An essay on investment pieces. My Rag & Bone Booties.

I am reaching for these boots a lot this fall, as seen worn with... 

the above slouchy track pant.

burgundy jeans and oversized coat.

pleather leggings and plaid vest.

skinny jeans and cargo jacket.

skinny jeans and white tee.

gray ruched dress.

and many more not pictured.  

So this is my argument for investment pieces in your wardrobe.  Of course investment pieces are going to be different for everybody, it could be these or these.  Don't get me wrong there is such a thrill in finding a great pair of shoes on crazy sale that you never knew you needed until that moment, but there is such satisfaction and dare I say, a sense of treasure and accomplishment in the waiting and saving for an item you have had your eye on for months or years.

These boots have been the apple of my bootie eye for over a year, and the most expensive shoe I have ever boughten {or bought??}, I was almost embarrassed to wear them on the blog.  I hunted for something I liked better at a lower price point and I hunted even harder to find these on sale.  

With no luck.  

I saved up and combined with some gift credit I bought them.  They are my favorite.  

There is also a strong argument for buying an item you have searched for and love, rather than settling, so that you {meaning I} will actually wear said item a lot, and love wearing them, instead of letting it gather dust in your closet because "hey, there were super inexpensive anyways."

A few points on Investing {in fashion.}

1.  Buy something you love, that you feel amazing wearing, no compromise {no matter the price point.}

2.  Investment pieces should stand the test of time.  Buy quality, usually the more expensive an item the more quality the craftmanship and material, the longer they will last and the better they will wear.  Besides spending a lot, if you love an item, you are wearing it a lot, and you want them to last!  And be comfortable.  I won't be power shopping in my booties, but they are really comfortable, having molded to my feet without losing their shape.   

3.  If you aren't in the business of buying high priced items on a regular basis, spend the money on classic, neutral pieces.  There is always an argument for red shoes, if you will wear them everyday then I suppose that is your neutral, but starting with more neutral pieces in classic styles is smart investing.  Neutral colors are going to stay current longer and you will wear them for years. 

4.  Set a goal - save up for an item.  It satisfies and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

5.  Be a savvy shopper.  Often times items that don't normally go on sale will be part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale {usually last 3 weeks of July} or Shopbop Friends and Family Sale {usually Feb and Oct}, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks 5th Ave {for example} are all worth checking.  Also ask for gift cards for Christmas or your birthday to put towards an item. 

sweater - Olive & Oak, Piperlime {30% off with code winterchic thru 12/6}

pants - Aritzia

boots - Rag & Bone, Nordstrom

earrings - Lucia K. Tag

lipstick - MAC, Nordstrom (color is MAC Red)

There are my two cents on investment pieces, and I feel like I've addressed the elephant in the room {well, in my head}, so thank you for listening!

not to forget the wonderful world of plaid sweaters this seasons, here are some other awesome knits...

Linking up with pleated poppy for what i wore weds.  Photos by Angie.

Happy Wednesday.
best,
kirsty