Top-end things you’ve tried - were they worth it?

[diamondyes]

HI:

I am an unrepentant label hound for everything. I like what I buy!!!

In short, spending money on costly bed linens is absolutely worth it for me; I've had Frette, Yves Delorme and Pratesi items for years and they remain in fabulous shape. Worth every penny.

cheers--Sharon

Oh this is timely! I need new sheets for the master bed. If you had to choose just one brand- which is the winner?

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

I think I've mentioned before how much I love food. So $$$ buffets that actually have amazing food is like heaven to me.

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

example:

For me, fancy hotels aren’t always worth it. $600 a night was the fanciest I’ve been to and it was incredible, but the $300 a night hotel didn’t seem so much more special than the $200.

Fancy meals- very hit or miss for me. Sometimes a fine meal is exquisite and worth it, other times I’m wishing I went to a fave Korean bbq place and paid $75 for a feast that tastes amazing.

I have yet to try a wine that was pricey and “worth it” to me- but maybe $125 is not enough to spend? The $20 seems just as good to my unrefined palate!

$$$$ expensive makeup- I like fancy lipstick but mascara and foundation I tried the ultra expensive stuff and it didn’t seem majorly different to me.

Jewelry… the better stuff is better, full stop, and that’s why I love PS because you all get it.

Fancy chocolates- heck yes I enjoy paying for the good stuff and I really notice the difference! Wish I could say the same for fancy tea… the expensive stuff seems no better to me.

Ok share yours!

Omg that's what I miss the most about living in the Bay Area, CA. I used to live 2 miles from my fav Korean bbq place. It was dangerous.

I still haven't found a place like it near where I live now. And this freaking pandemic has practically killed off buffet-style dining. Damn you, COVID! (Yes, I know. First world problems... Still sucks though!)

 

[Bron357]

I like to spend my money on better things that last. And I like value for money.
However I don’t hesitate to spend extra if there’s a safety aspect involved.
I’d love to fly first class but I’d be hesitant to pay the big $$$$.
I appreciate fine dining and fine wines, but again not that impressed to want to spend the extra for it on a regular basis.
Clothes, handbags, shoes, if the value and quality is there for the price, I’ll buy high end but not just for the name/brand.

 

[canuk-gal]

Oh this is timely! I need new sheets for the master bed. If you had to choose just one brand- which is the winner?

Couldn't decide. Either Frette or Delorme. Frette has sales--check out their website.

 

[lilmosun]

Does a really good chef's knife count?

Back in the day when I travelled a lot for business, I always flew first or business class on longer trips and stayed in top hotels/resorts...and had enough points/miles to do so for personal use. I would pity the folks in coach - especially for overseas trips - it looked like a cattle car. It was wonderful but not

Seriously, if money was no object, a lot of things would become worth it.

That being said, there are things I will spend more on (as is the case for most people who have expendable income). While there is nothing high/top end, they still may be considered extravagant to some depending on their lifestyle and priorities.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Yes: Haircuts, shoes, business clothes, tattoos, furniture, prescription eyewear, smartphones, sunscreen.

No: Food, vehicles, linen, lodging, umbrellas, handbags, mascara.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Wine yes
cheese yes
But the medium price point tastes petty good too

chocolate no
I grew up with milk chcoclate (but quality using real milk and cocoa butter)
I don't like it too dark
just give me back the cadbury i grew up with, not imported Americanized milk powdered, sugar beet, palm oiled cr*p
The stuff made in my hometown with local milk from the otago peninsula collected daily by a purple milk tanker
i have nothing aganist sugar beet but it tastes different, we use sugar cane here imported from the Pacific islands
Ewww & a big boo hiss to palm oil
it tastes disgusting and makes animals homeless, just use cocoa butter !
And no weird additives to stop it melting
Give me back my childhod Mondelez
I will never forget or firgive that you closed a modern profitable factory that my home town had proudly supported for many years and that you completly ruined the taste not to mention short changed NZ by trying to peddle half a marshmellow easter egg - everyone knows an egg goes all the way around
So now i buy Easter from Rainbow in Oamaru
Its not top notch, but its at least pleasently palatable and home grown and a marshmallow egg is a whole egg and it keeps locals in jobs


Edited to add
and smart phones
Which is why this ancient samsing galaxy 6 is still working
its still got life in it and i cant affort a replacement
But i brought a mid priced one twice and neather cut the mustard

 

[icy_jade]

5 star hotels: mixed bag. I would say there is a huge range even within 5 star hotels and some aren’t worth the price. Disappointing ones in US and Europe (lousy bathrooms and beds and not even bedroom slippers provided), the ones in Asia generally better. But as the 4 star hotels I’ve tried are just horrendous, will still stick with 5 star or serviced apartments for travel.

