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I'm putting this in Newlyweds just cause I'm a newlywed and we need more variety here!:-)
So, I've wanted a pair of louboutins for years. I'm a frugal person-- I buy inexpensive clothes, but I am a shoe fanatic. I buy shoes at places like DWS and Bakers. :-) But... I can't stop looking at loubies online or in stores. I desperately wanted them for my wedding, we went to the flagship store in Paris on our HM to just look--you get the idea. I don't own a pair because I keep balking at the cost. And knockoffs aren't an option-- I don't want them unless they are real. :-) I keep talking myself out of getting them because when I have the finances, I always think I could take a trip with that money!
I just filed my taxes(separate for the last year, because we just got married), and the return will be more than enough to pay for the Louboutins I want-- with money left over. We're not hurting for money, but we're not rolling in it by any means. I haven't gotten a raise in 3 years! My husband suggested I buy the shoes, but I still am hesitant! I worry that people that know me will secretly judge me for wearing such expensive shoes. I *would* wear them--I wear my Jessica simpson black pumps a lot! And 2 years ago I bought a pair of Anderson bean boots that were 450 without a second thought because I'd wanted them for a long time... whats a few hundred more, right? :-) I guess I have a double standard for myself, because I wear the boots for work all the time. What are y'all's thoughts? I wondered if anyone else struggles with wanting to buy a frivolous luxury like me. :-)
And-- Here they are. :-)
I think splurging every once in awhile is great. For me, if I buy Manolos, Loubs, etc, I tend to buy standout shoes. But if those are what you feel wonderful in, and you love them, go for it.
It doesn't sound like you are a big spender, and sometimes you deserve to buy yourself a present. Even more, if hubs is on board too I say go for it and don't spend even one second feeling bad about it.
You've wanted them for a long time, you have the money, and it's not like you do this every day. Plus, you'd be helping the economy :-)
GO FOR IT!!!
If it's something you will get a lot of use out of, I would say go for it. Also, if you say that you don't need the money for other things and you can afford it then do it. BUT...if you guys are saving for something big, or can really use that money for something else then I would hold off. But they are cute shoes, and they are your basic black that can go with everything. I could see why you're torn.
By any chance, just out of curiousity were they cheaper in Paris?
Buy them. That is a classic shoe that you will be able to wear for YEARS! And it sounds like you are being responsible about your purchase (ie. while it is a splurge you can def. afford it). It never hurts to buy yourself a much coveted present every once in a while ;)
I have a major shopping addiction so I am not the person to ask! But if you love them, you will wear them for years to come, your husband approves, and you can afford them, I think that you can feel justified in buying them. All conditions for buying expensive things are met in my book.
That said, you should also check out those luxury brand discount shopping sites, like gilt groupe. I have never used them, but they offer authentic luxury brand goods on sale and many women looove them. You have to be really aggressive with their sales though because I've heard that when stuff goes on sale it flies out the door!
Classic black pumps? Definitely. Plus, expensive shoes are comfy.
I just received a pair of Frye boots for my bday ($400--the most i've ever worn on my feet!) and i'm amazed at the comfort. And now that i have them, i TAKE CARE of them. They get saddle soap to preserve the leather and they get softer and softer and the more i want to wear them!
I look at it this way--I own plenty of comfy $40 flats from Nordstroms, cheap socks from Target, inexpensive things around the house. But I always "go nice" on a few staples. I buy nice cardigans (i need them at work and the cheap ones look like hell after a few washes), nice jeans (i can wear them to work and i want non-mom jeans that are cute....and i'm tall....) and purses. Which I only own 4 purses in my whole closet. But they're Coach and JCrew. BUT, I get my hair colored at the student place for $35-$50/highlight. Normally $120 at a salon. So uh, I "justify" my purchases, too!
If you cheap out in 90% of your life, you can splurge the 10%. If it REALLY bugs you, make a VOW to wear them 3x a week for a month.
