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Trust me, I realise how tone-deaf this article sounds in the current cost of living crisis. Appreciate that not a lot of people can afford to buy an initially expensive item, even if it does last a good few years, and I am certainly not encouraging anyone to use BNPL to do so. If you are struggling with BNPL payments, I did some research and found this article, which seems quite helpful. I realise being in a comfortable position with money is INCREDIBLY LUCKY for me in the current climate, and I do try to help where I can with small giveaways over on Twitter.

The point of this blog post is to give you guys my first-hand experience with products I have purchased that have lasted me years. Some things paying over the odds for are ridiculous (see pretty much every kids’ toy trend for the last 30 years), but some things can be worth the investment.

Ray-Bans 

When I was younger, I ADORED Ray-Bans but my income meant I had to make do with various pairs of Ray-Bons I’d purchased from the Turkish market. Aside from the obvious fact they have little to no sun protection, the copies are rarely as well made as the real thing. If you can treat yourself to a pair of real Ray-Bans in time for the summer, my personal experience is they will last you a long time if you look after them. I have had mine since 2017, and they only broke a couple of months ago, but it wasn’t anything major, it was just that a nose bit came off because I was fiddling with it so much. I’ll 100% get them repaired or replace them before I go on any travels this year.

Barbour Jacket

I will admit this is a very recent investment but you can just TELL it is going to last years. I opted for the Classic Wax Barbour Jacket. The exterior of the jacket is waxed cotton, so it is completely waterproof. The jacket is lined so it is also pretty warm. The buttons on the front and the pockets are very sturdy, as is the zip which initially I couldn’t use as it is a double zip. Certainly, the sort of jacket that will last you a while. Anything waterproof is a bonus when you work in London.

Perfume 

There are certain perfumes like Chanel No5 and J’adore which can set you back quite a bit for a decent-sized bottle. The main offender for me here is Flowerbomb. It used to be cheaper when it first come out, but now a bottle can set you back over £100. I get it, that price seems ridiculous, but I do have to say, the pricier perfumes do seem to give you more distance on one squirt. The last time I was treated (luckily by someone else) to a bottle lasted me a good few months, and I wear perfume every time I go out, even if it is just down the Asda.

Designer bags

We’ve probably all Googled “designer bags” and then horrifically been put off by the price. When I say designer bags, I am not talking about ones like Birkin bags that cost thousands, nobody apart from millionaires can pull that off. In 2016, I purchased my Mum this Michael Kors Tote, and still to this day it is immaculate, and so is the matching purse I also got her. If you spend £100 plus on a handbag and you are willing to take care of it a bit, it will last you a good few years.

Designer belts

Another thing you could easily be persuaded to believe is so expensive because you are paying for the label, but trust me, I have a Prada belt and that thing is going to survive a nuclear war. I’m a bit too thin for it at this moment in time due to illness, but I can’t wait to get back to this belt’s size. It’s real leather, so like designer bags, if you treat it well, it will treat you well.

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