Splurge vs Save: Exfoliating Facial Brushes

Clarisonic Mia, $119

Olay Advanced Cleansing System, $30

     Winter is the worst season for my skin. While admittedly I slather on oily sunscreens and get plenty of sweat in my pores from running during the warmer months, my skin is sensitive and dry. The humidity of a Tennessee summer only helps it out. However, one lifesaver that I have found for my skin this winter has been my Olay facial brush. I have heard great reviews about the Clarisonic version and several magazines and blogs have lauded the product. However, as a college student who was experiencing break outs that I wanted to fix right then, I couldn't really afford to drop that kind of money on a whim. Instead, I made a midnight run to WalMart (my history with my skin is pretty emotional) and picked up an entire spectrum of Olay products for less than what one Clarisonic brush would have cost. My skin is actually returning to balance and normalcy.

     While everyone has different skin and a variety of products might work, the best solution for my recent crazy breakouts was a gentle, moisturizing cleanser used with the Advanced Cleansing System and lotion from Olay. The exfoliating cleanser that comes with the brush is completely wonderful, but the sample doesn't last long. Overall, if your skin is feeling dry and flaky this winter, I highly recommend trying at least the Olay version of a cleansing brush!

Splurge vs. Save: Metal "boyfriend" watch

Michael Kors Parker watch, $225

Silver boyfriend watch from The Trendy Boutique, $30

     If you have an internet connection, chances are you know what a "big deal" Michael Kors watches are. I'm not going to lie, I have fallen under the spell of the metal beauties after walking by a giant display of them in my local Dillard's. However, as someone who has depended on the same thirty dollar Timex watch for a year (before I received this one for Christmas), I would have a hard time shelling out the money for such a current and trendy item. While it is true that the materials and shapes of the watches make them true classics, I can never tell if I'm being overly influenced by what Tumblr dictates as popular at the moment. That being said, I'm also a sucker for instant gratification, meaning that I wouldn't blink and eye at getting a similar look for a lot less. 

     I'll probably hold off on snagging a metal "boyfriend" watch until I'm more firm in my decision, but I'd love to know what you would do: splurge or save?

Splurge vs. Save: White Camp Shirt

J. Crew Blythe blouse, $110

Old Navy button front blouse, $30

     I am definitely of the belief that if pieces make you happy, not only should you buy them in multiple colors, but you should also invest in high quality versions to make sure they last. My recent obsession with camp shirts stems from the 100% silk blouse that I found at a thrift store, shown here. Ideally, I could hunt down similar shirts in a plethora of colors while thrifting. However, upon searching for a shirt of the same style in white, I've decided it's probably time to face the facts and just go retail. For something that I will wear so often, I'd love to invest in the higher quality material; but as a person who enjoys the "just see how much will fit into a single load" philosophy of laundry, I don't realistically see myself getting the Blythe blouse dry cleaned. 

     If I end up taking the plunge and actually buying a similar blouse, I'll let you know what I've decided. But for now, I want to know what you'd do: splurge or save?

Ed: Thanks to the anonymous reader who pointed out that Equipment blouses refer to the brand which has blouses of a similar style!

Splurge vs. Save: Mint Clutch

Rebecca Minkoff mini M.A.C in mint, $195

Staten Island Clutch from Francesca's, $38

      Mint certainly had a breakthrough in 2012. Towards the end of the year, you couldn't go into a store without being faced with mint something. While Pantone named Emerald color of the year for 2013, I'm still seeing mint everywhere! I've found the color hard to style lately without being a little bit too saccharine for me, but it still catches my eye every time I see something in the hue. I instantly feel calmer and happier when surrounded with the pastel color, perhaps due to mint's calming properties as an herb?

      Whatever the case, I couldn't help falling in love with Rebecca Minkoff's mini M.A.C. in mint on a recent trip to Nashville. After the holidays, I was tempted to use my Christmas gift money to indulge myself; however I happened upon a clutch with a similar aesthetic at Francesca's. I've been carrying the clutch as a purse with several of my outfits lately. Stay tuned for what I've styled it with as the outfits will be posted this week!

      So what would you do: splurge or save?