Every January I write a post on quality items to spend your holiday cash or gift cards on. This is the time to think a little before blowing it all. As kids, my mom would say as soon as we got some cash in a card, it would burn a hole in our pockets. My brother would run off to Radio Shack to get some kind of circuit board kit and I would be off to Contempo Casuals at the mall. Anyone who is near my age and grew up in California will remember that trendy spot of colorful edgy clothes!
After I bought myself an angora sweater or a glittery blouse, I was always wishing I had saved for something better and one year I did. I drove myself up to the city -San Francisco, and marched into the Gucci store and bought myself a small oval bag for the prize sum of $400, which was a lot of money back then for a twenty something. This is the same exact bag- now being sold for $500 online and some want $1,000 for it!
I wore that bag until it gave out. It upgraded all my less expensive items and got so many compliments over the years. I felt chic and didn’t need other bags, just that one. Not sure where it ended up, but that taught me a lot about how a quality item would be a smarter investment than several less expensive purses. My grandmother always said buy nice shoes and bags and everything will look expensive. My mother and dad always believed in buying better things for the home as well.
I still get a Christmas card with money (thanks dad) and as I’ve gotten older I tell my sons to hold onto it and buy one nice thing. You can blow $100 on three okay things, or buy a good pair of shoes to elevate all you own. Now it’s more likely closer to $200, but you get my thought process here. If you’re so fortunate to have a little wad of cash from the holidays, think about buying things that have long-term payback. Think about things you wouldn’t normally get yourself.
Think quality over quantity. Think long-term over what you want right now. Ask yourself will you want this in five years?”
This is a good mantra to keep in mind as we enter a new year- and when you’re shopping.
Good Things To Consider Spending Your Holiday Money On..
Number one to me is always a house item. How many of you still have rugs and lamps that have been bought when you first got married? When you got your first apartment? I rest my case. Rugs and lamps are the work horses of the home and yet how often do we upgrade or replace? They don’t usually break down and so we continue on with just okay items that could make a BIG difference in your space and quality of life!
Rugs are the biggest bang for your buck and a beautiful place to get rugs is Serena & Lily. This is not a cheap place, but it’s an excellent place. The rugs are beautiful and fantastic quality. My Stella Rug is wool and it has been excellent and shows little wear. I recently moved it to my main living space and I am still love how pretty it is as well as soft. Just this rug alone gave the whole space a luxe look.
I prefer wool rugs for long wear and maintenance, but I also have one of their Seaview runner in polypropylene in the kitchen, below left, and a one of their recycled denim rugs, right, in my den/office (similar here.)
Both have been wearing well! I also like their Carlsbad Rug, which is a soft blue in geometric pattern.
Pottery Barn also has excellent rugs and their wool ones have yet to wear out for me. I’m currently obsessing on this lovely Gena Rug which is hand loomed and think it is elegant for a bedroom!
I also like this wool Gabrielle Handtufted Wool Rug and the Capitola Rug
Lamps are another fantastic investment! I finally replaced my Pottery Barn dark gold bedside lamps after having them 26 years. They still work and are now off doing duty with my sons. Talk about money well spent!
One of my goals in 2022 is to finally replace my bed and get some lamps that are as good as the ones I just passed to the kids. I’m kind of in love with these Dauphine Lamp that would be a lovely paired on a bedside. This lamp also comes in a lovely floor lamp if you have a space that needs some elegant illumination..
I also love this Tinsley lamp which could work in so many spaces – an entry table, bedroom or the family room. It’s cute and adds a nice whimsical touch to an area.
How great are these Faris Ceramic Lamps from Pottery Barn? They come in an ivory or black, in large or small sizes.
Another pretty option from PB for the bedside or in a living room is this cool Bennett Recycled Glass Lamp.
New towels are a good way to start the year. Get rid of your old nasty towels. I have bought these towels and they are wearing so well, I just got another set -and they are on sale now.
Sheets are also a good idea and linen sheets are worth the splurge. They are so comfortable and warm in the winter, I forget they are also a dream to sleep in, in the summer. I have two sets of these.
Probably my most favorite home purchase last year was this Celeste Coverlet from Crate & Barrel. It’s the most beautiful looking layer and it feels like a dream. I have this over the sheets and in the winter it’s our blanket under the duvet too. It provides a soft layer and smoothing this over the sheets in the morning and folding the comforter at the end makes the bed look effortlessly pretty.
