£1000 to spend all on me... help!

[WinkysTeatowel]

First world problems I know..

My DH has very kindly given me a grand all to myself out of a recent windfall. The instructions are that I must spend it on me and not fritter it away! I really want two or three things 'investment' buys. Don't need a new watch as I had one last year. Thinking about investing in a nice leather jacket, All Saints or Karen Millen maybe, but not until next year as currently pregnant so I reckon that leaves me about £750 to spend.

Wondering about a fancy handbag (Mulberry) or two but never spend that sort of cash on myself so not sure where to start.

What would you do? Any recommendations?

It is a good time of year to buy boots and cashmere so your money goes further. Nice perfume that you wouldn’t ordinarily buy?

I'd want things that were going to last for ages and ages, and felt like proper treats.

I think I'd have a handbag (£500), purse (£250) and then something like a Smythson diary or a Mont Blanc pen. If forced to spend the last bit on fashion I'd buy beautiful underwear or a silk nightdress.

Now I feel annoyed that it's just pretend money (for me).

I recently bought myself a bespoke stacking ring from Alison Moore with my children's birthstones. So I'd suggest a significant piece of jewellery. Or would you like a piece of art of furniture or would that not feel like it was just for you?

I spent £500 on a bag and regretted it as it went out of fashion and I hated it. Used it twice and it's still in the cupboard!

I'd put aside at least £300 if you would like a jacket from AllSaints as the cheapest is £298.

After that, I'd probably want a bag too. I'd be tempted to look at somewhere like Aspinal of London though and get a purse and bag for the remaining £700. I have the Coach version of basically this same bag and I love it.

www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/aspinal-hobo-bag-in-bordeaux-pebble

Nice bikers in Karen Millen, 25% off everything at the moment.

I’d definitely buy myself a bag

But what bag...?

I do like a hobo so I like the one on the Aspinal link, something classic.l that won't date...

I don't wear much jewellery although I do tend to wear the same necklace again and again, perhaps an opportunity to upgrade.

You're pregnant?

Night nanny.

Sorry not very S&B!

WinkysTeatowel - How much do you want to spend on a bag?

Fairfax and Favor or DuBarry boots, and probably a handbag from either as well.

Some timeless good quality boots from Penelope Chilvers. Beautiful, useful.

If this is your first pregnancy don't buy shoes as your feet may go up in size and not go back. Same for your ribcage.

Sorry to be boring!

Bag should be safe

Actually I would book myself a session with Frejya Barker (sp?) at Fenwicks and buy the make up she suggests. Never done this myself but want to next year.

Boots is an idea, just conscious I tend to go through boots after a couple of years (2nd pregnancy so hopefully my feel will be ok!), maybe better boots would be a bit different..

I guess up to £500 on a bag, not sure I could swallow much more than that.

Minipie Not sure £1000 would go that far in a night nanny but I like your thinking!

Id spend the whole lot on clothes....never understood why people spend a fortune on a purse....what a waste.

I got these recently (they're not brand new though) I think they have a resale value and will continue to be sought after in a year or two. So when I get bored of them I can sell them on.

My 3 best buys so far have been a black, structured Miu Miu coat that I bought in the Harrods sale about 12 years ago for £450, it was %75 off. I wear it for slightly special days/nights out, still looks brand new and I get asked a lot where it's from. The other item is a Helmut Lang leather jacket, bought in the sale for £500 (original price £1500) 3 years ago, but it was a size medium so I spent around £80 to get it professionally altered to a size small. It fits me beautifully and I always get complimented on how nicely it fits me and the quality of the leather.

If you are looking for investment pieces OP, think about what items have a resale value. Try not to spend it all in All Saints or Karen Millen. They will be worth nothing in about 2-3 years. The mulberry bag is a good call.

Wait around for the sales at Harrods, selfridges and Harvey Nichols. You're bound to find a bargain on something. Also, keep an eye out for things you like on eBay but make sure you ask the buyer lots of questions before buying/bidding and know what you're buying and if the seller is trustworthy. There is a lot of counterfeit stuff on there. eBay is also a good place to guage how saleable something is and whether it makes a good 'investment'. My sister bought a brand new, current season Stella McCartney coat for £160 a few months back.

Night nanny is about £150/night (10 hours) as I recall, maybe less outside london. Depends what your baby is like of course and what other back up you have but at certain times I would have swapped all my wardrobe for a night's sleep!

Why not save it and see how the baby stage goes? You might find you want to spend some of it on something baby related (night nanny, lactation consultant, specialist physio for you, different buggy, etc) or you might find it all goes smoothly and then can spend it all on S&B stuff.

Sorry again for being boring!

Thanks Tumsnet, good advice. I'm in no rush to spend it and would rather spend wisely on a couple of items I will love. I want to be able to look back and have them as something to remember, when I was made redundant we bought new cars but of course they gradually go and it all disappears and I regret not having something for me.

I will start looking a bit more high end and doing some research.

Minipie this is no. 2 so we're pretty well prepared, if push came to shove could find some cash for experts but this is a treat for me!

Mulberry are having a sale next month I believe :)

Don't buy from Aspinal before signing up to their email - they have frequent sales with vg discounts.

You're welcome @WinkysTeatowel, hope you enjoy your upcoming treats.

Good to know for future reference @Growingboys

Thanks @Kintan & @Growingboys duly noted!

I would buy this beauty