I know I can always be more practical with my money but sometimes you need a treat. Make a steak dinner at home twice next month instead of going out if it'll make you feel better =]
PS I would've said it was a "waste" when i was in college. Now that I have a job+paycheck+house it's really changed my views on spending money!
you are SOOOOOO not alone!!!!! my current vice is Giuseppe Zanotti shoes...I LOVE THEM!
But I always ask myself a couple of questions before I purchase something big...
Can I afford to spend this much money on it?
What would I have done with the money if I didn't buy this?
What would be the consequence (sp?) of me buying this?
How much would I use this?
How long will it last me?
Is it REALLY worth it?
Will this satisfy my craving? or will I want more?
and a couple more questions I just can't think if at this time...
and if i'm okay with all my answers, I choose to either buy it or not...I didn't vote on your poll because I don't want to tell you whether or not to buy something especially since i'm working with my own shoe-demons :) but hopefully you come you your own conclusion ;)
Buy. Them. And I'm agreeing with your choice -- you'll get a lot of wear out of a pair like that. They're good for Important Business Stuff and a night out. I'm just like you -- I told the boy that I'd wear Old Navy and Ross clothes for the rest of my life if I can always have fabulous shoes. I usually pull $100 out of each paycheck and save up for one item at a time -- that way, I can pay in cash (Neiman doesn't take Visa -- the hell??) and it doesn't feel like *such* a dent in my bank account.
Maybe it's just me, but I'd feel pretty guilty about buying a $700 pair of shoes for just myself when I could take that money and take an awesome weekend trip with my FI or something else that involves the two of you. But I probably wouldn't ever buy a black pair of $700 shoes, Loubies or not.
But spend the money on what makes you happy, if they are shoes then by all means.
If you really want to avoid the guilt, definitely sign up for gilt groupe, outnet, etc. They have Louboutin sales every so often and the prices are slashed.
I have to channel suze orman for a second: adjust your withholdings! Ideally you want to get nothing back every year, otherwise it means you're giving the government an interest free loan!
I'd buy them if I were in your position. But I'm a huge enabler :)
I say go for it! AND I am very frugal as well!!
The reason I say do it, is because like you, I really watch my spending and never get anything too exp, all my shoes, clothes, and purses are very reasonably priced. BUT, about 5 years ago I fell in love with these Chanel sunglasses. So I told myself that I would wait 6 months & if I still wanted them as much as I did then, then I would buy them.
I bought these sunglasses 5 years ago & I still wear them everyday and LOVE the heck out of them. Much like your classic black pump, my classic Chanel sunglasses will never go out of style and I still love them all these years later!! You will find yourself years down the road still loving on those shoes....so treat yourself!! I'm so glad I did!!
I say buy them. You don't splurge on expensive things all the time, and you should be allowed to once in a while. I do the same thing, but I keep certain guidelines whenever I spend a lot of money on an item - I usually only buy something I can get a lot of use out of. If you buy something too trendy, or in a weird color, it will be hard to use a lot. These shoes are classic, and you can wear them with so many things. Also, look to get the best deal you possibly can on them. Check different stores to see if you can get them cheaper. After you get them, set a time limit for yourself before you are allowed to splurge on another item again!
@verosara, I wish they were cheaper in paris. But alas, they are in Euros... and it added up to costing more too. :-/ My husband felt so bad he couldn't buy me some though!
@ribbons-- this return was bigger than last year because we sold stock to pay for the wedding. ;-) I guess! I double checked it!
Thanks for your thoughts on either side guys! Keep em coming!
My only objection would be that Loubs aren't comfortable and the idea that $700 shoes aren't comfortable kind of offends me. Also, too tall for me.
But! I think you should get them. They will make you really happy and you can afford them and wear them for a long time. They are a quality impact piece.
I've read that your shoes and handbag should always be the best you can afford. :)
Go for it. You said you're not a spender and you've obviously given a lot of thought to it. I think things like this are an investment. Like someone else said - it's Frye boots, or a Louie bag, a really good pair of earrings or a quality watch -- something that you KNOW you'll take care of and use forever. It's a classic that can never go out of style. It's the kind of thing your daughter will try to snatch from your closet when she's 17. Treat yourself. :)
I voted yes!
