4 closet pieces worth investing in.

Top: H&M. Jacket: (similar here .) Jeans: Nordstrom. Shoes: J Crew Factory. Bag: Michael Kors (similar here.) Sunglasses: Kate Spade. (similar here.)

When I was younger, I didn’t feel comfortable investing any amount of money in my wardrobe.  Later I realized that I did in fact need to buy clothes, but even then it was strictly clearance rack only.  That didn’t get me very far, because building a working wardrobe and finding what you really need on the clearance rack is not really possible.  I’ve also learned that there are pieces worth investing in, even if it means buying them at full price.  (I know, the horror.)  Today I want to talk about 4 pieces worth investing in.

1. A great medium size handbag. I can’t tell you how many terrible cheap handbags I went through before I started buying good quality bags.  They don’t need to be $2,000 over-the-top designer bags, (if you can that’s great, but I certainly can’t)  but a good quality bag will make a world of difference.  They last longer, hold up beautifully, and if you choose wisely will always be in style.  I usually spend between $150-$400 on a new bag, and I usually try to pick one that I know I can wear over and over with a lot of different outfits.  Michael Kors is one of my favorite handbag brands to shop for.  I love the Medium Selma bag and the Jet Set tote.  Kate Spade is also another favorite handbag brand.  Quality is tops and the prices are really great.  Plus they have amazing sales (right now is their surprise sale– up to 75% off)  I also really love Rebecca Minkoff Bags, I have three and they hold up beautifully and look great.

2. Leather or faux leather jackets.  Talk about a wardrobe staple.  These go with everything, and they just add such a great vibe.  If you’re starting with nothing, I would go with a black leather or cognac leather jacket because they are so versatile.  Once you’ve got those in your closet you can have fun adding more colors.  I am obsessed with off-white leather jackets this year, I keep wearing this one over and over again.  I also really want to find a soft pink one, because soft pink, obviously.

3. Good quality jeans. It took me way too long to learn that one great pair of $150 jeans is worth 30 off those terrible $30 pairs I tried to make work so that I wouldn’t have to spend so much.  Madewell are my favorites, and they’re just over $100.  I also love love love BlankNYC (just under $100) and Hudson (around $200) and Paige (also around $200).  If you’re having trouble biting off the idea of spending a lot on jeans, just remember cost-per-wear.  A good pair of jeans practically gets worn every day.  These are a worthy investment.

4. Designer sunglasses.  I never bought into the hype of good sunglasses, (and believe me, my big sister tried to convince me) until I bought a pair of Kate Spade sunglasses during Nordstrom’s anniversary sale last year, but oh my goodness am I sold now.  A great pair of sunglasses is a completely worthy investment.  Find a good fit and shape for your face and they last so much longer.  Mine make me feel so confident.