What I've bought recently 5.24
And thoughts on investment pieces when it comes to clothes.
I went a whole year during the pandemic with a ‘no buying new clothes’ rule (sans socks and undergarments). The money saving potential for a cleanse like this goes unsaid, but I think the time back in aimlessly scrolling through shopping apps and taking trips to UPS for returns is also a fantastic reason to do this. It felt great at the end of the year. I got back more time to sell items on Poshmark too as well as time to take inventory on what clothes I liked and had on rotation.
The one downside, which isn’t even a real downside, was that I committed to not buying new clothes during the quick ousting of the skinny jean lol. I was a year behind trend, and looking very cheugy in the interim, before I got my first straight leg, hitting-the-floor, pair of jeans. Trends shouldn’t matter, but a whole silhouette change is a big deal!
After that year experiment and finally taking ownership of non-skinny jeans, I have found myself being way more intentional with shopping. I’ve slowed down a ton before clicking ‘buy’. My favorite thing to do now is ‘pin’ pieces to Pinterest and look back on them a couple weeks or months later to see if I still like them, need them, or, better yet, they went on sale. Also, I no longer buy items specifically for an event. Too much pressure and returns to deal with. Instead, I buy items piece-meal throughout the year for “an SF blistery night out” or “a brunch/spring outfit” or “general wedding guest look” that is bound to be appropriate many, many times over. Rewearing is key— like who cares!
When I first heard about the concept of buying ‘only investment pieces,’ the idea I understood was that it meant we would pay more, but buy less. In reality, I think investment pieces should just be the latter! Our clothes should simply be durable enough for hundreds of wears. I’ve been there— looking at Khaite, Toteme, Celine, Anine Bing, The Row. These brands are cute as heck but their name and price tags don’t mean they’re more or less trendy or durable than, say, GAP.
Side note: investment piece is a silly name. Nothing except maaaaybe a Birkin actually increases in value over time. We can workshop this… let’s call it a capsule piece, signature piece, forever item, staple piece, or clothing cornerstone?
Speaking of GAP (plus their other labels, Banana Republic and Old Navy), I haven’t been this stoked about a bulk purchase in a while. True to the above, I’ve been eying either these specific items or similar silhouettes for some time, so when a sale popped up, I was ready. I only had to return one item (so still on the hunt for flattering white linen shorts!) And in the first week, I’ve worn every piece out and about except the floral skirt. I’ll need 80 degrees or warmer temps for it to makes sense, I fear. Without further ado, my $325.99 haul:
Below is how I incorporated these new pieces with already owned accessories. My one bathroom selfie at Nickel & Nickel Winery above doesn’t show the full lurk, but it was perfect for a 70 degree day. I paired the denim oversized shirt over the black linen top and white skirt with my Jenni Kayne hat and and Senso black heels (similar pre-loved ones on eBay here.) Finally, I had my Celine Ring bag on me. My one and only designer bag I got second hand a year ago. The style can still be found on the TRR.
Inexpensive wins to rotate into a closet of “investment pieces.”
xx Lauren