Friday, November 23, 2018

Favorite Big-Ticket/Investment Items I Own

Now that it’s officially Black Friday, I hope that you all are enjoying the discounted prices that so many retailers are offering currently. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably caught my stories earlier this week discussing how I’m not the biggest fan of cyber week becoming a cyber month. Since it is officially Black Friday, I am more ok with it and will definitely be shopping some of the sales I shared yesterday. And as mentioned in yesterday’s post, I’m excited to have put together today’s post that features some of my favorite bigger ticket (investment) items that I’ve received either as a gift or have purchased that may be included in many of those sales.

 When it comes to master's ticket items, I tend to think long and hard about whether or not I think that they are worth the investment. For all of the items below, they definitely have been and will continue to be. If I were to break down the cost per wear of some of these items, I think we would all be shocked at how well they’ve withstood the test of time meaning that they have definitely been worthwhile items to own. Since many sales often exclude these higher priced items, I figured I would share a bit more about each piece and why I love it in case retailers decide to be extra generous and include these items. If you’re looking to build your Christmas list and are hoping to add in a few things that you could use for years that will become closet staples any of these items would be just the thing! And if you’re still not sure, I’ll be including other fun ideas for what to include on your wish list this holiday season in tomorrow’s post. 

Click directly on this items shown in the graphic to shop, or read more about why I chose each one as well as deals I've found on the item below the graphic.


20% off with the code FRIENDS

As I’ve gotten older, my Christmas list has become more and more practical. Fortunately, I get just as excited unwrapping these practical gifts as I did those top of the list items from when I’m little since I know they will receive a ton of use. I had never had suitcase type luggage of my own and always relied on our family stash in our upstairs attic at home. This was fine until I needed a suitcase to come home for a holiday and realized that because the luggage wasn’t mine it was at home. With some plans to travel last year and more plans to do so this year, my Mark and Graham Terminal Spinner suitcase has been perfect to have on hand. I love that it’s a bit more unique than a typical black suitcase and always get compliments when I travel with it. The best part may be that the inside of the suitcase is not only roomy but also lined with navy and white stripes! I’ve been eyeing the carry on  (or you can buy the set together here) version of the suitcase as well and may have to put it on my wishlist eventually so that I have a matching set. 

I found two different watch faces (here and here) similar to mine for 40% off and a strap like mine here also 40% off.

One of the most unbelievable collaborations I’ve gotten to do through my blog was the one I did around the time of my college graduation with Michele Watches. I didn’t fully expect the collaboration to be a reality until this watch showed up in the mail. I remember a few friends were with me when I picked up the package, and they made me unwrap it in front of them so they could see it too. At first, I thought I would only wear it on occasion, but since receiving it well over a year and a half ago, I’ve worn it almost every day. The square face is modern yet still classic, and the ability to change the bands has been an unexpected feature that I’ve adored since it makes it feel like I have more options to choose from. A watch had never really been on my wishlist and now I can’t imagine not having it on me at all times. 

David Yurman Bracelets
I have this one and this one.

Sticking with the jewelry trend, my David Yurman bracelets, like my Michele watch, are items I reach for daily. My first David Yurman was actually a gift to myself my sophomore of high school. I had seen them and loved the simplistic style and combination of metals and eventually saved up enough money to purchase my own. I have since added to my collection and love the layered look and variety of bracelets made by the brand. As such a timeless piece, I could see many girls categorizing a David Yurman bracelet as one of the best gifts they have received as well. 

My exact jacket available here and here. Same style as mine but a different color is 20% off here. Similar up to 50% off here and 25% off here.

While there is definitely a bit of sticker shock when you see the price of a waxed Barbour jacket for the first time, I can assure you it is worth EVERY penny. This is without a doubt one of the most worn items in my closet. I received mine for Christmas my freshman year of college (meaning I’ve had it for 5 years) and wear it constantly for almost 3 full seasons of the year. I have the Barbour Beadnell jacket in the color Sage in a US 6 and have since invested in a hood and liner for the jacket. Even with those additions, I think that if I had a quarter for every time I wear it I would be on the verge of being able to buy another one. I am actually attempting to re-wax mine for the first time myself this weekend (I meant to send it to the company since they can do repairs and rewax the jacket for $50 but don’t want to part with it currently since it is such a staple). If you’re considering purchasing a Barbour jacket, I have shared a whole guide on the brand and their jackets in this post from last year. 