Coats are another smart use of your money and that if bought well, should last many years of wear. Coats give you instant style and I think a wardrobe needs a decent trench, a good wool coat, and a puffer to start. Look at my last post for some good long puffers to keep you cozy and stylish in the colder months.
A well made black wool coat is something that will feel great every time you put it on and a good one won’t be too heavy and have nice details like this Rails Bristol Wool Coat. I especially love the back details.
J.Crew has been a great go-to for coats as they use special mills in Italy to craft beautiful and long-wearing wools and my J.Crew Cocoon Coat is still excellent shape after almost 10 years! They have had this coat since 2006 and this year it’s in different colors, but same great styling.
They also have another version with a higher collar and buttons in a forest green and black. Love!
And if you’re ready for a truly beautiful piece this reversible coat by Armani gives a wardrobe so much versatility.
As I mentioned above a good quality pair of shoes is always something I think about when I want to splurge a little and tall boots are something I bought a few years ago and am still loving so much. I bought a flat, lug sole riding type boot and they create chic outfits paired with leggings and sweaters, jeans and blouses, and casual dresses. For the cost my pair has had hundreds of wears and has many years still left in them. If you don’t own a nice pair, they are something to consider.
I found a similar pair also made by Tory Burch and if you prefer more classic styling she also has this version on the right..
One thing I’ve bought myself is a better jewelry when I have extra dollars. It’s smart to invest in some good pieces when you can, that will last you years. Ippolita is an Italian American designer who I wrote about on a blog post here. I adore her beautiful pieces that are made to fit the female body and are like art pieces you can collect.
She says 99% of her sales are from women buying the jewelry for themselves! That says a lot. So if it’s time to give yourself a lovely piece of jewelry her silver pieces are an affordable way to began like I did with the Jet Set Earrings. Last year I also bought myself this simple bangle I pair with my watch. I also love her lollipop necklaces like this one below. Her whole collection gold and stones as well as silver here.
A wonderful cashmere or wool sweater is something you can appreciate for years. AllSaints makes lovely ones and I’ve managed to add one of their sweaters to my wardrobe almost every year. My favorite is many years old and is nearly identical to this asymmetrical one and is a mix of wool and yak and doesn’t pill. I also love this Arvid Cable Knit Sweater in grey. Many of their excellent sweaters are marked down too. The whole collection here.
Brochu Walker is another brand with gorgeous sweaters and I’ve had the short sleeve off the shoulder sweater and the long sleeve, the cardigans with the built in collars and hem on my wish list for a while. Who wouldn’t agree these are gorgeous and could give you so many fun wardrobe options!
Lastly, a good bag, as my grandmother told me, can last you decades. Styles change, but I find the older bags I have spent some money on, still look good and are even cooler than new. That said, if you are in the market for a quality bag that isn’t thousands, I like London based Demille, . They make excellent hand crafted bags in Spain and have a charity called, A Bag, A Life, which funds lifesaving vaccines and medical treatment for children in SOS Villages.
It’s no wonder so many people feel proud to carry these bags which I think are fairly priced for a luxury bag and helping the world at the same time. I would prefer to see these kinds of bags become the ‘it’ thing to carry versus the extremely expensive designer bags.
The Santa Monica with Chain above, is darling (many colors) as is The Los Angeles (in white here) and The Marrakesh Crossbody in tan.
Other ideas for spending your holiday cash..
- A photo shoot of your family by a professional done outdoors. So many great ones you can find locally now on places like Instagram.
- A piece of unique art by a local artist or one you’ve been following. I think original art is one of the best ways to give your home a personal look and feel.
- Use your money to by a series of classes – cooking ( Sur La Table is always a good one), a new language, dance or painting. Do something challenging you haven’t tried before.
I hope this was a fun post and though I know a lot of these items are expensive, what I want tis for people to think about is buying less, buying better and like Europeans, think of purchases as investments to last a long time. Sticker shock is something Americans have an issue with. They have no problem coming out of a department store with $200 worth of clothes, but will balk at a pair of shoes costing the same. The result is a lot of inexpensive items that don’t last and end being donated or in landfills. The new year is a great time to reset our spending habits and shop less and shop better when we do.
