Investment Pieces Wishlist
As I start to weed out my wardrobe of unnecessary and unworn pieces, I’m taking careful stock of my favorite investment pieces: what I have now, and what I plan to purchase in the future.
This ties in with my new series, “What’s In Your Closet?“–and I’ll do my own version of that in the future, too!–but right now I’m focusing on the holes in my wardrobe, and what I have my eye on.
This isn’t necessarily a shopping list. I’m trying to invest in things slowly, because that’s how I feel additions to a wardrobe or to a house should be–a slow, careful process, carefully taking account the whole, instead of the item on its own, in a vacuum.
That being said, I have been carefully identifying the holes in my wardrobe and thinking up what I really need to fill the gaps. It’s easier said than done–after all, I have these gaps for a reason, which is that I haven’t found something to fit my needs.
Here’s what I’m currently searching for. Please let me know if you have any recommendations!
An everyday handbag
I usually use a Longchamp Le Pliage, which are super-practical and waterproof, but I’m looking for something a little more grown-up. I have a great suede bag from a family friend, but I’m always leery about carrying a suede bag with my favorite Barbour, as I’m afraid the wax will rub off on the suede. I can’t really decide what I’m looking for–something lightweight, with some compartments, room for my laptop, and a more polished look than a Longchamp.
A camel wool coat
I have a fantastic full-length overcoat from Brooks Brothers in the 80s–the same one Audrey Rouget wears in Metropolitan–that was my mother’s. I love it, and wear it on special occasions, but it’s so heavy. I have an old peacoat from Benetton that I wore throughout high school, but what I’d really love is a knee- or mid-length camel coat–warm enough to wear when it’s too cold for my Barbour, but not too heavy.
Boots
I invested in a great pair of leather boots right out of college that I wore into the ground… to the point where even my trusty cobbler couldn’t do anything to save them. I have a pair of duBarry boots now, that I love, but I suppose I’d love to find a good pair of knee-high boots that make me look a bit more pulled-together than my duBarrys. I love the Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots, but those are way out of my price range!
What are your wishlist investment pieces, and have you invested, or are you still waiting?
Love your blog!
Over the past few years I have made a concerted effort to pair down my wardrobe and buy fewer, higher priced, quality authentic items. I love a good Ferragamo patent shoe and I have a few pairs and I also wear my navy quilted Barbour jacket and Barbour Beadnell in Olive several times per week. For my everyday bag, I have a 12 year-old LV speedy 30 thats in great shape and recently ordered a shoulder strap, which makes me love it even more now – cross body is so practical!
Zara makes great cashmere at good price points – I add a new style to my collection each fall – always a go-to! For jewelry, I wear pearl studs everyday and two gold family rings.
Bean boots are my tried and true loves and I have both the moc style and 10″ for snowy days. They last FOREVER!
Hermes scarves are always great at the neck when I remember to take them out and use them LOL.
Pieces I am looking for/ saving for…
I had to retire my ancient BB camel coat last year and I am looking for a replacement.
Have my eye on these:
https://www.aritzia.com/en/product/the-slouch/91838.html?dwvar_91838_color=12105
https://www.aritzia.com/en/product/the-only-short-coat/90288.html?dwvar_90288_color=2529&dwvar_90288_size=43
Would love a pair of Anne Mashburn buckle shoes in jade suede!
Belgian Loafers in leopard !
La Ligne Marin sweater in blue stripe!
Dubarry Galway boots for muddy dog walks 🙂
For everyday handbags, I love the authentic craftsmanship of woven leather bags by Dragon Diffusion. I found the same artisan they use on etsy for 1/3 of the price and they can even work with you on custom sizes and colors!
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/921028729/altica-genuine-leather-hand-woven-triple?ref=cart
Anyway…I will stop my rambling…
Enjoy your weekend XX
Hi Alison! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your lovely comment 🙂 Your wishlist is great!
