How To Choose Investment Pieces Wisely

[@goshenqueen]

I've been learning about the cost of "fast" fashion and the impact on the environment and on garment workers. How can I reconcile that with my own shopping and also how do I address that/keep that in mind as I lead my clients through the shopping process as well?

[@sandraa9772]

Styled by Mercy You can look for brands that manufacture their clothes ethically and sustainably. Some are ethical and dedicate time to oversee factory conditions and pay workers a living wage. Others are more environmentally conscience and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Some do both! Everlane is a brand that is radically transparent. On their site they disclose where the product is made, the cost of everything from materials to distribution. They even show pictures of the factory. They use quality textiles and aren't as expensive as other ethical brands I've learned of.

[@sandraa9772]

other brands are Grana, Madewell, Ethica.... just to name a few.

[@sandraa9772]

Investing in staple timeless pieces from these brands will reduce your need to shop from fast fashion stores since these pieces will last longer and won't go out of style since they're not trend based.

[@sandraa9772]

Another tip is buying second hand from consignment shops. It's a perfect way to recycle fashion and reduce waste. There are high end and low end consignment shops every where, even online. The Real Real is a high end consignment shop in NYC but they also have a website you can shop from.

[@WorkingLook]

Great video! I'm so glad you pointed out that high-end doesn't inherently equate to "investment"! Investment is about the value a quality piece brings to your wardrobe; not the price tag. Keep up the great vids!

[@Ingrid0410]

Yes, and how much use you'll get out of a garment. Doesn't it make more sense to invest in a lovely Italian made handbag you use daily, rather than a cocktail dress you will wear once to a X-Mas Eve party?

[@phillygrl7898]

I have found great deals on eBay. I purchased a pair of Christian Louboutin ankle booties for $159.00 . They will always be in style.

[@PatriciaPerkowski]

you mentioned TJ Max....what are your thoughts on Burlington and similar stores for finding fashion finds?

[@BlairWaldorf2013]

I've been watching your videos and today instead of where sweats I put on real clothes even though I'm in Chicago and it's winter. I love fashion and these videos made me remember that!

[@LaurenMessiah]

So happy to hear, love hearing this feedback!

[@sherryedwards695]

Great tips. In my wisdom I have a few tips to share. I would suggest classic earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Watches seem to change with time. No rings since fingers and knuckles change. Scarves are fantastic. They always fit. After pregnancy and more and more pregnancies belts and shoes are a waste of money. Purses are a great investment, however, with myself I seem to choose to carry a cheapie purse more often than my good purses. My lesson to myself is I wish I can reverse time and spend less and save more.

[@anirecinereb]

I’m looking for black slim work pants. I purchased pairs from jcrew and banana republic but they are not the best. What brand do you recommend? I’m 5’3”.

[@charlottedavis221]

I have always been a thrifter. I dress very well with this practice. Thank's to you I know how to style myself on a budget. Case point, I'd been looking for a NICE pair of Black Leather loafers. I'm very patient and I found a pair of Gucci Loafers for $55.00! Thank you for your video's!

[@theeverydayrunway9459]

I've noticed the handful of shoe cobblers I have gone to locally are not as skilled as I prefer. Where to you send your shoes to be repaired?

[@TaraK172]

Excellent info! By the way, I love your hair!!

[@LaurenMessiah]

Thank you :)

[@AudreyCoyne]

Great video! xxAudrey

[@SarahRoseRyan]

love it! thanks Lauren very informative 😊

[@JanGlow]

How do you feel about fashion subscription boxes like Stitch Fix or Wantable?

[@veramer2898]

You look amazing as always! Great video , thank you)

[@LaurenMessiah]

Thank you, Vera! :)

[@HannaPramholt]

Love your hair in this video!

[@booknerd23]

Hello, another great video! Good job! Question, would you want to do a video on sleepwear? It's my current obsession, and who doesn't love it? Thanks for reading!

[@humanormachine2936]

It's just frustrating how much the quality of garments in general has declined, and how you can't determine quality solely based on price. Of course we should aim to buy the best quality we can afford, particularly when it comes to staple pieces that we wear all the time, but more expensive doesn't always equal better quality.

[@africanunicornprincesses7806]

good tip

[@os4305]

I have a fashion question: how can people with sensitive skin find hypoallergenic statement necklaces that are really cute?

[@sarahsmith9144]

Olivia Stallworth my skin is a nightmare too. It's the cheap metals that bug me so I can usually wear wood or plastic beads. It's best if they are in a long strand with no clasp though. You could do scarves instead. Silk ones would be great if you have sensitive skin.

[@Ingrid0410]

I don't think, thinking of how much you can afford is at all the first thing you should be thinking about when buying investment pieces. You should look at lifestyle, weather where you live, and what you need, do you work in an office? Are you a nurse? Are you a pilot? If you're a nurse, invest in some high quality shoes, since you walk all day, if you work in an office, put your dollars into some high quality separates to mix and match, if you're retired, what do you do every day? Dress casual? OK, invest in nice casual seperates, and stylish loafers, not dresses. Money is NOT where to start, lifestyle is. Why would someone invest in a Balmain black blazer when they live in the Caribbean? Where it's hot and humid year round? I suggest you go to Justineleconte channel.

[@irmacastaneda1646]

you can't buy anything that will impact your lifestyle without money?