Feeling Splurgy
Simple Look
So here is what happened.
I was in Ulta the other day and all the holiday gift sets were out. There’s something about the packaging or something that makes me want to purchase every single holiday gift kit. But oftentimes, when I actually look at the contents, it’s not something I would get much use out of. For example, Tarte has a really cool gift kit with a pile of lip colors. It’s pretty. I like Tarte products. But how many of these colors would I actually use? If only I had 8 daughters, or maybe 6 so I could keep 2 for myself.
Anyway, it got me thinking. What if I had just a pile of money to spend at Ulta, or Sephora? What would I want to buy?
And then I expanded it to, “What if I had a pile of money to spend. . . .ANYWHERE?”
Anyway, so I started making my mental list. I want to smell/own a Diptyque candle because they are so dang popular among bloggers and they are $60.00 for crying out loud. Something magical must happen when you burn one. I want to know what the magic is. Show me the magic, Diptyque. I also want to compare it to a Bath and Body Works candle because I’m pretty sure those can’t be beat.
And I would really love to get a blow out from Dry Bar. It just sounds luxurious. And their website is cool. Just click here, trust me. I’m sure I would be the worst client in history because I would be so picky, but it could be a fun experience.
Anyway, so I took this thought and ran with it. I compiled a bunch of “splurgy” things together.
1. Threshold Pearl Knit Blanket, 2. Sigma brushes, 3. Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment, 4. Diptyque Paris candle, 5. Blowout in a Box from Drybar, 6. Tocca Gift Set, 7. Apinourish Rejuvenating Face Mask
Do you know what you would splurge on?
comments
I work in NYC and can personally attest to the magic that is Drybar. Noth compares. I don’t care if you have some supermodel hair going everyday, Drybar will do it better. There is something about the mix of mousse, dry shampoo and thickening cream they use that makes it all magical. They last for at least 3 days which is saying a lot for me because I have fine, stick-straight hair! Its a must next time you come out this way.
I do love Dry Bar; it’s a nice and super fun splurge on yourself. And I COMPLETELY agree on the candle front; there must be some magic for $60!!
Let me say from experience that the Diptyque candle is not as big of a deal that it’s made out to be. I splurged on one for my birthday and I must say, my favorite candles that are much cheaper are the Capri Blue from Anthro,and Tommy Bahama candles. Happy Halloween Kate!!
I wonder if we put together the Drybar products ourselves if we could recreate a little bit of the magic?
i want that blanket!!
Dry bar is kind of amazing and that’s coming from someone who is super picky and has super fine hair that wont hold anything.
I totally agree, Bath and Body Works candles most likely can’t be beat! 😉 I actually like a lot of the holiday gift sets because they are usually a better value than buying the products individually… plus I usually get that awesome 20% off coupon from Ulta so I can’t resist!
xo Always, Abby
Iv never been to a dry bar, but I would love to go some day soon!!!!
Mamaplusmini.blogspot.com
I am the same.exact.way when it comes to gift sets….I see them and want everything! And I have been wanting one of those candles forever but cannot justify the price and I plan on checking out the Drybar next month for my engagement pictures.
I am the same.exact.way when it comes to gift sets….I see them and want everything! And I have been wanting one of those candles forever but cannot justify the price and I plan on checking out the Drybar next month for my engagement pictures.
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I’ve gone to Dry Bar; however, I wouldn’t call it a splurge. I got an updo for a formal event I was attending. As someone who can’t do her own hair, it’s totally worth it. And I was going to go somewhere to do it anyway, so why not go to Dry Bar?
I have a Diptyque and I just ordered B&BW so I will report back! I do love the Diptyque but it is very pricey. However, I have the Mimosa (the flower not the drink) and it smells just like hay and horses without the dirt, which is my favorite scent. So I love it! I don’t even need to light it, it smells the whole room already.
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I have that Sigma set (plus more brushes). LOVE THEM. They are identical to MAC and just super high quality. I think that’s a necessary splurge, in my opinion 🙂
obsessssed with all these products. amazing list!!
I went to Drybar for my engagement pictures and absolutely loved it. I think it is so perfect for times when you want perfect hair and don’t want to worry about doing it yourself.