Truegrit Pullover
This lookalike version is currently 35% off. Men's version for 40% off here and 20% off here.

Growing in popularity in the last few years, this was a bit of a wild card item for me to own when I first got it my junior year of college. Since then you see people in Truegrit (and Truegrit lookalike) jackets everywhere. I’ll be the first to admit it isn’t the most fashionable jacket ever, but boy is it comfy. It feels like a blanket and is the perfect thing to throw on with leggings and slippers when you feel like lounging. These come in a number of colors and styles that both girls and guys alike would live in this winter if gifted one. I have the mens version and no one can tell the difference! 

Sometimes a gift to yourself can’t be beat since you know exactly what you want. That’s how I feel about this Patagonia Puffer Jacket that I got for myself during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale this year. I have a white North Face puffer jacket that I got before my 8thgrade class trip to Washington D.C. (it’s as shocking to me as it probably is to y’all that this jacket still fits and appears to be white) and decided it was finally time for an upgrade. I chose this jacket in particular because it would be easy to put on over other jackets and can be packed up into a very tiny size. I’ve already worn it a bunch and know that I will continue to do so.

25% off here.

We may need to take a quick moment of silence for this next item since I think mine have officially bit the dust. I have quite literally worn my Frye Melissa Riding Boots into the ground (more than once too since I’ve had them re-soled). I have had my eyes peeled for a cute pair of riding boots to replace these with but can not seem to find something as classic as these and plan to replace my boots with the exact same pair. From November until March I wear these boots constantly with dresses or jeans. I’ll probably get the pair I currently have re-soled in rubber so that I can continue to wear them (even when it rains) since I love them that much. The quality of Frye’s boots is unparalleled, and I’ve been impressed by how good these boots still look despite the countless treks across campus I’ve put them through. 

Currently 35% off here.

Speaking of rain, Hunter Rain Boots and a must have for any college girl having to walk to class in the rain. Over the years I’ve come to realize that once your feet stop growing, investing in footwear that works for the weather you’re faced with and your style is a worthwhile purchase. I adore Hunter rain boots and actually have two pairs. I’ve had my taller pair (currently 33% off) since middle school and don’t wear them as often as the short, grey high-gloss pair I got in college. I am so thankful for these boots on rainy days and would highly recommend adding them to your list if you find yourself confused with which shoes to wear on especially rainy days. 

Currently up to 20% off.

I love tote bags and am under the impression that you can never really have too many. That’s a good mindset to have when trying to narrow down which Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote print to purchase. Thanks to my indecision I now have 4 different prints of this tote. The durability and functionality of it is what keeps me coming back to it time and time again. Whether I’m carrying my laptop, magazines, and other work supplies or textbooks in college these totes only get better with age. Thanks to the customized nature I also love that you can create exactly what you want to fit your style when making this purchase! 


I warned you that I love tote bags! I received my very first Longchamp bag in eighth grade and have been a huge fan of the brand ever since. While I’ve outgrown that first medium-sized chocolate brown one I received years ago, my navy, large Le Pliage tote is the perfect bag to tote to the gym or pack in when heading out of town. The material is so durable, and the style is simplistic enough to easily be used as an accessory or luggage! 

Currently $200 off here.

I spent more time with this computer than I did with my family while in college. If that’s not a scary realization, I’m not sure what is but it’s reality. I was lucky enough to replace that first MacBook Pro I received in high school and used so much that it had to have its hard drive replaced with a newer one for my master's graduation that I hope will have an equally lengthy lifetime. From college applications, starting a blog, four years of college coursework, teaching lesson plans, graduate coursework, and the occasional Netflix binge I’ve spent a lot of time behind the screen of a Macbook and can certainly say it is worth the investment. 

If you were to make this list with items you own, what would you put on it? I’d love your ideas as I begin to form my own holiday wishlist. 

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