Bootie Dilemma: Save or Splurge?

Perfect, right? I fell in love with them the moment I spotted them in a Piperlime ad mailed to my house. That ad had a 20% off coupon attached, so I just knew I could make these booties mine. With the discount, the total comes to $228. Now, if I wanted to return another pair of shoes I bought recently with some birthday money (ahem, Rachel Roy), I could certainly have them. But I haven't made that decision yet. While exploring other options, I came up with these less expensive alternatives that are worthy of consideration.

1. Dolce Vita $88 // my final price: $20

2. Dolce Vita $99 // my final price: $29

3. Sam Edelman $130 // my final price: $54

4. Dolce Vita $190 // my final price: $100

All of these are available on Amazon, which bodes well for me. I also have a 20% off coupon for Amazon, plus a $50 gift card.

I can't decide if it's a good or bad thing that I over analyze things like this. I may end up not being able to get the Hudson's out of my head, thus returning the Rachel Roy's to be able to buy them. Or I maybe I choose the most reasonable option and settle for one of the alternatives. 

What do y'all think? Do you love the Hudson's? Do you love the Rachel Roy's? Do you think any of the alternatives would be a good decision?

A Few of my Favorites: Hair, Skin, & Nails

Pureology 'volume' shampoo & Pureology 'hydrate' light conditioner: I use a volumizing shampoo and a hydrating light conditioner every other day. I've had to train myself not to wash my hair every day (it's still hard!) and I like Pureology because it doesn't leave my hair feeling weighed down. My hair tends to get oily, so it's important for me to use a conditioner that conditions without making it greasy.

Moroccan Oil hairspray: Hairspray is the only product I regularly use in my hair. I'm fortunate to have manageable hair without tons of product, so after shampooing and conditioning, all I do is blow dry it, style it, and set it with Moroccan Oil spray. It has a strong but flexible hold and doesn't make my hair crunchy or sticky.

Lush cuticle cream: I discovered Lush while on vacation in Chicago this past July. We were at the Benefit counter and couldn't help but notice there was quite a ruckus happening across the aisle. Naturally, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and walked out with a purchase! This cuticle cream was just what my dry, cracked cuticles needed! I use it at night when I get in bed. Bonus: It smells incredible!

Mac wipes: I'll let you in on a little secret: I hate washing my face at the sink. I use a facial cleanser when I wash my hair in the shower, but since I don't wash my hair every morning or ever at night, these Mac wipes have been my saving grace. It's so easy to wipe all over my face and they even take off my eye makeup. I've been using them for years!

Benefit total moisture: This has got to be the best moisturizer on the market. I am obsessed with it! It smells AMAZING and leaves my face feeling incredibly soft. I mainly use it as a night cream because it's kind of thick, but I've started to use it some mornings, too. The only problem is, I never want to put makeup on over it! My face just feels too clean and soft! Like my hair, my skin is also very oily, which has made it difficult to find a moisturizer that doesn't make it even more oily. Benefit's description says it's intended for normal to dry skin, but my oily skin loves it too!

Aveda hand relief: Hip hip hooray for Aveda products! They're the best! In fact, I should probably try more of their products... They just smell so good AND they work! I love this lotion because it has a subtle scent that isn't overpowering. Here's another little secret. I hate lotion. I have tons of it, but hardly ever use it. I just hate the greasy feeling lots of other lotions leave. This Aveda lotion isn't greasy, which makes it a win in my book! Especially when it comes to my hands, I don't want to feel like I can't touch anything after I apply lotion. This soaks in within a few minutes and my hands feel instantly softer!

I would love to hear some of your favorites!

*These are products that I love and use regularly. I was not compensated in any way for sharing my opinions. I genuinely enjoy sharing about outstanding products that work for me :)