Yves Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane Small Sac du Jour, $2,750, originally from F/W 2014 collection

Saving up for this bad boy has forced me to modify how I shop. Putting away the same portion of my paycheck week after week makes the final purchase a treat that I know I’m expecting — a planned-for surprise, if you will. Watching that monetary amount grow and grow demonstrates my perseverance to myself, showing my inner shopaholic that if you hold out for something that’s timeless and you covet so dearly, the trendy pieces that catch your eye for a minute or two become less and less appealing as you start to notice your triggers. Mine are plaid, exceptional fabrics, interesting silhouettes, and uniqueness…but the deal breaker? Knowing that other people will have it. I crave pieces with a rebel-rock aesthetic, but classic enough to outlast a one-season wear.

While in LA earlier this month, my coworker and I popped into the Chanel store on Rodeo Drive to satisfy our eyecandy temptations. I’ve been in love with the Chanel Boy Bag since it came out in their F/W 2013 collection, but seeing it on nearly 8 out of every 10 women in LA was an extreme turnoff (aside from the $4,000+ price tag). Sure, I saw my YSL on a few shoulders, but a minuscule number by comparison. Same goes for most other designer pieces I crave — uniquely classic designs that a few people have, but not so blown up as a fad would merit.

This will be my first luxury designer bag I pay full ticket for out of my own pocket — others have been gifts from friends in the industry (Burberry Crush from last Christmas) or just amazing steals at discount stores (hello, Furla croc tote a la Nordstrom Rack in 2013). The hefty price tag has forced me to rethink how i shop so i could actually put aside a consistent amount to grow a “Shopping Fund,” if you will. Instead of blowing $50 on rather disposable pieces from H&M or Urban Outfitters, I’ve been keeping my spending to an absolute minimum — no new clothing purchases since AUGUST. That may be normal for many of you, but it took a LOT of self control and spending restraint to get me this far in the “fund”. I had made a few “key-pieces” purchases in August to refresh my Fall wardrobe, but I’ve been a good girl ever since 0:)

What about you ladies? Has there been a designer piece that you’ve wanted so badly you changed your shopping/spending habits to make it a reality purchase?
I’d love to hear about it in the comments section!