I'm a devoted thrifter and a firm believer in the 'second cheapest' rule (the cheapest version of something is usually crap - but the second cheapest usually isn't that bad). But occasionally I'll happen on to a product or service that is worth every single cent of that large price tag.

Thus far I love:
- Chaco flip flops (around $65)
- Me, too ballet flats ($90-ish)
- Clinique black honey almost lipstick ($15)
- ROC night creme ($20-ish)
- Vogel's toasting bread ($5.15 a loaf)
- Caramelized onion and balsamic chutney ($6 for a little jar)
- Fage Greek yogurt

Upon further examination it seems like my various luxuries are actually quite reasonably priced - but I suppose it's all relative. Most of my clothes cost less than $10 and I usually use the Target imitation of Oil of Olay!

What are your 'worth every cent' main stays?

Two of my best friends swear by Chacos, but I don't really spend enough time in the right terrain to justify them haha. Fage makes really good Greek yogurt, but something I like to do to make it a little cheaper is strain my own. If you buy a plain, lowfat yogurt, set it up in a strainer with a few paper towels, position the strainer over a bowl to catch the liquid, and let the yogurt sit in the top of the strainer for a few hours, you have Greek yogurt! It's delicious and works out to be cheaper per ounce - plus you can choose different flavors!

My favorite splurges:
- Viktor and Rolfe FlowerBomb ($29 for .75oz gift set)
- electronics (Android smart phone, MacBook, Kindle)
- Gap jeans ($70)
- real leather handbags ($100 at a Coach outlet)
- Magic Hat seasonal variety packs (I split a case with a friend for $17.50/ea)

FlowerBomb smells amazing, lasts at least 12 hours, and I'm not allergic to it. When it comes to electronics, you definitely get what you pay for provided you know what your needs are. Gap jeans are the most flattering I've ever worn, and they barely stretch, even after multiple wears. This may be controversial, but I just love the feel of real leather, and my simple tote-style Coach bag has lasted 3 years now and is still going strong. Last but not least, I'm 1/4 German - of course I love a good beer. If I'm going to drink, I drink to enjoy.

My major expenses that I buy over and over?

Opi nailpolish (about $9 a bottle...worth it because it rarely bubbles up as it dries)
Jean Paul Gaultier's Ma Dame perfume (about $60 a bottle)
Coco Chanel Mademoiselle perfume ($80)
Hue tights (about $12)
mark Curl Goddess Curl and Wave Defining Gel With Conditioning Sunflower ($6)

Definitely not hugely expensive (except for the perfumes) but it can all add up if you use things day in and day out like I do.

Pretty much the only thing that I will choose the more expensive/better quality option with is bras. There is no point buying cheap bras that will lose their shape and feel awful and uncomfortable! I'd much rather make the investment and then take good care of them.

My out-and-out luxury is film, and the developing costs involved. I don't NEED it but I do so love shooting with film.

Some dinners out.

I love making a big occasion of going to a fancy or unique place and getting food I'd never dream up on my own.

It's totally worth saving up to do, especially on vacations, I think.

I splurge on sweets.....

I have the biggest sweet tooth around, so every week you'll find me at Whole Foods or at a bakesale, filling my cart with vegan donuts or coconut milk ice cream. Last week I splurged on TWO cinnamon rolls from this gourmet vegan cinnamon roll bakery called Cinnaholic in Berkeley: Oreo Explosion and fudge chunk.

Hmm, I guess I would have to go with:

-- Bras (usually Wacoal) ~$60 or so, but you get a pretty sweet coupon from Macy's after buying a certain amount
-- Aveda shampoos/conditioners/styling stuff. My hair falls out a lot less!
-- Handbags (currently a Coach). I buy a new bag every 5 years or so, after the one I carry falls apart. All the cheaper purses I've bought have looked awful after 6 months or so

Bed linen. A few years ago, I bought some super cheap bed sheets on sale and they were so horrible and scratchy, I tore them off the bed the next day and invested in some good quality linen. So worthy it if you love sleeping as much as I do

Living in Japan, one of my luxuries is to splurge on some food from home occasionally. It's not cheap to buy here but sometimes you just have to have it. For example, I paid an insane price box of oatmeal but it's so comforting.

Aveda hair products - heck anything by Aveda to be honest!

Definitely shoes and bras (DSW and Victorias Secret)

My fiancé has convinced me - and I am thoroughly convinced now - that bags are worth spending on. We can't live without our Invicta backpacks (I think my was about 100$) but its all we need for weekends away (even for conferences with work material and laptops) - they hold so much.

He also recently decided I needed a new 'work' bag for my laptop and we bought a Mandarina Duck bag - his parents have had their's for 20+ years. (He still won't give up the backpack!). It hasn't come in yet, but I'm excited!