Style Theory: Turning 40 in a couple of days has made me re-think my wardrobe. I am most definitely an impulse buyer, driven by trends more than saving for that all important investment piece. I really wish I could tell my 20 year old self not to buy so many cheap items but while I had some money hold out and invest in a few key pieces that I would still be wearing 15-20 years on and more. So here is my dream investment item list with a little outfit inspiration thrown in...
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| Chanel Classic Flap Bag £3075 |
So expensive, so timeless, so elegant, I am so never going to own one of these but a girl can have it on her dream list.
It looks good on..
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Next the iconic Burberry Mac..
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| Burberry Classic Westminster Trench Coat £1195 |
My sister was bought a Burberry trench this Christmas by her lovely husband, so I had a trying on session.. It is just gorgeous, a real classic, timeless coat. She bought it in the stone colour and a slightly shorter version as we are all a little small in our family and the shorter version suited her petite frame. It is so beautifully made, the cut is outstanding and fabric sits perfectly...
Next a Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Leopard print scarf. Leopard print is now a neutral in the fashion world, this scarf would go with any coat, wear in the winter or in the summer as a sarong. It is oversized and a gorgeous mix of cashmere and silk...
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| Louis Vuitton Leopard Stole £510 |
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These scarves have been around since 2006 and are a classic. Of course you can find fabulous tributes on the high street and I think, for me, a tribute of this is good enough..
Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps, slick, stylish and forever cool. These shoes, as long as you take care of them, will see you through season after season...
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| Christian Louboutin at Net A Porter £425 |
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These are so flattering on your leg and look as good with an evening dress as with distressed boyfriend jeans.
Chanel pumps, a timeless, elegant item of footwear that will not date..
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| Chanel Ballet Flats from £385 |
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Wear summer or winter (dry days only) wear with dresses or jeans, always chic!
That little turquoise box from Tiffany's always excites and contains little treasures..I love this gold bracelet, understated but elegant..
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| Tiffany T Narrow Wire Bracelet £895 |
Or look for something vintage, I am looking for a beautiful vintage ring, I adore large, cocktail style rings that will stand the test of time. Try independent jewellers or John Lewis has a fabulous range of vintage jewellery (normally better in store than online)
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| John Lewis Vintage Brooch £105 |
Finally Chanel costume jewellery..this is my favourite and utterly timeless range..
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| Chanel Diamante Signature Jewellery from £255 |
I had a pair of these earrings when I was younger, I lost them as I do with all my earrings..so now I have one..
Of course I could go on with my list, Max Mara camel coat, Celine coat, Isabel Marant trainers, Chanel Jacket, Chloe bag etc etc it is quite endless but the items above are my top buys if could I turn back the clock to my working days when I just had myself and my rent to pay for..however there is still time to reign in the impulse buys and focus on the classics!
Do you have any investment items you adore, what would be your top 5 classic buys?
As always I would love to hear your comments and thoughts, until next time Frances xxx
Feeling smug as I can check off some of your list. Not ballet pumps though, feet like boats. Louboutins are lovely but also the most uncomfortable shoes ever! I have spent so much time saving for investment pieces in the last 10 years, this year I shall be trying to do a bit more fun splurges!
ReplyDeleteMy inspiration, your blog on the topshop faux fur jacket. Bought it, love it. So thank you x
How funny you have been investing as I have frittering! Fab you can check quite a few off my list. It makes me feel so much happier knowing that Louboutins are uncomfortable..that is one off my list! Have fun this year with your impulse buys, I must admit I do love them! xx
DeleteOne of everything please. Can you imagine stepping into that wardrobe every day. Mind you I agree with the poster above, I have a pair of Louboutins and they are so uncomfortable. Never again (yeah right). Can't wait to see what you get x
ReplyDeleteCompletely Donna, I would love to step into that wardrobe! That is Louboutins definitely off my list, can't bear uncomfy shoes! xx
DeleteGreat list, I can check off 3 Chanel bag, wedding/honeymoon gift of hubby (dollar was 2.1 at the time so he got a bargain - he still thinks not!! He he) Burberry Mac was my 40th present and my LV scarf I hAve had for years. I would love, the Chanel ballet pumps too, I tried to emulate with the R&B ones (which I think you have also) and the chanel necklace. I also have Louboutins, glad I invested in the non platform variety as I think the ones without the platform will stand the test of time more. However, I slightly regret getting the peep toe ones and not the pigalle pumps you feature. I would also love, a Cartier love bangle and dream dream a Hermes Constance bag....(maybe when I am 50 ..... Omg frightening!!!) I love forward to see what you get for your 40th. xx
ReplyDeleteGosh AnneMarie, you have loads of them, I am a huge fan of your Chanel it looks stunning! I love the Cartier love bangle and Hermes bags...if only money was no object! xx
DeleteOohh..what would I pick? Love the trench, but I can wear neither double breasted nor that colour (you should move it to the absolute top of your list though - it looks amazing) so I think my fave would be the Chanel pumps - they're both beautiful and cool.
