Investing Like A Pro: Beauty + Fashion Edition

Since the holiday season is looming, there’s no better time to talk about one of my favorite subjects: investing. Investments: we make them all the time, from our time, our Roth IRAs, all the way down to our daily purchases. There are few things that get me more pumped than teaching others about making smart business decisions. I do it in my day job, and this week, I’ll be tailoring that knowledge to your closet. If you’re wondering how business and your wardrobe relate, keep reading. Investing in quality will have you spending far less in the future.

What To Invest In (Fashion)

When it comes to dropping a sizeable wad on clothing, there’s a method to the madness. While I love pricey heels and dresses as much as the next gal, I keep my purchases to a minimum for anything that’s NOT outerwear, or versatile shoes and accessories. Why? Cost per wear. Trendy shoes and dresses have a shorter shelf life. For these “purchases” it’s smarter to rent via Rent The Runway, read why here. Stick with these picks below to make the most out of your closet (and bank account).

My Picks

A classic coat. Investing in a quality, timeless coat is one of the best investments you can make. Why? You can wear it for nearly half the year, and keep it for years to come. My top pick for this investment is a good leather jacket it. It’s always in style, making it easy to wear with just about anything, and all year long depending on the style. Last year, I wrote about my investment in a leather jacket from The Arrivals. Fast forward a year later: I’ve worn it almost daily for 6 months out of the year given the weather, making the cost per wear around $8. This year ALONE. Find my favorite worthy coat picks here.

Boots. Boots are a way better investment than trendy heels for the sheer fact that they’re way more comfortable to wear. I love my sky-high Loubs, but they tend to be more of a museum piece due to practicality. Investing a second-hand pair of Balenciaga boots has been my smart purchase of the year! Extra credit: shop on sites like The Real Real or eBay for quality designer items that have been gently used. This is also a plus for boots, as you don’t have to break them in! Same goes for designer sneakers. Cost per wear people! These boots are a HIT.

A bag that does it all. If you’re a working professional, it’s key to have a bag that acts as a briefcase, purse, AND backpack if you’re lucky. One of my faves in the space is Senreve. as it’s chic enough to pass for a night out, and put your best face forward in the office. My more affordable favorite is the Jetsetter Convertible Backpack by Henri Bendel. This is my second one gifted to me by Henri Bendel, and I’m obsessed with how versatile it is. Read more about it in my post at the beginning of the year here.

What to Invest in (Beauty)

When it comes to beauty, skincare is always a good investment. We are only given one skin, and how we take care of it in our prime dictates how much we spend fixing it in the future. Here’s how you should rank products on how much you spend from highest to lowest: serum, tools, sunscreen, peels, moisturizer, and masks.

My Picks

A good serum. The type depends on your skin type and goals for it. Got oily skin, combo skin, or dry skin? I have a post for each of you. Serums contain a potent amount of product that will do the brunt of the work when it comes to regenerating your skin. It’s the first and most important layer! I love stocking up on serum through QVC or Amazon, as you’ll get it at an affordable price (and a size you can use all year) making it easy to budget out.

Sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are made equal. If you aren’t using a sunscreen with zinc oxide, your skin is still at risk of sun damage. I’ve been using Elta MD for years, after a recommendation from my mother’s plastic surgeon. It even has hyaluronic acid in it, making it easy to wear, and not sticky. Spending the money on a good sunscreen in your youth will keep you from needing tons of Botox as you age.

Tools that mimic spa services. If you’re not ready budget-wise for medspa treatments like microneedling, microdermabrasion, or light therapy, grab a tool that does the job almost as well. I can’t live without my GloPro, and it saves me between in clinic micro-needling appointments throughout the year. Other faves of mine include the Spectralite from Dr. Dennis Gross and the PMD Microderm Pro. Use any of these tools more than two times, and you’ve already saved money off medspa treatments.

Outfit Details

Hoodie: Superrich Hoodie, Nil & Mon

Skirt: Short Sunshine Skirt, c/o Aimee Nielsen Design

Sneakers: Ventura Kaia Sneaker, Karl Lagerfeld for Revolve

Sunglasses: Small Rectangular Cat Eye Sunglasses, eBay (original designer ones here!)

Bag: Mini Jetsetter Backpack, c/o Henri Bendel

MAKEUP DETAILS

Foundation Primer: Perfect Canvas Skin Finishing Serum, REN Skincare

Foundation: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, Fenty Beauty

Eyeshadow: Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette, c/o Urban Decay

Contour: Step By Step Contour Kit, Smashbox

Highlighter: Shimmering Skin Perfector, Becca in Champagne Pop

Lips: Vice Lipstick, c/o Urban Decay in 66 from Born To Run Collection

Photos by Dante Guerra of Dante Guerra Studio