As a devoted What Not To Wear watcher I feel as though expensive purchases can be justified based on 'price per wear'. If you think about how many times you're going to wear these epic shoes (let's say you're going to wear them once a week over the next two years), that's only $6.73 price per wear which means you're going to get good use out of them and they're totttttally worth it.
black pumps are a staple and you will wear them all the time. I doubt you'll regret it :)
haha. Ok. Seeing as how 48% voted no -myself included- I will explain my no.
I am a cheap cheap person. I appreciate the finer things in life but have never splurge on myself ever. I'm sure many girls will not be able to understand this. When I go shopping once every 3 months and spend $50 I feel guilty. I know I shouldn't but I can't help it! I think of all the things we can use that $50 towards. I never spend money on myself to go to the spa or whatnot. It's just not in my psyche to pamper myself I guess?
Anyway, so personally I would never spend that much $$$$ on A pair of shoes. We tend to use our tax return for a vacation together, home improvement or like this last years a new to us car. But that's just us. We usually go out to a nice dinner or something so it feels like we got to do something fun with the money.
But then again, it's not my money! So if you want to buy the Loubs and your husband is all for it and you can afford it. Go for it!
Miss Damask I voted YES!!! I am a huge fan of Louboutin!!!
Here is my small warning to you with the Rolondo's that you have pictured above. I have the same pair. They are really really high. I honestly don't wear them as much as I would like because they are sooooo high. Also the toe box is really small. I had to have mine stretched.
Are you able to go try them on or were you planning to order online? Louboutin's are usually a half a size to a whole size small so you really should try them on. I suggest the Ron Ron's. They are a fantastic first pair!
@ms. Caniche -- ooh good call. I actually wore a pair of Rolando's for my boudoir... they weren't too comfortable but they were the hottest shoes I've ever worn. ;-) If i do get them I might actually get the slingback pump(tried those on in paris-- really nice)
or the regular platform pump--they are more wearable.
Ron Ron's look really beautiful too! I just love the hidden platform of these.
These are also really hot but wayy too expensive. :-) They match my husband's ring though!
One question to think about...if you don't buy those shoes, what will you spend the money on instead? Put it in a fund for a down payment on a house? Put it towards your mortgage? Put it towards a car or credit card payment? Go on a vacation with your husband?
I voted no, but I am definitely not a shoe person... can't quite comprehend spending that much money on something I'm cursing by the end of the day.
That said, it sounds like you're in decent shape and rarely treat yourself. I don't know much about shoes, but it sounds like part of what you're paying for is the quality. That is a style that will be wearable for years to come, provided you're someone who can wear heels that high all day. If you think you'll actually wear them, go for it, but I'd be wary of spending that much money on something that might give me serious pain.
Yes- go for it. Your husband gave you the green light, it's a classic style you can wear for years, and you've clearly given it a lot of thought. You're not going into debt over the purchase.
I bought a pair of Louboutins for my wedding shoes, and every time I look at them they make me happy. It might be silly to find happiness in an object, but I do not for once second regret spending my tax return on them. :)
I didn't vote, but that's because I feel there should be another option, "since you don't treat yourself often maybe it's time."
Personally, I destroy shoes too easily. One wrong step, one grate, pebble, etc... and there they go from their state of perfection. So, for that I would vote no... but I'm a coat person not a shoe person. If you asked about a $6-800 coat I'd say yes! lol, so take that however you want :-)
Sounds like you deserve to treat yourself! You'll wear black pumps ALL the time, so it's not like you're looking at a pair that you'll wear once a year. I say go for the splurge!
