Each week, we're turning to some of our favorite fashion bloggers for tips on when to splurge and when to save. Next up, we're chatting with the fearless and fabulous Lauren of The Pear Shape!
WHAT IS YOUR GENERAL SHOPPING PHILOSOPHY?
My thoughts around shopping seem to have changed with age. As a young kid I loved cheap thrills. The cheap-y tank tops at Forever 21 were my jam. Now that I’ve gotten older I have learned to appreciate workmanship in pieces. As often as I can, I will invest in an item to be able to experience its longevity. Call me a sap, but even with trendy items, I purchase the higher quality version of it as I think: “my daughter might want to wear this one day!”
HOW DO YOU DECIDE TO INVEST IN A SPLURGE? WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER SAVE?
I save on items I KNOW I will only wear once or twice, or serve a purpose for only 1 or 2 outfits. For example: the crop top trend. I really wanted to try it out but even spending $50+ at Zara was too much for me. I went to Forever 21 and bought a cute version on sale for $7 and strictly wear it with one or two high-waisted bottoms in my wardrobe. If I’m investing in something, it is typically something I could see myself wearing or using often, or something I see myself keeping for years.
MOST-BELOVED SPLURGE.
My Chanel wallet on chain, hands down. I have been a lover of Chanel since eying my grandma’s collection at 12. Once I started working full-time after college I opened a savings account just for this particular bag. I did years and years of research, scouring the vintage market before deciding that the slight savings wasn’t worth it. I then put myself on (no kidding) 7 Chanel boutique waiting lists for the bag. When my number was called and it arrived to my apartment, I literally had my boyfriend pull out our camera and take a picture of me opening it. It’s like a first child!
FAVORITE STEAL.
My Banana Republic skinny jeans, for sure! I have owned these jeans for at least 3 years and have worn them so incredibly much it’s ridiculous. I got them on sale years ago for less than $50 and they easily surpass my designer jeans as my favorites.
MOST REGRETTABLE BUY
This one I had to think about. I rarely regret buying things only because I tend to keep tags on items for a while; really making sure I love them. But the one item that jumps out at me is an Alice and Olivia floral fitted dress. I bought it on mega sale and it fits like a dream, but I still haven’t found an occasion to wear it. Every time I think about it, I put it on and realize that it hugs my tush too much, or is too “out there.” One day I’ll wear it, because it seriously is amazing, but if I could go back in time I wouldn’t have pulled the trigger.
WHAT DOES YOUR FALL WISHLIST LOOK LIKE?
I’m entirely obsessed with all black for Fall. I am looking to invest in the perfect fitting black silk button down, flattering ankle booties (if that’s even possible…), luxurious scarves (always a budget find for me), and heavy knits.
P.S. … YOUR BEST FIND EVER.
My Chanel flats! I was in a consignment store in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina browsing as my boyfriend got our car tires rotated when I stumbled upon gold-cap toed Chanel flats, in exactly my size. I nearly died, Googled the SKU to be sure they were authentic, and giddily ran home with them. To top it all off, they were on 60% clearance, off of the already reduced price!
Outfit Details: Leather Dress, How To Wear a Crop Top, Chanel WOC, Spring Peplum, Alice & Olivia Fitted Dress, Hobo Chic, Chanel Flats