If you can’t even go there with these higher cost things, second hand is what everyone is doing now and the best way to shop for these better pieces. I will share my sources for great second hand finds and chat about shopping your closet on our upcoming Signature Style on January 18th so stay tuned!
Kim
If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.
Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!
Hi Kim, This post is so fabulous I have to comment before I even finish my coffee! There you are showing the tall boots and that’s the picture when I first saw of you and asked about your taupe bag. You were so sweet to send me the info and other links for that color! I would love to change out the rug in my dining room from a beautiful Persian (authentic) for something in a lighter color but I just don’t know a good way to consign it and get anywhere near what it’s worth. I’m ready for one more modern. I’ve just given my tall boots to a thrift. I bought at the original Nordstrom in Seattle sooo many years ago and they really held up but now I’m in the market for new. The sweater brands are new to me and thanks for the recommendations. I agree with the less is more idea and also going high/low with things like good shoes and bag. So many tempting ideas……now I just need a benefactor!! One more thing. You introduced me to the Serena and Lily line and I bought some towels which I love. XO
What a really fabulous post. I really enjoyed reading it. I’m with you about buying less and better. I see to enjoy buying lots of stuff that didn’t cost much but now I prefer to purchase a few special items. Last year I hung on to my Christmas and birthday money until September and then splurged on two linen dresses made in Italy. They even weave the linen on old looms. I didn’t get to wear them because lat year it filled down a bit early so at least I have something to look forward to this summer 🙂
Lorna, I love that you saved your gift money and bought linen dresses! You will wear them for years. What a great idea! xx
Hi Wren! I remember you sent me a note about the bag! Your rug sounds amazing. Make sure you get your value for it. It seems hard to do now! Is there a home consignment store near you? That might be an option? I hear you about wanting lighter. Sometimes we just want a change. That’s great you had your boots so long. Maybe you’ll find another pair to love! I am glad you liked the S&L towels. I think they are the best ones I’ve ever bought. xoxo
LOVE THE GUCCI STORY!
WE just cleaned the attic out and the youngest second born found an old bag of mine with the GG’s!He put it in his pile to take home!
I know exactly what he will do with that………….SELL IT!!!
My Mother too always said if you invest in the good stuff it will always be in FASHION and you know she is right!I have her sweaters from back in the DAY I.MAGNIN and JOSEPH MAGNIN days and they still work TODAY!I have not bought a sweater in YEARS……………except yesterday when I went to ANTHROPOLOGY to make a return!It was MY COLOR!
I LOVE THE OFF THE SHOULDER CASHMERE…………….LET ME KNOW IF THOSE GO ON SALE!
SO true what you said about LAMPS!
ITS BEEN YEARS SINCE I GOT CASH FOR CHRISTMAS…………..YEARS!
But I am ALWAYS PLEASED WITH WHAT THE ITALIAN PICKS OUT!
EXCEPT THE YEAR WE LIVED IN ITALY!!!!
ASK ME ABOUT THAT!
XXX
Elizabeth, How cool you had a vintage Gucci.. I love that you kept your mom’s sweaters from I.Magnin and JM!! I will let you know if Brochu Walker has a sale.. I do love their things. Glad the Italian is such a good shopper. He’s a keeper. I have to hear the story about the other gift..xx
What you say rings true and I remember Radio Shack and Contempt Casuals fondly. I can hear my mother with the ‘money burning a hole in your pocket’ remark … and it was true. If I’m honest, looking through your post makes me feel like my pocket is on fire. So many fabulous, quality things. After our renovation our major house splurges were for rugs and lamps. So important these foundation items be of good quality. Or the best quality you can afford at your stage in life. Same is true for clothing, shoes, bags and coats. I remember my first classic camel coat … it could still be worn today if I’d had the foresight to hold onto it. And speaking of coats, that Armani coat is so amazing. I love your posts, Kim. They always introduce me to such wonderful things. xo
Thank you Juliet! You are so sweet. I know we are the same generation. Lol. I am glad you can relate to Contempo Casuals. I also wish I had held onto some of those nicer items. I had a navy military coat from I. Magnin full-length. What I wouldn’t so to have it now! You are so right you should buy as best as you can afford with those foundation home pieces.xx
Great post Kim. Quality not quantity especially when it comes to clothes. Going to check out some of your links… especially the jewelry by Ippolita !!
