Worth the Splurge
We all know what it’s like to have an ever-growing fashion wishlist, but how do we know what’s worth spending on and what isn’t? Rachel Spillane shares splurge-worthy investment style staples.
Firstly, I want to say a big congratulations to the women that know when to save and when to splurge.
It’s a coveted attribute, especially when you’ve deemed yourself the next Iris Apfel and want the wardrobe to match. Curating your perfect capsule collection is something that happens over time, limiting your purchases to investment pieces. A good place to start on your splurge safari is to pick clothes, shoes and accessories that are good quality and will last you years versus months. This means avoiding a discount buy unless it's a classic. Sale seduction tactics can be hard to resist, but you must. Here are 5 things we think are worth the splurge.
LBD
A little black dress is a must-have that should be in every woman’s wardrobe. Finding a flattering style and shape is guaranteed to make you feel amazing and you can inject some colour into your outfit through accessories. Look for quality over quantity. Search for thick material that won’t lose its colour or structure.
L-R Reiss Bella Velvet Midi Dress €240, visit brownthomas.com, Irish made Helen McAlinden True Black Dress €310, visit helenmcalinden.com, L.K. Bennett Esme Black Crepe Crystal Button Tea Dress €380, visit lkbennett.com
CAPES
A stylish cape will forever be an iconic addition to your wardrobe. It’s a chic piece that’s versatile enough to wear during autumn/winter and through the transitional period into spring. You aren’t looking for something that’s on-trend right now, but a cape that is a classic style and will pair with almost anything in your wardrobe.
IRISH MADE Blarney Woolen Mills Wool Walking Cape €260, visit blarney.com, Burberry Icon Stripe Detail Wool Cape €750, visit ie.burberry.com, IRISH MADE Louise Kennedy Carli Cape Navy €1,495, visit louisekennedy.com
HANDBAGS
A tote and an iconic shoulder flap bag are among the most popular investment pieces to buy. They’re definitely a splurge but a good quality bag will last a lifetime, as well as appreciate in value. The best thing is a bag comes in all sizes so you can choose one to suit your lifestyle - notepads and pens for daytime, lipstick and blush for nights out.
Chanel Small Classic Handbag €5,240, visit chanel.com, IRISH MADE Kinsale Leather Beth Bucket Bag €255, visit kinsaleleather.com, IRISH MADE Peelo Large Zip Tote Black €295, visit peelo.ie, Gucci GG Marmont Small Matelassé Shoulder Bag €1,850, visit gucci.com
JEANS
Only three things matter when you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans: fit, quality and colour. Obviously, you want to find jeans that flatter your shape and of course, magically give your bum a lift.
Look for a pair that’s good quality so they keep their shape and avoid any stretching or, God forbid, seam splits. And finally, the colour. A pet peeve is finding a great pair of black jeans, that I can wear with everything and after a few washes, they fade into that strange greyish shade.
People repurchase jeans often but in reality, you should be getting five-plus years out of your denims.
IRISH MADE Poco By Pippa The Slimmer High Black €110, visit pocobypippa.com, Salsa Secret Push In Slim Jeans €99.90, visit salsajeans.com, Anine Bing Kat Jean AB X HC €229, visit eu.aninebing.com, 7 For All Mankind The Straight B(AIR) High-rise Jeans €190, visit mytheresa.com
HEELS
Whenever I’m feeling a bit unsure or not 100% confident, I don my favourite pair of heels, strike the wonder woman pose and suddenly, I feel unstoppable. If walking in stilettos isn’t your thing, opt for heels with an ankle strap, lower heel and plenty of space for your toes. They’re miles more comfortable as well as easy to walk in, which is what we’re looking for when investing in heels. Avoid seasonal designs and colours.
Black, white or nude will go with anything you have in the wardrobe and look just as good.