Was it worth it?
05: A really good mock-neck top, recent beauty buys and a trip to the mall.
When I spend money—whether it’s on clothes, food, experiences, or something else—I like to feel good about it.
As much as possible, I try to be mindful of what I buy. I love finding a good deal, but I also don’t mind spending a little extra from time to time if it means better quality. I read a lot of reviews, pay attention to recommendations and try to base my purchases on their perceived value. I’m always asking myself, was it worth it?
Here are some thoughts on what I bought recently. What was money well spent, and what gave me buyer’s remorse?
Sisterhood Natasha High Neck
I’ve been light on the shopping these days, which is a relief for my bank account. The only piece of clothing I bought in the last two months is this Natasha High Neck shirt from Sisterhood in Vanilla.
I first saw it on Jordan Santos’ Instagram, and then she wrote about it in her newsletter, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. I know everyone’s already got spring on the brain, but this was the perfect end-of-season sale purchase I intend to wear for a little longer while the weather is still cold (it’s been -10 all week.)
The best thing about this shirt is the fit—wow. It’s on the thinner side, so it definitely requires an inconspicuous bra (I’m wearing the SKIMS Fits Everybody Push-Bra in Clay with it.) It’s soft, stretchy and fits like a bodysuit without having to deal with the actual annoyance of a bodysuit. I’ve worn it on its own and under blazers and sweaters.
REVLON One-step Volumizer Hot Air Brush
When I’m getting ready, skincare and makeup take up most of my time, and hair is usually an afterthought. That’s to say, most of the time, I don’t do anything other than run a brush through it (a privilege—I know.)
I bought the REVLON One-step Volumizer Hot Air Brush after a hair + makeup artist used it on me for my new website photos. I thought I’d be able to replicate the perfect blowout she gave me and that it’d motivate me to do more with my hair, but it was wishful thinking.
Every time I’ve used it, my hair ends up frizzy and going flat in minutes, which tells me I don’t quite have the technique down. It wasn’t expensive (a WAY cheaper alternative to the Dyson Airwrap), and I have friends who love it, but it’s just not for me. It was one of those purchases that I had convinced myself I’d get more use out of it than I really would.
MERIT Signature Lip in Slip
I tend to go for neutral shades as my everyday lipstick option and have been wearing Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk forever. When it started running out recently, I got MERIT’s Signature Lip in Slip. At first, it seemed almost too sheer, but I’ve grown to love the subtle colour it gives (I’m wearing the lipstick in the pictures above.) It’s less pink and a warmer shade than Pillow Talk, which I like.
wrote about her love for MERIT’s new Matte Signature Lip in her latest round-up, and now I’m intrigued. Let’s just say the Antibes shade has caught my eye for spring…A trip to the mall
Is it better to shop online or in real life? To be honest, I’ve missed the latter. Aimlessly wandering through stores and perusing clothing racks. Getting to touch fabrics and assess quality up close. Trying on clothes and knowing how something fits BEFORE committing to it.
Needless to say, when my friend, Amanda, suggested we meet at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto for a girls’ day, I was excited. We met working in retail at Yorkdale as teenagers, and even though the mall had changed so much, it felt nostalgic to be there. We went on a weekday, which made navigating the mall less overwhelming (if you’re not familiar, Yorkdale is one of the busiest malls in Canada.)
We window-shopped, tried on some jeans, had lunch and people-watched. The stores at Yorkdale are a mix of mid to mostly high-end brands, and I couldn’t help but wonder who are these people walking casually into Alexander McQueen on a Tuesday morning with arms already full of Prada and Celine shopping bags. Who are they, and what do they do for a living?? I say this with genuine curiosity, but also with the same bewildered sentiment being shared around Substack lately about how people are possibly affording their lavish lifestyles and designer shopping sprees.
As for me, I didn’t end up buying anything that day, but nonetheless, it was a worthwhile trip to the mall. The experience reminded me of something
wrote in a previous newsletter:“…there is something to be said for walking into a store and allowing your eye to tell you what you like. You might find yourself drawn to a certain fabric or color. In-person shopping can equal DISCOVERY.”
There’s no algorithm pushing you in a certain direction. It’s not as quick and easy as hitting a button to ‘add-to-cart.’ You’re taking the time to find what speaks to you, and you can actually tell if you like something and not just the idea of it.
I also found myself satisfied with just trying things on and didn’t feel I was missing out on something if I didn’t buy it. It’s funny to think that being at the mall curbed my impulse to buy and brought out the more practical and patient shopper in me.
A few things that spoke to me but I didn’t buy (yet):
1. Of all the jeans I tried that day, the Citizens of Humanity Annina Jeans were my favourite. They’ve been on my wishlist for a while, and after trying them on and seeing the quality and fit, I’m convinced I need them.
2. This OAK + FORT Vegan Leather Sling Bag in the colour Fudge is a nicer, everyday crossbody option that’s affordable.
3. Amanda and I were both immediately drawn to this brown ALO set (leggings and bra) we saw on a mannequin styled with this black zip-up hoodie.
4. I’m not usually into pearls, but this Mejuri Tiny Pearl Necklace was so pretty and dainty that it caught my eye. I could see myself wearing it in the spring and summer with a white button-up or tee.
*This post contains some affiliate links, and I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. As always, I provide suggestions for only the things I love and would wear.
Waiiiiit this top looks so good on you and I felt the EXACT same way about the revlon tool!!! I ended giving it to my cousin. And also RT about the MERIT lip — love making the color subtle by lightly tapping vs doing a real swipe :)
I am so wildly impressed that you’ve only bought one piece of clothing in the last two months! Although that definitely says more about my spending habits. You sold me on that turtleneck when you said it gives the illusion of a bodysuit without the fussiness of one.
Thanks so much for the shout out! I agree that shopping in person brings out the more patient shopper in us. I can’t remember the last time that I went shopping at a mall and actually walked out buying some thing because I usually need to sit on my purchases for a while. If I had to buy all of my things in person, I would probably own much less.