Bonjour!
As a model and someone who wears clothes professionally since I was 15, I’ve tried on literally millions of outfits. At this point, I feel I have a pretty good understanding of when a something is truly great and what is worth going out and buying for myself. When I get dressed for events or everyday life, I find myself reaching over and over for a few items that just work again and again. A great blazer, a chic purse in an unexpected color, some excellent sunglasses, and a couple perfect pairs of shoes. These items, while on the pricier side, were an investment that I feel were very worthwhile and I get so much joy out of wearing them because they are timeless! I call them investment pieces. I've had many of them for years so the same exact ones might not be available, but I’ve linked the closest I could find plus some alternatives.
Yes, these items might be more expensive initially, but in the long run, you’ll be happier with beautiful, quality pieces that last forever. The cost per wear is now in the pennies. These are also some fabulous gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season. *Hint Hint*. So here’s what I think is worth the splurge…
Chanel Slingbacks: I had wanted these for like 8 years before I got them. About 3 years ago, I thought, what are you waiting for?! You know you will wear them, you know you love them, and I found myself wishing I had them when I went to get dressed. I started with the tan and black flats and later picked up the black on black with the little heel on a trip to Paris. Both are perfect, these are forever shoes. With such a classic shape, I think it’s fun to play with some color and texture too, like this red tweed and black patent. Yum!
BTW, Chanel is famously not available online, so I’ve linked some resale sites. Here’s size 36, 38, and 40. Also, they keep raising the price on these bad boys, so if you’re thinking about it, now’s the time! They hold resale value too, but I couldn’t imagine ever wanting to part with them.
Alt: I went to the Loro Piana shop opening in Beverly Hills this week and I can confirm their shoes are really chic in person. Kinda sold out everywhere, but the Rebecca flats and heels are worth seeking out. Very elegant on the foot and the quality is unmatched.
Celine sunglasses: My old Celine pair from 6 years ago is still my favorite. They have gotten a little beat up, but I don’t care! You can take them into most sunglasses shops and get them cleaned and buffed up like new. If you want my exact pair, search on The Real Real. These are almost exactly the same in white. I also love my tortoise Triomphe pair. Whatever it is about Celine glasses, they are just so flattering and chic to me. I’ve bought other glasses, but always come back to these two pairs.
Prada Cleo: This bag is worth its weight in gold! I love it as much as I did when I got it 4 years ago. I’ve worn it almost everyday since then. The super slim shape is so elegant, yet it fits so much. I am obsessed with the pistachio color my husband picked out for me. Unexepected and actually so versatile! I’ve brought this bag around the world and it’s always the right choice. Definitely an investment, but a seriously good one.
Alt: The Row Half Moon Bag has been on my wishlist for a while. It has a similar profile as the Cleo and tucks under your arm really nicely. Chic, elegant, perfect to bring on a trip. The raisin color is gorgeous too. And tbh, for a high-end designer bag, it’s a pretty good price ~$1500.
Acne Blazer: We all need a great blazer, and this is mine. It’s just perfect - double breasted, slightly oversized but not too much, plus it doesn’t wrinkle. Most importantly, it looks so good with everything… Want to sharpen up jeans and a T? Boom. Got a cute dress but it’s a lil chilly? Throw this over your shoulders. I even wear mine on the plane! It just looks sooo good. I got the matching shorts which I’m not able to find online anymore, but try these from Khaite. Here is a single breasted version that looks fab as well.
Dorsey: I can’t tell you how many compliments I get on my Dorsey pieces. They are so shiny and sparkly and really kick a look up a notch. I wear my Lucien 2ct earrings and my tennis bracelets daily and they're so lovely. Dorsey uses lab grown stones, so the price point is more accessible, but no less fabulous. I always get lots of questions about length and style of my necklaces, so I have the James Bezel in 16in and the Dorsey in 16in which is sold out. I have my eye on the Moss 3mm in 18in for a lil more length. I’ve also been loving throwing on or two of the Theodora ring stacks.
A great boot. I love my little Gianvito Rossi boots I got about 8 years ago. They’re so comfortable and sweet. They feel both masculine and feminine at the same time. A really classic shape that looks great and elevated with white jeans. I especially love wearing them in London.
Charvet Slippers: A very expensive slipper? Yes. Worth every cent? Absolutely. The amount of joy that these slippers bring me is off the charts. Not only do they make me feel chic when I’m putzing around the house, they remind me of a trip to Paris with my mom when I got them. I’ve worn them almost daily for the last year and they are in tip top condition. These also make an amazing gift for someone you really love. They come in a beautiful matching suede pouch and are one of the most luxurious things I own.
Cartier watch: One of my most prized possessions. The forever perfect Tank watch. The most generous anniversary present from my husband. Equally fab when new from the Cartier boutique or from a vintage source. You’ll never regret this one and what a beautiful family heirloom to pass down. Truly the most elegant.
Alt: I also have and love my Hermes Kelly watch which is a little more unexpected. It’s very fun to swap out the double straps for different colors or leathers.
I hope this has been insightful! Everything I’m wearing in the video is linked here along with the items featured. It was really fun thinking about how many times I’ve worn these pieces over the years. Feels good to have meaningful items that I truly love to wear. I hope you’ve been inspired to bring out some of your old favorites from your closet or treat yourself to a special piece you’ve had your eye on.
Many thanks for being here. And a big thank you to Alex Mill for including Amuse Bouche in their 10 Favorite Substacks alongside the best of the best! Pinch me! Welcome to all the new readers! If you want to find me on insta, I’m @kissser.
Til next time,
xx Michèle
P.S. If you make a purchase using the links above, I may make a small commission at no cost to you! Merci!
The Investment Portfolio