Splurge vs. Save


I've always thought that a good introduction for myself would be "Hi, my name is Elana, and I'm a shopping addict." However, I'm starting to think that it's more along the lines of "Hi, my name is Elana, and I'm a bargain addict." I do have a shopping problem, but I'm mostly guilty of not being able to pass up a good bargain. Well, that and not having any self-control. Because of that, I was pretty intrigued when Credit Card Insider contacted me about being part of the website's "Splurge vs. Save" campaign. I used to spend hours upon hours in high school drooling over Net-a-Porter, reading high-fashion magazines, and researching designers. Because I was never anywhere near being able to afford any of those items, I got into the habit of finding similar items on sale racks and at thrift stores. I usually don't take part in websites' campaigns like this, but I loved that this one is geared toward encouraging people to spend responsibly. I may not be good at saving my money (which is partly why I'm interested in working with a website that could help break this bad habit of mine), but I'm at least good at bargain hunting. 

Back in high school, when I went through my designer phase, my absolute favorite designer was Lanvin. Even though my favorite has since changed (that spot is reserved for Proenza Schouler now and forever), I'll never get over how Alber Elbaz crafts such luxurious pieces. I doubt I'll ever be able to afford a Lanvin piece, but I can definitely afford $10 from the clearance rack at Urban Outfitters. My brother actually bought this for as part of a birthday present while we were in the store last summer, but I remember being drawn to it immediately because of how feminine and versatile it was. I can't remember the last time I bought something for full-price at Urban, but I've scored some absolute gems in the sale section. I thought I ruined it for a while after I accidentally washed it with a red dress, but I'm happy that it was able to be saved. I can't say that it's as expensive-looking as this gorgeous Lanvin top, but it also didn't cost me more than $1,000. 

Things I could do with $1,122:
  • Make a dent in my student loans
  • Put it toward car insurance
  • Pay for a few months rent
  • Buy my family really good birthday presents this year
  • Buy 224 hazelnut lattes from Starbucks
  • See 124 movies
  • Eat a lot of dinners with friends
  • Be able to buy (maybe) 11 Madewell dresses
  • Buy 112 of these tops



When I'm not hunting for things on crazy sales at Urban, I'm probably doing one of these things:

1. Supporting my Internet friends. Rachel of Floral Prints and Common Sense made this lights tote as part of her senior thesis, and it's adorable. If you haven't seen her whole collection, make sure to check it out, and take a look at the other items in her shop, The Floral Prince.

2. Getting back into online swapping. No, not temporary swaps through Flock Together. I'm part of a permanent swap group that's a great way to get rid of pieces you never wear and get something even better. I've been on the hunt for a simple black skirt, and I hit the jackpot in this one. It's from Express, and it feels brand new. Score.


Top: UO
Skirt: Express (from a swap)
Shoes: Need Supply Co.
Tote: Handmade by Rachel, The Floral Prince
Bracelet: Brandy Melville
Ring: c/o eFoxcity

Note: This is not a sponsored post. I was asked to participate in this series, but I received no compensation and all opinions are my own.

11 comments

  1. I'm with you there, I love a bargain! I also love your breakdown of what you else you could use $1112!

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  2. Love this outfit1

    Come by soon!

    xx

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  3. Hah, I was contacted by the same person... but ignored it... hahaha! I love this blouse and ugh I'm so obsessed with Rachel's collection. I love a bargain too but I'm too often swayed by the thought of "IF I WAIT, I'LL MISS IT AND NEVER HAVE IT AGAIN" so that "gimme" part of me often wins out. But I also scrounge for online promo codes each and every time I purchase something, haha.

    xox Sammi
    www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

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  4. haha i'm that same boat with ya. i just cant pass on a sale. its killing my funds. i need help. clearly. hahahaha. but hey, at least i never pay full price for anything. ;)


    --Leeds
    at this volume

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  5. Haha oh man, I'm a total bargain addict too! It's a sickness I tell you...I just can't say no to a good deal *_* I recently just bought several new pieces because of the ridiculously low prices (and okay, they're super cute, so duh).

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  6. Wow... that is a lot of money those people want for a top. And you found one just as cute!

    I don't (or rather am trying not to) mind paying more for better quality in clothing, if the peices will last longer, but that is still way too much!

    As always your writing style made me smile.

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  7. Gorgeous shirt! I love finding things for a bargain, it's the best!

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  8. The top is adorable and I loved the breakdown of how you could spend the $1,122 (especially the buying 112 of those shirts one haha!)
    xo Hannah

    http://thebraidedbandit.blogspot.com
    http://thebraidedbandit.etsy.com

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    Replies
    1. This is nice, the most important one is the breakdown. This guide me on how to spend my money.

      https://www.freespincoinmaster.com

      https://gadgetsright.com/miwam-account-login-complete-steps-at-www-michigan-gov-uia/

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  9. I always love this top when you wear it- it's so versatile with cute details. I'm 100% on your page with this. I have such a shopping addiction and am pretty sure I always will, and the only way for me to feel ok about it is to thrift or buy sale things. I'm never satisfied with one expensive piece, I'd rather have 112 cheaper ones- probably because I'm so fickle with clothes too :) It's the perfect way to always have new clothes without going into debt for it!

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  10. i loved this post Elana! it's beyond me that an article of clothing could cost more than my 1st vehicle cost... i mean, you're wearing it and i'd just spill coffee all over it anyway. thank god for thrift stores. also extra love Rachel's tote back w/ your look, it ads a fun touch to your professional-looking b&w outfit!

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