Monday Musings: Splurge or Save and I Need Your Opinion
Happy Monday, ladies. I’ve got a mish-mash of things on my mind this week, and I’d really like to hear your input.
SPLURGE OR SAVE
These price comparison posts are always popular with you ladies, so today, I thought we’d do one with fall outfits in mind.
Temperatures may not be dropping in your neck of the woods anytime soon, but stores have all their merchandise marked down to prepare for fall arrivals.
CHAIN BRACELET – WESTERN BOOTIE
Much of the autumn fashion we see first involves faux or real leather, booties, wool coats and jackets, and richer neutrals. Western booties are a big trend again this fall, so today’s look offers two options. Paisley is a popular print year-round, but especially in the fall.
CHAIN BRACELET – WESTERN BOOTIE
The save outfit comes in at $426, and the splurge is around $7,165. Can you tell just by looking which outfit costs less? Was there one item that gave it away for you?
Tiny Try-On
Last week I tried on a ton of things at the Nordstrom sale, and most are already sold out. Here are the few that still have some stock:
I tried this knit blazer on in three of the five colors it comes in and several sizes. It’s a fun casual piece for fall in a fabric that resembles sweatshirt fleece. It does not close, so you just wear it open as a third layer. These fabulous jeans have been selling out and getting restocked for several days and seem currently in stock now. I sized up in the tee and could have gone up to a large because it has a very slim fit.
It’s hard to go wrong with a leopard print top for fall. Vince Camuto makes a great one in a nice silky-feeling fabric you could dress up or down. The pants are a rich chocolate brown which I’m seeing lots of for fall. They have stretch and could take you to work or dress down with a sweater and flats. This fringe cardigan is super soft and runs quite large, so I suggest you size down. It did come in brown, but that sold out fast, and they have black in stock.
Sadly these jeans sold out after I bought them. They fit so well, I love the brand. This pair is very similar. I love to see the return of raglan sleeves, which I find much more flattering on most women. This wool and cashmere v-neck sweater comes in three gorgeous colors and is still in stock.
Here’s the knit jacket in navy, which is probably my fav on me. I’m wearing it over the cotton button-up I shared here. These Kut From The Kloth jeans are a nice rich wash with a flare that will look great over booties this fall. I’m so happy to see flare legs continue because they flatter most figures and help make our legs look longer when worn over a tiny heel
This cashmere blend coat is a lovely burgundy shade for fall. It’s not lined and clearly states that in the description. It’s perfect for fall and places where the winters are milder. It runs large, so I would size down. I bought this cashmere sweater in this shade. I love it!
I love fashion and style, but I believe there’s more to a well styled life than just what you wear. I like to share lifestyle topics and all things that help us age in the healthiest way possible. As I plan my content for late summer and fall, I’d love to know what topics surrounding healthy aging, fashion, beauty, skincare, etc. that you’d like to see more of. Please share in the comments.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Coat and slacks gave it away for me!
Thanks for the tip on the Caslon knit blazer. Just bought in in rust, which should be a good color for me and my wardrobe. I picked the Splurge outfit solely on the camel button front coat, lovely!
Hi Jennifer. Coming to you from London Ontario Canada. Wondering if you could do a post on eyeglass frames appropriate to one’s face shape? Love your info.
I have an older post for that you may enjoy here-How to Choose the Best Eyeglasses
I love all of your posts. One thing I don’t want are weight loss programs being evaluated. However, I am great with healthy lifestyle content. I just don’t want to be pitched weight loss programs. How about a post or two about alterations on something that is either no longer current or not the right style. e.g. change the sleeves, tailor the pants etc. I would also love to hear more about brands that are re-cycling their merchandise, such as clean Eileen.
I love those ideas, Mary!
For me, what gave it away was the clasp on the bracelet. Expensive jewelry always has a quality clasp (better to not lose the piece!). The coat was the second give away. Fine construction. The handbag threw me off: I actually liked the Amazon handbag better than the $3400(!!!) bag. Don’t care how much money I have, I could not justify paying that insane amount for a handbag. Wowzer! I don’t wear raglan sleeves because I have narrow shoulders and fitted sleeves fit better. Thanks for your great post. Hope you are having fun in Vancouver. It’s on my “bucket” list.
The paisley blouse gave it away for me. The muted print looks more expensive.
I live in a small city with very limited shopping. I read blogs to see the apparel that’s out there. I skip over articles about hair care, make up and skin care because I’m very low maintenance and don’t have much time/$ to devote to those things.
Jennifer, I think you provide a variety of interesting topics. I really like Monday Musing and LOVE dressing room diaries.
I do like another reader’s suggestion about shopping your closet. For instance, I love the plaid Vince Camuto jacket you got from nordie sale, would like to see the different ways you might style it…..sorta like “dressing room diaries at home.”
Thx for a great blog!
What gives it away for me is usually the shoes or the bag. It’s the details or just how the item sits. For me, personally, I liked the cheaper look much better than the expensive look, although the top is a little low cut for cool fall weather.
This time I like elements of the “save” better. The coat would be a better choice for my shape. I wouldn’t wear the “splurge” coat. The clasp on the “save” earrings wouldn’t fly open like the “splurge earrings”.
