When it comes to my wardrobe I have three separate approaches. I have a whole bunch of basics that I’ve bought in really good quality, in fabrics that feel fabulous, and I wear them all the time. These wardrobe staples are my essentials and form the basis of most of my outfits. Then there are the trend based pieces – they’re often seasonal and range from cheap and cheerful to midrange pieces that I think will last well but aren’t what I’d call basics. And lastly, I have the investment pieces. Clothes that I’ve shelled out a bit more money for, because they were so fabulous I had to have them. I don’t have a lot of them, because hello – lady’s on a tight budget – but the ones I have I really cherish.
The Take Me Away Sequin Trimmed Jacket from 17 Sundays is one such investment piece. Also known as “The Jacket”, it’s a covetable item that bloggers like Suger Coat It, Danimezza and Wait Until The Sunset (to name but a few) have been rocking for ages – but by the time I discovered it’s existence in mid 2013, it was sold out in my size. And then it was re-released … and sold out again. I thought I was stuck in a vicious never ending cycle until one day, the unthinkable happened: I found it available in my size on sale.
It was fate! I wasn’t sure about the sizing (I have big arms, so it’s always questionable whether something with sleeves will fit how I want), but I threw caution to the wind and waved my debit card at the computer while shouting “take my money!”.
The Jacket arrived, and a love affair was born. It was short lived though, because I got it at the start of summer and it’s way too hot to be wearing heavy denim. Trust me when I say that I’m hanging out for cooler weather so I can live in my jacket. I may even rock the double denim…
I’m sure you’re wondering “but how much did you invest in this magical unicorn of a jacket?”. I can’t remember how much I paid, but the retail price was AUD $149.95. That might not seem like a lot of money for some of you (and if you’re one of those people, I’m a wee bit envious), but it’s something that I had to save for. And wait 18 months to purchase! And you know what? It’s worth every penny and every minute – it’s one of my favourite items of clothing. I try hard to keep most of my purchases under $100, so if I spend more than that, you know it’s gonna be great!
Now I know I’ve talked up this jacket quite a lot, so what I’m about to say might make you a little bit sad. It’s no longer available. That’s right, it’s so popular that it’s sold out again! However, don’t despair too much – I’ve been checking out the preview of “Room 17”, 17 Sundays’ AW15 collection, and their fab model Sophie is looking pretty damn hot in a darker wash jacket that looks a lot like this sexy wee number. You’re gonna have to be in quick though – I’m standing at the front of the line, waiting for the new collection to drop!
Do you have any investment pieces? Tell me about them below!
Meagan wears:
Take Me Away Sequin Trimmed Jacket from 17 Sundays (26)
Wild Child City Essential Singlet from Farmers (2XL)
ASOS Curve Exclusive Skater Skirt in longer length from ASOS (26)
Soft Cat Eye Sunnies from Max
Hearsay Low Canvas Shoes from Number One Shoes (8)
Michael Kors Rose Gold Bracelet Watch
Nails by Penny Lazic
I’m so with you on this. I pride myself in finding bargains for most things, but every now and then I see something I have to have that I’m willing to spend a bit more on. My most recent ‘investment piece’ is a bright yellow raincoat that cost £55 and will no doubt come in handy in England. My biggest ever investment was my Michael Kors handbag though. I don’t think I will ever spend that much money on a bag again for a very long time. Not because I regret it, but because this bag is so perfect and so well designed that I shouldn’t need to! Great post 🙂
I don’t buy designer pieces so generally buy items under $40. I make exceptions when something I love wearing is now worn out, I will pay a bit extra to replace it with something a bit better. Boots and jackets though, I am happy to view as investment pieces.
When I was 14, I fell in love with a coat. It was $100, a lot of money for a 14 year old. I had an after school job and saved up for it. I am 31 now and I still wear this coat!
Now THAT is an impressive purchase – best buy ever!
It’s such a beautiful thing. From the moment I saw Dani wearing it in the first release, waaaay back in 2010 or something, I wanted to grab it and run away making it mine forever. SO GOOD.
I agree with wardrobe investments rather than zillions of smaller, things. Classic never goes out of style. Like that jacket. 5 years and counting, and still a cult classic amongst the plus fashion community.
You look wonderful in this jacket and this dress!!! Sometimes what we realy want is worth the wait, and this jacket sure lets you look like a model !! <3
Love that jacket. Totally get you – I too am hesitant to spend over $80 actually. More than that seems like a lot for a girl on a super tight budget (I.e me!). But great clothes really don’t come cheap most of the time.
I hear ya Shirley – I am living on a tight budget too, so something that costs a reasonable amount but will last a long time is the perfect balance.
I have been admiring this jacket for a long while as well now…… now I have seen it again I am still in love with it.
Isn’t it gorgeous? Worth every penny 😀