Save vs. Splurge | Fashion I Save & Splurge On

Today I'm sharing the fashion items I like to splurge on and those I like to save on to ensure that my closet is well-rounded and will last me for years to come. Before we hop into though, I want to make it clear that the monetary value behind what makes a splurge or steal is different for everyone and the most important thing is to always stay within your own personal financial restraints and never exceed your budget in the name of fashion. With that in mind, a "splurge" will be anything that requires a larger part of your fashion budget and a save is anything that requires less. Also, when it comes to building a timeless closet full of pieces that you can wear for years to come, I recommend always striving for the highest quality item that you can personally afford, buying natural fibers and materials, and then taking care of those items so that they last as long as possible. Doing this will help ensure that you spend your hard earned money only once and don't need to repurchase the same pair of shoes every year. If, instead of buying impulsively, you take your time to pick the perfect piece for your wardrobe (whether it's a splurge or save), and ensure that that item is well-made and you spend a little more when necessary, you will help reduce how frequently you need to buy things. Also, if you understand the pieces that are worth spending a little more on, you can spot a great deal and score some beautifully made "splurge" items at a steal price. I'm working on an entire series all about this so be on the lookout for that but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy these saves and splurges.

Thank you so much for watching! xx Audrey

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WHAT I'M WEARING

Shirt: Brooks Brothers
Scarf: ABC Carpet & Home (old)
Blazer: J.Crew (old)
Watch: Jacy
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Welcome to Audrey À La Mode and thank you for stopping by! I'm Audrey, a Charleston based minimalist, antique collector and stripe lover. Through this site, I share my love for simplicity and my journey of doing more with less.

From tips on how to build a classic, minimal, year-round wardrobe (starting with just 10 pieces!), to beauty, travel and more, my goal is to inspire you to live life to the fullest.
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Disclaimer: This is not a paid advertisement. All opinions are always my own and everything has purchased by me unless otherwise stated with * or c/o. Some affiliate links may be used above.

[fabianfarbeyond]

I’m a man and I actually follow your advice on how to put things together. Thanks for sharing your classic impeccable taste and advice. Elegant simplicity works for all genders.

[debbiegibson]

At 70, am I the oldest woman to follow you religiously? I get so many ideas about how to put outfits together and add accessories. I love your style, Audrey.

[janetragan-woessner]

Big broad smile from me. I am 64 but you are very classic and well spoken so it bridges the generations. Well done Audrey.

[freefallingintograce]

Audrey, always such a pleasure to see and hear you. Just love the tone of your voice, your graceful manner, your vocabulary, and your way with language overall. Thank you for being you

[PurleRain]

Splurges:
Blazers/jackets/coats (it's cold in London!)
Pashmina scarves (as hijab)
Silk scarves (for formal functions)
Shoes/boots
Wool jumpers
Bags (but mostly on sale or eBay)

Save:
Maxi skirts
Shirts (but have to be well made)
Cotton jumpers
Light weight scarves for hotter weather

I don't wear jewellery anymore (except for a few gold items family gift me over the years as is traditional for Pakistani girls!). I used to have a huge collection of costume jewellery that in hindsight were a poor investment. Along with these, I sold all my trend driven clothes, shoes, and bags at boot sale markets and made £300. I put this towards a bike! I wish I had learnt your life lessons before i wasted so much money on clothes that are just for the season. My life is so much better now that I have fewer things that are well made.

Audrey, I'm very much looking forward to the videos you've mentioned!

[thesoundtarot]

I work in a women's clothing store and mentioned to my Manager that I was enjoying your capsule wardrobe videos. I explained that they actually gave me ideas when working with clients....So after checking them out she has recommended all of our sales associates check them out!! Btw, I love all of the videos! Thanks, Doll!!

[taylormoon_]

Lovely advice! I agree on all your splurge items, but would also add jeans to the list. I feel like if you go for a classic cut, then a good pair of jeans can last for quite a while!