I voted no. I really can't seeing paying more than $200 for a pair of shoes. I rarely pay more than $80, but I have wide feet that are hard to fit and I don't think that designer shoes come in wide, so most of my shoes are Naturalizer, Ros Hommerson and Easy Spirit. Can you really make them last long enought to justify the cost per wear? Shoes ruin so easily. I could see the money for a designer suit or coat that you could average out over time, but I'd be afraid of catching a heel in a side walk crack or grate or on concrete steps.
I voted yes. FI and I both work hard and make a good living. Our thinking is, if we die tomorrow we can't take the money with us so we enjoy it responsibly and still have money left over for savings. He likes expensive suits, shoes, watches, wallets and belts. In his profession he wears nice suits everyday and it helps to look sharp. I'm a girly-girl at it's finest. I love my designer jeans and Juicy Couture track suits. My weakness though is purses. I LOVE my Gucci purses.
I say if you can afford it and you'll use them often get them. If not you're always going to want them! Don't feel guilty about it 
If you still feel bad then look online at stores like Neiman's or Saks. They tend to have Loubs on sale every so often.
I'm also in the cheap camp, so I voted no. I'd be a little more willing to say yes if it were a purse or coat, but not something that you walk on.
Is it the look of the shoe that you like or is it more that you would feel special because of the label? Have you looked for cheaper similar shoes?
About people secretly judging you- they definitely would if they knew how much those shoes cost. It's just how people are. So you'll have to be ok with that fact.
I DEF think you should.. I have been wanting a pair for so long and have been stalking the internet - but can't get myself to splurge! I think this is the perfect opportunity for you to get them - just do it! Classic pair of heels.. go for it girl.
Get them! Splurges here and there are ok in my mind, as long as you're not hurting for money and you're not breaking your savings. The black pumps are classic, and you can wear them to work (although walking might be a little hard) and every where else. I'd love me a pair of those suckers too!
ABSOLUTELY...they are classic and you can wear them with anything :)
@lillindy-- My car is paid off, my husband pays the truck payment. We live in an apartment with affordable rent because we don't know how long we'll live in this town and we have money set aside for a house payment someday. Other things I'd spend that money on would be trips with my husband--that's why I am debating. :-) I appreciate y'all giving me your opinions!
Y'all have some great questions to ask before buying something big. I love the "divide by how many times you'll wear it" idea... My $30 jeans are in the negatives!
@jacqi, I have these shoes by jessica simpson,
and I wear them a lot. They were $79. So... yeah, that's one of the things i tell myself--just wear those! :-) But it is also about the brand and the red sole, to me. This is the only brand I would pay this much for(sorry manolo! ;-))
I love shoes, so I can understand how you feel about the Loubys!
If you've been eyeing them for a long time, can afford it, and this is your sole treat - then I say go for it! :)
But, if the loubys are super high - you might want to think twice about the comfort. Like any other shoes, they will be comfortable after you break them in. I'm in the process of breaking in a pair of loubys for my wedding that are high = not happy feet. But, the same thing happened when I wear my manolos or my choos. . . it's like a ritual for me, at least! Then afterwards, its a great pair of shoes to wear!
So, you might want to go to a dept. store and try them on before you purchase online. Also, like another bee said above, if the regular price of a pair of loubys are too steep wait for a sale at neiman's or barneys too!
Also, the red leather shoe will rub off, so if you want to perserve them, you should take them to a shoe cobbler to protect the soles or else after long wear the paint rubs off :(
Also, if the alternative is a trip, you can probably break it down into whether you are a thing person or an experience person. Some people want gifts (from others or to themselves) that will last for a long time rather than experiences that will happen and then be over. Others would rather do something amazing than collect more stuff in their closets.
I'm very much the latter type, but know others who are the former. In fact, as a kid I was totally the former. So think about what you'd value more - something to do or something to have.
Have you looked at some of the knockoffs? Martinez Valero does fabulous shoes, is a great designer with some of his own hot styles, but also does louboutin knockoffs.
I don't really know what your financial situation is but personally I would wait until I had an emergency savings fund built up, funded my IRA to the max and getting the match on your retirement plan at work. We don't make a lot but we have done all that, just need more money for the fun stuff now!
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