Airlines: the award winning Asian and middle-eastern ones are great. Lie flat business class is great too. Will skip the American airlines due to awful food, service and seats.

Restaurants: generally a range again. Doesn’t always mean expensive is always good but there are some that are truly worth the price (better/fresher ingredients, etc). That said street food in Asia can be super yummy so it’s not always that expensive is good.

Food/drinks: Expensive tea is generally better. Good coffee is more expensive but then expensive coffee isn’t always good.

Clothes: haven’t tried truly branded stuff but higher mid-end clothes tend to last longer vs disposable fashion. But I do love Uniqlo.

Appliances: Some brands are just better/made to last vs the cheap ones.

Toilet fixtures: Absolutely the higher end ones that are made to last. Better flush system too.

 

[Ionysis]

Aside from my bling obsession I also love a good meal. Whenever we go on vacation I try to find a Michelin star restaurant to eat at. I can honestly say that for me tasting a meal cooked by a world class, innovative chef is totally worth the expense - mostly because I’ve tried combinations of flavours and types of different food that it would NEVER have occurred to me to try before. It can be an amazing “experience” end to end which you remember for years to come.

I’m pretty fussy about hotels too - they don’t have to be expensive but I love boutique places with a lot of character or amazing interior design features. I would really pay out for a good hotel experience - and have regretted it when I decided to be stingy and not go with the place I really wanted to stay.

I never pay for business class flights (but love it when work pays!). I would happily tough out 12 hours in economy rather than pay double - but I’m short and I sleep immediately on anything that moves so not a hardship generally.

The other thing I never scrimp on is work clothes. I order most of my work outfits from a London shop which only makes formal / work attire designed for senior executive women and I have them tailored to fit by my tailor out here. Although since I gained 20 pounds in lock down 90% of my clothes are now in the “too small” closet, which makes me want to cry and eat more ice cream.

Oh and sheets! Only white Egyptian cotton min 500 thread count for my bed - kids get IKEA. Clearly I do not do my own ironing!

 

[diamondyes]

Aside from my bling obsession I also love a good meal. Whenever we go on vacation I try to find a Michelin star restaurant to eat at. I can honestly say that for me tasting a meal cooked by a world class, innovative chef is totally worth the expense - mostly because I’ve tried combinations of flavours and types of different food that it would NEVER have occurred to me to try before. It can be an amazing “experience” end to end which you remember for years to come.

I’m pretty fussy about hotels too - they don’t have to be expensive but I love boutique places with a lot of character or amazing interior design features. I would really pay out for a good hotel experience - and have regretted it when I decided to be stingy and not go with the place I really wanted to stay.

I never pay for business class flights (but love it when work pays!). I would happily tough out 12 hours in economy rather than pay double - but I’m short and I sleep immediately on anything that moves so not a hardship generally.

The other thing I never scrimp on is work clothes. I order most of my work outfits from a London shop which only makes formal / work attire designed for senior executive women and I have them tailored to fit by my tailor out here. Although since I gained 20 pounds in lock down 90% of my clothes are now in the “too small” closet, which makes me want to cry and eat more ice cream.

Oh and sheets! Only white Egyptian cotton min 500 thread count for my bed - kids get IKEA. Clearly I do not do my own ironing!

Tell me more about this place where you get your work outfits!

 

[Ionysis]

The Fold London

The Fold is an award-winning British brand focused on creating workwear that inspires women to feel confident and put-together every day. Bringing together a community of like-minded women, our mission from day one has been to empower, champion and dress women to realise their ambitions. Shop...

thefoldlondon.com

I love it!

 

[AprilBaby]

Ah yes! Glasses! Been wearing them since I was 12 and good glasses are important! And I usually get a top of the line iPhone. Then I keep it for a while.

 

[nala]

Does a house count? Bought in the location that I wanted. Weather is unbeatable. The neighborhood I dreamt about. Commute to work is 20 minutes. Got my pool. Got my layout. And didn’t skimp on remodeling. I don’t like when rooms feel dated. I don’t like to see when anything looks like it’s falling apart. My furniture can never look tired or worn out. I prioritize the appearance of my house. I don’t understand how wealthy people can let their house look like it is still in the wrong decade.
When I first bought my house it was a stretch—even after I sold the starter home to get onto this one. My family didn’t believe in starter homes so they were very concerned. But I didn’t it anyway. Then after my divorce, I bought out my ex. By myself. Again, unheard of.
A lot of homebuyers are afraid of being house poor so they compromise on their home only to realize they should have gone with their dream home years later.
Anyhow—that is my high-end contribution, lol. And yes. Very worth it!

 

[diamondyes]

The Fold London

The Fold is an award-winning British brand focused on creating workwear that inspires women to feel confident and put-together every day. Bringing together a community of like-minded women, our mission from day one has been to empower, champion and dress women to realise their ambitions. Shop...

thefoldlondon.com

I love it!

