I often get questions from friends and readers alike, asking me to cover what I consider investment pieces – expensive clothing and accessories that aren’t a waste of money. And while  most of the usual “investment” pieces aren’t really that great of an investment if you are looking to make a monetary return, in my opinion, sometimes it pays to spend a little (or even a lot) more on something that will make you happy for a long time, something of superior quality and craftsmanship, something that you could eventually pass down to your grandchildren. So if you are looking to buy something of substance, here are my top 5 pieces worth splurging on, and brands to invest in.

1. Quality Bag

A great quality bag is a must-have for any (and every) working woman out there. Unlike men, we really do need a place to stash our wallet/lipstick/compact/iPad/iPhone/book/snacks/keys/life…A woman’s bag is something that gets used day after day, so why not make it a great one? A timeless high-quality bag is definitely my number one investment piece to consider. Yes, a cheaper one would certainly do the job, but if you consider cost-per-wear (total price paid divided by the number of times the item is used), even a pricey purse could be affordable. If you love your bag, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll wear it everywhere and with everything. And given the quality of your investment, you’ll have it for years to come instead of being used up and thrown out like a cheaper version.

If you are going to make the leap and buy an expensive bag, you should consider its longevity. You don’t want to buy a super-trendy piece, only to realize that it’s totally passé three months later. Invest in a classic shape, and a solid colour. It doesn’t have to be “boring” black (although black is the most versatile), but make sure to pick a colour that you could pair with a few things in your wardrobe, and one that would make you smile too.

Brands To Invest In: Chanel, Prada, Balenciaga, Hermès, YSL

2. Heirloom

Whether it be a luxurious timepiece, or a pair of  in-your-face of sunnies, every woman should have a statement accessory to make her outfits pop. Investing in a piece of jewelry, or an accessory that will surely become an heirloom some day down the road is much better than spending the same amount of money on a pile of fast fashion baubles that will break or become discoloured after a couple of uses.

One of my fave pieces in my jewellery box is a turquoise YSL Arty ring. Every time I wear it, I get compliments left and right, and I have yet to find an outfit I couldn’t spice up with that pretty cocktail ring. Same goes for my classic Chanel brooch – so far, I’ve pinned it to my blazers, shirts, and sweaters, but it can also be worn as a necklace, and a faux belt buckle. Don’t you wish your mom or grandma passed down something like that to you?

Brands To Invest In: Cartier, Tiffany and Co, Chanel, Prada, YSL

More after the jump!

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