The Most Important Investments You Will Ever Make

Givenchy

Investing in your future is always a good idea, but it’s not always boring and retirement-related. Sure, we believe in the power of investments that are financially responsible such as 401(k)s and stocks and bonds and CDs and all that good stuff, but what really makes me feel good is the kind of investment that really does pay off for you right now and later. Yes, retirement planning and getting out of debt are good things (actually, if you are in debt, work on that and then come back to this article) but I’m a firm believer that there are some seriously amazing investments you need to make in yourself before you get any older, wiser or better looking.

Some might not agree; but most people end up deciding that they do agree with me in the long run. In fact, I cannot tell you the number of people in my own life who are different than me (and that’s why I love them) who have come to see things from my perspective and really understand where I am coming from (my husband included) and how sometimes my over-the-top and kind of high-maintenance ways are actually not so over-the-top or wasteful. To be clear, everything I know I learned from my amazing grandmother (she’s really been on my mind a lot lately) and her effortless beauty both inside and out.

Over the weekend my husband and I spent a long weekend in the Keys at the most gorgeous resort with two of our favorite couple friends. We got to talking about our grandmothers and how much we wished we were like them. Always so elegant and so chic; so beautiful and so kind, and never worried about what anyone else thinks of them. The conversation then turned to the fact that now that we are in our early to mid-ish 30s, some of the things they thought were a bit silly about me in the past are actually things they get now. I have never cared that they thought my love of Louis Vuitton and designer accessories and classic style was silly; they thought I spent too much on silly things and I thought they were silly for not spending more on staples. We all laugh about it all the time. Turns out, they now get it and think I was right all along. Since that never happens, I thought I might share with you some of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life.

Your circle

There is nothing like a tight, close circle of good people in your life. I’m telling you right now that having lots of friends is nice, but having a few very close friends that cheer you on, love your success, are always happy for you no matter what and have your back and are part of your village at every single moment in time is the best. You become most like the people with whom you spend the most time, so please choose wisely. And also, I’m sorry to tell you that my people are actually the best ones, but I’m sure you can find some close runners-up in your own life.

A great hair stylist

She will make the difference in how old or young you look, how thin your face looks and how flattering your color looks. She (or he) will become one of the most important people in your life. Tip well, be open, pick someone amazing. Trust me.

A great laptop bag

You are a professional woman. You need a bag that carries your iPad, your laptop and whatever else you need to carry in public places look good. I’m not saying you need to spend thousands, but you do need one that is not cheap, not going to fall apart and certainly not one that is going to make you look immature. You want to make a good first impression, and this bag is a major part of that.

A killer handbag

Whatever you choose, choose well. This is one place you need to spend some money – but you will never lose out on that investment. I love Louis Vuitton most of all – every time I buy one, I know I’ll carry it for decades. I’m still carrying the one I bought myself more than a decade ago at least twice a week. It’s been banged up a little and I simply take it to the store and they fix it for me without charging me. It’s the best. Valentino, Gucci, Givenchy and YSL are other amazing classics.

Your place

I have a lot of places I love, but two that stand out the most to me in any situation. Both are places that make us feel good, relaxed and amazing. Everyone needs their special place to unwind, relax and recharge. The first is the Omni Championsgate Resort in Orlando. We’ve been going there so long now when we feel the overwhelming need to just get away really quickly alone or with the kids or with friends that the valet knows our name and even comments any time we get a new car. The staff knows that I love Snickers bars and always has one in our room. They always give the kids treats, and they always remember us when we come in. Nothing makes you feeling instantly amazing as going somewhere like this.

The other is a small restaurant in our little town. We started going there every single Friday night for dinner more than 11 years ago. They know us. They know our kids. They know what we order. They keep a bottle of our favorite wine in stock at all times. They always offer to let us host events there. They are the most amazing people in the world – and that’s the kind of place you need.

Photo by Getty Images

 

Comments

Leave a Reply

Loading…

0