Hey there, lovelies! Happy Wednesday!

I come from a hard-working middle-class family. When we were growing up, my mom stayed at home with my brothers and I and my dad worked hard at his job to provide for us. We were never without. Our needs were always met and, from time to time, we were spoiled with some nice things, as well. It was really important to them that we understood what a blessing everything we had was and how we should never take it for granted. My Dad was quick to remind us money doesn’t grow on trees and that we have to steward what we earn well. He always encouraged us to work hard in school and, at the age of 15 or 16, expected us to get jobs to learn time management, practice good customer service skills and exercise responsibility. I am really thankful for all the ways our parents taught us how to be good adults because, looking back, it’s pretty solid advice that I’ll be passing along to my future children, as well.

The lessons they taught us still resonate with me today and applies to any financial situation no matter what that looks like for you, which is why I always encourage y’all to be realistic when it comes to making big purchases inspired by myself or any other blogger wearing designer items. They’re nice to have, don’t get me wrong, but they are not worth going in debt over. Take your time and put money away steadily. It is so worth the wait and SUCH a cool feeling to finally purchase that handbag or that pair of shoes you have been dreaming of and clearing out a space in your closet for. I’ve made a few designer purchases over the last couple of years and I’ve learned that buying them at Nordstrom has A LOT of perks. If you’re buying online, you receive free shipping and free returns. You always can return it if it eventually just doesn’t suit you. Nordstrom is that reliable, gracious friend when it comes to retailers. They understand that things change or that sometimes it takes using the item to realize it isn’t for you! No questions asked!

I also want to say that if you are able to purchase a designer item or two … you’re still the same person you were before you owned it and that item doesn’t make you any better than anyone else! Hah! I say that because … how annoying is it when you see someone with an expensive item and then they act really pretentious or snobby? Not cool. Let’s be humble, ladies.

Personally, I love designer items but I love to pair them with more moderately priced, even lower priced, items. Multiple designer items in one outfit is just a little much for me, personally. I have been gravitating toward lighter, more neutral colors, like beige, lately so I keep opting for these really cute Jeffrey Campbell wedges and pairing them with my new Chloe Small Faye Cross Body Bag. The shoes are moderately priced, will last you a few years, are comfortable to walk in and run true to size! Chloe is easily my favorite designer right now, and has been for the last year or so. Their handbags, shoes and sunglasses are so cute and well made. They have a wide variety of colors in most styles, which makes it easy to find something for everyone! My top is a light pink and white striped button-up with knotted detail in the front. It’s a cute little throw on for $69.50. I am wearing an XXS. Madewell, in my opinion, runs a little big so size down.

Mixing high and low items is the best way to be able to afford more higher priced designer items over time! Here are some ways to do that:

• Save on tops and set a personal budget for them based on your income..

• Only spurge on denim if you know you will wear them at least 3 or 4 times a week.

• Otherwise, keep your budget for denim under $100.

• Only purchase accessories you know you will get a lot of use out of!

• Buy neutral shoes to maximize the amount of use they get over time. Your money goes further this way.

• Set a percentage that you want to put away in your savings that will go toward your designer purchase on each pay day.

• Sell gently used items just taking up space in your closet then put that money directly into savings toward your designer purchase.

I hope these tips help and, don’t forget, to consider taking a look at what Nordstrom has in their designer department before making your purchase. If, for whatever reason, you have to return it, you won’t ever get hassled!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Love y’all! xo.