https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:33:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-970091 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 19:14:23 +0000 T-Rex 970091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I did my usual "down the rabbit hole" thing and went off to research vintage chanel bags. I found this article which seems to have a lot of good information. </p> <p><a href="http://www.iamstyle-ish.com/2011/05/vintage-chanel-bags-where-to-buy.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.iamstyle-ish.com/20.....o-buy.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-970089 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 19:14:01 +0000 retailgirl 970089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my goodness! What a dilemma! I would choose the watch, first, a Cartier or rolex. Second, the Chanel bag, although it would be hard to pick the color...probably black, but then what color hardware? I think diamond studs are a must have but if you don't wear studs, then, no. </p> <p>Question for Angie: why do you suggest the larger Cartier tank? I recently bought one for myself, (to mark a personal milestone), and I got the smaller, women's model. And I tried them all on. I am not petite but I do have slender wrists and it just looked better, to my eye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-970076 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 18:53:08 +0000 bj1111 970076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i'm with rachy...old school jewelry. &nbsp;i call it my "fleeing the country" fund. &nbsp;always liquid.</p> <p>in the perfect world, i would get the&nbsp;cartier <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cartier.us/collections/timepieces/womens-watches/ballon-bleu-de-cartier">ballon </a>in 28mm, or&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cartier.us/collections/timepieces/womens-watches/santos-de-cartier">santos</a>. &nbsp;the&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cartier.us/collections/timepieces/womens-watches/tank">tank</a>--solo or francaise--is a classic, but&nbsp;a really really common watch so&nbsp;i would get this one used.</p> <p>if you are looking for pearls, go to mikimoto for education, then buy from&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pearlparadise.com/">http://www.pearlparadise.com/</a>&nbsp; . &nbsp;i have no stake in this company. &nbsp;i am a very very satisfied buyer. &nbsp;i lust for these <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pearlparadise.com/Round-Golden-South-Sea-Pearl-Strands230.aspx">golden tahitians</a>.</p> <p>wait...we were talking about you...ummm, yes, jewelry! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-970066 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 18:38:44 +0000 goldenpig 970066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dh asked me again what I wanted and I told him I'd love a red Chanel purse. He actually said he wants to take me out to dinner in the city this weekend and that we could go take a look. I don't know if he knows how much they are though. I just said they were super expensive. I am excited just to go looky-look! Maybe we'll stop by a watch or jewelry shop to look too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-970059 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 18:28:25 +0000 rachylou 970059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a traditionalist and vote for real jewelry, which will last forever. I really like the luxury watch idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-970046 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 18:12:39 +0000 goldenpig 970046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zap, did you see the 2.55 in person? What did you think of the sizes and colors?</p> <p>I have been secretly mooning over the 2.55 for at least a year, but thought it was too extravagant so I didn't mention it. But maybe as a special occasion gift. And I have a raise coming at work soon. And I have always loved red purses. When I only had one bag it was red (Fossil tote).</p> <p>Dh is going on a diving trip himself to Australia this month as a reward for wt loss. He wants me to go to Fiji with him next yr on a dive boat for our 15th anniversary but I'm not sure about leaving the baby. We did it 2 yr ago when Ds was 17 mo, my mom came to watch them for a week, but 3 is a lot to handle. That was our first trip away from the kids and I missed them a lot, so last year dh went by himself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-969990 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:54:37 +0000 Echo 969990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The issue here is that different things matter to each person, so our opinions about what we would get might not excite you as much. I'd always go for jewelry for myself (solid gold bangles or diamond studs), and if you go with pearls, I would go with South Seas or Tahitians. Tahitians are larger and their colour makes them more of a statement piece that you might find easier to wear than smaller white pearls.</p> <p>It sounds like you are most excited about the bag, to be honest, and if that is the case, I think you should get it. And I would definitely get the Chanel in red. It would go well with your style and be more neutral than you might think. I'd go Chanel or Bottega Veneta over LV.</p> <p>I don't wear a watch, but a watch is a very long-lasting piece if you wear one. My preference would be a mid-size Cartier Ballon Bleu over a Rolex, but brand and style is personal preference.</p> <p>Congratulations on your upcoming 40th! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-969989 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:54:03 +0000 DonnaF 969989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm.&nbsp; I like the idea of the watch for you since you know you wear watches.&nbsp; Perhaps you need to figure out whether you would wear fine jewelry very often and if that would be in keeping with your style, esp. as you venture into a tougher style now and then.&nbsp; And a Chanel 2.55 bag seems very Natalie. . . .</p> <p>As to a trip?&nbsp; Seems like a great plan for an anniversary.&nbsp; And a Burberry?&nbsp; I would save it for next year after you have stopped breastfeeding and your size has stabilized.&nbsp; (I don't know about you, but it took me a couple of years for my size to settle down even in the shoulders and other weird places.) </p> <p>Fun to dream and imagine, isn't it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-969983 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:47:15 +0000 rae 969983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been thinking about this, too, since my own milestone birthday is coming up. I will be watching to see what you get! It is a tough call because you love variety so much that it is hard to think of something you'll wear every day. I would pick whichever one you would use <i>often</i>, forever.