I recently went shopping with a friend of mine and I was just there to “look.” I had no intention of finding anything much less purchasing an item but then I saw “it.” I saw the most beautiful top and I fell in “love” with it.
Have you ever walked by a piece of clothing that you loved but the price tag was higher than you normally spend? Did you keep walking? I knew I wanted the top the minute I walked by it and I immediately thought about all the different ways I could wear it with what I had in my closet. That’s one of the first things I do when I am thinking about an investment piece.
Even though I knew the top would be a great investment piece I decided to wait and I told myself that if I was still thinking about the top in a few days I would revisit the decision to purchase. I find it challenging when I decide to wait and practice self restraint. I also find it interesting because as women we are quick to purchase items when they are on sale because it’s a bargain or a “steal” but is it really? When you get home and it goes with nothing in your closet and it doesn’t fit well. Women, more so than men, tend to hang onto the piece “just in case” we find something to go with it or we lose a few pounds and it fits better.
Well, needless to say, after a few days of thinking I was still dreaming about the top so I decided to take the leap and invest in it. The questions I ask myself before making a decision on an investment piece are as follows:
- Is it a well made piece?
- Will the item will last for several years?
- Can I wear it with 3-5 different outfits (pieces I already own)?
- Can the item be worn year round?
- Will I be able to wear the item casually with shorts or dressed up with a suit?
- What will be the cost per wear?
- Do I LOVE it?
If I can answer yes to most of the questions on my list I typically buy it. Sometimes, it makes more sense to spend a little more and purchase an investment piece that I am going to wear over and over. I look at the cost per wear vs the initial cost and that can sometimes make it worth purchasing…worth more than the one off item that will only last me one season but was a “steal.”
Do you have investment pieces? Do you have a system you follow when deciding if you should spend more? I use the questions above as a guide before purchasing an investment piece and 95% of the time I am happy with my decision. Occasionally, mistakes are made but they are far and few between.
If you need help deciding on which pieces are investment pieces please reach out. I am here to help. If you would like to be added to the Turnkey Style Newsletter click here.