Lanvin Vs. Balmain & Saving For That Designer Piece

I’ve started to wonder why I don’t post more of my favourite fashion from the international fashion weeks.  I guess in a silly way I thought everyone was already doing it for me (and they are, but through their own perspectives).  Why can’t I focus and highlight my picks?  If anything, I am a complete sucker for detail (and these photo’s allow me both the indulgence and time apart from everything else to soak it all in).  As I see it, I’m taking a visual inventory of my future wardrobe (and conditioning my eye to both quality and ways of wearing things – something no magazine style or trend report can genuinely dictate).  Life can be gritty as I’m slowly learning, and these aesthetic escapades may be just the thing I need to get me through increased responsibility.

(Loving the Dali inspired accessories at Lanvin…)

A while ago, a reader asked for a post on how to save for a designer staple.  Priorities can rob us of the luxury that picking up a magazine can instill in our minds when it comes to designer duds.  While I beam to own a few incredible pieces (only the start of what I hope to be an incredible, inevitable collection), I understand how much of a strain bringing home that Chanel clutch can be on your bank account (if even a thought).  It’s not easy maintaining your home, health, relationships, career, and personal growth while attempting to steer clear of debt and look the fashion part.  While I will always root for lifestyle before anything else (why starve yourself of experiences, clean/improved options, or induce worry by living pay check to pay check), we all want a little candy in exchange for our efforts and strain.

Here are my rules to introducing luxury into your life…

• Before you jump head first into purchasing something big, consider it.  Make sure you have the money in your account (aside from expenses).  Material possessions should never leave you without dinner or enough cash to make rent/mortgage payments on time.  By all means buy it on your credit card (lord knows the points are great for travelling), but be respective of not letting the interest snowball on you (the last thing you need is something frivolous costing more than you’ve already poured into it).  Allow yourself the true decadence of owning something fabulous with no further strings attached.

• It’s just too easy to put a jar aside for that special splurge and donate every excess to it’s growth.  If you have the money to spend on fashion and beauty, you also have the money to spend on your future and security.  For every dollar placed in your fanciful fund, put two towards rrsp’s, building an investment portfolio, and your future house/condo down payment.  I don’t mean to sound like mom here, but too many fall victim to fashions financial foes, and I won’t let you be one of them.  Build up your life alongside your wardrobe.

• Now many people’s tried, tested, and true ways of saving a buck come from cutting down on small daily habits that add up.  I both agree and disagree with this approach.  While it’s great to cut out that second or third cup of coffee from your daily plan, you shouldn’t feel deprived of your first.  Make it a rule to only cut out excess that does you no good (a great excuse to get healthy!).  Skimping on a taxi when you’re exhausted will only rob you of your energy and deplete your productivity.  Be wise where you cut corners – never take away the validity and importance of an amazing lifestyle.

• Be certain you love it.  Not only because of it’s value, but because wether it’s a seasonal “it” item or a total classic, you’ll be seeing it consistently (at least until you sell it or move on to the next apple of your eye).  Think about how it fits into your life, schedule, and personality.  Is it going to multitask for you, or is it only going to serve as arm candy?  Whatever it’s purpose, make sure you know it’s function, and use accordingly!

• Some loves don’t last forever!  I think it’s totally awesome to be the kind of gal who sells her previous, older bags in light of a new one.  Why not?  It’s what I’ll be doing to get closer to my destined Chanel bag!  If you’re too attached to your collectibles, consider opening up an Etsy shop and selling old books, artwork, or clutter you’ve long since gotten over in your personal space.  Why not dedicate a bit of your weekend time to a part time job to earn some extra cash?  It’s a guilt-free way of splurging, that will make you really appreciate your new purchase.  The way I see it, designer (or overpriced in many cases), is a lifestyle… the kind you see in those minimalist architectural magazines.  Why is there so little to look at?  Because everything is so cautiously selected, expensive/quality, that you really couldn’t afford anything more.  If you’re one who can go without a ton of accessories (like me), then stick to the best of the basics (and do them realllll well).

• Stop buying crap, or more of what you already have.  We’re all guilty of it – lord knows I am when I hit the makeup counters and eye every eyeshadow and nail polish in sight (knowing I’ll never actually use them on myself).  Stop wasting your hard earned cash on the introductory shit that brands pump out so that you can buy a little piece of their mantra.  Don’t get me wrong, sometimes that introductory shit is exactly what the doctor ordered, but most of the time it’s just our second pick to the actual fashion and accessories that initially catch our eye on the runways each and every season.  Save yourself.  Get used to disciplining yourself when you walk into a store.  Aside from cheap basics and unmentionables, keep those dollars for the statement pieces that will stay in fashion (and your closet), longer than their knockoffs last in the washer.

• Another typical suggestion would be to only buy used.  If that works for you, great.  I however, know full-on what it feels like to walk out of a store with something that was only ever yours (it’s different wether you acknowledge it or not).  Doesn’t mean everything has to be brand spanking new (some of the best finds are indeed vintage), but some things are meant to stay sacred that way.  There are reasons why you pay hoard-loads of money (even if they aren’t totally valid).  There’s a reason everything looks glossier, brighter, prettier, and sparklier (*cough* marketing *cough*).  Even though it may be deceit in it’s most made up face, the special, thrilling effect still works.  Don’t be afraid to let it take you away every now and then.

• Know that it will be worth your while.  The great thing about a well made item, is that once you have it, all you need to do is maintain it, and it will stay your loyal, longterm best friend.  Unlike cheap thrills, it’s made to last (a dying thought and process in this day and age).  That is worth something.

• Don’t feel guilty and enjoy your purchase to the last drop!  Owning designer goods isn’t about showing off (well, maybe a little…), it’s about finding something exquisite that suits your tastes.  Many times it’s about the art, the design, the influence (it’s hard to find ingenuity in mainstream stores), and who you’re supporting.  When someone asks you how much you invested (not that it’s any of their business in the first place), don’t allow them to ridicule or question you.  It’s your money – it’s your enjoyment, just make sure you’ve got everything else in your life set up first (luxury is not to be chased or suffered for).  Luxury to me, is time to do what you love.  Don’t waste the clock!

(… and the intense needlepoint/applique/leatherwork at Balmain…)

Get a load of this magic (above)… I want to live there.

xox

Balmain bringing home the luxury items Cartier ad Lanvin Posted under designer, fashion, fashion show, My thoughts exactly..., Uncategorized by Robyn