{Written with A Million Reasons by Lady Gaga on loop- thanks Superbowl LI} Hi sweet readers! How is your week so far? I am going to talk to you a bit about wardrobe investments. Investment pieces for your closet is such a personal topic, because it relies on so many variables that are different for each of us. With that in mind, I figured I would give you my philosophy and you can apply it however you deem fit! It really boils down to your own personal finances and where you are in your life-- I spent with a lot less concern when I was single and renting a house than I do now, with house and kid expenses up the wazoo! If you are looking at products that will last season to season, here are my thoughts:
1. Is it trendy? I generally will not spend money on something that is noticeably trendy. I want classic shapes and basic colors. I have Gucci bags that are 10 years old and I still trot them out because (1) they last and (2) they still look current. Same thing for Louis Vuitton-- as long as you take care of them, you will be able to wear them forever. I am constantly checking my designer shoes and having them resoled and cleaned and they come back looking like new. With everything I buy, I tell the hubs " I will TOTALLY be able to wear this forever-- so it's actually a good deal" but in these cases, it's also true! Bonus! :)
2. Is it me? There is nothing worse than seeing the same bag all over the place, obsessing over it, buying it for yourself, and then not feeling comfortable with it. Make sure what you see and love is also something that is you. I was talking to my mom the other day about a mutual friend's style and I said " She dresses like Kate Middleton". I'm sure right now, you sort of have a picture of that style in your head (That girl is perfect, let me tell you. Not our friend. She's just ok. I'm talking about the princess. She's amazing!) Whatever your own style is, make sure your investment piece fits. I wear black, camel, grey, and navy pretty much exclusively. No matter how much I love that bright beautiful printed dress, it's not me-- and if I really need it-- or the printed heels or floral bag- I need to look for it in a non-designer style that is less expensive.
3. Do I have this already? Excluding black heels (you can never have enough of these, I'm convinced), there is a limit to what you should spend your money on. If you invest in a nice coat, you are set in Southern California. If you get to wear the thing TWICE, you are lucky. There is no need to buy the Burberry trench, a Max Mara pea coat, AND that cute Gucci bomber. Seriously- don't. Try to gauge what you have and where a new addition might fit.
I bought this case on a whim when I was in Maui the year before last. I have one of those ginormous black square briefcases on wheels (i.e., not cute) and sometimes, I just want to walk with something pretty! I think my next investment will be luggage- good weekend bags and carry ons -- how about you? Where are you earmarking your next investment piece- I'd love to hear all about it! Valentines Day is almost here-- how are you going to spend it? I hope you are planning something wonderful with someone you love-- even if that something wonderful is a cuddly night on the couch with your pups! Happy Thursday, dearest friends- Sweetly, Michelle
Sweater|| Shoes || Skirt || Bag