Now that you have your clothing essentials sorted out, it’s time to fill your closet with must have accessories that will last you throughout the years. Here is my advice on which accessories to make an investment on and which to save on without having anyone know it.
Wallet:
Everyone needs a good wallet because we all use one daily. You’ll want to spend a little more on this item so the wear and tear of the material holds up after pulling it out of your bag everyday. You can spend a good amount with a sturdy wallet from Michael Kors or Tory Burch, or you can make a bigger investment and really splurge on a Louis Vuitton or Goyard designer piece that you can use for years.
Tote Bag:
Every woman needs an everyday bag that’s big enough to keep all of your belongings in yet small enough to bring around everywhere without it being cumbersome. The great thing about tote bags is you can save with a find that looks just as expensive as designer wear. Brands like Zara or Madewell have trendy bags that might not last as long but will do the trick to use for a year or two. If you want to invest in a more expensive tote that will last you longer, look to brands like Kate Spade or Stella McCartney for more great finds.
Sunglasses:
Most people assume you have to spend a lot to find a great pair of sunglasses, but I’m here to tell you that is not the case. If you’re going to splurge on a pair, you’ll want to make them a classic look you can wear for many years. Save on the trendier items that will probably go out of fashion in a few months. Brands like Quay, LeSpecs, and Komono have great options that are not too expensive while Madewell and J.Crew also have styles that look more expensive than they are.
Boots:
Every woman should at least own two pairs of boots: one flat for day and one high heel for night. There are plenty of different styles to choose from with motor cycle, over the knee, and equestrian style being some of my top picks for boot lovers. If you are deciding where to spend your money, I would say splurge on a classic style you can wear in the day that will last you forever. You should also splurge on a black ankle boot with a heel for the evenings.
Shoes:
Whether you’re going to splurge or save on a pair should really depend on the shoe. Investment shoes should be the classics like a black pointy toe pump, nude sandal or pump, or a black/nude flat. I would also consider animal prints like leopard a classic that make for a great investment as well. I am not a fan of extremely cheap shoes because they tend to break easily and then you’ll just have to go through the hassle of shopping for the same pair again. Be patient and scrutinize the shoe: pay attention to how it looks on your foot, how it feels, look at the sole, etc. before you buy the $30 shoe just because it is cheap. Sam Edelman makes great sturdy everyday shoes that are not too expensive while Jimmy Choo or YSL make classic heels that you can wear over the years without them going out of style.
Purses:
Now this gets tricky…if you can afford the designer bags then have fun and splurge! If you cannot, like most people, stick with a more reasonable price point bag that is not flashy, and has good leather. You’ll also want to stick to neutral colors as a less expensive bag in bright blue or pink will look cheaper than one in a black or brown. Phillip Lim and Furla have some great, sturdy, classic bags that are still pricey but won’t reach into the thousands like other brands.
