Wardrobe classics

[LadyHester]

Over ten years ago, DH gave me a Chanel flap bag (which cost a lot less in those days!) which I have treasured and which still gives me joy every time I use it.
Recently I’ve been having a huge clear out and have sold a lot on Vinted and eBay. My savings goal has been a Max Mara camel coat on the grounds that, like the bag, it will last me for ever and never stop feeling special.
Which got me thinking - what else is in that category? Louis Vuitton Neverfull? Burberry trench? Chanel quilted pumps? What will my grandchildren fight over when I die?

I have a Mulberry effie hobo and a Planet winter coat which both fit this category.

I do love a hobo bag. Does Planet still exist?

I don't think it does. I sold a jacket/blazer belonging to my mum a couple of weeks ago. It was immaculate, wool blend, one of the pockets was still stitched, must have been nearly 20 years old. The buyer got a bargain.

I’m with you on the Chanel bag. I also have a couple of Prada bags that are going strong at 15 years plus.

I have a Burberry trench which I love and a Max Mara Camel coat which was new last year. I have had a Burberry winter coat previously but it wore badly so I wouldn’t get another. The classic trench is wearing well though after about 6 years.

I do have some lovely shoes, Choos and Manolos mainly some of which I’ve had for at least 15 years. I look after them and don’t wear them often so they still look in great condition.

I personally wouldn’t spend much on flat shoes because I think the temptation is to wear often and walk far so I don’t think they will be the investment piece you are looking for., will wear too quickly. I compromise on Pretty Ballerinas shoes which are definitely not a bargain but much cheaper than Chanel.

I love the blazers from Holland Cooper. Fantastic quality. I bought a classic houndstooth a few years ago and thinking about getting a navy one to replace a very old blazer. I think with tailoring you get what you pay for. The fabric feels luxurious and the quality of the work is fantastic (no lose buttons here!)

Good point re Chanel flats.
Will have a look at Holland Cooper.

I personally wouldn’t spend much on flat shoes because I think the temptation is to wear often and walk far so I don’t think they will be the investment piece you are looking for., will wear too quickly. I compromise on Pretty Ballerinas shoes which are definitely not a bargain but much cheaper than Chanel

I discovered Pretty Ballerina 12- 15 years ago. Admittedly I've got about a dozen or more pairs so they don't get hammered by wear but they're very hard wearing. They're not "investment pieces" but cost per wear they're excellent value and better quality than their rival French Sole.

I have a Burberry trench which is a classic, and a few nice classic bags, but my main love is shoes. As far as classics go, my Vivienne Westwood pirate boots, and her bondage boots are awesome.

I have a knee length, black very soft sheepskin coat, the sheepskin inside is grey, had it ages & love it anew every winter. A pure wool navy blazer & cashmere camel coloured coat, very plain & a trench coat. I think coats tend to be the investment pieces or bags. My favourite is a back patent leather tote. And lots of cashmere jumpers & cardigans collected over the years , I’m lucky to live near to the Scottish factory outlets. Summer clothes are more disposable & don’t get much use up here!

I have max mara from 25 years ago. I still wear it. I buy two to three pieces every year.
I bought pretty ballerinas (not worn them yet). I wear for my shape, tall, busty and I wear colours from my season. I don't rule out black and tend to buy fashion pieces in that colourway. I wear full make up but less as I am older.
I collect UK made Mulberry bags. I have Chanel from 1991.
My girlfriends know who's getting what when I stuff it (I'm not well). I'm going out in a marine blue Shirley Bassey number from Bombshell.
Clothes are everthing to me. I had hand me downs as a child. I spend about 10% of my income but usually I have a big job. Enjoy your coat.

@Darklane I think you’re right about coats and bags. I’d like to spread the net a bit wider though.

@Mrsredlipstick your wardrobe sounds incred x

@CountFucula oh thank you. I edit and sell and I'm the go to for friends borrowing for interviews and weddings. Most of my clothes are on a spreadsheet!
The bad news is I can't sneak anything in as my late MIL was a tailor. No this old cheapo thing! The DH knows.

I think Hermes scarfs would fit your brief of something worth inheriting.

You are right - except that I’ve never really worked out how to wear them.

Me neither. I see them on other people and they look so chic, but for some reason I feel like I’m trying too hard if I wear one. I hope I can get over it. Perhaps tying one to a bag as an entry level move?

I don’t have any Hermes (sadly) but I love a silk scarf tied around the neck with a winter coat. I find them so much warmer and less bulky than a woolly one. I use in just the same way I used to use woolly ones, as an accessory for outdoors. I can’t really pull off the indoor sweater/blouse and scarf look because I’m just not groomed enough!

You’ve made me want to ‘invest’ in a Hermes one now…

I bought a full length wool/cashmere Planet wrap coat on Vinted this year. Immaculate, great quality for what was essentially high street, and still looks current.

Feel great in it. I think a good coat elevates whatever you are wearing.

I also have a white faux fur hooded swing coat, also Planet, probably 20 plus years old. You just can’t get quality for the price now..

Well the Queen used to wear a head scarf tied under the chin as did many in the fifties & sixties.

I’m not sure I could pull that look off, not least as I have no hair (chemo).

Will your support nurse show you how to wear one? Joanna Lumley often wears a turban from a silk scarf. I'll look for a pic.

I’ve tried but I find them very hot

Very large pearls then and a good lipstick.