The Investment Piece

I’m always impressed when I hear the younger crowd at work talking about saving up for an investment piece.  When I was their age and in my mid twenties I didn’t even know what an investment piece was! (In my defence, I was somewhat occupied by a toddler and the mortgage at the time.)

I didn’t actually get introduced to investment dressing until I was in my early thirties and even then, I was slow to convert. I have a girlfriend who is the ultimate investment dresser and it was she who convinced me that I wouldn’t get bored with one expensive thing rather than stacks of cheap stuff.

When I reflected on my I own investment pieces, I realised that my key acquisitions – apart from my Hugo Boss black pants – have been on accessories. Which, as it happens, is a very French thing to do. The French will honour a classic coat or vintage bag for years, favouring the classic over faddish.

Investing in accessories also allows for a lot more flexibility in your wardrobe.

In terms of return on these assets though, some of my purchases have been more valuable than others. So today, I thought I’d share my top five accessory investments.

1. Black Burberry Trench coat. Perfect for three Australian seasons, my trench coat takes me from autumn, through winter and all the way into spring. The black is very versatile – it can be dressed up or down. The quality of my coat is amazing. Despite being on high rotation for years now, it hasn’t marked or faded and I know I’ll be happily wearing it for years to come.
2. Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. Designed by the luxury luggage maker back in the 1930s the Speedy is shaped like a classic doctor’s bag, and was a smaller version of the brand’s iconic Keepall bag. You’d be amazed at how much I can fit in my sturdy Speedy 30. And again, it works just as well with casual clothes as it does with my work suits.
3. Miss Dior Promenade bag. I’d been looking at a Chanel wallet on chain for quite some time but couldn’t get my head around the fact that I would be spending a sizeable amount on a bag that couldn’t hold lipstick and car keys at the same time. Enter my Dior bag. Small enough to work for evenings, large enough to work when I’m travelling, I fell in love with this baby immediately. And the leather is still as soft as the day I bought it.
4. Slim line Swiss watch. I recommend a white face for the most versatility. Made by Tissot, mine is stainless steel which sits nicely with my choice to wear white gold jewellery.
5. Diamond studs. My friend, the one who got me started with investment dressing in the first place, has the best pair of diamond studs I’ve ever seen but with that said, I’m still pretty happy with my pair of princess cut solitaires. Diamond studs can take you from day to evening and add just the right amount of sparkle to your look.

Are you a fan of investment dressing?  If you could invest in only one item, what would it be? Please share your thoughts in the comments sections below.

And until next time – au revoir.