We’re narrowing in on the most wonderful time of the year: tax return season! Now, if I were more fiscally prudent, I’d adjust my withholding so I wouldn’t get taxes back nor would I have to pay in. However, I rather enjoy kicking off the year with a cash windfall. And, what better time to splurge on something utterly indulgent and designer-y? (After bills are paid, of course.)
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I’ve actually been indulging in a “Tax Return Splurge” for the last seven years. The first item I purchased was a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. I had recently finished college and lost a lot of weight. (It was the first time I could actually fit into a designer item!) I couldn’t justify the $355 price tag with my meager salary, so I convinced myself that a tax return could be a savings plan for something special. It was the most money I had ever spent on an item of clothing and, yet, it was a purchase I never once regretted. I still cherish the dress and wear it from time to time. (That’s the beauty of a wrap dress. The adjustable tie can be cinched tighter or looser depending on how well your diet is going.) After that gateway item, there was a YSL arty ring (when “Yves” was still part of the name), Ferragamo “Varina” flats (Best. Ever.), a Rebecca Minkoff “MAC” bag, two years of Kate Spade pumps, and the Coach purse I wore nearly everyday last year.
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That last part is worth highlighting. The “Tax Return Splurge” seems frivolous, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve used this opportunity to invest in a good quality, signature item from a classic brand. The items elevate my wardrobe, fit my lifestyle, and become those I wear the most. They’re thoughtful purchases. So, what am I daydreaming about this year? A pair of Tod’s loafers is high on my list (in white, even though they’re terribly impractical), as are the following items:
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BUCKET BAG
We have Mansur Gavriel to thank for making the bucket bag cool again. Last summer’s must-have silhouette promises to be a hit again this year. The drawstring carryalls are ultra practical and, when it’s done in a rich fire engine red (like Rebecca Minkoff’s version exclusive to Shopbop), it’s undeniably luxe.
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KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES
After eschewing sunglasses for so long, I finally embraced them in 2014 for two reasons: UV protection (obvi) and I no longer have to worry about blinking mid-photo! I adore Karen Walker’s bold, playful designs and would go with the “Number One” style in tortoise shell.
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DVF WRAP DRESS
A gal can never have too many DVF dresses! If you don’t already own one, start saving your pennies. One of her curve-hugging, flattering dresses is a huge confidence booster and you’ll wear it for years. I’ve got my eye on the mini Julian style with the short, flirty hemline. (May I also suggest wearing a half slip underneath? It’s not the sexiest thing, but it keeps you from having a Marilyn moment on a windy day.)
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FERRAGAMO VARINA FLATS
I feel like such a brat yearning for another pair of Ferragamo shoes, but I love the Varina style so much! They fit me perfectly and I’m giddy whenever I put them on. I already own red and turquoise, so I’d like to go with a classic black pair.
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This is crazy but if you go to my wishlist on my shopbop account you will see all these exact same items. PS: yesterday I got one of them, I’ll let you guess which one?
xo
PinkSole
I’m guessing the dress?!
yes 🙂
ohhh so fun! i love the stripe dress you picked out! we put our tax return $$ into savings, so no shopping for me…whomp whooomp. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
With a baby on the way, that’s the smart move!
Sadly I don’t think I’ll ever get a tax return again. Being a freelancer is so annoying! This year I’m going to owe money because I started a second client and still sent in the same amount to the IRS in my quarterly taxes. *sigh* Oh well, ha ha
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Well, really, as long as you budgeted for it, that’s the better way to go. It’s not really financially smart to give the government an interest-free loan. 😉
That’s true, haha. I just hate the money coming out in 4 big chunks, always leaves me depressed! XD
Yeah, I have a question – how did you snag such an awesome partnership with Shopbop!?
(In truth and in my own experience, 99% of the brands I’ve worked with approached me, how they chose me, I do not know.)
Since I’ve been working I’ve always done my taxes with turbotax. I don’t know a thing about taxes. I never file any deductions and usually get only a tiny bit back after I’ve paid turbotax their fee. I suppose that isn’t terribly sensible. This year at Sean’s behest I will take my taxes to his accountant. But seeing as I spent most of last year unemployed, I doubt there will be a tax return splurge in my future.
Of course you have some great, solid options. Having a pair of go-to sunglasses is amazing. I am head over heels for my Ray-Bans, and will be forever grateful I found them at TJMaxx (when I was randomly lucky enough to be collaborating with TJMaxx!)
The vintage(?) Ferragamos I got last year fit me so perfectly it has been making me want another pair. But I know you already have some great black flats, so I think you should opt to fill a bigger closet void.
Chic on the Cheap
I blame Mansur Gavriel for adding more fuel into the fire that is my bag addition–I love the bucket bag silhouette and the RM version might be friendlier to my wallet. Black flats and heels are the one thing that I don’t mind dropping some dough on, since I wear those items into the ground. On another note, I can’t wait to start filing taxes in a few years! 😛 *sarcasm
Girl, like I said this time last year, I never get a return. 🙁 but if I were I would get the Ferragamo flats too.