Mine are scarves and perfume. Scarves don't need to be silk but they need to feel nice and look rich in colours I love. I want to feel good when I put them on, just like the perfume.
Perfume is actually more of an addiction or collection. Applied with a light hand it is far nicer then the chemical scents in detergents, fabric softeners and air fresheners. Those are headachey along with cheap perfumes but some of the expensive ones that I like don't trigger my migraines (yay!) or asthma (double yay)
Whether it is because the good stuff uses good stuff and the cheap stuff causes trouble I don't know for sure but I found I can tolerate some good perfumes (not all by any means, some good perfumes cause a resounding headache, and others just trigger asthma)
When I stopped trying to make one perfume fit me, and started collecting then I found I wore it without getting tired of one scent in particular.
I have a stable of them now, not budget but a lot of fun and makes me feel really good. A little goes a long way.
I keep them dark and cool but not in the fridge. One perfume expert I talked to advised against that. Several have told me to keep them either in a dark drawer like lingerie drawers or else inside the box to extend their life.
My top favourite is Bvlgari Pour Femme and I layer others on top depending on my mood.
Joy and Chanel #5 and also Blue Grass are good with that one. All sort of light and floral.
by themselves I use Coco and Coco Mademoiselle, and Shalimar. They are better not being layered. Coco and Shalimar are heavier for winter and more oriental.
Another 2 that I prefer to wear by themselves are Mitsouko and L'Heure Bleu.
Finally Eau d'Hadrien is a superb lemony summer fragrance but I've only been able to use testers, it's next on my "treat to buy when I can afford to" list along with Aeryn Lauders Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia.
earrings are terrific. I've taken to wearing a favourite pair of zirconia studs. They just seem to add a little lift and light right up high where I prefer the eye to go.
I adore Mitsouko, it has a salty smell that always makes me feel better if I'm having a bad day.
My favorite splurge was a pair of jeans I got at the GAP outlet store. Now that doesn't sound like a splurge, but... The jeans fit really well across the butt and stomach but the waistband was just too big. So I had them taken in by the "good" tailor (I can do hemming, basic sewing, etc. ) But I now know a "cheaper" tailor, for simpler things, and the "good" tailor, who is more expensive, but to whom I take the more complicated things. The alteration cost as much as the pants did. But I feel so good when I wear them!
a good tailor is one of those things that if I ever find one, I will use him or her without a moments hesitation. I sew but I really want someone I can trust to be able to make things fit perfectly since that one step alone makes everything look expensive and great plus it takes visual weight off.
I think that is one of the BEST splurges and more power to you! Wish I had one. :)
Favorite splurge--wallet from Spain, perfumes, and a leather Topshop purse from London. I'm feeling the urge to splurge (haha) right now, but I'm resisting it.
My favorite (and most regular) splurges are a haircut and color by a GOOD STYLIST, and a brow waxing by that same stylist. I have very fine hair, so this is really important - since I have to wear my hair everyday! I also treat myself to good quality hair products - Matrix Amplify Color XL Shampoo and Conditioner, Big Sexy Hair Root Lift, and MOST IMPORTANT- Sebastian Shaper Plus hair spray. With these elements, I can use my hair's natural wave, and not have to do too much damaging heat styling.
My best "splurges" are for my signature accessories: oblong scarves, square headscarves, and earrings. I have two oblong scarves that I bought at Lord N Taylor. One is a Ralph Lauren, and the other is Oscar de la Renta. They were both about $35 each, but I had a coupon, so I didn't even pay that much. Those scarves are both gorgeous, and I still love them.
you know one of the best things I've learnt lately about weight loss is the importance for me to find other avenues to experience the pleasure of life. I've been exploring the business of self care and the odd splurge as a weight control/or loss method and it really does help.
If I can find some, I love beautiful and unique fabric for sewing purposes. I found some silk brocade for a ridiculously low price in China, and some batik in Africa, and some GREAT apple-green tweed in Portland OR. I also like scarves, but I'm picky about them and so don't find too many that meet my criteria. I love shawls, and have bought them in India and China and Turkey. Nothing like a gorgeous shawl over a big shirt.
I also started highlighting my hair at the hairdresser's. It's really not a splurge though-- I need to do it to liven up my hair, but I still feel guilty about the cost.
I also like bright socks. I usually wear understated colors, so I kind of like the surprise of socks that knock your socks off, especially with jeans.
I think I'm having alot more fun with fashion than I used to, now that I'm older!
My favorite splurge is to get my nails done professionally, and have nail art. You would not think that it could make so much a difference. Yet it perks me right up, it is the one service I allow myself on a strict budget.
