I talk a lot about buying the very best that you can afford and using it for a lifetime–but how do you know if what you’re buying is good enough to actually last a lifetime? In a world of “planned obsolescence,” it seems as though fewer and fewer things are being built to last. I wanted to share my thoughts on five investment items I’ve either purchased myself or been given that have been a significant, but worthwhile, investment. Let me know your thoughts, and if you have something that you swear by! I’m posting this before Christmas in case you are contemplating any of these particular items as either a potential gift for someone you love–or for yourself! I hope you find this useful!

Le Creuset Dutch Oven, $230 – $570 depending on size*: I bought this Dutch oven* a year out of college during a sale at Le Creuset. It was a significant investment, especially at the time, where I was working several jobs and babysitting on top of that, but it has been worth it. I use this at least three times a week for everything, from sautéing something on the stove to baking something in the oven. You can pop it in the refrigerator. It gets only better with age–I’ve had this for nearly ten years now, and it’s truly one of the most-used pieces of cookware in our kitchen. Yes, it requires some care–for instance, do NOT use metal utensils!–but it’s truly an heirloom piece that will last your lifetime and most likely the next generation’s as well.

Hudson’s Bay Blanket, $400 – $550 depending on size: After years of absconding with my father’s, my parents bought me this blanket after graduating from high school. Not only mine, which is more than a decade old, held up well; my father’s, which is at least forty-five years old, has too. It’s a very heavy blanket, but very warm, and only gets better with age. This also requires careful treatment when it needs to be cleaned (they recommend dry-clean only, but you can spot-clean, and I like using the Laundress’s products). Periodically I spray with the Laundress’s wool and cashmere spray to keep it fresh! But this is a rugged, tough blanket that will last forever with proper care.

Barbour Bedale, $395*: So this is cheating, I suppose, as this is very vintage (my mother bought this about twenty-five years ago), but with the proper care, Barbours do last a lifetime. The one I was given for my twenty-first birthday from my grandfather is ten years old and still in perfect shape after its yearly rewaxing (a guide on rewaxing your jackets is here!) These jackets will take a beating, and if necessary, can be repaired at the Barbour factory.

Belgian Shoes, $500: While I recently bought my first pair of Belgians, my grandmother had a large collection and hers lasted forever. I feel confident in recommending these as a long-lasting investment. At $500, the cost is steep, but the shoes are handmade and extremely comfortable. Immediately after receiving my first pair, I wore them for what ended up being a day I walked four miles, and there was no pain and no blisters–a miracle! The shoes have held up extremely well during several other long treks, and I know that with regular resoling, they’ll be in my closet forever.

Kiki Jacket, Ann Mashburn, $550: I’ve spoken about this jacket here–and posted about it several times on Instagram–because it’s certainly one of my wardrobe heroines! The tweed is made at the same factory as Chanel’s, and the cropped silhouette is very flattering and chic. The jacket instantly elevates any outfit, and the quality is exceptional!

What are your best investments?

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