fashion statement

Nov

2021

Designer Handbags as Investments

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Women love bags. Bags are not only useful, they also complete an outfit. Bags are included in the basic fashion must-haves. They can also serve as statement pieces. But did you know that designer handbags can be part of your investment portfolio too? Yes, you have read it correctly: designer handbags as investments.

Although there are many different styles and brands to choose from, more and more women dream of owning at least one designer handbag that will make their outfit look so much better and make them the center of attraction.

The shoes make the man…the handbag makes a woman.
– Milton Pedraza, Chief Executive Officer of the Luxury Institute of New York

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to buy designer handbags. Characterized by certain features like timeless appeal, impeccable style and quality materials used that are meant to last long; designer handbags come with a huge price tag. That is why some women opt to settle for knock-offs thus, making the counterfeit bag market a billion dollar industry.

Yes, luxury bags are expensive but did you know that some handbags can be considered as investments? Based on a study made by an online bag seller BagHunter.com; luxury handbags have gained value faster than the stock market.

Hermes Birkin

Take the Hermes Birkin bag for example. The famous Birkin bag has increased in value by more than 500% ever since it was first produced in 1981, outperforming both the stock market and other precious commodities such as gold. Not everyone can buy an Hermes Birkin Bag. It is considered a limited edition bag because it is only available for purchase to special clients of Hermes. Thus, it has now become the new status symbol for women.

In most cases than not; the value of your Birkin bag will increase as soon as you walk out of the Hermes store. Why? Because it is so difficult to buy one. Even if you are fortunate enough to be considered eligible to buy a Birkin bag, Hermes still puts a limit on how many you can buy in a year. That’s how exclusive the bag is. The limited supply fuels the price growth, which is predicted to double in the next 10 years.

Chanel 2.55

Another bag that beats the performance of the S&P 500 and the real estate prices in the last few years is the Chanel 2.55, the famous Medium Classic Flap Bag by French luxury fashion brand Chanel. First sold at US$200 in 1955, it now sells at US$6,900. Just a month ago, Chanel announced that it is putting a limit on the number of purchases for their popular bags. The One Bag Per Person Per Year policy will surely jack up the price of the Chanel classic flap bag in the second-hand market.

Keep in mind though that while designer handbags are all of good quality, not all of them are worth purchasing…at least investment wise. Like other luxury items, the monetary value of the majority of luxury handbags depreciates as soon as you leave the store.

IF you want to purchase one as an investment piece, like any investment vehicle, you need to do due diligence first before buying your first investment bag. Follow the investment rules. Do your research first.

If you want to own a designer handbag for personal use, it is best to buy a classic and timeless design, something that will never go out of style. A bright blue bag may be popular now but do you think that color will still be fashionable a few years from now? If you take care of your timeless piece properly, who knows, its value might appreciate later on.

Feature Photo by Anne R from Pexels

Updated Version. First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 10.17.2016

Jun

2021

Always in Style with The Little Black Dress

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Be always in style with a little black dress or LBD in your closet. This basic closet must-have is one of the legacies of Coco Chanel. Depending on the accessories and footwear, it can be worn for different occasions. If you haven’t got one, be sure to look around for an LBD that suits your style.

One is never over-dressed or underdressed in a little black dress.
Karl Lagerfield

The LBD comes in many styles to choose from, not just “little”. You can also choose one with a longer hem instead. This dress can match or change with your personal style or mood. There are many advantages to having a go-to LBD in your wardrobe.

It’s Practical

Need to go from board room to dance floor? A little black dress is a practical garment that you can wear to almost any occasion. It is very versatile and can take you from day to night; from office to party place just with a change of accessories, or none at all. You can dress it up for parties or tone it down for formal functions. You can use scarves, belts, jewelry; even handbags and shoes! You can change your accessories for every event or for every mood. Your LBD can help you dress for success!