Thanks! This stuff looks gorgeous!

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

No:
- smartphones. My mii was about 20% of an iPhone and works as well (I have small children and my last phone got tossed at me from 1st floor by my then 1.5 y/o because she wanted to be helpful...the ones before found similar tragic ends after a short lifespan)

- designer clothes - I have classic taste and shop for timeless items in natural materials I like. But I don't care about the name.
I love COS and have even some Zara cotton dresses that have lasted years.

- business class flights under three hours

-skincare serums. I'm a huge fan of the ordinary. Very affordable, very effective

Yes:
-mascara (when I use my ysl friends often ask me what brand it is. It's that noticeable)

- meat : Demeter certified organic and local when possible, venison if I can get it. We do eat meat but to me it makes a difference to know under which strict rules it was produced.

- cheese - DH us french . 'Nuff said

- Michelin star restaurants: worth the experience every time. It's always been interesting and impeccably executed.

-massages and spas. I've had just so-so massages in regular 5* hotels and now look for very reputable spas or 5* specialised spa hotels. I don't go very often though.

- accessories. What can I say, I like my handbags, sunglasses and scarves branded

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I was quite concerned that I didn't have any luxuries that I could post were worth the added expense. I thought you(meaning me) really are a cheapskate Annette.
but, then I took my nap and woke with my luxury expense.

I got this from my brother. I now only buy(get) center orchestra seats for plays, classical concerts, pop concerts, and operas. and basketball games at the garden. It started with the musical Annie, and with Knick games for my son at Madison Square Garden. In London, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas I now will not go if I can't get a good seat.
It is worth it. Cher, Elton John, Circus O'??, Leonard Bernstein's Opera, and a host of others.
I did eat out at a fine dining place in Vegas and was so disappointed. I think you can find good food at many restaurants. I do like to dine out, but not too expensive.

I like a good handbag, but the coach level.
Whew, At least I do have one luxury I won't do without!

Annette

 

[diamondyes]

No:
- smartphones. My mii was about 20% of an iPhone and works as well (I have small children and my last phone got tossed at me from 1st floor by my then 1.5 y/o because she wanted to be helpful...the ones before found similar tragic ends after a short lifespan)

- designer clothes - I have classic taste and shop for timeless items in natural materials I like. But I don't care about the name.
I love COS and have even some Zara cotton dresses that have lasted years.

- business class flights under three hours

-skincare serums. I'm a huge fan of the ordinary. Very affordable, very effective

Yes:
-mascara (when I use my ysl friends often ask me what brand it is. It's that noticeable)

- meat : Demeter certified organic and local when possible, venison if I can get it. We do eat meat but to me it makes a difference to know under which strict rules it was produced.

- cheese - DH us french . 'Nuff said

- Michelin star restaurants: worth the experience every time. It's always been interesting and impeccably executed.

-massages and spas. I've had just so-so massages in regular 5* hotels and now look for very reputable spas or 5* specialised spa hotels. I don't go very often though.

- accessories. What can I say, I like my handbags, sunglasses and scarves branded

Tell me more about this mascara, I’m on the hunt for a great one!

I’m with you about massages. A $180 massage is good, a $400 massage is omfg glorious!!!!!! But don’t worry I only splurge when I have it covered by health insurance

 

[diamondyes]

Does a house count? Bought in the location that I wanted. Weather is unbeatable. The neighborhood I dreamt about. Commute to work is 20 minutes. Got my pool. Got my layout. And didn’t skimp on remodeling. I don’t like when rooms feel dated. I don’t like to see when anything looks like it’s falling apart. My furniture can never look tired or worn out. I prioritize the appearance of my house. I don’t understand how wealthy people can let their house look like it is still in the wrong decade.
When I first bought my house it was a stretch—even after I sold the starter home to get onto this one. My family didn’t believe in starter homes so they were very concerned. But I didn’t it anyway. Then after my divorce, I bought out my ex. By myself. Again, unheard of.
A lot of homebuyers are afraid of being house poor so they compromise on their home only to realize they should have gone with their dream home years later.
Anyhow—that is my high-end contribution, lol. And yes. Very worth it!

Judging by your rings, and how carefully you style them, I bet your house is absolutely gorgeous!

 

[dk168]

Does a really good chef's knife count?

Yes, and top end catering equipment counts IMHO.

I bought mine when I bought my first property back in 1989, and it is still going strong after all these years.

The set of Italian-made catering quality stainless steel pots and pans that I started to collect in mid 90s are still going strong.

DK

 

[dk168]

@smitcompton I am with you re: getting the best seats in the house when it comes to shows.

If I could get the row behind the top tier seats in the stall in a theatre, I would.

My last one was at the Royal Albert Hall, and I bought my concert ticket late, and the seat was right at the top just below the gallery (very high).