Thanks so much Fiona! I love her beautiful things.
Great post Kim. I love this philosophy. For the home and the wardrobe! Less but better.
Thanks Sarah and you have inspired me too! Love the way you live! x
Hi Kim,
This post is like a treasure hunt! So many good things here. I like the idea of buying quality over quantity, In principle I’m in 100%. However in practice I’m not so good. I try to buy decent quality but I do tend to go for something if it’s on sale. Often I wish I would have been more patient and gotten exactly the right thing, instead of the good enough thing, whatever it was, at a discount! I tell myself I enjoy having choices and the variety, but the truth is I usually carry the same purse, wear the same favorite boots or shoes or coat over and over. It might as well be a really good version and one that I love! I think what stops me from investing in more expensive pieces is thinking I will make a mistake, choose the wrong color or whatever. Or I’ll make the safe, boring choice instead and then regret it. I don’t know exactly but I will give this some thought! I want to change these habits and learn to invest in pieces that are worth it and long-lasting! I would enjoy carrying a great handbag! Also I’m learning that having so much often makes it harder to decide what to wear or use, and I feel guilty if something doesn’t get used or worn often. Except for art supplies, where more is more and it makes me incredibly happy to have many choices!
I’ve been thinking about doing al little refreshing here at the house and in particular an looking at lamps, rugs, and a few light fixtures. The search goes on…thanks for finding some good options!
Your posts are always so well researched and very helpful!
Xo Heidi
Thanks so much Heidi. I agree I have done the same, buying something as a substitute for what I truly want to save money. Always, I regret it later. And I agree the smarter thing is to have the better version and it will pay for itself with wears over the years! There is also something to be said for having less choices and a smaller closet of better things! Thanks Heidi I love your input always! xo
Hey, I worked at Contempo Casuals in high school 🙂
Love the lamps you picked out. And everything else.
Mary Ann how fun was that? I can see you the Southern Cal gal there in the 80’s! Thanks I love lamps!
Oh gosh so much here that I can relate to Kim!
I can hear my mum saying the “ money burning a hole in your pocket “ comment too! Also advising me about the importance of good quality bags and shoes … and keeping them spotless. She was definitely someone who chose quality over quantity and took great care of everything. 💕
A Gucci bag! You must have loved that so much! Such a classic style and as you say a good bag elevates whatever you wear it with!
The lamps you’ve chosen are gorgeous! I could definitely do with a couple of new ones. I was looking in a lighting store recently and there were just so many I liked that I walked away with nothing as I couldn’t choose! If only I’d had you with me!
You’ve also encouraged me to look out and wear my dark brown riding style boots again. I’ve recently started using two older brown bags that must be over 20 and 15?years old and the leather is so soft and gorgeous. They look like new … I’m so pleased 😃
I bought my first All Saints jumper last Winter … grey cashmere. Honestly, I love it! If I could only own one jumper this would be it! Great length, neckline and sleeves. Lovely thick quality cashmere and it goes so well with most things.
Thanks again for another great post Kim xxx
Rosemary isn’t that funny about moms saying that? Yay you for using your older bags… and the boots. I bet they all look fantastic. So good to know you loved your All Saints jumper. I just love their quality! I wish we could lamp shop together too. I agree sometimes when there’s so many it can be hard to choose! Thanks so much. xo
Kim! I am in total agreement with you on buying better…save that cash and buy one nice thing. I too had a small Gucci bag, mini was a little more square and had the brown with green and red trim, I loved it and tossed in Goodwill…Oh how I regret that I did that! So many years ago…I would love to give it to Madeline! She would love that it was old Gucci!
You have such a good eye, that Armani reversible coat!! I love it and with the button placement and belt on one side, with the subtle, but still different colors, it really does look like two cats! So smart!
xx
Annie, I can see you with that little Gucci! Maybe our bags are together somewhere…LOL.I know it’s too bad you don’t have it for Madeline. I can see you in that coat Annie- you are tall and would look fabulous. xo
Haha my best friend and I probably spent our whole paychecks at Contempo!! That was our go to store in college. My husband gave me a Lululemon gift card and I need to check back because that were sold out of a lot of things.
***they not that!
Wasn’t Contempo the best? I feel like I spent all my money there too! I think Lululemon is sold out after the holidays.. I would see what they get for the new season! xo