Cost Per Use

Ok, let me preface this post by saying that I feel kinda goobery for posting things that I've purchased. I feel like I'm bragging about things I bought, but I had some people wondering what I snagged while shopping in SLC.

We had saved up for my SLC getaway for a quite while. I wanted to be able to shop without remorse. Well, that's just not in my personality. I feel buyer's remorse for everything. It's the dumbest thing, really. Can't get over it, no matter how I try. I have come to terms with the fact that it's a good thing; it keeps me from over spending.

I was determined to buy things I needed, but I wanted to buy a few things I had been eyeing on a few fashion blogs I follow, too. So, I decided to make a list of the things I needed, buck up, get over my shopping guilt and enjoy!

I actually rarely shop - we don't budget for it. I don't even have a monthly "fun" allowance. We have some financial goals that keep getting in the way of fun ;) I get birthday money & Christmas money. I try to make it last as long as possible. My birthday is in June, so if I plan well, I can stretch my birthday money all the way until Christmas & a wonderful cycle ensues.

I never know if something I buy is going to be worth the money or not. Fashion bloggers always seem to be snagging the most expensive stuff & swearing by it. Well ya - it better be worth it if it costs that much. I always seem to be looking for a "dupe" of whatever product I'm on the hunt for. Sometimes that pays off, but sometimes you end up needing to "invest" in the more expensive product. When needing to invest, I take on a "Cost Per Use" mentality when shopping. How much is this product going to cost me each time I use it? Will I get my money's worth?

I recently bought a pair of jeans that were super inexpensive. I caught a good sale & had a store coupon. I liked them for about a month, then they lost their shape and I always felt like they were saggy around my but, unless I was washing them after each use. Not cute. So, during my Utah shopping trip I was determined to find a great, long-lasting, comfortable pair of jeans. And I wanted jeans, not jeggings, not lots of stretch. Well, I found some on sale! Thank you, #nsale. Thankfully they were not the original $225, but still. (insert heartbroken emoji here.) After much convincing from my sister in the dressing room and one hesitant swipe of my card later... I'm the proud owner of these beauts! I know, kinda cringe-worthy. But, I have zero buyer's remorse. Really. If I break these down with my "cost per use" tool, I actually don't end up "spending" much per wear. I constantly wear skinny jeans. Almost everyday, actually, even in the summer. I'm most comfortable in them, and I think they are flattering. Even if I wear these for 1/2 of the year, my cost per use is under $1/day. I can justify this because I know it is a fact that I will wear these until they die. That's what I do.

How do you justify expensive clothing? Do you just go for it? Do you debate back and forth like I do? Or do you veto expensive clothing and continually buy less expensive (a choice I often make)?

Here are a few more staple items I bought while in SLC -
Caslon Pencil Skirt - purchased in black and navy for church. I like to look "dressed up" at church. I typically stray away from a casual look, but I am chasing Kess around now, so that changes my church attire. These skirts are durable, comfortable, flattering and on sale! Bonus!
Pleione Pleat Back Woven Top - Blouses were one of the top things on my shopping list and I snagged these on sale as well. I bought 2, because they were 2 for $60, and they still are if you're in need of a great blouse! I would normally cringe at a $30-$40 shirt, but these were comfortable, super flattering and could be worn with my new pencil skirt, or my new jeans... #winwin. I bought Cream (which is actually more white than cream) and the Blue Mazarine. There are actually more colors online than there were in store, which tempted me to purchase 2 extra colors (Pink Hush & Purple) I am a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl and I'm trying to feel less frumpy, more put-together and these are the perfect blouses for that.

I hope this was helpful for those of you trying to decide if something you want is going to be worth it.. plug in "cost per use" ;)

I snagged a few things from Lush that I am loving as well! If that sounds interesting, let me know & I'll share a few of my favorites!

Happy Wednesday! xoxo