[scienceaintfiction-thatswh]

Your channel is very underrated. I'm glad to have come across your delightful content.

[moutushyshome]

★Splurges★
1. Shoes
2. Handbag
3. Forever jewellery
4. Good fitting bra & underwear
5. Natural fiber sweaters
6. Classic blazers & outerwear

★Save★
1. Trendy pieces ( opt for natural fibers, higher quality, match with personal style, lifestyle)
2. Costume jewellery
3. White T-shirt
😘😘😘

[Sechari]

I like to save by buying gently used designer clothes. Not sure if that’s “cheating” since it’s not a category per say, but designer clothes (as opposed to bags, small leather goods and to a lesser extent shoes) lose their value extremely quickly. Just a few weeks ago I picked up a beautiful timeless burnt red fendi silk top for 12€. Probably helps that I’m not really into visible branding as those pieces tend to be more expensive - I just want the fine material, the fact that they’re usually made in Italy (more humane conditions than most other places), and the overall reduction on carbon footprint by buying second hand.

[loislewandowski]

I totally agree with your splurges and saves. I have cashmere that is over thirty years old and it just keeps on going! As to jewelry, I tend to wear fine more than fashion, however I have a few unique pieces that are show stoppers. This is where patience in perusing the secondary vintage market really pays off. Keep the videos coming.

[veroniquejulienne]

Thank you Audrey, loved your advice. Really wonder about the Chanel ballerinas : they are indeed very expensive ( and wonderful) but I would worry very much about how to keep them looking ok for a long time : any advice ? 😊

[katalingerstenberger]

I totally agree w everything you said. Splurge on shoes, quality timeless classics, like wool blazers, natural material sweaters, etc. Inject a bit of trend with less expensive pieces, but they have to still fit you and your lifestyle. Not a fan of throw away clothes! Great video, as always.

[carolebuckle]

You dress beautifully, thank you for the tips Audrey, always gratefully received 🇬🇧❤️xx

[CoffeeattheBeach]

wow those Chanel flats are stunning. Love your channel. Can't wait for the future video on repairing and caring for our wardrobes.

[HawaiiWealthPartners]

I’m soon to be 73 and have learned so much! I think Audrey’s style is timeless, so I’m sure there are a lot of much younger women who follow her religiously! I feel young when I follow these principles. AND more like myself!

[Gevedon]

Since I save so much shopping second hand even my splurges turn out to be exquisite thrift finds !!! ;b

[elmoQT]

You always put a smile on my face. I really enjoy the videos you put out. Glad to hear about the upcoming videos because I seriously was going to ask you about caring for your key pieces. So looking forward for the new videos. Thank you. As for my splurge items, 👠, jewellery and 👜. Just started investing in cashmere and wool knits this year. As for saves, I agree with the white t-shirts, cheaper the better so you can stock up more frequently. 🤗

[sandrareiber]

Audrey, this was a great tutorial! Reminding & teaching what to look for and what’s important to save & splurge for. My splurges are on shoes...well made with good arch support, and unfortunately not pointy toed or high heeled any more (I’m pushing 75). I’m still on the look out for some good quality purses, I currently have one my husband got me two Christmases ago. I hate to spend big bucks on a purse that’s expensive & has someone else’s name or initials all over it....I would like to find one with subtle class. I also love blazers & have a nice collection of them. Now looking for a well fitting white, long sleeved blouse, the ones I’ve seen at upper end stores are very expensive, but I guess I’ll have to bite the bullet to get one. Find even pricey clothes in the department stores not well made, thrown together, horrid materials & prints. So it’s taking a little longer than I thought it would to put together a classic wardrobe for a retired lady who still wants to look good every day. Thanks for all your input....it helps to know there are other women who still enjoy looking good. All the best!

[leahchapman]

I can't wait for your capsule jewelry video! I have always loved the idea of spending a little bit more money for a nicer piece of jewelry, so that I could pass them on to my children one day.