Spend / Save: Watches by Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Fossil

I pretty much always wear a watch.  I feel lost without one.  Yes I have my phone, but I still prefer glancing at my wrist to see if I am on time or (fashionably) late.  I like the feel and look of an accessory on my wrist.  Of course watches take ages to run out of battery power (unlike several phones I know...) and I think a watch can finish an outfit perfectly.  I found four lovely and similar watches by Gucci, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Fossil.  The question is, Spend or Save?

Top left- clockwise.  Gucci, Michael Kors, Fossil, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

From the top left watch going clockwise we have....

Gucci YA055212 G-Class bracelet Stainless Steel Watch £560

Michael Kors MK3228 Lexington Stainless Steel Watch £165

Fossil Cecile AM4509 Stainless Steel Watch £115 (though don't forget to save your HOF points!)

Marc by Marc Jacobs MBM3210 Stainless Steal Watch £185

Seeing as they are all stainless steel and tell the time, then it just boils down to design.  However if you prefer to save a chunk of money, get a student discount (or use a voucher code) and save some money towards something else then Dorothy Perkins have a similar chunky silver watch for £18 (less with discounts).

Dorothy Perkins Chunky Silver Watch £18

Do you spend on watches or save?  Which one would you choose if they were all the same price?

(Also I'm testing out a few new design themes on the blog.  Constructive feedback is welcome- is this colour too bright?)

Stand Tall x

P.S. Don't forget my Gogo Philip Necklace Giveaway (link)

Spend / Save: Chanel, Mulberry, Jolie Moi

Whether you take a token tiny purse (that holds a postage stamp and nothing else) or, like me, carry everything you may ever possibly need EVER in one large bag....handbags are essential.  The question is, do you invest in one or two classic handbags that will last for life OR do you take the elements, browse the trends and save by purchasing in several cheaper versions?  I found this Jolie Moi handbag and immediately thought of Chanel and Mulberry.

Chanel classic double flap purse (top left), Mulberry bayswater (top right), Jolie Moi mini leather bag (bottom)

Chanel's iconic classic double flap purse may go up in price each year, but it is an investment item.  It's one to be cherished and used for a lifetime.  These bags are expensive and rarely available new online unless 'pre-loved' (or fake!).   A new Classic Chanel bag retails for nearly £3000 so it's easy to see why second hand ones generally go for between £1000 - £2000 (although I did see one genuine second hand Chanel go for £600 recently on ebay).

An iconic British brand is Mulberry.  Leather bags made in Somerset.  These are pretty pricey too (but look more affordable next to the Chanel!).  Mulberry have been recently accused of getting too big for their boots and out pricing themselves.  More on that later, but for now, a trendy Bayswater bag will set you back a cool £895 (at Net-a-porter).

However if you fancy a hint of Mulberry and chanel, but not the hefty price tag then Jolie Moi could be the one for you.  Made of real leather, with a postman's lock (like Mulberry) and with a metal chain (hello hint of Chanel!) BUT with a cheaper price tag.  Jolie Moi's Mini Leather Bag was £65 but is now an ever more affordable £45 at House of Fraser.

Which bag to you prefer?  If they all cost the same, which bag would you pick up?

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my Giveaway is still open.