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Every time I get cash as a gift (whether that be for Christmas, or in the form of a tax return) I end up throwing it in my bank account — where it inevitably goes toward boring stuff like groceries or Ubers — instead of putting it all toward one big purchase, like a trip or a really great bag. This year is unfortunately no different.
In an alternate universe, I would definitely buy the boots above, and a few other things I’ve listed below. I asked two of my coworkers — menswear editor Cam Wolf and associate market editor Tanisha Pina — to join me in a game of pretend today, and share the things they would buy if they had it in them to splurge.
What I really need to buy today is a new bed frame and a new couch, BUT I would so much rather spend that money on literally anything else. I have been pining for those Brother Vellies Oasis Florence Boots in baby blue for months. They’re $650, which is the same amount I was planning to spend at Ikea.
And what I really want — like, really really want — is this insane Acne Studios Velocite Shearling Jacket at Opening Ceremony, which is $2,800 and thus considerably more than my monthly rent. But isn’t it incredible?
Comparatively, this Winter Mockneck Bodysuit from Land of Women is cheap at $230, but this is a hard thing to justify, even if it is “made of soft Italian Ponte” and has “a subtle shapewear effect” (their words) and is “actually perfect” (mine). —Tiffany Yannetta, shopping director
I've been dreaming of my first Gucci purchase for well over a decade, and while this particular pair of Fringed Suede Pumps ($750) is equal to one month of my New York City rent, I'll get endless wear out of them, from formal occasions to jeans and T-shirt kind of days.
La Mer Crème de la Mer: This is a great time to investigate why half of my Instagram feed spends more than $300 on moisturizer. (I also admittedly just think it'll make a pretty addition to my medicine cabinet.) —Tanisha Pina, associate market editor
God, I want this Noah Baby Camel Hair Hoodie ($628) so bad. I've read the product description — about how camel hair works in both the bitter cold and extreme heat — and am not even grossed out about how they source the material — "harvested from molting camels." Plus, it just looks so sleek.
Pro of working in fashion: getting to stare at beautiful cool-looking things all day. Con of working in fashion: knowing I'm probably never going to own many of those things, like this Prada Jacquard-Knit Wool Sweater ($1,260). My shrine to Miuccia will shine on, though.
This Undercover Loser Hoodie ($340) is a tricky thing. Without it, the description is accurate: I am a loser. With it, my fortunes might change, but then I'm still wearing a hoodie that reads "Loser."
uyl,fgi. obunli;ym Fuck, sorry, I just passed out on my keyboard because these Saint Laurent Suede Chelsea Boots ($895) are so pretty.
A Rick Owens biker jacket is a perpetual splurge item. If I had this Stooges Full-Grain Leather Jacket ($2,460), maybe I could stop being such a disappointment to my parents. Maybe.
Editor’s note: Somehow, this $2,340 Raf Simons Oversized Distressed Virgin Wool Sweater SOLD OUT in the process of writing this post. Who did this? —Cam Wolf, menswear editor