I had no clue about dry bar..we dont have one Las Vegas i guess. So i splurged and put it in my basket online on Sephora. Now i need to convince the hubby i need this….hmmm
If I were to splurge, I would buy this Frye handbag that I’m dying for and a LAFCO candle. They’re $55, and that’s just hard to justify. The purse I can totally justify, but a candle? It literally burns up. My birthday is next week . . . maybe I’ll bite the bullet. Happy Halloween, Kate!!
I love Dry Bar. I have very long, curly hair so it is always such a treat to have it blown out.
If I had a pile of money to spend anywhere then I think I would splurge on a cashmere sweater from J.Crew, the LuLu Frost Compact from Bobbi Brown, No. 35 The Early Grey from Bellocq in the Silver Connoisseur Caddy, Hunter Rain Boots, and the Atelier Cologne Travel Set.
I went to Dry-Bar once earlier this year before my husband’s big work party. I really liked it and probably will go again someday, but I asked for the Mai-Tai and it ended up looking more like the Cosmo because my hair curls so easily. Guess I’ll warn them next time.
I am dying to splurge on one of those candles!
xx
Amanda
http://www.denimanddaydreamsblog.com
love this list! & me too on that blanket and drybar set!!!! :))))
I so wish there was a DryBar where I live! I stalk them on social media and beg for them to come to Chicago. Just beg. I like your list! That blanket looks pretty cozy. Where do you get the ideas for things like that Tarte eye cream? You seem to know about lots of random products and I want the knowledge! I want the powa!
xoxo
Emily
emilyannestyle.com
According to their website, one is coming to Chicago this year! Lucky…
Sephora has a new gift set that has I think 68 full sized urban decay shadow pots and if I have 600 dollars to spend on them, I totally would! I love urban decay’s shadow colors! But, alas. I am a broke grad student.
I’m now completely obsessed with The Dry Bar website! Since I read your post I’ve checked out every corner of their site and now want to book an appointment! Luckily, there is one not too far from where I live in Houston! Yay!
I also agree with the BBW candles! THE best!! They burn perfectly and are very affordable!
I can not imagine spending $60 on a candle… But I’d splurge on just about anything else on your list! 🙂
http://www.ahealthymrs.com
I felt splurgy just reading this! I’m with you on the Dyptique candles, where’s the $60 come from? BBB candles are the best. I will say that Drybar is totally worth it – so awesome!
I would love to splurge on one of those Diptyque candles. I’ve smelled them at Henri Bendel in New York, and they are yummy…But somehow, even if I had a ton of money, I think my common sense would win out and I just wouldn’t be able to make myself pay $60 for a candle – and you are totally right. The Bath & Body ones are wonderful, so I am happy for those. And happy to stock up on them when they are just 2 for $22!
I splurged on the travel size Kenra Vol. 25 at Ulta yesterday. I’m sure I’ll end up going back for the full size, but the mini will be nice to have in my purse. Have you tried their hot spray (I think that’s the name) yet?
Something about their packaging just makes you swoon.
Um, so I had no idea about DryBar. I’m in the sheltered midwest (Indianapolis) and we don’t get much of anything cool like that. Now I want to plan a vacation to a city that has one just so I can get a blowout. I’m a southern comfort girl all the way!! Bring on the volume! And I’m with you on the BBW candles. I worked there for a brief time a few years ago, and we heard over and over again how they were just the best. But, I don’t burn candles, I melt them. So, I’m a little particular about my candles.
Don’t get the Diptyque candle! I finally asked my mom to give it to me for a birthday gift for exactly the same reasons you mentioned… what a let down! I barely ever let myself burn it because of how expensive I know it was, and when I do it’s not much different than any other candle. And I know I will never use the jar as a makeup brush holder or whatever I thought I would do when the candle is gone, because it’s really not that cute to use an empty candle jar for anything like that. That face mask, on the other hand, looks amazing! 🙂
If I were to splurge on myself, I would get a pair of Fry boots or a big gift set from Philosophy. But – I have a 12 year old who has a mile-long wish list. So my splurges will wait(: Great picks! Susan
I feel you! I want to splurge everyday. Those makeup brushes have been on my wish list for awhile now, definitely an investment. I’m glad you like them too!