It’s Discreet

Buying a dress for an unforeseen party or formal event? Go for the little black dress. Did you buy it cheap from a thrift store? No one will really notice. An LBD can help make you look expensive even on a budget. Black can hide imperfections in tailoring as well. It can save you from worrying about stains showing up. if you spilled your wine or some soy sauce on it, no problem. Enjoy the occasion and worry about the washing later.

It’s Flattering

We all know that black can make you look slimmer. Flowy fabric can hide some curves in the wrong places. The little black dress can serve as a perfect canvass to highlight your makeup or your favorite accessory. Got a statement necklace you want to show off? The LBD will give you the right background to make it more noticeable. Wearing an LBD can also boost your confidence as you get compliments from people around you.

It’s Classic

Finally, the LBD is a fashion essential that will never go out of style. It is the most common go-to dress for many people; from celebrities to office workers. From past Hollywood celebrities to new pop sensations; the LBD has never been left behind. Fashion designers and stylists always have an LBD in their style collections and seasonal staples. There are many fashion trends that make a comeback each year. The little black dress on the other hand, has never gone out of style.

Updated. First published on Pinoy Smart Living on 07.02.2018.

Feature Image: Original Image by Peter David from Pixabay.

Jul

2020

Dress Different, Think Different

Reading Time: 2 minutes

How we dress can affect our mood and our mood can affect our thoughts. Our mind and body are connected so our thoughts also affect how we act. If you dress different, you think different too. So if you want to feel good and think positive thoughts, try to dress for success even if you’re working from home. Dress in your favorite clothes or the clothes that make you look and feel your best.

Make sure that you are comfortable in what you’re wearing so you can maintain your positive mood and thoughts the whole day. Try to experiment which clothes make you feel good and give you good vibes. You’ll know your clothes are working for you if you feel comfortable in them and you get compliments from people when you’re wearing them.

Dressing yourself up and dressing differently can be hard to do if you don’t have the essential items. Not sure if your wardrobe has what you need? Check if you already have these closet must-haves. If you already have these items, then go ahead and see if you have these recommended items for a woman’s wardrobe or a man’s wardrobe. Having these closet staples will allow you to dress different, any way you want, for most occasions. You can start to “think different” about yourself as you experiment with new styles.

You can dress yourself up quicker if you have an organized wardrobe. It’s easy to see what style options you have when you open your closet. It also makes it easier to see what items you need to add and what items you can already toss out or give to someone else.

Don’t know how to start? First, get on with decluttering your home and your closet. Then, check out these tips on how to get a new wardrobe. It’s a long process but it’s worth the effort. Once you’ve done the work, you can have a happy time experimenting with new styles. See how your new style benefits your mood and improves your confidence. More importantly, observe how your interaction with people becomes better as you gain more confidence to present yourself to the world.

Updated. First published on Pinoy Smart Living 2018.11.05.
Feature Image: Original Image by StockSnap from Pixabay.

Feb

2020

Items You Must Have in Your Closet

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Do you know what you’re wearing tomorrow? Did you previously plan what you were wearing today? If you’re one of those who already has their whole week’s outfit planned out according to your schedule, then you are one of the lucky few and we envy you. You should start learning more about the psychology of dressing and how to dress for success. However, most mortals wake up every morning not having a plan of what to wear and usually waste precious time rummaging through their closets and cabinets to put together an outfit for the day. Doing this daily can become tiresome and in the long run, quite stressful. To avoid this scenario every morning, a simple solution is to go back to the basics. There are just a few items you must have in your closet. With fewer choices to go thru, picking an outfit is faster and easier.

If you already have a closet-full of clothes but you still look at your closet every morning thinking you don’t have anything to wear, then a little decluttering and a new perspective on what you should have in your closet should refresh your style senses.

Or if you are trying to overhaul your fashion style, then these basics are a good way to start. These basic items can be mixed and matched for a casual to a semi-formal look or amped up for a formal event. Later on, you can add to this collection to come up with a wardrobe that expresses your very own personal style.

