Splurge Items: Designer Vs. Brand X?

It's no secret that everyone wants to look good. We pour over magazines trying desperately to keep up with the latest fashion trends from our favorite designers. Then we vow to buy that $6,000 designer purse/pair of shoes/dress the minute we can spare the cash. The problem with that is that unless you've got some seriously deep pockets, it's just not enterprising or practical to spend hundreds of dollars on all-designer items. However, that isn't to say that you can't spoil yourself a little now and then! Here are three items that it's okay to splurge on: guilt-free.

Sunglasses

The best thing about a good pair of sunglasses is that they can last for years--if you take good care of them. That means no stuffing them anywhere in your purse that they can fit. Another perk is that sunglasses should be bought according to your face shape--not the most popular trend. A nice, strong pair of designer sunglasses with UV protection or polarized lenses is a wise investment that will last you years! (Prada Sport Sunglasses SPS Polarized, $224)

Makeup

Ladies, those of us with sensitive skin can attest that there are some things you just don't want to take a risk with--hives, rashes and breakouts are just a few of those things. While many drug-store products are fantastic, the formulas are made inexpensively so that the product can be inexpensive. This is great for your wallet, but not so good for your skin if you have an unexpected allergic reaction due to an unlisted ingredient. Clinique prides themselves on their diligent allergy testing, and as someone with sensitive skin, their moisturizers (Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion, $13) are the only ones that don't give me an allergic reaction. You may spend a little more for foundation (Clinique Superbalanced Makeup, $22) or eyeliner, but you pay for quality--your skin is something you shouldn't mess around with!

Jackets & coats

Don't be fooled by the magazines! We do not need to buy a new jacket for every season, every year. One heavy coat for winter, one light jacket for the spring and fall, and a few light sweaters for cool days and summer nights. These are purchases we only need to make once a year, if that. So, why not splurge a little for something nice? As long as you are not buying a new $500 coat every year (and then abandoning your old one in the black hole of your closet), springing for a designer jacket or coat can be a great investment. A well-made coat can last for years, ensuring that you get your money's worth out of your purchase--and some stylish flair, too, of course. (Burberry Twill Trench Coat, $1,095)