Amy
http://www.5thandvine.com
I have never heard of the DryBar before until now, but I checked out their website and I think you have me hooked!! Not sure when I will ever get to experience it, but I want to!! And I must say you did a pretty good job of making me want to go search the web for all the things I want! 🙂
I love that blanket, I want it! I am a big Sigma brush fan, I think that is a splurge you would definitely be happy with. I don’t know what I would do without my F80 brush 😉
Diptyque is on Hautelook.com sometimes. I got a candle and one of the perfumes ones for a total of $60 or so — definitely better than $60 for just a candle! They smell good and look nice but I don’t think they are anything AMAZING. But, I understand wanting to try them since so many bloggers rave about the brand 🙂
sequindoll.com
I would splurge on some fancy bedding from Dwell. Sooooo many things I want!
I was just telling my sister that I really want to go get a blowout at DryBar. Sounds like the perfect way to pamper yourself!
Love these beauties! Swoon!
xo
http://www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com
Kate, I LOVE your blog here! Keep doing what you’re doing––it’s fabulous! 😀
Question . . . what volumizing spray/powder do you recommend for doing hairstyles with? I’ve always used a finishing spray to hold everything in place, but it doesn’t help with teasing or volume. I have thin and very fine hair. Thank you so much! 🙂
Seriously, the Sigma brushes are so worth the investment! Better than my MAC brushes! I take them everywhere.
Oops! Signed in as my husband! Embarrassing…
great splurge list! I want some sigma brushes and I’ve been eyeing those candles too. xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.com
You can never have too many Tarte lip glosses!
I know I’m going to sound like a walking talking advertisement but I genuinely just love the product – I’d splurge everything I want from Mary Kay. And then I’d go have a spa day. At the Broadmoor (it’s a Colorado thing). And then I’d go down to Old Colorado City and buy an entire set of these gorgeous dishes they have at one of the shops that are hand-painted by women in Turkey and are just absolutely stunning.
Hi I’m Isla and I live in Scotland. I’m 14. Could you give me equivalents in Scotland to Ulta and Target? I would really appreciate it if you could. Love your blog! xx
They are opening a drybar in Chicago in late fall. I can’t wait to try it.
I am with you on the diptyque candles. I can’t imagine spending that much money on a CANDLE but at the same time I want to see what the fuss is about. I have a sigma brush set and can attest that they are worth every penny and more. I did a review of the professional set on my blog if you want to check it out.
katespitz.blogspot.com
I use the Tarte eye cream and I LOVE it. I’m just about out, and even though it’s spend I’m planning to replace it. I consider it a worthy investment!
$60 dollars is pretty pricey for a candle that a few people have already said is nice but not amazing. My favorite candles are Tyler Candles and you can get a really nice large one for less than half of that price. Plus they have TONS of really cool fragrances like Beach Bum, Diva, High Maintenance and Cowboy. The Beach Bum really does smell like the beach and Cowboy smells like leather. Both amazing! I’m so frugal that I’ve never even considered splurging, so I’d have a hard time coming up with a list! The hand painted dishes from Turkey that one reader commented on sound amazing! It’d definitely have to be something that wouldn’t ‘go up in smoke’! LOL
That blanket looks so soft!!
i have that tarte eye cream and it’s worth every penny!
I would splurge on nail polish, yarn, and books. And it would add up fast!
Maybe it’s just me but I don’t consider the Tarte eye cream to be all THAT splurgy? Just trying to make myself feel better because I bought it? I got it when Tarte was running a 20 or 30% off coupon… they have those pretty regularly!
I like it, but it’s not SUPER amazing. I’m not sure I’ll repurchase when I run out! You don’t need much at a time so it’s lasted forever. I do feel like I’ve noticed some improvement in dark circles, but there are better products out there for instantly brightening and I don’t think this really does that. Benefit’s It’s Potent is what I like to use during the day because it does instantly brighten and is easier to blend with concealer.
I have the threshold pearl knit blanket in red and it is amazing. It’s warm enough for the fracking cold minnesota weather we have been having yet it’s not overly warm. Definitely worth the splurge.
I have the threshold pearl knit blanket in red and it is amazing. It’s warm enough for the fracking cold minnesota weather we have been having yet it’s not overly warm. Definitely worth the splurge.