10 Things Every Young Woman Should Own
By Isabelle Redfield
While short-sighted consumerism is at an all-time high, at the Conservateur we focus on longevity. We’ve narrowed down our top ten staple wardrobe items.
1. A Great Pair of Jeans
No rips, classic cut, dark wash. Think Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle. Club Monaco has partnered with the American namesake to bring back this best-selling style. Run, don’t walk.
2. Mini Brush
It’s essential to keep your hair smooth between commutes, meetings, and trips to the powder room. The iconic Mason Pearson Mini brush fits right in your purse and lasts a lifetime. It’s an investment worth every cent.
3. Neutral Blazer
No matter your industry or locale, the blazer offers endless versatility. It’s almost always an appropriate outfit choice. Well-tailored blazers that flatter the figure can be extremely pricey. Oversized boxier cuts are in, but trendier styles can cost you in the long run. Like you would for jeans, test them in person before purchasing in an online sale.
4. Black Boots
A shoe that performs in almost all settings, day to night. Go for a pointed toe, as it’s the most flattering. I chose this style because it’s especially great for young professionals. I’ve been wearing mine nonstop with jeans and slacks this winter. Honorable mention to Stuart Weitzman’s 50/50 over-the-knee boot. Weitzman quality is enduring, but Steve Madden and these Mango cowboy boots also do the trick.
5. Reading and Writing Materials
Every woman can benefit from spiritual reflection done in a beautiful journal. The Christian Lacroix Paseo A5 journal is visually appealing and discrete, and its wide lined pages will last you a full year. While God’s Word doesn’t change with time, language does. This 2020 New Testament translation is intimate and approachable. Use it in tandem with devotionals and other materials to transform the way you understand scripture.
6. The Hybrid Trench
They're all the rage, but these coats have been around since the dawn of dressing. Sophisticated and functional, these jackets cut styling time in half. Perfect for a polished professional look and bonus: a no brainer throw-on for errands or brunch. You can't go wrong with a basic color. A white or cream hue will take you well into spring.
7. Travel Jewelry Case
This may not seem essential, but once you own one you’ll kiss Zip-Loc bags and tiny felt pouches goodbye. Pro tip: never put jewelry in your checked bag— stick to carry on. Walker Valentine’s personalized cases are perfect for a growing collection of baubles.
8. Proper Stationery
Despite popular belief, stationery doesn’t have to break the bank. Lined envelopes and elaborate personalization can get up there in price, but it’s really about having a nice stack of notecards on hand. Pack a few blank notes in your bag in case of emergency.
9. Eye Cream
Your eyes are one of the first places where age shows. Though Retinol is great, you don’t need anything overly expensive. Our parents even used Vaseline. Add five seconds to your nightly routine, and you’ll thank yourself down the road.
10. Something Sentimental
The best things in life have sentimental value. Always shoot to collect heirlooms you'll pass down to your daughter, especially when it comes to jewelry.
P.S. Trending Picks:
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Isabelle Redfield is the Co-Founder & Creative Director of the Conservateur. She previously worked for the Trump White House and United States Senate and lives between Washington, D.C., and Dallas. Follow her on Instagram @isabelleredfieldtc
