Little Luxuries

I have a problem with magazines that boast "Deals Under $500" as if anything up to that mark is really wallet-friendly, obtainable and justifiable to most people. I don't know about you, but when I dropped $350 on my first Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, I mulled over that purchase for months. It was an investment piece that was worth every penny, but not something I can justify frequently.

With that in mind, each week I'm going to choose an affordable luxury at each of three price points: Under $100, Under $50 and Under $25.

Under $100


I can't help it; I'm on the verge of ordering this silk blouse from Banana Republic for $70. With its easy silhouette, it would quickly become a key piece in my closet to wear with jeans, tucked into pencil skirts and under structured blazers.

Under $50


Can you imagine a more posh way to light taper candles than with Tsubota Pearl's Stick Lighter? Each is $32 at A+R Store. If you prefer the metallic options (I'm partial to the sleek silver version), they're $29.95 at emmohome.com.

Under $25

This statement necklace from Forever 21 is a mere $8.80. Wear it peeking out from under this season's must-have white shirt or add visual interest to your go-to little black dress.