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on/page/2#post-969980 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:47:03 +0000 Anonymous 969980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Angie,&nbsp;<i><b></b></i><b></b><b>nice.</b> Great minds think alike, lol!</p> <p>FWIW, I have pearls and I still struggle with styling them. It's true, you usually only see them in piles these days. My strand feels lonely and so "dated dressy" in a casual outfit, and needy and not blingy enough with a cocktail dress.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969939 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:18:28 +0000 cinnamon fern 969939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It doesn't sound like there's any one thing you've been longing for, and $5000 seems like a lot of money to spend on something you don't love. &nbsp;(Or need, though that's irrelevant here.)&nbsp; So I second Joy's suggestion of a trip. &nbsp;Just the two of you, some place neither of you have ever been.</p> <p>And if later you find yourself wishing you'd gone for the Rolex, you can get it for your anniversary </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969926 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:01:07 +0000 ElleH 969926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are so many great suggestions here so i will only add that the value of diamonds &amp; precious metals usually increases. I'm not sure if that matters to you but I would think of those as a true investment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969914 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:53:12 +0000 Diana 969914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would get the Burberry or a watch.&nbsp; They seem like the ones you would use the most and that would last the longest.&nbsp; (At least for me, I find that I abuse bags so a designer bag would not be a good investment for me if I wanted to ever use it.)&nbsp; Watches are more durable and Burberrys last forever.&nbsp; </p> <p>I don't have a super high end watch, but I do have a Movado museum watch (they run around $500-1000, generally) that I wear all the time.&nbsp; It's not as flashy as some more expensive watches, so I don't feel conspicuous at all in it.</p> <p>And if and when I get a real faculty job I have promised myself a black Burberry! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969897 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:35:00 +0000 harmonica 969897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some Mikimoto pearls </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969894 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:30:31 +0000 goldenpig 969894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll definitely have to look into the watch and jewelry options. I'll ask DH, he seems to know a lot about watches. Maybe a high end reconaissance trip to SF is in order! Just imagine, browsing in Chanel and Cartier and Rolex and Burberry....I'll take one of those, and one of those, dahling.... ;)</p> <p>I'll come back later after work to respond to all of your great&nbsp;suggestions in more detail. But Angie, OMG...Kelly's pic with the red Chanel bag...I DIE!</p> <p><div>I know black is the more sensible choice for a Chanel, but the red makes my heart pound! I would wear black and white every day just to get that pop of red. In fact I'm going to wear a black and white outfit and wear my red WHBM purse today (and pretend it's a Chanel flap, LOL).</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969877 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:06:17 +0000 Nebraskim 969877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I turned 30, I bought myself an expensive for me at the time gold Seiko watch that I still wear 28 years later. We had a milestone anniversary this year, and my husband surprised me with the most beautiful diamond and sapphire ring ever. I LOVE it. I had no idea how much I would admire it. I am not a big jewelry person. I wear my diamond engagement ring and wedding band, my watch (both are gold) and white gold diamond hoop earrings every day. And now my sapphire ring, which is set in platinum. I sort of like the mixing of the metals. I'm 1/2 Asian, so my skin tone looks great with the platinum and blue. When I was choosing my engagement and wedding rings long ago, someone said to me, "choose pieces that are classic and not trendy. You want to be able to look at them in 15 or 20 years and still love them." It was good advice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969859 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 14:50:17 +0000 MsMary 969859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd go for the Rolex, I think.&nbsp; Although if it were me it would be an Omega.&nbsp; </p> <p>What a fun dilemma!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969836 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 14:32:16 +0000 Susie 969836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too think a nice watch is a wonderful gift for a milestone birthday. A Rolex or Cartier tank would both be iconic items. And Tag as several great styles that are less than those.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>For my 50th, I got diamond earrings from my husband. While I occasionally wear them as studs, I usually- almost daily&nbsp;wear them with silver&nbsp;"jackets." The jackets are special to me too because I got them in St. John which is where we went for our honeymoon. Plus they are designed to resemble a type of coral that we saw lots of while snorkeling there.&nbsp;</p> <p>I plan to add a pair of gold jackets too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Have fun planning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969834 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 14:29:28 +0000 T-Rex 969834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you decide to go with a 2.55, you may want to contact the woman who runs this shop. Her name is Airee Hong, and I trust her when it comes to vintage clothing, accessories, etc. <br /><span><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/</a><b>agora</b>vintage</span>‎<br /> <div><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=agora+athens+ga&amp;sourceid=ie7&amp;rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&amp;ie=&amp;oe=#" rel="nofollow"></a><br />As for justifying a splurge by using it every day for the rest of your life...isn't a splurge,&nbsp;by definition, something you don't need to justify? I wouldn't worry about that part. </p> <p>If you decide not to go the 2.55 route, then try to think of things that you consistently admire when you see them. You may not even have them on your radar as things to own yet. If you have&nbsp;some time to think about it,&nbsp;why don't you put a little notebook in your pocket (or use your smartphone) and just make a note when you see something you like, whether it's something in real life, in an advertisement, or in a movie or TV show. Be careful of&nbsp;choosing something because it's iconic and you think you *should* own it. Then give your brain some time to marinate on the subject. </p> <p>Or...since you are turning 40, maybe that can be the starting point for choosing your gift. What iconic fashion items originated 40 years ago, more or less? That would have been 1973. Is there anything from around that&nbsp;year that you really love?