Was it worth it?
09: Banana Republic's Crop Flare Ponte Pants, recent H&M buys, Consonant Skin+Care products, and more.
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?
Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pant
I’ve been pining over the Donni Rib Kick Flare pants since last year but couldn’t bring myself to spend that much (it’s the conversion to Can$ that kills me) on a pant style I wasn’t sure about. I had heard others praise these Banana Republic Crop Flare pants as a good alternative to the High Sport version, including @shayinjune, and
in one of her previous roundups.
It just so happened that BR was having a sale the day I met a girlfriend at the mall for lunch, and we quickly popped in so I could try them on. They didn’t have the size or length I was looking for in stock, but I was able to try on a pair for reference and had a good feeling about the fit. I ended up ordering them in an XXS in the petite length and they turned out perfect. A little snug at first (the material is thick with a good amount of compression) but they loosen up a bit throughout the day. The pants look and feel like they cost more than their price (especially with the 40% off discount I got at the time) and the colour is a beautiful, rich, dark brown that works well with other pieces in my closet—a white button up, black tee, navy crewneck knit and a cream pointelle long-sleeved shirt (all I’m missing is a cozy, grey sweater, like this, to style with the pants.)
H&M misses (& a few hits for the kids)
These red mesh flats and this cream short-sleeve sweater from H&M were an impulse purchase. I stumbled upon the mesh flats during one of their 20% off sales and they were the last pair in my size, so I figured maybe they were meant to be. I saw that they came in white, which I would’ve preferred but they were all sold out. I kept going back and forth on them because I actually didn’t mind the quality. They hugged my feet well and were comfortable enough—overall a good, affordable option for something trendy, like mesh shoes. BUT I just couldn’t make them work with the rest of my closet. I was hoping to pull them off like @marina_torres and @lucyalston_, but when I tried to style them, the whole look felt so forced, like I was trying too much to make a statement. I ended up returning but still think about them often. If they ever restock my size in white, I would definitely re-buy.
The cream short-sleeve knit sweater, on the other hand, was an immediate ‘no’ as soon as I tried it on. I liked the style and fit but couldn’t get past how cheap the material felt (composed of mostly polyester + acrylic—I should’ve known better). I had a feeling it wouldn’t make it past a few washes before I would get tired of it. I’m trying to be a bit pickier when it comes to sweaters/knitwear than I have in the past because I’ve been feeling so frustrated with some previous buys pilling a ton and not holding up. Fyi, I included a few options that I think would work much better for short-sleeve knits in my Fall Favourites.
And if you’re looking to shop for some new sweaters this season, we’ve got a group chat going with some awesome (and honest) recos from subscribers—you guys are the best!
Even though I struck out at H&M, my kids seemed to have much better luck there with their back-to-school shopping. My 8-year-old picked his whole outfit for his first day, and I have to say—pretty impressed with his choices: these khaki joggers, a red and blue striped long-sleeve shirt and this retro-looking red Reebok hoodie. My 6-year-old was not as interested in picking out an outfit, but I got her this tan-coloured Reebok sweatsuit (sweater + leggings), which I thought was so cute.
Consonant Serum and Moisturizer
My skincare routine is pretty simple and minimal. I’ve been using mostly Consonant Skin+Care products for the last couple of years as I find them so moisturizing and non-irritating for my sensitive skin. I stock up on their HydrExtreme Extreme Hydration Booster Serum and Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream whenever there’s a sale online. I find their serum so hydrating and their moisturizer is thick without feeling greasy—they work as a good combo for me, especially when my skin gets dryer in the wintertime.
An anniversary dinner and concert
For the past few years, my husband and I have celebrated our wedding anniversary with a nice dinner and a concert. At this point, it’s pretty much a tradition.
We went to Alder for dinner, a restaurant tucked inside the Ace hotel featuring a Mediterranean-inspired menu and an open wood-fired grill kitchen, so you can watch the chefs do their thing. The incredibly nice staff welcomed us with champagne and helped us pick some favourites from the menu, making sure we didn’t over order (we were starving.) What we got and shared: Oysters, beef carpaccio, tempura shishito peppers, grilled short rib and roasted cabbage with brown butter, and for dessert, the best coconut cream pie I’ve ever had. There wasn’t one thing we didn’t love.
After dinner, we headed to Usher’s Past, Present, Future concert, which was the ultimate dream come true for an R&B-loving millennial like me. I had been begging my husband to go see him since his Vegas residency and it was surreal to finally see him live. I can’t say enough about how incredible he is as a performer, and the whole concert felt like a huge party from start to finish, with everyone singing and dancing to all his hits. Kinda breaks my heart with all the rumours about his affiliation to diddy—a girlfriend sent this in our group chat, and it’s too real:
A fresh cut
Every time I go in for a haircut, I wonder if $100+ is too much to be paying. I’m always happy with how it turns out, but my mom and friends always question why I spend so much when my hair is pin straight and I always get something pretty simple: cut off 3-4 inches with minimal layers at the front. I’ve been going to the same hair stylist for almost 8 years and their fees slightly increased every year (thanks inflation), but I’m too loyal to go to anyone else (before this one, I had the same hairdresser since I was 16). I tend to rationalize this expense by telling myself I don’t spend money on other beauty treatments, like facials or getting my nails done. I don’t know, what do you think—is $100+ (including tip, it’s more like $120) too much for a haircut?
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I have been going to the same person for 10+ years and it’s something I look forward to from a social aspect, so I don’t mind paying $120 at all. Plus I KNOW she isn’t going to mess it up (even with a simple haircut, things can go awry… I’ve been there before). She did my hair for my wedding and she did my makeup last minute when my makeup person cancelled on me in the middle of the night (yes, I know) because he got booked last minute for QVC 😂😭 So I also feel like I am loyal to her for life (and she did a great job). Anyways, TLDR! But yea, that price is fine!!!
I think that a good haircut or color is worth it, especially because it's on view everyday. I do agree that whatever you 'pick' as your splurge, you are more likely to skimp on it other areas. I go a long time between cuts so I don't mind paying a higher rate. I'll always get a pedicure, but almost never a manicure, I'll get my eyebrows shaped but am thinking of those waxing strips for my upper lip, etc.