Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, for which we will receive a small commission if you click on our link and buy a clothing or accessory item. Our opinions on those pieces are always our own! <3
I know what you’re thinking after reading that, but hear me out.
For my entire life, I’ve been a fashionista on a budget. That means that after I browse Pinterest and stumble upon the dress or purse of my dreams, I usually scour the internet to find an acceptable substitute to save money.
Yet, nearly every time, I’ve found that the substitute doesn’t quite curb my craving for that piece. Then, I either throw my hands in the air and splurge on the item I originally wanted, or I toss the substitute into the back of my closet, never to be worn again.
I recently—finally–came to the conclusion that it would be better for my happiness (and my wallet) if I just bought the item I really wanted in the first place.
Otherwise, I will have completely wasted my money on something that I don’t even like, or I will have spent my money on the cheap substitutes PLUS whatever the original piece costs.
For example, I’ve been coveting these vintage, high-rise Levi’s for months now, and I’ve done my best to find a pair of jeans that fill the “vintage jeans void” in my wardrobe. I never really found an affordable substitute that had all the features I wanted, so I ended up paying $98 for this pair from Revolve.
To many of you, that may not sound like a lot of money to spend on a pair of jeans, but for me, it is. I typically find my jeans at TJ Maxx or thrift stores, so I had a difficult time hitting “complete order” on this one.
Yet, I’ve never been so glad that I did. These are absolutely everything I ever wanted out of a pair of jeans, and I know I will no longer need to shop for substitutes because I am finally satisfied.
Because I’m starting to splurge on the clothing and accessory items I really want, I’m not able to buy quite as many clothes, but that’s alright. I’m much happier with my fewer, better pieces than I ever was with my cheap substitutes.
So, even if you have to wait a couple months to save up the money to buy that Prada bag or that Beach Riot swimsuit, do it. Don’t buy the cheap knockoff.
I promise it will be worth it, and once you have that piece in your arms, it will leave you wanting for nothing.
-S
Sabrina’s Wearing:
| Dillard’s Button Down Top (similar) | Levi’s Vintage High Rise Jeans |Amazon Block Heel Sandals
Photos by: Durrell Green and H+L Creations
When I first read the title, I was like “What is she talking about???” But you are absolutely right.. when you splurge on what you wanted in the first place, you end up going on a shopping hiatus for a while
Haha exactly! 🙂 Once I find a piece I’m in love with, I don’t feel the need to shop for a while.
I know exactly what you mean! I will always prefer to spend my money on something I know will last a long time, than to keep buying something because it was cheap!
Thank you! Agreed!
Love the outfit! And well said, its best to buy quality pieces or something that you really like.
Thank you! 🙂
You’re speaking straight to my soul with this post. I have ALWAYS had this mentality and some think I’m crazy but it works for me and I’m glad you are the same way!
Thank you! Haha I’m glad to hear that you feel the same way! 🙂
Love your shirt!
Great post. I find this to be true when it comes to shoes.
Interesting opinion! I’m such a cheap person and having materialistic things is just not for me. I’d rather buy a cheap knockoff or substitute and then save the extra money I spent and go traveling! But I get where you are coming from. I’m just not the type of person who NEEDS an item. Thanks for sharing anyways 🙂
Love this outfit !!!
I’ve had my eye on those high-rise Levi’s for some time now! They look great on you! I might just take the plunge and purchase them. Seems like they are worth it!
I know right. For my own good now in just take the money I need and leave the cards at home