In certain perspectives - not naming names here but .. my Husbands, investments are all about long-term thinking + what the market is doing over an extended timeframe. Here at HAUTE so FABULOUS it’s kiiiind of similar, ok less about shareholders + dividends or IPO’s + good ROI’s + more along the lines of CPW’s + capsule collections that make your girlfriends do a double take. Like a really stone androgynous look that serves up a vibe + dart placements that work just right. Quality over wuantity, when it comes to wardrobe investments, it is about the chic that will stand the test of time.
Taking a long-term vision when it comes to your wardrobe is key in building a long standing + well-established classic collection that works for you whatever the season, reason or your personal mood or style - all of which can evolve without restrictions. When it comes to building a really reliable wardrobe, I’m a huge believer in investment pieces that work within a vast array of situations + parts of your life; things that not only stand the test of what’s on trend at any given moment but pieces that serve up some major wows no matter how many times, occasions or seasons they may see or be spotted. And within the long-term vision of investments, it’s also about those pieces you trust will hold their value for when you may fall out of love with them or they simply aren’t your vibe anymore. Like I said, we evolve + so does our sense of self. Style isn’t a permanent thing. It’s transient + continues to flow as we progress into a more confident + content or perhaps just different place in ourselves; with that we don’t need to hold on to what no longer feels like us or brings us joy. I have always been selling pieces on consignment + preowned luxury platforms over the last few years with this philosophy in mind + the attitude that I don’t mind investing a little more in what I know I will wear a lot + that will be snapped up in a second within the pre-loved market.
Along with consignment stores or online pre-loved market, something to consider when building your wardrobe is the gift of great sample sales. Sample sales are the best. Earlier this year for instance, I bought two new pieces from a luxury coat label I love even though it was almost summer, I know they will be amazing come Winter. They did a one off sample sale + it was incredible to pick up new pieces I know I will have for life regardless. Websites to consider for luxury items with a discount too are GILT, where items can be found for 60% off. THE OUTNET is one I search on a lot; with up to 75% discounts on premium brands from the YOOX Net-A-Porter group.. what’s not to love!
But whether it’s a straight up new purchase, something with an irresistible discount, sample sales or a pre-loved purchase, some important questions to ask yourself when it’s an investment for you are:
Is this “me” beyond this exact season or reason of purchase - will I wear it season on season +to many different events?
Have I thought about it for a while or am I being impulsive? When it’s a big purchase I leave it for a while to make sure I keep coming back to it + am not simply lusting but truly in love.
Is what I’m looking for available on any of the pre-loved websites + stores who all work incredibly hard to make fashion more sustainable? Do I really need to own it new? Like really!!
Can I wear it day + night? Dress it up + down? Does it have scope beyond that initial love at first sight?
Does it go with around 4-5 looks I wear often if it’s an every day item?
If I do eventually fall out of love with it which is so possible, does it have a good resale market?
Check out some of my favourite ONLINE PRE-LOVED PLATFORMS