I love the one button jacket and how you paired it with the cotton button up shirt. The color combo is spot on for a fall hit!
The bag and shoes always seem to be the give away for me. What a price range between the two options! You prove again that there is current fashion available at every price point!
I really benefit from your dressing room episodes. The visual benefit seems to be huge for me and your personal comments help immensely. It’s an exercise that I hope you continue. I don’t get out to the stores that often but this helps me stay current and offers so many new and fun options to try.
Thank you!
The handbag (its clasp) and classic tailored coat (though I prefer the camel color of the ‘save’ one) plus a closer observation of the top with its pin-tucking and covered buttons were the ‘splurge’ indicators to me. As to a suggestion for posts; perhaps model a few pieces showing various ways how to wear/style them. In other words, similar to what is done in a capsule wardrobe. This could also include mixing high and low ends, new garments with old etc. -Brenda-
Hello Jennifer,
I enjoy your fashion posts very much. I would like to suggest an occasional post on health especially one warning women about the steep decline in hormones post menopause, the dangers of too little vitamin D and the onset of osteoporosis. Maybe this is too technical a subject, but most women are lacking in vitamin D and have no idea.
Thanks!
That’s a great idea. I know Vit D is so important!
The blouse was the giveaway for me. The red blouse did not go well with the colors of the outfit while the muted colors of the pricier outfit looked really classy and fitting.
I enjoy the splurge or save posts – I don’t always guess correctly, but it’s fun to compare – a great way to train my eyes!
I would love some posts on how to dress for fall when the new colors aren’t ones that look good on you. Thanks for your blog, Jennifer!
Great idea!
I love natural fibers.
Merino anything
Down
Quality shoes
Travel in a tiny suitcase outfits
Summer coloring outfits
I enjoy all of your posts. The skincare ones are not as interesting to me.
Would love a post on necklines — they can make or break your look. I remember when I used to go to a coffee shop all the time, and the women had to wear t shirts with a high crew neck. One day I ran into one of the women on her day off and she had on a v neck top. She looked like a whole different person! So much prettier on her.
Also it might be good to see a post on alterations. An inch can sometimes make a difference on a skirt length, or pants too. Maybe a before and after thing with a tailor’s advice? I used to sew, so I know there are some little tweaks that can help you look your best. I often raise the shoulder of a garment a tiny bit — or use a 1/4″ shoulder pad — and it makes a bigger difference than you’d expect.
Love your travel and packing posts! I haven’t been able to travel for several years, for various reasons, and I am getting ready to go somewhere — anywhere — this fall. Your experienced tips are very helpful!
Also — this might require readers’ input — which brands tend to run long? Or petite-friendly? Or always tight in the sleeves?
One of the other comments mentioned previously worn clothing. I’ve been enjoying thredUp — my secret thrill is finding the same garment that I have been wearing but is worn out, or a jacket that I had a couple of years ago and would love to have again! The amount of items can be daunting, but they have good filters. My go-to is to select all colors except black, and that saves a lot of time. Except if I want black, lol.
Great ideas, Delia. I will try to do more packing posts too
Hi Jennifer, I don’t know if this is a broad enough topic for everyone to be interested in… I have trouble finding cute WIDE shoes, boots, booties. As I’ve gained weight the last few years my feet have gotten wider too. Thank you menopause, LOL. Would this be a topic you’d be able to turn into a post? Thanks for your blog!
It’s a great topic! Narrow too. So few of us are average anymore and we all want great footwear.
That was an easy pick for me. The splurge outfit just looked classy. BTW I love those glasses on you.
Thanks Diane. They’re an old frame.
Never ever would I pay close to $4000 for a plain leather bag. There are too many lovely leather bags for much less.
I thought both outfits had attractive pieces
Maybe a mashup of the 2 would be best for me.
No a fan of faux leather pants or the leggings. Think a lovely trouser would also work with these outfits.
Hi Jennifer – picking out which outfit was spend vs splurge – what gave it away for me was the blouse.
As far as other topics to cover – I recently got new glasses which means that now I can really see the wrinkles on my face, especially under my eyes! I’ve never used retinol but I would like to find out more about it’s use for sensitive skin or other wrinkle treatments – I’ve been trying to research this myself and I am a bit overwhelmed with the amount of information online! My apologies if you have already covered this topic!
Lol, but not fun! My wrinkles seem to show more if I try to wear contacts. This are great ideas for posts.
I think you already do a great job covering a variety of topics. I always enjoy your Monday Musings and reading comments and suggestions from your community regarding books, skin care, hair or any other topic you have brought up. The personal safety conversation last week was a real eye opener. And as Robin mentioned, I would enjoy seeing more of your everyday outfits. A while ago you mentioned that you were re-evaluating your style and I’m wondering how that is progressing. I’ve noticed my style taste has changed from last summer when I was adding a lot of bright colours but now I want a more refined, sophisticated look.
As for the Splurge or Save, it was the coat that was the giveaway for me – it looks like a classic, cashmere/wool coat that will be in style forever.
I think a lot of us were surpised at that post. I didn’t know how much I needed to know. I’m still working on my style and doing the same as you. Loving brighter but leaning toward soft neutrals. Taupes, cream, beige and gray. Fall will be fun!