I have to say that I am obsessed with my Belgian Shoes, which I reviewed on the blog a few weeks ago. Super comfortable and I can’t wait until I can justify another pair! I bought a pair in black suede, and have to narrow down a second option.
I like Zara for cashmere; I tend to buy everyday cashmere from Everlane, which I also love (I seem to always get those “here’s $20 from us!” emails just when I’m contemplating a new sweater, so that’s always a treat!)
I really need a crossbody bag, especially when I’m out with my son! I just haven’t found a good one that I like yet. Something to add to the criteria for my wishlist.
I agree re: Bean Boots! My dad has a pair from when he was in prep school and they are *still* going, decades later. I bought my mocs, finally, a couple years ago, and I wear them all the time. I have the eight-inch boots too, but I get less use out of those right now, though I did a lot in college.
I love those camel coats! I have my eye on one from Harris Wharf, but I want to go try it on again (fingers crossed it will be at the Ann Mashburn popup in Manhattan this month!) I will give a huge thumbs-up for Ann Mashburn shoes–super comfortable and well-made, as are all their clothes. I would recommend trying those on in person though, because I’ve found the sizing to vary a bit between sizes. I haven’t tried the buckle shoes, so I can’t weigh in on that.
I have been *dying* for the duBarry Galway boots forever! I have a pair of the Cork boots that I scored on major, major, MAJOR sale from Tuckernuck about five years ago, and they are great for both the city and just around town, as well as country walks.
I love the look of woven leather handbags, but know that I personally am not cool enough for them, haha! But this is such a great find! I love working with individuals and artisans personally.
Thank you again so much for your lovely comment–I hope you stop by again, and have a wonderful weekend!! xx
Sarah,
Your blog has been such a fun find. I’m learning of many brands I was unfamiliar with that are classic and truly embody the “fewer and better” promise. Thank you!
This post is so inspiring, I have made it one of my goals to make a list this year of forever wishlist items, and save for those instead of purchasing many items throughout the year. It is hard – but so worth it.
In regards to boots, I’m from Texas, so boots are a tradition here. I have my mothers custom made brown leather riding boots that my dad gave to her as a gift when they got married in 1989. They fit me perfectly and I wear them often – perhaps you could have some custom boots made boots and pass them on to your children someday!
For an everyday crossbody, I suggest the Celine Sangle (small size) and purchasing their longer strap or a longer crossbody strap you can attach from elsewhere. I found mine secondhand and purchased the strap new (a splurge!). For my line of work the bag was perfect as the top is open so I can quickly access my tape measure, phone, or anything small in the open top. I plan on keeping it forever. I have never been so happy with a handbag purchase.
For camel coats, I am saving up for The Classic Coat from Shop The Curated. I love how it is a bit oversized, but ties at the waist. I also appreciate the ethos of the company.
Molly, you have completely made my morning! Thank you so much. I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog 🙂
I actually lived in Texas for two years (my aunt, uncle, and cousins live in Houston, but we were at Fort Hood for my dad’s job), and I always admired the emphasis on tradition, history, and importance of heirlooms. It was nice to have family nearby as we were able to meet so many wonderful people and families that we wouldn’t have had the chance to otherwise, being stationed on an Army base with its naturally transient population. A fond memory I have is going with my aunt and uncle to a friend’s ranch in Wharton County and seeing the vast stretch of history there. It was truly something special!
Custom boots are a great idea, and definitely an idea I’ve been considering! I can ride (though I’m not a very accomplished rider, but I’d like to pick it up again someday!), and practical boots as well as ones that I could wear when not riding would be great.
I do like the look of the Celine Sangle, and while the open top would be great for around our small town, I wouldn’t necessarily trust it on the train or subway, unfortunately! That is so great that it works perfectly for you–isn’t it an amazing feeling when you find something you’ll use for life?
That coat looks absolutely lovely and a true classic!! 🙂