YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:44:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765930 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 04:31:04 +0000 Anonymous 765930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What cciele said. But I do consistently spend on my haircuts cciele on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765928 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 04:25:20 +0000 cciele 765928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ To me, luxury is a splurge -- spending a lot on something, hopefully high quality, that I would typically spend less for for. So, an expensive meal. 5-star hotel room. High-end handbag. Great boots. Etc. And to that end, I just spent a crazy amount of money on some Chrome Hearts prescription sunnies. But this is my first pair of prescription sunglasses, I think they will last a long time, the design is awesome, and I can afford the splurge rae on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765895 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 02:42:50 +0000 rae 765895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I now have a much higher appreciation for a lack of physical discomfort as a luxury - to that end, I'm committed to splurging on comfortable shoes, fabrics that breathe, technology that eases the burden on my shoulders (a la my spy trench coat with the many pockets), things like that. Had enough of arch pain, toe pain, and rashes to last me. Will also splurge on something that absolutely sings to me, clothing-wise - but only if it meets the comfort criteria as well. I do NOT splurge on my vehicle, meals, makeup, travel... in those areas, I want the best value rather than the most luxury. Isabel on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765891 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 02:34:14 +0000 Isabel 765891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Though I live in MA, I recently went to the Shoptoberfest in the OC, CA. I had my own room and rented a car for 2 days. I have some great food and company and bought some fun things. That was a COMPLETE luxury to me. For the first time in my life, I did something just because.....just for fun. I also LOVE sweatercoats and would spend a bit more a on a big beautiful, big cashmere sweater. I could certainly live without it and find many other alternatives...but it is a splurge as would be a big cashmere scarf. There are lots of other things that would do just as well, but there is just something about the softness that just screams luxury. deb on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765885 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 02:24:53 +0000 deb 765885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Caro, I agree with you. Having a housekeeper increased my quality/luxury time with my children when they were little. I did not even think of that which I should be ashamed of. I still have a housekeeper and it is money well spent! No arguing over who is going to do what chore and hurt feelings. A much happier family, me included! Nicole D on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765876 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 02:12:04 +0000 Nicole D 765876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that paying for domestic and caregiving services that can enhance your efficiency and ability to spend quality time with your family is the most important luxury for me, and I am constantly surprised that others do not see that. deb on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765873 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 02:00:27 +0000 deb 765873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Quality, I have always looked for quality no matter my income bracket. Luxury is where I am able to afford the things I held dear but could not afford. My fur babies, for example. I have always wanted standard poodles but my human children came first. I tried to make sure they had all they needed to succeed in today's world, even through the tough times. Once they left home for good, I was able to get the fur babies I wanted. The luxury of a good breeder made a very big difference in quality of my life for the 15 or so years I will have these babies. It was money well spent. Luxurious 'things' just do not mean much to me. I do insist on good leather shoes and bags, but we are able to get these at a relatively low price. Oh, that word 'relative', means so much. Someone with a lower wage will have a different deffinition of luxury than I do and I never want them to feel bad because they do. How do we overcome this? I see it happening so often and it makes me sad. Ingunn on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765749 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:07:24 +0000 Ingunn 765749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Caro, that is a very important distinction, indeed! I realize that I'm more into quality than luxury, then. But on the other hand, I could be willing to buy one or two luxury items if they were of the right kind: A beautiful bag perhaps (not Hermes, but I love the designs). My husband would certainly splurge on a new bike, but I can't see what for. But if the choice is between experiences, good meals or traveling, I'd pick that any time before a luxury bag - or bike! Lyn D. on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765730 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:44:04 +0000 Lyn D. 765730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Considering Caro's definitions I prefer quality all the way! Luxury would come with a measure of guilt- how do we feel hearing of multi-million salaried politicians and company directors when so many are starving? Gaylene on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765724 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:37:11 +0000 Gaylene 765724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "True" luxury, to me, are things that give me a sensory, as well as functional, pleasure. The item, or experience, goes beyond the requirements of its kind to provide a jolt of pleasure. For example, I love using my French-blue, cast-iron Staub pot because I adore its fusion of color, balance, and functionality. A recipe could be prepared just as well in another pot, but it feels like such a luxury to be able to own and use such a beautiful item. Some things in my "true luxury" category are fairly predictable: my high-quality cashmere sweater which I bought in Paris a year ago, my splurge on fabulous linens for our bed, and my well-designed Longchamps overnight bag that I take everywhere. But others are more personal: using my grandmother's biscuit cutters which I remember using as a child when I "helped" her in her kitchen, reading the first pages of a new book while sitting in my leather chair beside the fireplace with a cup of tea on a snowy afternoon, and walking, with my sister, through the village in eastern Europe where my mother was born almost a century ago. Some of these "splurges" on luxury cost money, but the "luxury" aspect of others was in taking the time to fully let myself feel and enjoy that jolt of pleasure. Caro in Oz on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765722 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:35:07 +0000 Caro in Oz 765722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I looked up the definitions of quality & luxury as I wasn't sure of the difference. They are not necessarily the same thing. Luxury is defined as: The state of great comfort and extravagant living. Quality is defined