Where to Spend Your Money: Fall Accessories

Have you ever started a new season and thought, "Where should I spend my money, a coat or shoes?" Today's post is all about sustainable style. It is not about fast fashion or trends. It is also not about telling you exact brands. Today's post is more of an informative one, to help you make better decisions while shopping this season. Let's take a deeper dive into where to put your money for accessories that will last and stand the test of time.

COAT

This one is a big deal. You need a fall coat, especially if you live in the midwest. Here's the catch. No matter how cute your outfit is that you have on, if you're wearing an old or torn coat it completely ruins your look. When the weather turns chilly it is the first thing, and sometimes the only, main article of clothing that people see.

Think about it. When you go grocery shopping you probably keep your coat on. Does your coat say to the world what you want it to? I like to go with timeless silhouettes and add a twist. For example, my fall coat is from Boden. It has my favorite fall colors that I wear all the time included in the coat: red, blue, and tan. Every year I want to wear these colors. Therefore, for me, it is in a timeless color palette. It also goes with the color black. The coat itself is in a classic shape, a trench coat. It's not exactly a trench, because a real trench doesn't look good on me. So here's something else to consider. If you like a certain type of coat, but it doesn't look good on your frame, find something that is inspired by that silhouette that fits your frame. Is that cheating? No! It's just shopping smart.

HANDBAG

I am SLOWLY growing my handbag collection. The keep word is slowly here when we are talking about quality over quantity. Everyone has a secret amount in side their head that they are willing to plunk down for a bag right now. I like to take that number and double it (at least) to make sure I'm not over buying. Here's the thing friends. If you buy good quality in classic colors and classic silhouettes you will want to wear that handbag for a long time. If you keep buying trendy bags you will never feel settled. You will never feel like you can pull that bag out again next year, possibly even next month. If you're interested in the resale market there really are only a few brands that make resale worth while. So make sure you LOVE the handbag, up your limit to make you save, and try to chose a brand known for quality.

Some of my favorites are Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and Marc Jacobs. However, these brands will not get you your money back if you want to sell it. Right now the only bags that are climbing in value are Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. It is up to you what you feel comfortable wearing on your arm, and wether or not you want to pass something on to your children, or sell it. With handbags I like to take a breath, step away, and come back at least 24 hours later before a purchase.

SCARF & SUNGLASSES

Wait...what about shoes? Listen, I am the wrong lady to talk about buying expensive shoes. I'm far too practical. Here's my thing. I like spending what I call "real money" on items that won't show wear and tear for a long time. Shoes hit the ground hundreds of times, every time you wear them. They are holding your weight up. They are working very hard for you. Why not spend "real money" on them? Because you will destroy them quicker than a handbag, coat, and other accessories unless you have a lot of money and a lot of "real money" shoes to balance out the wear and tear. My rule is to spend around $100-200 on your shoes in classic colors and silhouettes and save your money for a handbag or a nicer coat.

OK, now that's over with. Let's talk scarves and sunglasses. Now, we're not talking $1000's of dollars here (unless you are for your budget and then I say well done friend). I'm thinking about classic brands like Burberry for scarves and designer houses like Gucci for sunglasses. These items, again, will not show wear and tear like other items in your wardrobe (you know like shoes...just sayin') so go ahead and splurge $300-ish on these items. Also, every so often they go on sale, like during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Now as a disclaimer I am a sunglass junkie. I LOVE sunglasses. In truth, I cannot tell you how amazing you will feel wearing designer sunglasses. It is like a whole new world. People will notice, and they will whisper in awe about you behind your back. Trust me. I did it with my friends while working retail. They are just different.

Also, my Burberry wool/silk scarf has been with me for 4 years now. Again, I'm going to be honest. I have not been nice to it. Yet, it still looks amazing. Quality my friends. You don't need a ton of scarves to match your fall coat. Find one that matches and spend the money. You will wear both for years, and maybe pass the scarf down to your kiddos.