YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 23:14:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php anne on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1358153 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:19:49 +0000 anne 1358153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I kind of do this too. Like E most of my big ticket items are shoes because of my orthotic issues. but a couple of times recently I have paid a lot more for a dress, once for my brother's wedding and once for a day dress.  I really enjoy having them in my wardrobe and try to make myself wear that dress every week (though it has been in the handwashing pile for a while now and is currently awaiting ironing, just to be truthful!) Chris29 on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1358146 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:07:01 +0000 Chris29 1358146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mo, I love your idea.now that I am retired , I am unfortunately "on a budget" all the time but I still believe in buying quality over quantity. I have been searching for a "Chanel type" jacket that I would actually wear dressed up or down for ages. This year I spotted one on offer from Land's End for $150 so I have ordered it to be my splurge item. I still have the bad habit of seeing things that are so "me" and thinking I'll never see this again and buying it without thought to just how I will integrate it into existing outfits. TraceyLiz65 on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1357626 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 18:19:31 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1357626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mo, thanks for sharing this as I have been thinking a lot about this lately. After losing weight and redoing an entire maximal wardrobe, I want to take it to the next level.  I've splurged on a few great things and those are the ones I love the most.. So, thinking it's the direction I want to go , while purging what doesn't work... I think setting a budget and deciding whether to spend it on one item or a few is a great idea, so after my Ireland trip I am going to do a NO BUY NOVEMEBER and DECEMBER (Can ask for items for Xmas though) and start this in January.. I've never set a budget like this before, so it's all new territory.   I am looking forward to this and its nice to see that so many of us can relate to this.   Windchime on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1357348 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:19:32 +0000 Windchime 1357348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I so identify with what you wrote, Mo, and also with Mochi's response. When I joined YLF, spending $25 for a new blouse was a big deal, as I used to thrift almost everything. During 2014, my two biggest purchases so far have been a $150 trench coat and a $150 NAS wool sweater, both of which I adore and both of which make me feel great when I'm wearing them. Also, I expect to keep both for several years and bring the CPW down to mere cents. Like you, I have a definite budget and won't let myself go over it. I still need a winter coat this year and have declared a moratorium on all other shop- ping so I'll have a few hundred dollars to spend on the right coat, if needed. Here's to successful winter coat shopping in 2014 and 2015! Olivegreen on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1357337 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:53:20 +0000 Olivegreen 1357337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the idea. Especially on basics like boots and coats. Caro in Oz on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356942 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 22:13:58 +0000 Caro in Oz 1356942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love this strategy Mo. For me part of the pleasure in buying the big ticket items is the research & anticipation too :)  Mochi on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356900 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 21:36:16 +0000 Mochi 1356900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I relate to what you're saying, Mo. I remember how anxious I felt before hitting the Buy button on my first pair of Fryes--an unheard of $175 at the time. It's hard. I cut my teeth on deals most of my life and my wardrobe completely reflected that. So now when you're buying those investment pieces, you are being quite measured and reasonable about it. And the proof is how happy you are. I had to join YLF to start getting this.  Jules on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356856 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 20:33:30 +0000 Jules 1356856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been doing something similar, not on a yearly basis but slowly replacing basics that I know I will always need to have in my wardrobe with better quality items - but only when a perfect item comes around. So first I decided that I "deserved" Hunters, then I waited another season for "my Hunters" to come out (I realized none of the standard issue ones were exactly what I wanted - of course I wasn't sure what the perfect pair would look like, but when you know, you know, and I had put enough pre-thought into what I wanted that I was confident). This fall I know that I need black riding boots and I am willing to splurge a bit there too. I couldn't find what I wanted last year which confirmed that a) I really do need some (I had to my old worn pair on a few occasions) and b) I just might have to spend more than I might like to get what I really need (I bought and returned one compromise pair last year for not being good enough).  I'm still primarily a budget shopper for many items (denim - seasonal on-trend knits - scarves) but I am more confident about when a splurge is required. shedev on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356713 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 18:05:48 +0000 shedev 1356713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The key is knowing which splurges are good buys and which aren't. The villous jacket can be worn all year, so I will get a good amount of wear out of it. An All Saints sweater I'm kinda drooling over, can only be worn in deep winter not so much. I thought about what I really like about it, it is a really, really dark red. Almost black. I'm looking for that color in a lower price point. I'm always fighting sticker shock but some splurges do make sense. SarahG on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356698 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:52:14 +0000 SarahG 1356698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love that you're holding off on purchasing the wool coat so that you can save toward one that you really love! I think you'll be so happy you did! E on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356687 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:39:34 +0000 E 1356687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a good plan! My splurges so far have all been footwear (health issues & love of walking=worth it), but now my shoe closet is in pretty good shape. So next year I might have more splurge options! Eliza on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356680 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:32:40 +0000 Eliza 1356680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mo- great plan.  I like hearing about how you structure your wardrobe and all related decisions.  Very helpful to learn new approaches.   I have an extra special, non-black wool coat as a HEWI and it has been such for about 3 winters.  Like you, close to what I want will not do.  