When most of us think of the word ‘luxury’, we think ‘expensive’. But something luxurious doesn’t have to be pricey - the dictionary defines ‘luxury’ simply as something that adds to pleasure or comfort but which isn’t absolutely necessary. Here’s our pick of little indulgences that’ll make you smile without breaking the bank.

Get out more
Concerts and the theatre are fun, but those tickets add up. Instead of taking in the latest show, grab a group of friends and head to a bar that has live jazz - for free. In Auckland, Sunday’s the night for jazz, with places like Rakino’s featuring live bands in the early evening. Catch up with a friend over a glass of wine with the smooth sound of the saxophone and double bass in the background.

Fine dining
Nothing’s more luxurious than fine dining, but few of us can
afford an entire meal out. Our solution? Head to a top restaurant - for dessert. The fanciest of fancy places charge only $10-15 for a dessert, and you’ll get to sit in a gorgeously decorated room, be waited on, and sample the most mouthwatering parfaits, crème brulees, macaroons, petits fours, mousses, or truffles…

Beautify your desk
Purchase amazing stationary. It’s your work area - so buy some things that reflect you.

Pick up some sleek oversized paperclips, colourful bulldog clips, or pristine white notepaper - and justify it by the fact that you’ll be using them everyday - and by the fact that your new fire engine red planner makes you smile every time you take it out.

Take it outside
Breakfast getting boring? Take it outside. Chuck a blanket in your car, fill a thermos with coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, and stop at a local artisan bakery for fresh bread or pastries. Don’t take your plastic picnic plates, pack some nice ones - you’re not six years old anymore! Grab a friend and drive somewhere gorgeous for an indulgent start to the day.

Play dress ups
Dress up for no reason. Don’t save your special occasion clothes for a special occasion - work them into your everyday outfits. Recapture some of the elegance of the formal 40s and 50s, and make sure that when you go out, your look is perfectly polished. Iron, mend, and tailor your clothes at home to make sure they fit well.

Treat yourself
Check out the specialty food stores in your area for some treats to add to your next meal. Take a page from the top Italian restaurants - buy a small bottle of fantastic olive oil (make sure it’s extra virgin) and dip crusty bread into it for a simple entrée. Revitalise ordinary salads by adding sundried tomatoes, olives, or exotic fruit. Splurge on chili chocolate or amazing cheese for dessert.

Get a great base
Putting on great underwear can take you straight from feeling blah to feeling glamorous. Lacy underthings can be expensive, but instead of paying full price for a new bra, visit a lingerie outlet store (for example, Bendon has several, all of which offer large discounts). Make your next treat something sexy.

Go arty
Art is the ultimate luxury - something unnecessary that makes us happy because it’s beautiful. Whether your favourite art form is painting, fashion, dance, architecture - pursue it. Check out a book on Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent from the library and take inspiration from their personal style, visit local galleries featuring up-and-coming artists, or keep your eye out for free lunchtime concerts.  

Rebekah White