&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969817 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 14:10:30 +0000 Carole 969817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What fun.....it's hard when you have such a big window to choose from....I can see how each of these would make the perfect milestone birthday gift...but I vote watch or studs because they are classic and can be worn everyday. I prefer dangle earrings also, but studs are the perfect everyday type of earring that won't interfere with other accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969800 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:55:42 +0000 Angie 969800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>HAHAHAHA!!!!</b> Claire, we posted at the same time </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969799 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:54:25 +0000 Anonymous 969799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Sona. Since you change your jewelry and bags to go with each outfit (and you have lots of different coats). But a really nice watch you would wear every single day. I love the Cartier tank watches and&nbsp;I have a two-toned Rolex that DH gave me 21 years ago and I've worn it pretty much 24/7 for all those years. He bought it pre-owned so it wasn't that expensive. I'd say I've gotten the CPW down pretty far by now, lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969798 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:54:05 +0000 Angie 969798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hot off the press 2.55's start at about $5000 with tax, unless you purchase them secondhand. If that's in the budget, that's my top vote. See Kelly sport hers on today blog posts with the utmost panache! ICONIC. And I just know you would wear it Natalie, and it matches your style beautifully. </p> <p>I am all over the watch idea next. Cartier tank - the larger size - would be my choice for your style. Or a baby Rolex - not the larger size. </p> <p>Burberry trench - if it's a playful style - it would work beautifully with your dresses.</p> <p>And last, get thee to Mikimoto for the best pearls on the planet.</p> <p>(Chuckling @ Denise)</p> <p>I haven't officially got my big 40th b-day present because we were going to go to HK and buy something very meaningful from my favourite city in the world. But Jasmine was very sick at the time so we couldn't travel. The trip is still pending and so is my prezzie :)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969793 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:42:57 +0000 Sona 969793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>French Cartier tank or classic Rolex.</p> <p>As a proceduralist I know the only piece of jewelry you guys usually wear is a watch I think? It is that way for surgeons for sure: they can only wear a watch in to the OR so a watch is always a great idea for those in such a field.</p> <p>My personal vote would be for the Cartier tank. ( slightly below $5K. Most Rolexes are more than that). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969766 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:19:44 +0000 Sara L. 969766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't really thougtht too much about this (my 40th is this year too) because we usually go on trips for big milestones, but I would go for some sort of jewelry.&nbsp; I also prefer to change up my accessories and like bigger necklaces.&nbsp; But I wear smaller pendants on the weekends - I don't want a big necklace getting in the way while doing stuff with the kids, cleaning or cooking, so you might still get a lot of use out of a smaller necklace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969765 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:14:08 +0000 Anonymous 969765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We usually celebrate milestones with a great trip. Why don't you and Mr. GP go somewhere special this year? You get fabulous memories and will be thankful you went when you are young when you are older. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969763 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:09:46 +0000 Sarah A 969763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Denise's ideas. A great watch! Rolex for $$$. Omega or Tag could have something nice if you have less to spend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969758 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:03:10 +0000 Eliza 969758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When it comes to splurges like this, I find myself gravitating to something more unique that becomes iconic to me, but not something others would necessarily&nbsp;view as such. &nbsp;I have had jewelry custom made for a few&nbsp;occasions, usually choosing a ring or earrings as I always have worn those and I frequently "go off" necklaces. &nbsp;I wear an anniversary gift ring every day, on my right hand. I like that my husband and I "created" it together.</p> <p>That said, I think finding one's path with these types of gifts is part of the fun. It truly is all about you. &nbsp;Trust your gut and enjoy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969752 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 12:50:29 +0000 Rambling Ann 969752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DH buys jewelry &nbsp;<br />For the lower end of the price range,&nbsp;I also consider&nbsp;a Hermes or Gucci scarf. Probably vintage.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/milestone-birthday--what-should-i-splurge-on#post-969731 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 11:54:27 +0000 Anonymous 969731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a 2.55 on my sight for my trip to Paris but ended up not getting it. I saw a family of 5 woman getting on a tour bus, sporting them in each and every color and thet just felt... Cliche...</p> <p>With that said, I vote the Chanel but see if you are longing for it for a while. My most expensive bag is probably 1/3 of the price of a Chanel but it was one that I petted and researched for a while. 3 years later, I still believe it is the perfect black satchel. I was so afraid of going into buyer's remorse.</p> <p>If not, I vote for the Tiffany heart necklace. </p> <p>LV is heavily counterfeited here so I have opted out of the classic monogram, for now. As such, I vote for the burgundy LV third. </p>