccarat Rouge 540 | Le Labo Santal 33 | Gucci Guilty | Creed Royal Princess Oud
Lately, the fragrance I wear all the time is Baccarat Rouge 540 (the #1 fragrance everywhere). If you’re not quite sure, try the body oil – it’s about half the price of a bottle and it smells lovely – that’s what I did. I also added the Oud Satin Mood to my collection this year.
Le Labo is another favorite, and my two favorites are Santal 33 and Rose 31. I suggest trying the body wash – I use in my shower every day!
Other all time favorite fragrances include: Parfums de Marly Delina, Byredo Rein de Nuit, Creed Royal Princess Oud, Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede, Tom Ford Rose Prick and Gucci Guilty. Splurge on one you love (or hint about it for a birthday present 😉) and make it your signature!
#5 Wool coats
Investing in beautiful coats is one of the best purchases you can make! My first buying job was a Nordstrom coat buyer, and since the very beginning, I’ve had a soft spot for coats.
Max Mara coat | Stripe cardigan, similar | Spanx pant | L’Agence sandals
Max Mara is an all time favorite brand, and you can’t go wrong with something like this or this. Fleurette is another elevated brand — check out this coat and this coat too. One detail I always consider is double faced wool. It’s a detail that makes your coat look way more expensive. Some brands that do it really well include Reiss, Theory (P.S. They’re having 25% sitewide sale) and Mango.
Affordable options
This Mango coat is so good, I highly recommend it (size down)! The double faced wool detail makes it look elevated and sleek. I also love this light blue Nordstrom brand coat!
#6 Boots
For your everyday go-to boot, I recommend buying the best one you can because you’ll wear them every day.
Peacoat, similar here | Mother Hustler jeans | SW boots | Lady Dior bag
Last year, I splurged on these by Toteme and they completed every fall outfit I wore! While in New York this past week, I tried on these Staud boots, and they’re fantastic and I sent them home! These Stuart Weitzman boots (another splurge) are also favorites, and are a pair I highly recommend. Here are a few others that caught my eye this season.
Affordable options
Rag and Bone boots are amazing. Same with this ReformationToteme-inspired ones
#7 Luxury handbags and totes
I think designer bags are one of the best investments you can make. Since we wear a handbag or a tote every single day, consider it a key part of your outfit! When it comes to color selections this time of year, I recommend black, ivory or caramel (saddle brown). From there, adding a fun color like red or a pretty blue adds a little extra to your bag collection.
Aritzia coat | Stripe sweater | Mother jeans | SW boots | Celine crossbody bag
Here are a few I love:
Caramel bag options: Loewe Flamenco, Celine Triomphe, and this Gucci shoulder bag
Everyday favorites: Gucci camera bag, this Bottega, and this Loewe
Totes: Chloe Woody, YSL tote, and this Valentino one
Affordable options
One of my favorite affordable handbag brands is Rebecca Minkoff (I love this tote). Naghedi totes are super practical and the styling is elevated. Also, check out Tory Burch this one reminds me of the Gucci camera bag.
#8 Last of the splurge items: a Moncler puffer
Moncler puffer jacket | Mother grey denim | SW boots | Bottega Veneta bag
No joke, I wear this one every other day this time of year … all the way through May! I take it on every airplane trip, and because it’s thin you can even tie it around your waist if you get too hot. I went with a size small so I could layer a hoodie like this one under it. It gives it a little update! I just got this new one this year in both the tan and black because I couldn’t decide. I landed on the black since it’s “my color” and I love that it looks like a lady jacket.
Affordable options
Love this FP Movement one, also look at this one and this one
Thank you for reading! xx
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