Investment Pieces

Perusing my ex-aunts double doored apparel sanctuary, I cam across a vampy black Dolce and Gabana corset. Rather than hidden in the lingerie isle, this little number was oh so unassuming amongst her suit accessories. “What is this?” I asked holding it up to my chest, after all, we’re about the same size. By the time she came around the corner to see what “this” was, I was in deep admiration at the leather trim, thick satin and imported french lace overlay. She took it from my hand. “An investment piece,” she answered. Then she paired it with jeans and white, fitted blazer, then with an light navy suit and black leather heels. “See?” she asked as I wiped the drool from my mouth.

We aren’t talking classic brown trousers or the proverbial little black dress here people. Give us some credit, we are way more creative than that! While these investment pieces may not serve as a building block of every outfit for fall, like the black corset, you will have them forever. You should have them forever because these timeless pieces will circulate the trend wheel over and over again. And that, my friends, is why they are worth the price.

 
Feeling sexy is always in style. You can figure out various ways to tone it down sexy, edgy pieces later. For the Fall 2009 collection, Yves St. Laurent has leather bustiers and Versace has an entire collection of sexy something to spice up your attire portfolio.

Autumn and winter will also provide ample opportunity to sport over-the-knee boots – a shoe must have that will keep coming back time and time again. The same uber tall boot, the same sexy thighs, the same drooling street glances – an opportunity you might not have again for several years. This fall’s it boot comes courtesy of Stella McCartney and slides all the way up to your…

A leather jacket. (I mean, duh.) Don’t be afraid to get a little crazy here ladies for this fall, like last – see I told you they were investments – the traditional leather jacket sports updates sure to come around again. From shortened sleeves to diagonal zippers, there plenty of ways to amp up your dingy old bomber.

Color! The recession left us clad in drab blacks and greys, but amongst the sad faces of fall, we can find some color. Thank God for John Galliano who popped Dior’s Fall 2009 ready-to-wear with hot reds and pinks. Poorly made color pieces can look cheap and overwhelming, but a precisely tailored red suit or fine fitting pink dress will make you the talk of the town time and time again.

Emma Dinzebach