as: The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something. I would like quality in all areas of my life from organic food to good health to well made clothing that lasts for as long as I want or need it. I would never spend the money for an Hermes bag, I'd much rather have a holiday somewhere exotic, so I don't think my idea of quality slips into the luxury category but I never say never. Atlantia on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765714 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:11:06 +0000 Atlantia 765714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I'd love to know what kind of tea you splurge on. Angie on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765712 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:07:07 +0000 Angie 765712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Adding onto my first comment: As far as my wardrobe, travel and food goes (which includes eating out): it's all high-low. We have no problem spending huge amounts of money, or very little money in these areas of our lives. The item and experience must render extreme value in order to get our hard earned latkes. Of course - the value is perceived and relative. And in some cases it has a diminishing set of returns. Spending a lot of money on a mediocre meal makes me VERY angry. It makes me see red. But spending lots of money on a spectacular meal is a pleasure. Atlantia on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765706 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:00:31 +0000 Atlantia 765706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Musts: good sunscreen, fresh spices, a doted-on dog, and fun electronic toys. Mo on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765702 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 20:51:54 +0000 Mo 765702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Funny, I would be much more likely to spend on a wonderful meal and fine wine than on an item. I suppose that is more experience oriented as well. Actually, the BF and I will spend several hundred on such a meal a few times a year, but I can count on one hand the items in my closet that cost me over $100. ironkurtin on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765701 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 20:50:50 +0000 ironkurtin 765701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I pay top dollar for doctors, lawyers, and haircuts. It's been my experience (either first or second hand) that skimping in these areas is a very big mistake. I pay for organic meat and other produce, where it's possible. I believe in nice sheets and towels and good soaps and creams. For me, true luxury would be business class. That's when I know I've made it, when I can fly business class without blinking. Angie on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765693 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 20:37:39 +0000 Angie 765693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't *ever* skimp on tea, loo paper, parking, my haircut, our health and the welfare of our fur babies. Not in that order, though. Ingunn on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765687 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 20:23:31 +0000 Ingunn 765687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenava, I think we are a bit old school:) The values you mention are equally important to me. I prefer few, but well made kitchen utensils. I think I would be willing to pay more for a bag than for a number of other clothes items, like you. Irene, shoes and coats are on my list of priorities. I've finally learned that cheap shoes never pay off, and a good coat is a must-have. Perfume is something I rarely buy, but it must be of high quality. MaryK, this is a kind of luxury that many people probably can relate to. I truly understand how this guide will make everything easier for you in Japan. How are your thoughts in regard of luxury goods versus mass consumption, ladies? Would you prefer to have a lot of cheaper versions of something to fewer, but better items, or vice versa? Or - both (huh, I know it's possible). MsMary on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765670 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:54:01 +0000 MsMary 765670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just booked private guides for the Japan leg of our upcoming trip. To me, the ability to move around the cities freely with my husband and son, without having to stress over the language barrier or worry about getting lost, is going to be very luxurious indeed. Honestly, there are very few actual objects that give me a similar feeling -- I'm more of an "experience" girl, I think. Irene on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765662 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:43:33 +0000 Irene 765662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Perfume, and shoes Oh, and coats (but if I can get them cheaper, I don't mind as long as they are good enough quality). Jenava on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765661 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:43:01 +0000 Jenava 765661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I have the same mindset as you; very high quality materials and craftsmanship, something that is beautifully designed, but also beautifully made with the finest materials. And, tradition also plays a part, I think...you know, like fine, handmade lace from a place that has been making it the same way for generations! There's also something to be said for luxury service, as well. Same rules apply, I think, to that. So far most of my splurges have been mostly on food, a couple of kitchen pans (three demeyere pans, and hoping to add at least one more!) and a couple of handbags. These items give me pleasure using them because the quality and function just cannot be beat, plus they are beautiful to look at. Ingunn on "How do you define luxury, and what would you be willing to splurge on?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-define-luxury-and-what-would-you-be-willing-to-splurge-on#post-765650 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:28:24 +0000 Ingunn 765650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ After reading all the interesting posts in Inge's thread <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/deluxe---how-luxury-lost-its-luster---kick-off-thread">Deluxe - How Luxury Lost Its Luster - Kick-off Thread</a>, I began thinking about what I think is "true" luxury. It means a variety of things to me, but handmade quality is always something that appeals to me. I value everything that has an interesting tradition behind it - it can be handmade soap from France, a pair of leather boots from Italy, a handknit sweater (well made). Luxury to me would be my new leather booties. They have leather soles, sewn down, not glued, and the leather is perfect. They were pricey, but I wear them almost every other day and am so happy about them. They will last me for many years. Another kind of luxury is a fresh piece of lavender soap from Provence, or a good cheese. I eyed this wonderful bouclé skirt while shopping, but the price tag told me to let it go. I don't think it was worth that kind of money. I bought a similar fabric for a fraction of the price, and sewed it myself instead. Not entirely the same, but it still felt good, and a self-made skirt is something to cherish in its own way. When is a piece of clothing too expensive in your opinion, and what are the items you don't mind paying for? What does luxury mean? I'd love to hear your thoughts.