So high that I felt dizzy looking down to the stage, and did not feel like standing up to dance to the music, hey ho!

Never again!

DK

 

[lilmosun]

Like @smitcompton and @dk168 I was about always getting the best seats but prices have gone really CRAZY. Must be making up for lost Covid revenue. As a friend said to me "They are priced for folks who go once a year not those of us who do a lot of shows". Now I'll go for decent seats and if those are still priced crazy, I pass (unless I can find a last minute deal on stubhub). I am dreading prices for the next Springsteen tour (although admittedly, I will splurge there although it may mean less shows).

While not top end, I do pay more for a good haircut, comfortable shoes, convenience (time is money lol), occasional fine dining and mostly to support small businesses with great service. I guess most of us here are guilty of spending more on finer jewelry so it must be worth it (but again, none of mine is top end by PS standard)

One item I've recently splurged on was my Tumi Voyager tri-fold wallet. It holds a lot but is compact enough that I can slip it into my backpack or any sized purse. It is by far the most perfect wallet I've found for my lifestyle.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Hi,

I was quite concerned that I didn't have any luxuries that I could post were worth the added expense. I thought you(meaning me) really are a cheapskate Annette.
but, then I took my nap and woke with my luxury expense.

I got this from my brother. I now only buy(get) center orchestra seats for plays, classical concerts, pop concerts, and operas. and basketball games at the garden. It started with the musical Annie, and with Knick games for my son at Madison Square Garden. In London, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas I now will not go if I can't get a good seat.
It is worth it. Cher, Elton John, Circus O'??, Leonard Bernstein's Opera, and a host of others.
I did eat out at a fine dining place in Vegas and was so disappointed. I think you can find good food at many restaurants. I do like to dine out, but not too expensive.

I like a good handbag, but the coach level.
Whew, At least I do have one luxury I won't do without!

Annette

Now we're talking !

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Like @smitcompton and @dk168 I was about always getting the best seats but prices have gone really CRAZY. Must be making up for lost Covid revenue. As a friend said to me "They are priced for folks who go once a year not those of us who do a lot of shows". Now I'll go for decent seats and if those are still priced crazy, I pass (unless I can find a last minute deal on stubhub). I am dreading prices for the next Springsteen tour (although admittedly, I will splurge there although it may mean less shows).

While not top end, I do pay more for a good haircut, comfortable shoes, convenience (time is money lol), occasional fine dining and mostly to support small businesses with great service. I guess most of us here are guilty of spending more on finer jewelry so it must be worth it (but again, none of mine is top end by PS standard)

One item I've recently splurged on was my Tumi Voyager tri-fold wallet. It holds a lot but is compact enough that I can slip it into my backpack or any sized purse. It is by far the most perfect wallet I've found for my lifestyle.

Come see Bruce in NZ next time
He did promise he'd be back
The only thing is i seem to only get to see him do stadiums - not arenas - but ive been front row of the pit twice
he prices his shows to the local market so my front section standing ticket or what ever they call it was less than NZ$250

I know its worth it but i feel such stress at just the thought of trying to get tickets when one is competing aganist the bucket listers and casual fans
The 2nd time i was front row i didn't even have to join the pit quee (i didnt push in either)
But of course my dream is an arena show (multiple nights to be sure of the night 2 rule) and but venues here just arnt big enough to be finacially viable

 

[dk168]

I paid nearly 200 GBP for the best stall ticket to see Whoopi Goldberg in Sisters Act in 2020, for the show to be postponed twice due to Covid, and now she can't make it for the run later this year due to schedule clashes.

I had the option to cancel and get a full refund, however, I decided it is a matter of "the show must go on", and am sure I shall enjoy the show regardless.

DK

 

[canuk-gal]

5 star hotels: mixed bag. I would say there is a huge range even within 5 star hotels and some aren’t worth the price. Disappointing ones in US and Europe (lousy bathrooms and beds and not even bedroom slippers provided), the ones in Asia generally better. But as the 4 star hotels I’ve tried are just horrendous, will still stick with 5 star or serviced apartments for travel.

Airlines: the award winning Asian and middle-eastern ones are great. Lie flat business class is great too. Will skip the American airlines due to awful food, service and seats.

Restaurants: generally a range again. Doesn’t always mean expensive is always good but there are some that are truly worth the price (better/fresher ingredients, etc). That said street food in Asia can be super yummy so it’s not always that expensive is good.

Food/drinks: Expensive tea is generally better. Good coffee is more expensive but then expensive coffee isn’t always good.

Clothes: haven’t tried truly branded stuff but higher mid-end clothes tend to last longer vs disposable fashion. But I do love Uniqlo.

Appliances: Some brands are just better/made to last vs the cheap ones.

Toilet fixtures: Absolutely the higher end ones that are made to last. Better flush system too.

Absolutely on the toilets!