Splurge Versus Save: 9 Luxe-Looking Spring Buys We Want

There are a million things I could—err, should—be spending my money on right now. Things like, oh, I don’t know, finalizing my taxes, paying off my credit card, and contributing to my 401K. I may not be able to say that I’m an expert on when to spend money, but in my seven years as a fashion editor, I can wholeheartedly claim to be an expert on how to spend when it comes time. So sorry to my dad, who constantly lectures me on setting up an investment portfolio, but if it were up to me, I’d be diverting assets to investments far chicer than the Dow Jones—the ones I have in mind come from Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Alaïa.

For spring, there are number of designer buys I’m itching to splurge on, and if I had it my way, they’d each be en route to me as we speak. But the reality is that my wallet and my taste are two different sizes, so to fill the void in my heart for each of them, I’ve made it my duty to source the less expensive alts that capture the same energy. Whether you’re shopping on a budget like I am or just curious which items are making my splurge list, continue for the nine fashion investments I’m emotionally invested in along with several more budget-friendly options that won’t leave as large of a dent my wallet.

The Splurge: Loro Piana Rebecca Flats

As you’re about to find out, many of the items I’d shell out a pretty penny for fall into the long-term investment category, meaning that they’re pieces with especially timeless qualities. The Loro Piana Rebecca Ballerinas are the epitome of this longevity mindset. Featuring a glove-like shape and barely there block heel, I couldn’t imagine a more wearable pair of shoes to invest in for spring and wear for years to come.

The Less-Expensive Alternatives

The Splurge: Alaïa Le Teckel Bag

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

East-west bags are the talk of the town right now, and chief among them is Alaïa’s Le Teckel Bag, unquestionably the hottest buy of spring 2024. With its unique oblong shape and elegant overtones, it’s not hard to see why fashion insiders (and I) are gravitating toward it.

The Less-Expensive Alternatives

The Splurge: High Sport Kick Cropped Flared Pants

There’s a singular item that’s serving as the subject of every fashion Substack, Slack message, and personal recommendation in media right now, and it’s the kick-flare trousers from High Sport. With an endless array of black trousers on the market, what makes these special, according to those who own a pair, is their sculpting fit that appears tailored but feels as comfortable as leggings. But their $860 price tag is a tough pill to swallow, which is why I’ve been on the hunt for trousers with a similar sculpt-knit fabric.

The Less-Expensive Alternatives

The Splurge: Bottega Veneta Acetate Aviator Sunglasses