ReplyDeleteYes, agree I do love the pumps they are just sooo chic!
DeleteOohh..what would I pick? Love the trench, but I can wear neither double breasted nor that colour (you should move it to the absolute top of your list though - it looks amazing) so I think my fave would be the Chanel pumps - they're both beautiful and cool.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous list. I think my top pick would be (and only because it's one that I may have some chance of getting!) is the LV leopard print scarf. Absolutely adore it and I think in terms of £ per wear, it would pay for itself over and over x
ReplyDeleteIt would definitely work out cost per wear, I wish I would have bought one years ago! x
Deletesorry, did'nt mean to say that twice!
ReplyDeleteI've got two of those Chanel bags - never use them - they make me feel like snot of snotsville when I carry them! I don't have the deshabille style that makes them work. As for the Burberry trench, I love them - on others- I look as if I'm going to my banking job ( I wish) I think I need a new hairstyle, I think I've gone prim at 50!
ReplyDeleteWell, if you ever fancy selling one of them...;-)
DeleteI love these sorts of posts, as I tend to be a bit clueless about the real big ticket fashion stuff. You have chosen some fabulous things! Even though all these beauties are way beyond my means, I am slowly coming to the realisation that I need to be more mindful of what I buy, go for the best I can afford, and just wear less stuff but more often. I think quality over quantity is the way forward!
ReplyDeleteBecky x
Me too Becky, I would love to be able to buy quality over quantity, however my love of clothes and fickle fashion makes this really tricky! xx
DeleteI don't spemd a great deal on items either as I change my mind too often. Some amazing pucks here though, Frances. Maybe you might get a surprise in a few days time? Lynne xx
ReplyDeleteIt's your birthday really soon too Lynne isn't it, what is on your list? xx
DeleteOh I so wish I had a crystal ball too?....But you know what, when I was young it was so much cooler to be a bit more underground fashion wise, and I prob wouldn't have worn any of these oh so covetable items. But now I would almost sell my soul to have any of these...Funny old life eh? Helen xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree Helen, if only we cold have a little chat to our 25 year old selfs! xx
DeleteI've always preferred quality over quantity and invested in some iconic and timeless pieces in my early and mid twenties when I was free from any commitments and had a good steady income with regular bonuses. Most of my investments have doubled and even tripled in price, Chanel 2.55 being one of them (I got it for £1550 for my 25th birthday 6 years ago, it was £2500 in less than 3 years time and over £3500 at present).
ReplyDeleteMy current wish list consists of Hermes Kelly, Chanel boucle blazer and long Alhambra necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels. All are way out of my budget currently but like you I keep dreaming that one day... :) xx
Ooooo yes, I knew I was missing one, I too would adore a chanel boucle blazer, just love them. You were obviously a clever 20 something who invested in timeless classics, wish I had done!!
DeleteDreaming of all those classic items
ReplyDeleteMeee toooo xxxx
DeleteDang! I forgot to do the lottery yesterday! I opened a secret saving account when I turned 40 & its my designer handbag fund! I have a classic Chanel in mind! I'm hoping it'll have enough in it when I hit 50!! x
ReplyDeleteOoooh Andrea, I'm liking that idea!! ;) x
DeleteLoving that idea too xx
DeleteI'd love a Mulberry bag but it seems like everybody & their dog have one these days! I had a silver Tiffany bracelet for my 30th & seeing as I'll be in New York for my 40th in April, it would be rude to not visit the store there! ;)
ReplyDeleteI always hankered after a pair of Louboutins but maybe not after reading the comments above! I can't wait to see what you get :) x
How lovely you are off to New York for your 40th, that will be amazing and a trip to Tiffany's is a must when in NY ;-) xxxx
DeleteThanks Julie x
ReplyDeleteI think style evolves over time and at 25 you may not have picked the same things.I must admit being fashion junkie in my youth and half the fun was shopping with my mates.being young and brave enough to try an least get away with the trends at the time.thrill of something new.I do miss the time and disposable income to shop like I used to and my pre kids figure.nice list but some quite unreachable maybe another list low to med price classics something you can realistically save for over 6months or 1year.love the scarf too might have to hunt down cheaper option.
ReplyDeleteHi. I love your choices. I am in my 40's, so I'm lucky enough to have a couple of the items you want. And the LV scarf is high on my wish list. As others have said, Louboutins are uncomfortable. I have a couple of pairs and find the Simple Pump with 4 inch heel more comfortable and easier to walk in (not too comfortable though). Tried on the Pigalles and they made my toes look wrinkly.
ReplyDeleteI got my Burberry coat off Vestiare Collective for only £180, but it is a Burberry Brit as I like the more informal style.
A Chanel Boy bag is also something I would like, but I don't know that I will ever buy one as the prices rocket each year.
Mrs Brown's idea of something you could save for in a few months is a good one. You are still so young and you may not like the same things in a few years time.