In my closet, there are investment wardrobe pieces that keep getting better year after year. They are also some of my favorite accessories such as a Yves St. Laurent Bone Handled bag, Chanel Ballet Flats, a Leather Motorcycle Jacket, and a Quilted Leather Chanel Shoulder Bag.
Today we have Fall Fashion Accessories with Style mavens: Cindy, Annie, Brenda, and Tania. Their links are at the end of the post.
Things To Remember When Buying Investment Wardrobe Pieces
- Buy A Luxury Item To Mark An Occasion: These investment pieces will remind you of some of those celebrations.
- The accessories can be handed down to your nearest and dearest (I’ve had requests 🙂
- Also, if you want to buy something French or Italian. Consider getting it while in Europe. It’s usually less and you can get the VAT tax back at the airport (around 10%)
- These are investment pieces. Take care of them. I know I don’t need to tell you that.
Yves Saint Laurent Bone Handled Crescent Bag
I bought this YSL bag years ago on sale in Paris. Here is one on eBay. I always get compliments on it.
The dress is by Max Mara. It was purchased in Rome last summer and was much less than it is in the US. ( I am wearing an 8 and had it shortened a bit). I’ve worn it six or seven times already.
According to Harpers Bazaar, Crescent bags are on trend this Fall. So I will be using mine a lot. Here is a more affordable option from Madewell.
Chanel Ballet Flats
I got caught in a rainstorm here in Florida recently and I actually took the flats off and walked barefoot to the car 🙂 Back to the comment about taking care of your investment! Similar flats for less.
Leather Moto Jacket
I bought this leather biker jacket at Neiman Marcus 10 years ago when we were moving to San Francisco. It keeps getting softer.
Neiman Marcus actually shortened the sleeves for me …which I thought wasn’t possible due to the zippers…but they did! And it is still available.
You may also like Basics To Uplift Your Casual Fall Outfits and Classic Casual Fall Fashion and Ageless Style.
Small Classic Chanel Flap Bag
I’ve stopped saving this bag for special occasions since life is short!
This bag has tripled in price since Howard and I bought it when we lived in Paris 20 years ago. So wouldn’t you say it keeps getting better and better?
Let’s see what my friends are recommending for Fall…
Cindy Hattersley Design Cindy
Most Lovely Things Annie
1010 Park Place Brenda
50 Is Not Old Tania
Shop Investment Wardrobe Pieces:
Great post! Classic style! You are so “put together”. I am short and you inspire me! I totally agree on enjoying your nice things every day! I think your splurges are great choices and obviously something you love! Reward yourself!
Thanks, Lori. I don’t do it very often. But the price per wear is worth it!
So many fabulous pieces! I feel the same way that you do, purchase an investment piece for a special occasion. Every single time you use it you will remember that day. I also think investment pieces should be classics that you can wear again and again and they never go out of style. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pieces Mary Ann
That’s true!!
Yes … I know the concept well of removing your shoes in a rain stand walking to the car barefoot. In fact, I keep a pair of flip flops in my cart all year around in case I’m caught unprepared and have to exit the car into a rainstorm. Sounds like you’re settling in nicely here in our neck of the woods (I’m that person who lives in Ponte Vedra Beach and sent a message earlier in the summer.).
Love your treasures. Wish I had a few myself …. especially the Chanel handbook or an Hermès scarf. Maybe this year 🤷♀️
I figured that the sidewalk looked pretty clean…washed with the downpour. 🙂
Beautiful Chanel flats, Chanel handbag, dress and YSL handbag!! Yes, life is too short wear your flats often and use your Chanel handbag often and for special occasions also!! Someday when I go to Paris I am going to finally purchase a Chanel handbag for me and one for my mom!!!! I was in Paris many years ago but I was 21 and I thought I was too young to purchase a Chanel handbag!
Thanks for these suggestions!😊🧡❤️
I think the Real Real may be a good option.
I love your style, Mary Ann, and yes… Don’t save the bag for special occasions. Tomorrow is promised to no one, so today is special enough. Thanks for inviting me to join all of you. I hope you’ll ask me again! xoxox, Brenda
Thanks for joining us, Brenda!
You have some wonderful investment pieces that are so classically timeless. Just goes to show you that good, classic styles never go out of style! You look fabulous in everything and a crisp white shirt with jeans is a favorite of mine.
YOU are so classic and chic, Gail.
Great handbag. I love the soft leather and bone handle. A crisp white shirt and jeans is a classic look that I’m fond of, especially for fall. This is a fun and timely post. I am off to see what the others are sharing.
Karen B.
Such good advice on buying pieces like these! So true about the price of luxury items going up, and they get better with age! I love the idea of buying them on a trip to remember the moment. That Max Mara dress is gorgeous on you! Is this what you wore to Alie’s shower?
Yes, same dress, Annie. I’ve worn it a lot already.
Good morning. What is the best way to store your hood bags? I keep mine in their dust cover and box but never know if I should stuff them or not. Thanks. Marge from New Jersey
I just recently started stuffing my bags with the cloth bags that they came in. Thanks, Marge.
Excellent points were made here. That Max Mara dress is one of the prettiest I have ever seen on you. You should wear brown more often. Just the right amount of pattern, but not overdone. You know I am not a huge pattern person but you look so cute in that type of frock! That horn-handled bag is to die for, definitely a piece worth investing in!
LOVED your post, Cindy!
I understand investment pieces and have several of my own, but how can you justify the $850 tag on the Chanel flats? Not judging…just curious.
I bought them in Paris for less. And they were a 50th birthday present from my mom. Plus…I’ve had always wanted them. They never go our of style…sort of like Gucci loafers.
Thank you Mary Ann lovely suggestions!
Thank YOU, Francesca.
UGH on the Chanel bag. We were in Florida February of 2020, and I almost purchased a bag in the Palm Beach boutique, on Worth Avenue. Almost . . . I thought I would wait and think about it.
We flew home and the rumbles of COVID were all around us, masks were random, but being worn more than when we had flown to FL. The world shut down less than a week later, my focus quickly changed, and I never purchased my bag. Prices have just been escalating since.
Moral of the story, do not procrastinate. As you said, life is too short!
Ha! I know. I am not sure I would buy one today but I’ve had my eye on a YSL shoulder bag.