Stock Up

For several of my classes this year, I’m required to read the news. As someone who puts plenty of effort into newsletters that reach approximately twenty people, spending my morning reading far more impactful newsletters from the Economist, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times, isn’t much of a chore. I have, however, found myself unexpectedly enjoying their reports on the Stock Market. Watching the index rise and fall, observing numbers go from red to green in a split second, I wonder how these investors go through life. When they watch companies they’ve set millions on crash and crumble, staring at the underdogs rise from their rubble, how must that vest-wearing banker on Wall Street feel? 

My best guess is that their anger or disappointment is short-lived in such a fast-moving, fast-changing industry, and they find comfort in the investments that pay off. And that’s what I want to share with you today. I might not be a Wall Street banker, but I have quite a few assets of my own, and while I’ve never believed in the idea of a capsule wardrobe, I know the worth of my investment pieces. Without further preamble, here are the purchases that have given me the best bang for my buck:

Makeup by Mario: Master Mattes 

I started seriously doing my makeup around the same time Makeup by Mario launched, coming out of a year of computer screens and face masks. I needed an eyeshadow palette with a little bit of everything, the lights and darks that would suit my face the best, and every hue in between. The simple colors of his Master Mattes Palette guided me into my makeup adventure, transforming it into a revered ritual.

I've never replaced my palette despite using it weekly, or perhaps daily, for the past three years (and it does not require replacement any time soon). These simple pigments are without a doubt, my greatest beauty investment, and one I've probably become emotionally attached to.

Ray Ban's 

Sunglasses are a game changer. I've talked about my love for a good pair of dark lenses in several articles, their transformative powers, and their addition to any look. My favorite pair always has been, and I suspect always might be, a good pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

The iconic pair was created in 1952, and fitting the faces of everyone from JFK to Emma Watson, have been iconic ever since. They're like salt: they go with everything and bring out hidden flavors and nuances. My pair is permanently either shielding my eyes, putting my hair in place, acting as a part of my neck mess, or sitting patiently in my bag until I crave their familiar weight again.

Golden Goose Sneakers 

I've heard plenty of mixed reviews for this controversial brand. Some claim the shoes are uncomfortable, others say they're lame, a few say they're a stroke of genius, many call them ugly, most call them cute, and a bunch call them an old trend. But nothing could make me hate my Golden Goose.

Are they expensive? Yes, absolutely. Nothing can shake their price tag. But if I were to divide their cost by the sheer amount of times I've worn them, I'm convinced I'd pay less than ten cents for each wear. The entire gimmick around the infamous Golden Goose is that they are sold looking already worn out, which to me is a blessing! They've been my companions for dozens of nights out, field trips a plenty, and errands in the millions, and they look just as destroyed as the day I bought them. Not to mention, that at least for me, these are the most comfortable shoes in my arsenal.

Blazers

This particular point probably won't apply to everyone, but I find that my particular style simply leans into the blazer. Their structured storyline and confidence-inducing frame have been in my closet for years, but particularly one: my H&M creme blazer. I honestly can't remember when I made my purchase, just that it's been by my side ever since. Over time, my collection has expanded to black and navy blue, and I love each of them just as much as the first.

Banana Republic Sweaters 

Good sweaters aren't just good, they're great. You might ponder as to why a girl from a country that averages 95°F feels so confident giving sweater recommendations. But I remind you, that I'm also a walking contradiction. I wear sweaters in summer and mini skirts in winter, sue me. Nevertheless, the majority of my favorite sweaters are all from Banana Republic. Half I've gotten on sale, a quarter I've stolen from my parents, and another quarter I've actually bought full price, and I consider each one of them an asset in my portfolio (I mean, closet).

I'm not saying these have to be your assets, but whichever ones you choose, ensure they're worth it in the long run. They'll make your life easier, your mornings less hectic, and restocks further apart. Stocks rise and fall, so make sure you pick worthy investments.

At the time of publication, the Nasdaq Index has risen 1.51%, the Shanghai Composite is up 0.18%, the S&P 500 1.00%, Gold has gone down by 0.40%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average 0.78%, and Crude Oil 0.89%. Make sure your purchases are in green.

Love,

A Business Student