5 Things That Are Actually Worth the Money (from a shopaholic)

1. VIP Concert Tickets 🎤

Hear me out... I know this one is controversial.

The thing is, VIP varies so much from show to show, so I don't think it's worth it automatically. Sometimes you're paying hundreds for a tote bag and the privilege of entering a queue slightly earlier.

A perfect example is Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS Tour. The VIP package had its own separate pit right at the front, plus genuinely cute merch (the purple hat and fanny pack). I was lucky enough to do VIP six times on the tour, and every single time it was so worth it. I'd turn up about an hour before she came on and still end up only a couple of rows from the barricade with loads of room to dance. I could even leave to grab a drink or use the toilet without losing my spot or getting completely squished.

Now compare that to when I spent almost £400 on a Harry Styles VIP ticket...

The merch? A tote bag, a makeup bag and a Pleasing scarf (which definitely felt like dead stock😭). The "VIP" experience was basically just early entry into the normal pit. I didn't want to spend the whole show sandwiched between people, so I ended up standing at the back anyway.

So yes, VIP can absolutely be worth it... but only if the actual experience is worth paying for, not just the merch.

2. Facials ✨

I used to be so sceptical about facials because they're expensive, and I always wondered actually worked.

At the beginning of this year I decided to try a course of four acne peels, spaced three weeks apart, and they completely changed my skin.

I'd struggled with hormonal cystic acne on my cheeks for years. Not only did the treatments calm my breakouts down massively, but they also faded so much of my acne scarring.

Now I rarely get spots on my cheeks at all, which honestly soooo amazing. It was one of those investments where I noticed the results every single day afterwards.

Worth. Every. Penny.

3. Golden Goose Trainers 👟

Buying trainers that already look worn is objectively a weird concept.

I know.

After seeing every celebrity and every cool girl wearing them, I eventually caved... and now I completely understand the obsession.

I don't know what magic they put into these shoes, but they're honestly the comfiest trainers I've ever owned. I've worn them almost every single day, including at Disney where I was doing 40,000 steps a day in the Florida rain, and my feet survived.

They also somehow go with absolutely everything. Jeans, dresses, airport outfits, dinner outfits... I even wear them with fancy dresses.

My dream is to go to one of the Golden Goose stores and design a custom pair one day. It’s on my vision board!

4. Lightning Lanes at Disney 🏰

If you've ever stood in a queue in 40-degree Florida humidity, you'll understand.

I will happily pay the extra $30-ish a day for Lightning Lanes because it makes the whole day so much more enjoyable.

You spend less time standing in sticky queues and way more time actually doing rides.

My theory is that Lightning Lanes actually save you money in the long run because you get through the parks so much faster. If you can do everything you want in fewer days, you don't need to pay for as many park tickets.

Girl maths.

5. My Coach Tabby Bag 💎

Every year for my birthday I buy myself one special bag.

This year I spent my 22nd birthday in New York and completely fell in love with the crystal Candy Coach Tabby.

She was definitely spenny, but I use her almost every single day. She goes with everything, fits way more than you'd expect, and somehow makes every outfit feel a little bit more put together.

I also love buying pieces that I'll keep forever. My future kids are going to inherit the coolest vintage bag collection.

For me, I'd rather have one beautiful bag that I absolutely adore than five cheaper bags I never reach for.

Sometimes one really good investment piece is all you need.