[ann]Dress | Wedges | Bag | Sunglasses (also own in tortoise) | Bracelet | Necklace | Earrings | Eternity Ring[/ann]

When it comes to accessories, they truly can make or break an outfit.  It’s so important to know where to invest your money and where you can save, because honestly even though we’d love to, we can’t “invest” in everything!  The key is to know where it makes a different to invest and where you can mix and match with more trendy, less-expensive pieces.

If it’s a classic style that I know I am going to wear for a long period of time, I am more inclined to invest in it.  This handbag and these sunnies are the perfect example.  They go with everything in my closet and won’t go out of style for years to come.  I love how they paired with this new Free People embroidered dress I picked up from Nordstrom the other day.  It’s the same style I bought and wore so much last year, but a different pattern and less expensive!  Win-win!  And I’m still obsessed with these suede platform wedges.  I can’t tell you how comfortable they are, and they match perfectly with this bag!

Today I thought I would share my tips on when to splurge and how to save on handbags, jewelry, and sunglasses.  Three key items every woman has in her wardrobe that are worn more often than any single piece of clothing (well, other than jeans in my closet…haha!).

Handbags

It’s so important to have one classic, high-quality bag in your closet.  While less expensive options are great when it comes to trendy bags, every woman needs at least one bag that goes with everything and will last, which is why I think it’s an absolutely “must” splurge item.  There’s something to be said for the materials used in higher quality bags, and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with finding cute seasonal options (there are tons of cute ones out right now!), having that one you can grab with any outfit and look put together is so valuable.

Everyone’s definition of a “splurge” is completely different, and while that may be $200 or $2,000 to you, there are great quality bags in both price points.  The most important thing to keep in mind when investing in a bag is to go for a classic color that “matches” everything.  The whole point of having a utility bag is that you can grab it and go, and nothing makes that more difficult than a yellow bag…haha!  Nothing against them, but probably not the best choice if you’re looking for something to coordinate with everything in your closet.

Your best choices here are black (obviously!), camel, and beige.  If you a more of a color girl, try going with a blush or navy!  Some of my favorite brand options for great quality but reasonable prices are Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, and some of my favorite options for gorgeous “splurge” bags are Chloé and YSL.  This Michael Kors ‘Mercer’ bag I’m carrying was pretty reasonable for the quality, and is one of my favorite everyday bags.  The leather is so lightweight and it fits so much stuff!

Also, go for a shape that you are most comfortable wearing and carrying.  If you love to carry a cross body bag, but invest in a satchel, you’ll find you don’t want to carry it as often.  There are gorgeous, high-quality options in every style!

Jewelry

Jewelry is one of those things that is completely personal to each individual, but when it comes to my collection, the only jewelry items I have that are more expensive are gifts I have received from Daniel.  I don’t buy myself fine jewelry, and when it comes to costume jewelry, I can’t see spending more than $100 on any one item (most the time even $50 is more than I want to spend!).

Nordstrom carries some of the best brands for nice quality costume jewelry that looks anything but “cheap.”  Some of my favorite on-trend brands are Baublebar and Panacea.  Their earrings especially are always so adorable and usually under $30!  My favorites this season are the Baublebar ‘Crispin’ drops (I have the blush, but the white and black are on my wishlist!) and the Panacea Marble Teardrops that are only $20!

If you’re more into a classic and dainty look, my go to brands are Nadri and Kendra Scott.  I wear more Kendra Scott than any other brand of jewelry because it goes with everything.  This bracelet I am wearing has the most gorgeous iridescent druzy stone, and it dainty enough to be worn alone, but looks super cute layered with a watch and other bracelets and bangles.

Nadri makes so many options that a great quality and look like fine jewelry.  My most recent favorite is this necklace that looks so similar to one I saw in Tiffany’s while we were in Hawaii.  It’s also a great brand to try out a style that you may be wanting to invest in one day.  Then you will be sure it isn’t just a phase, and that it’s worth investing in.  I wanted halo diamond earrings so bad, and wore this pair for a while before Daniel gifted me a real pair!

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are one of those things where I feel it’s good to save and splurge.  For years I couldn’t understand why someone would purchase a pair of sunglasses over $20…until I did it myself.  As in most things, there truly is something to be said for high quality pieces, and it definitely applies to sunglasses as well.  It’s one of those, “Trust me.  Try it and you’ll see,” kind of things…haha!  Have at least one nice pair and then have others that you can grab and go to the pool with and don’t care if they get wet or get sunscreen all over them!

My favorite tip when it comes to buying an investment pair of glasses is to find a dupe of the designer pair I am loving and wear those for a month.  Often times you can find one almost identical in shape (obviously not quality of materials), but it will give you a great idea as to whether it’s a pair worth investing in.

The other thing I would say about sunglasses is to find out what works for you and your face shape, and stick to it!  Oversized round frames are my favorite shape on me, and I own multiple pairs.  Take some time, go to Nordstrom, find an honest salesperson (so important!) and spend a half hour finding what looks best.  Bring your mom, too!  I have to have my mom with me when I buy sunglasses and jeans if I want a true opinion…thanks Mom!

My favorite brand of sunglasses is Karen Walker, and the pair I’m wearing here in black I also own in the tortoise (my favorites!).  See what I mean?  Find what works and stick to it 😉.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great start to your week!  xoxo

This post is in partnership with Nordstrom.  As always, all opinions and selections are my own.

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