First, decide on a color palette. A basic tip is to have a neutral, a darker and a lighter color in your wardrobe which complement each other so that they can mix-and-match easily.

1. T-Shirt

A classic t-shirt is a good foundation for most attires. T-shirts can be round-necked, v-necked, loose or body-fitting. Pick the style that you are most comfortable with. Get one with a solid color that you can wear every day or one that goes well with the color palette you want for your wardrobe. Having a white, grey and black t-shirt in your wardrobe can give you several options.

2. Jeans

Jeans are a fashion must-have. They can be used for many different occasions depending on the tops and accessories you pair them with and with proper care, they can last you a long time. Pick a pair of jeans in a dark or light color. Make sure that they fit you well because you will find yourself wearing them most of the time.

3. Button-up Shirt

A button-up shirt comes in a variety of styles and colors. You can choose from plaid, chambray or even a denim one in a light fabric. You can use this shirt alone tucked into your pants or as a layer over your t-shirt for colder seasons.

4. Blazer

To amp up your attire, for a client meeting for example, then go business-casual by putting on a blazer on top of your t-shirt or button-up shirt and your jeans. You can even use the same attire to attend a wedding.

5. Jacket

A versatile jacket can take your outfit from basic to casual in a jiffy and its pretty useful when the weather gets extra cold. Choose a style that goes well with your daily activities. There’s denim, leather, military-style, etc.

6. Shoes

A good pair of shoes is essential to complete your outfit. For women, a pair of flats, comfortable heels or ankle boots can be used from errands to office. For men, a pair of dark-colored loafers, a classic oxford or brogues, or ankle boots can also take you from a simple date to a business meeting.

7. Statement Jewelry

To put some punch to your outfit, accessorize with statement jewelry. The easiest one to go for is a wristwatch. Pick one in a classic design so that it compliments any of your attire combinations. If you have the budget, you can also go for a luxury watch because it serves as an investment too.

For women, a pair of pearl earrings or a chunky necklace are also great ways to accessorise and are great for all occasions. These days, both men and women can also make a fashion statement with a uniquely designed bracelet or a ring.

These are some basic fashion items that should make up your wardrobe. For more variety to your outfits, here are some items that you can add to your clothing options.

For Women

Dress
A little black or white dress, or one in another color, is a basic clothing item that you can wear on many different occasions. Choose a knee-length dress or go for a maxi dress for more flair to your outfit. You can wear it as is for a party or a day out. You can top it with a blazer for formal occasions or top it with a jacket for the colder seasons.

Skirt
A skirt is a great way to exchange for your jeans if you want to go for a more feminine look. Just be sure that it is comfortable enough for you to wear all day and that the length is just right for you to be able to enjoy your daily activities.

For Men

Polo Shirt
On occasions that you don’t want to be too casual with a t-shirt but you don’t want to look too formal with a blazer or you just don’t want to bother with a button-up, then a polo shirt is just the right thing to put on. It can go well with your jeans, and it can also look good with a blazer or jacket for colder months.

Neck Tie
For more formal events, a neck tie can take your jeans and blazer ensemble to a more formal level. Grab one or two on your next shopping schedule for more mix-and-match variety.

Day Bag

Finally, every man and woman should have a day bag which can carry your all-day essentials whether you’re running an errand, braving the traffic or attending a conference. This is different from your laptop bag. If you can, try investing on a designer handbag. Some luxury handbags can be a great form of investment too. Moreover, your bag can also serve as your statement piece.

Most women will carry their make-up and toiletry essentials in their bag and most men may think that they don’t need one and that their wallet carries all their essentials. However, a handy bag can be used to carry your electronics with you, such as your chargers as well as work stuff like your notebook and pens, a book for some reading, and maybe an extra box of tissue or wet wipes or a handkerchief for occasions when you might need one.

First published on Pinoy Smart Living 08.28.2018
Original photo by Artificial Photography on Unsplash