I’m just going to do a few more days of requests because you all had so many good ones. For today’s post, a reader named Liz writes, “I’m interested in investment pieces – jewelry, watches, handbags, coats – that stand the test of time. I’m at an age where I’d like to look pulled together without having to chase new stuff every season.” I am throwing the GOACA price limit out the window with this post, so just know that going in. Let’s start with one of the most important investment pieces I can think of, a statement coat—something that’s classic enough to wear for years, but also somewhat left-of-center design-wise, like this one.
I don’t wear a watch, and believe those who insist that that a Timex keeps just as good time as a Rolex does, but if I were to go for a splurgy one, it’d be a tank watch from Cartier because it’s so elegant, understated, and French. However, this one from Seiko is a pretty convincing dupe.
Popular wisdom dictates that bags and shoes are the two most important pieces to invest in, and I very much go along with that assessment. I sprang for this bucket bag from Il Bisonte a few years ago, and it only gets better with age, truly. I’ve bought new bags since I acquired this one, but I always come back to it.
I once temporarily took leave of my senses and purchased a Jerome Dreyfuss python bag like this one, but I don’t totally regret it, because whenever I’ve got a nice event to attend, I’m prepared.
And speaking of which: a really good pair of heels—these are Christian Loubouton’s Pigalle pumps—are essential. This is about as high as I can go at the moment.
Statement jewelry can turn an otherwise everyday ensemble into something really exciting. I’d love to go for something luxe-but-not-showy, like these gorgeous Ted Meuhling hoops.
A pair of cashmere joggers—these are from Nili Lotan, and the cut is based on her Paris pants—are a good way to feel fancy when all you’re doing is lounging about. These, from Nadaam, are a whole lot cheaper, and also pretty good.
Never underestimate the feeling of power that comes with wearing a really, really nice bra.
I generally think that expensive cashmere isn’t worth its price: it pills and wears just as fast as inexpensive cashmere, in my experience. But a thick ply cashmere sweater like this is just impossibly deluxe, and well worth shelling out for.
I have said before that I prefer a Serious Black Dress over a LBD: something that’s interesting from a design perspective—like this Rachel Comey number—and can be worn any season (I’d make it winter-worthy by layering it over a turtleneck or pairing it with a cashmere cardigan).
Buy a good leather jacket in a classic cut and you’ll never regret it.