I'll spring for it when I see it, as I know I'll get my wear out of the right piece.  bj1111 on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356654 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:03:39 +0000 bj1111 1356654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know what...i usually overthink the smaller purchases, like duplicating a tank top that's on sale, while i just push the button on big ticket items. I think returnability is key for me to decrease the flutters, big ticket or not. Sometimes setting a lower limit for an item that i want is just as hard as setting an upper limit. Without a lower limit, i am likely to find something good enough because it's on sale rather than because it's the one i want. Mo on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356642 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 16:46:39 +0000 Mo 1356642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rabbit, I hear you on the different range.  That's why I was sure to say it was unheard of for me.  I do think 15% is a good number to still leave plenty of budget for all the rest of the year's purchases. And I may have not worn my splurges a whole lot yet, but a lot of that has to do with my stupid moves quite honestly.  I'm imagining lots of leather pants outfits while I wait out the heat here lol.  Can't wait to put them into action! Laura, it is hard!  Maybe that's why just one is more doable.  I still had a big lump in my throat when I pushed the buy button on those pants this year.   But you know what, I'm finding the outfits I like upon review invariably have those 'love' items in them.  The others are perfectly utilitarian, but don't make my heart flutter the same way.  Of course, my latest $8 dress gives me the flutters, too, so it's not all about the big price tag.  :) rabbit on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356637 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 16:38:04 +0000 rabbit 1356637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like a good plan.   The only part of I'd want to look at in hindsight for myself, is how key the splurge items are to the overall wardrobe and how often they get worn.   I've had some splurges in the past that decorate my closet more than myself. :) I need to do this, although I'm aiming for the $100 range for my splurge.  I'm kind of realizing a key bootie type and color I would wear a lot this winter is going to be in that range... Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356617 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 16:21:14 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1356617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a great way to structure it, I think. Like you used to do, Mo, I'm more of a bargain hunter and tend to spend my budget on lots of little things. Trying to get better at being willing to 'invest' in a quality item I could really use, but it's hard! Mo on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356553 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:18:12 +0000 Mo 1356553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's great Shedev!  I know I still have the urge to buy more than what I simply need.  If I could get to the place where I only buy needs and just one or two fun impulse things, I could up my budget per item for sure!  Maybe some day . . .  Oh, wait, I did get the designer swimsuit, too!   Getting closer.  Ever closer. shedev on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356548 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:13:33 +0000 shedev 1356548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was the year of the splurge for me too. I usually buy 1 big ticket item, this year I bought 5. Overall, I bought 1/3 of what I bought in 2013 and spent about $1000 less. I didn't do my 2 item a month, but I made a lot of progress on fewer/better. For 2015, I'm going with similar numbers to 2014. bj1111 on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356543 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:02:41 +0000 bj1111 1356543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All that spreadsheeting is yielding great insight. I agree with a slow upgrade of key items that you adore. Better for all! amiable on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356542 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:02:40 +0000 amiable 1356542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this strategy, and have been thinking along similar lines for myself, though not in such clear terms.  Thanks for putting it in to words.  Now I need to figure out if I've had my splurge yet for this year, or if the lack of such can justify a pair of Doc Martens for me, hehe Mo on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356532 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:56:59 +0000 Mo 1356532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks!  I'm thrilled with this, even though it's a slow process.  And it doesn't bust the clothing budget, which the BF can appreciate.  I spend what ends up to be about 15% of the yearly amount on the one special item.  Win-win! And to think I wasn't even aware I was doing this.  Now that I will be actively 'planning' the big ticket item, my yearly shopping list should really come together seamlessly. Angie on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356523 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:49:31 +0000 Angie 1356523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a sound strategy, that's very effective. You're reaping the rewards for sure, Mo.  Anonymous on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356522 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:48:56 +0000 Anonymous 1356522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a GREAT plan.   Mo on "Unwittingly buying one splurge piece a year" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unwittingly-buying-one-splurge-piece-a-year#post-1356517 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:45:59 +0000 Mo 1356517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As I was reviewing past shopping summaries it struck me that each year since I've been keeping track and budgeting, I have bought one big ticket item.   In 2011 it was my Frye knee high boots for a before unheard of $248.  Yes, this was over 40% off  but a huge jump in spending for this gal who had a closet stuffed with $15 deals!   Then in 2012 it was not one but 2(!) leather jackets.  The cropped MuuBaa in the early half of the year and my Allsaints shearling lined leather jacket in winter.  Each on deep sale, but close to that $200 mark that was previously unheard of.   2013 saw me finally buying a DVF wrap dress that I for some reason thought was never in my lifestyle budget to afford.  Again, on sale through eBay, but still more than my 'normal' budget by far.   This year was the holy grail item of the perfect leather pants.  Mixed media with suede.  Love them unconditionally.   All this to come around to say I had a bright colored wool coat on the list for December.  I changed that just yesterday.  I realized if I squeezed in what I think I should spend to stay on budget, I will be settling.  I have several coats at home waiting to be worn first, anyway!  So I am pushing the wool coat off to 2015 F/W and likely doubling the budget for it.  I want it to be a treasure, not just a hole filler. I think one big item each year is a perfect way for me to slowly upgrade my wardrobe while keeping the budget in check (under $2000 for me).    I still spend under $100 for most everything else I buy but allowing just one of these bigger ticket items is slowly changing the landscape of my closet for the better!  I encourage other bargain hunters trying to reform to give it a try.  You won't be sorry!