I was inspired to write this post after seeing Joanna’s list over on Dividing Moments Vintage. Oh, and there’s a giveaway involved, which motivated me to get up and actually put together a post, instead of just saying “I think I’ll do a post about that” for several months!
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I have trouble with splurges. My parents raised me to be “a very frugal gal, and my current finances prevent me from spending much differently! But I’ve made the occasional big purchase, and there are certainly a few things that I think are worth saving up for! So without further ado, my 10 Vintage purchases worth splurging on!
nn
1. Fur
I know that fur isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I love the touch of glamour it adds to an outfit. Unfortunately, beautiful and well-preserved fur is hard to find cheap. This rabbit muff and hat are my favorite… thankfully I don’t know exactly how much of a splurge they were, since Doug bought them for me as a birthday present!
2. Red Lipstick
I think that a red lip in a gal’s best shade adds a big punch to the vintage look. I have a little trouble coughing up the money for a tube of the good stuff, but it makes all the difference. My current lipstick love is Maybelline 14-hour Lipstick in Continuously Cranberry.
3. Black Dress
Every gal needs a versatile little black dress, so it only stands to reason that the lady who wears vintage ought to have a vintage black dress. For now, I’m muddling through with some modern dresses. I’m hoping to find one with a full skirt and short or elbow-length sleeves, and maybe a little bodice detailing. Needless to say, this one is still on my wishlist… the stars and my finances haven’t aligned yet to get me the dress of my dreams!
4. Fantastic Hat
Another one for the wishlist here! I think a beautifully preserved hat that makes a loud statement is worth spending a little more for. A simple hat, though? Be as frugal as you can!
5. (Fancy) Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry, especially the nice stuff that really sparkles, is one of my weaknesses. If you have lots of excuses to get dressed to the nines, a set of fantastic costume jewelry is a great fashion investment.
6. A Statement Coat
…even if that statement is, “I like coats.” I’ve picked up coats for as little as $6, but a beautiful, warm, well-constructed coat is worth every penny. You can wear it to the opera or to the supermarket and it will keep you warm and dry for years to come if you take care of it well. I’m still hunting for the perfect vintage coat to wear over my full skirts.
7. Well-Tailored Suit
I’m not sure if I’ll ever find a vintage suit that really fits like a glove… darn my bottom-heavy figure! But I intend to keep looking.
8. Leather Shoes
A confession: I have yet to splurge on a good pair of leather shoes (vintage if you can manage it, modern if you have giant feet like mine!) because I have fantastic luck with thrift stores and sales. If your luck is not like mine, I assure you that the investment is worthwhile. They’re much more comfortable, easier to have repaired, can be cleaned, polished, and waterproofed, and last darn near forever in comparison to their vinyl counterparts.
9. Peignoir / Robe
…because sometimes, a gal needs something a little more glamorous to lounge about in. An airy peignoir is ideal for warm weather, too, as it lets you cover everything up while remaining cucumber-cool.
10. Proper Underpinnings
They make all the difference in how things fit. Trust me, they’re worth it.
And those are my ten splurge-worthy pieces. What’s worth the splurge for you? What would you rather be thrifty with?