Splurge items: Me + Em jacket, similar | Pants | Gucci sandals, similar | Lady Dior bag | Phone case | Tennis necklace
9 Splurge Items That Are Worth Every Penny
As we head towards the new year, many of us start thinking about all the wonderful possibilities ahead ⭐️ It’s those everyday moments that count … the ones where we just want to feel (and look) our best. In terms of our wardrobes, that can mean picking up a few “splurge items,” like a ring you’ll wear forever, special accessories that elevate every outfit, and of course, great handbags that complete your look. And, since we’re in gift-giving season, it’s the perfect time to add something special to your wish list — a piece (or two) that you’ll truly love and wear all the time.
Today’s post is about 9 splurge items that are worth every penny. I own many of these, and 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 presents a more elevated look. And, you really only need one splurge item per outfit.
What about lower-priced items? Ok, here’s the deal: I absolutely believe in mixing high and low, and that’s the essence of a really cool wardrobe. For example, if you’re wearing a Zara jacket and cool jeans, and add one designer piece, like a great handbag or a glamorous pair of sunglasses. As a result, you instantly bring that look up a notch. Next thing you know, your outfit is more stylish and polished — it’s elevated. This is the art of high/low dressing, and chances are many of the fashion girls who catch your eye on Instagram or Pinterest have this mastered!
#1 Beautiful Jewelry
Jewelry has the ability to instantly elevate all your outfits, so it’s definitely worth the splurge!
Button up shirt | Trousers | Bottega bag | Necklaces: Zoe Chicco | Gigi Clozeau | Foundrae
Necklaces I wear everyday: This diamond layer, this dainty Gigi Clozeau one, this splurge Foundrae, and this diamond quad one by Zoe Chicco. I love them all, and they’re some of my highest recommendations. What’s new? I’ve been noticing beautiful pendants, and now have my eye on several new pieces like this, this and this. All so pretty, and will layer perfectly with everything you own.
Everyday Earrings: Maria Tash studs, Spinelli Kilcollin hoops and these square oval Foundrae ones. I have three piercings on each ear (and would love to have a bunch more!), but for now I’m staying put. Just splurged on these new drop earrings while in LA, and plan to wear two on one side.
Rings: This Brent Neale knot ring is stunning, and so is anything that’s part of the Wildflowers collection. I noticed that the brand Real Fine Jewelry has gotten a little inspo from Brent, and has these pinky rings that are super pretty. Right now, both me and my daughter Emily are eyeing a Spinelli ring like this one or this one!
Bracelets and watches: Recently got this white gold tennis bracelet, and it looks beautiful 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
Ring Concierge makes some of my favorites, like this bangle, these huggie earrings this tennis bracelet
#2 Designer Splurge Accessories
If you invest in classic pieces, you’ll have them for years
Gray coat, similar | Gucci scarf
Designer wool scarves: This scarf was one of my splurge items a couple of 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! It’s also available in black which you’d wear all the time. Also love this gorgeous brown YSL, and this Valentino leopard one.
Designer silk scarves: I saw many stylish women wearing silk scarves on a recent trip to Paris. Talk about chic! You can splurge on a Gucci one like this or this, and there’s a pretty silk ribbon like this. I splurged on this Dior one a couple of years ago, and it’s another good one. But honestly, more affordable ones like this Toteme or this Rag & Bone one are just as stylish, but for a fraction of the price.
Designer belts: Belts are making a comeback — don’t miss this Khaite one, this Bottega, and this classic YSL. And check out these cool girl brands here and here.
Affordable options
Veronica Beard, Petit Moments, Rag & Bone
#3 Luxury Handbags, Totes & Clutches
Designer bags are one of the best investments you can make
J.Crew coat | Vince sweater | Vince pants | Prada bag | Paige slingbacks
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 often recommend not going with black (although it’s always useful), but instead, a soft white or caramel (saddle brown), and even a color like red or olive green.
