10 Classic Pieces Every Mama or Mademoiselle Must Own…

Here’s a peak at my closet!  I often find myself reaching for these essential items year after year.  They serve as a blank canvas for mixing and matching with trendy pieces for endless possibilities.  Over the years, I have invested a lot of my hard earned money on most if not all of these investment pieces.

There are always choices but keep in mind quality is priceless.   In the long run, you can save a lot of money.   Below I have listed the splurge vs. steal items of similar style.

Black Blazer:  This is the investment piece that every woman, Mama or not, should own.  It’s a versatile piece that can go from masculine to feminine, from casual to formal, from preppy to trendy.  Most of all, it is smart and sexy!

Splurge: $1,295, Stella McCartney Wool Blazer 
Steal: $136, Topshop Black Blazer

Cashmere Sweater:  When it comes to cashmere sweater, this Mama believes every woman should have many versions as many as possible.  We are talking about a turtleneck, a cardigan, a v-neck, a crewneck, etc…  You can allow yourself to spend a little when it comes to cashmere.  They are available at any price point but be prepared to spend top $$ if you want quality that will last.

Splurge: $385, Anthony thomas Melillo Cashmere Sweater
Steal: $188, Jcrew V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Diamond Studs:  Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.  I love diamond studs.  They are a perfect everyday earring, as they are demure and versatile enough to be an everyday go-to piece.

Splurge: $1,850 .75 Carat Stud Earrings
Steal: $24.95 CZ Carat Stud Earrings

Handbags:  This Mama thinks you should have at least a few classic pieces that will last a lifetime.  My favorites are The Chanel 2.25 quilted handbag, The Jackie O hobo bag, and The Birkin by Hermes.

Splurge: $6,135 Chanel Flap Bag, $1,595 Burberry Hobo, $12,950 Hermes Birkin
Steal: $21.99 ASOS Quilted Bag, $99 Hobo, $131.93 ASOS Leather Tote

Pearl Necklace:  Pearl necklace is classic, timeless, and elegant.  This is probably the only investment piece that you don’t have to spend several weeks of salary on.  The fake ones look just as good.  If you have the money and want the best then buy Mikimoto because they are the best.

Splurge: $2,020 Mikimoto White Cultured Pearl Necklace
Steal: $80 Faux Pearl Necklace

Heels:  Men just don’t get why we women love walking in 5-inch heel shoes.  Well, heels offer height and confidence, why wouldn’t we?  Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo are the most expensive shoes out there.  This Mama loves her Louboutins but Miu Mius and Pradas are the everyday go-to shoes because they are the most comfortable shoes ever…hands down!  You should get at least two pairs; black and nude.  Then get a fun color one too.

Splurge: $845 Christian Louboutin Pumps
Steal: $250 Pour La Victoire Irina Pumps

Jeans:  This Mama lives in her jeans almost every day.  I think this blog should be called Mama in Jeans LOL!  Jeans are so effortless and versatile that make getting dressed so easy.  My rule of thumb is, find the jean that fits perfectly and stick with it, no matter what the brand is. A great fitting pair of jeans can do so much more for your body, especially your butt and legs, than any contouring body wear.  My favorite jean brand is J Brand.  They are a bit pricey but it is so worth it if you want quality and a great fit.

Splurge: $224, JBrand Skinny Jeans
Steal: $78, Levi’s Skinny Jeans

Little Black Dress:  The LBD.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to find the perfect LBD.  Just remember to treat your LBD like a blank canvas because it demands to be adorned and accessorized.  They come in different materials but make sure they are not too shiny or too tight.  You want to look classy not trashy.

Splurge: $950 Herve Leger Bandage Dress
Steal: $79.99 Mango Bandage Dress

Man’s White Shirt: If you can steal your boyfriend, SO, or your husband’s white shirt..JUST DO IT!  Nothing looks more sexy than seeing a woman wearing a man’s white shirt.  There is something that is suggestive about it…the morning-after dressing.  Look for white cotton or classic linen but stay away from tapered, tailored women’s white shirt version because it’s not quite as chic as the actual man’s white shirt.

Splurge: $345, Emenegildo Zegno White Dress Shirt
Steal: $60, Topman White Shirt

Trench:  I can’t help but stare and get fixated on the femme fatale wearing a trench coat in all the film noir I’ve ever seen.  I always reach for my trench coat whenever I want to feel a bit ambiguous, a bit mysterious, and a bit enigmatic.

Splurge: $1995, Burberry Trench Coat
Steal: $199, Topshop Trench Coat

You don’t have to rush out and purchase all of these investment pieces immediately.  Patience is a virtue.  Always remember to keep a look out for these quality items if you ever find them on sale because they are worth investing in.  Throughout the years, I found most of these investment items at rock bottom prices.  I’m known as the queen bargain hunter.  Keep following me and I will show you where to look.