If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I typically wouldn’t call myself a “designer” girl. My style is pretty laid back, simple, casual, and I’m all about finding a good deal! I first spotted this Cult Gaia ark bag last spring and instantly fell in love with it, but didn’t pull the trigger because it kind of seemed like a lot to spend on such a small bag. As the spring and summer went on, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and knew that it would go with nearly every spring and summer outfit I had! So, I finally pulled the trigger and bought one a few months ago. Y’all…zero buyer’s remorse whatsoever!!
So, today I want to talk about how you can know when it’s worth it to splurge (whether your splurge is $150 or $1500), and when you should save. Obviously every situation is different, every budget, lifestyle, husband (lol) varies from person to person. But, this is the mentality I use when deciding whether or not a splurge is worth it!
In the situation of this Cult Gaia ark bag…when I travel, I don’t like to bring more than one bag with me in my suitcase. I love having one bag that will go with every outfit, no matter how dressy or casual it is. And this adorable bag 100% served that purpose! I wore it with cut-off shorts, white denim, and even more formal maxi dresses! When you find a bag you love that also goes with nearly every single outfit…that’s worth the investment in my opinion!
My mom and I talk a lot about being a “quality” or “quantity” person, particularly when it comes to fashion. The older I get, the more I really care about investing in quality pieces that I can wear over and over again. Don’t get me wrong – I still love me a good sale! But now I value buying one really great quality bag that I love, vs 5 bags that were on sale that are “okay”. Does that make sense?
Another reason I love this Cult Gaia ark bag (or other great designer bags that are neutral enough to go with everything), is because it’s so easy to dress it down with more casual, budget-friendly pieces. This little bag with cut-off shorts and a t-shirt?! Cutest summer outfit ever, and still looks so chic because of the statement bag! I love mixing high with low pieces because you can look laid back and casual, yet put together and chic all at the same time!
If you’ve also been tempted by this Cult Gaia ark bag, or maybe another designer piece but can’t justify the price…my advice would be:
- Think it over – I thought about this bag before almost a year before I made the purchase haha and still wanted it after a year! If you still want whatever your “splurge” item is after thinking about it for a few weeks or a few months…that’s an indicator you really want it, and it’s not an impulse decision
- Save – maybe instead of going crazy at the 50% off rack on an impulse shopping trip…save up your paychecks so you feel better about getting that splurge item!
- Consider your wardrobe – if your splurge / designer item is a pair of shoes or a handbag…think about the outfits hanging in your closet. Will you get alot of use out of that new bag? Will it go with tons of outfits? Or is it more of a one time wear kind of thing?
Nordstrom has an amazing selection of designer items that are top of the line quality, and will also pair with any outfit (dressy or casual) this spring!
designer bags that will go with every outfit this spring:
Outfit Details: Embroidered Dress | Cult Gaia Bag (similar here) | Espadrilles (similar here) | Similar Earrings | Similar sunglasses
I wore this adorable embroidered dress in Jamaica a few weeks ago and love everything about it – the length is perfect, it’s not see through, and the embroidery is beautiful! It comes in several colors and I’m REALLY trying not to buy a second haha! What are some items that you’ve splurged on and found it to be 100% worth it?! Any favorite designers in particular?! Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
This post was created in collaboration with Nordstrom. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
xo Lauren