Totes: Love this Prada one (I’m currently considering this one too). My daughter Emily saved her money and purchased this one
Everyday bags: I wear this Bottega one pretty much every day. Balenciaga is making a comeback, this one is so good. Also love this one by Celine, this Loewe one and this Valentino
Clutches: Having a clutch or two on hand is a really good idea. And, they don’t need to be expensive — just something you really love. For example, this one by Cult Gaia is super cool, and you can wear it any time of year. I’ve been eyeing this Savette one, but can’t decide which color! Also love this and this.
Affordable options
Veronica Dash bag looks like a designer bag — the clutch is here and the bag options are here
My daughter has this $58 Amazon bag that just looks like the Bottega bag I love – it’s really good for the price!
#4 Signature Scent
We all LOVE perfume around here, and over the years I’ve collected several different scents. 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, which I always do before spending a lot of money on a full bottle.
Delina | Satin Oud | Tom Ford Rose Prick
Right now, 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. I also added the Oud Satin Mood to my collection this year — but it ended up giving me a headache 😬
Le Labo is another favorite, and Santal 33 is the most popular. My husband loves the shower gel and soap, and he even placed a reorder when we ran out!
Other all time favorite fragrances include: Byredo Gypsy Water, Parfums de Marly Delina, Byredo Bal d’Afrique, Creed Royal Princess Oud, Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede. Splurge on one you love (or hint about it for a birthday present 😉) and make it your signature!
New this year: Victoria Beckham Portifino and Portrait of a Lady
For the guys: There’s nothing better than Aventus … trust me on this one
#5 Classic Wool Coats
A beautiful coat will be one of your best purchases of the year
Black coat, similar | Stuart Weitzman boots | Goyard tote
One detail I always consider is double-faced wool. It’s a detail that makes the coat look way more expensive. Some brands that do it really well include Reiss, Mango and Alex Mill.
Luxury coats: Max Mara: look at this and this. Fleurette: just purchased this one and it’s beautiful – also look here. Chech out this one by Mackage
Mid-range coats: just ordered this Reiss in navy, also like this one
Affordable: Aritzia coats, Mango like this, Sam Edelman like this and Ralph Lauren like this charcoal gray one
#6 Designer Shoes
Navy jacket | Mother jeans | Prada pumps | Veronica Beard bag
You’ll be surprised how much a good designer shoe elevates your outfits. I always recommend starting with ones you know you’ll wear all the time. For example, if you love sneakers, start there. Personally I prefer heels, so most of my designer shoe splurges are ones with a little height.
Boots: Favorites include anything by Stuart Weitzman (currently loving this and this). You also can’t go wrong with the brand Khaite (like these) and also these new ones by Jimmy Choo. For knee boots, consider this pair although honestly the Sam Edelmans (knee boot and bootie) look designer!
Flats & loafers: You can’t go wrong with a Prada loafer or these YSL cult favorites. For splurge classic flats, look at these by Veronica Beard or these classic slingbacks
Heels: Consider these Prada slingbacks, these go-with-everything Guccis or these gorgeous new mules
#7 Moncler Puffers
No joke, I wear this one in the photo so much 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 the puffer a little update. Yes, it’s a splurge, but so so worth it!
Cold weather options: look at this or this
#8 Cozy at Home
There’s something that just feels luxurious when you’re lounging around your house in a silk robe, or laying your head on a silk pillow. These are the little splurges that are worth every penny. They also make great gifts!
Bedding: Silk pillowcase — recommend this one, and delicious sheets: this set by Boll & Branch
Lounging around the house: This robe (my highest recommendation) and silk pjs like this or this
Other little luxuries: Ugg slippers, cashmere throws like this or this one by Quince, Sonos speakers, and an espresso machine (this is the one we have)
#9 Travel
I’ve tested a lot of luggage in the past few years, and for the most part I really don’t notice a difference in quality between affordable ones like Beis and more expensive ones like Briggs & Riley. But, when I splurged on my cute little Rimowa, that’s when I noticed one big difference. When you’re rolling it through the airport, it glides so nicely! Is it worth the big price tag? I’m not so sure, but I do love my carryon 😉
Luggage: Rimowa and this one by Bric’s
The gear: Apple headphones, Cashmere wraps, travel speaker
Updated December 2025
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