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.

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.

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.

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85 Comments

  1. I would love to see articles about products for crepey skin and under eye bags. Also, I keep seeing commercials on TV about Laser Lipo (Sono Bello) and Cool Sculpting and wonder if these treatments really work and are they safe for older gals. Anything on hairstyles for women over 65 (does long hair age you?) are always interesting. Thanks, Jennifer! You are my favorite blogger!

    1. Those are great ideas. Thanks Sharon

  2. Hi Jennifer, one blogger I know will also sometimes give a link to an eBay search for the item, especially if it is a classic investment piece. I’ve had great experiences buying “New with tags” or gently used items. There are often pictures with a tape measure and you can see the exact bust, waist and length of a garment, which can be very helpful. I always look at the return policy, often it is free. It’s an excellent way to try a new style or brand without a steep investment. Or to find your size in a certain brand. Thred Up is also an excellent place to look for that name brand garment. I recently had my eye on a very expensive white Irish linen short sleeve blouse and I found it there for under $20, with the store folds still in it. Thrifting is a bit of work, but it’s good for the environment, and a great option for us thriftly gals who know we can have a lovely wardrobe at a fraction of the price. I’m sure we could learn some tips from a thrifting expert? Thanks for considering this.

    1. I would never consider myself a thrifting expert, but I can sure try to learn. Thanks Laura

  3. I’m a 69 year old & I’m wondering just how many clothes do I really need. I do love your fashion ideas. I also enjoy reading about your vacations & your road trips. More info on health would be great too! Thanks for what you do 😊

    1. We only need as much as we will really get wear out of. I think it’s always a good idea to weed out our wardrobes and keep things fresh.

  4. Katelyn K says:

    I knew immediately the splurge vs save. The main giveaways were the handbag and earrings.

    Love your fall items from Nordies. Sadly, we cannot wear here in eternal SE Florida Summer.
    I would enjoy hearing more about how to control age spots on our face, those pesky spider veins on our legs, finding the best combination of facial skin care products for dry skin (I have very dry skin but few wrinkles and many of the “natural” products I react to with adult acne), continued products to reduce thinning hair and balding (other than supplements) as well as innovations in home use technology for our personal health and well-being. I know a handful but hope others will relate.

    1. Those are great ideas, Katelyn. My spots and veins are multplying pretty quick!

  5. Yes to recycle/”gently used” sites and also using EBay as a shopping site?

  6. Thanks for the opportunity to tell you what I like about this site! I come to your website to see the latest trends in fashion. I also appreciate your advice on the best looks for different body types and how to choose colors and textures that are flattering. I would like to see more advice on modern haircuts. I am not really interested in home decor, or aging issues including healthy lifestyles, eating or exercise.

    1. Thank you Janet. I may be switching my hair cut up very soon.

  7. At 101 degrees today, I’m dressed in wide linen white pants and a white with tiny nave print crinkled top. Leather or pleather would never appeal to me, it doesn’t breath. Otherwise, I like both outfits but wouldn’t be able to spend 7K on an outfit. I like the white wide leg jeans! You look so smart in that outfit.
    Healthy aging, films and books with fun mature characters and always your take on fashion for women of a certain age, would be of interest. But you do a great job and inspire me in your blog as it is now. Good work.