How To Shop For Investment Pieces With Allison Bornstein & Pamela Hanson

We ask two stylish and formidable women what their first big “gulp” fashion purchases were. Allison Bornstein is a celebrity stylist who counts Katie Holmes as a client. Pamela Hanson, a renowned photographer, was among the first women to succeed in fashion photography.   

Was it a coat that made her feel invincible? Did she save up for months with a photo of the bag on her mirror? Was it an impulse buy – a yolo moment when she spent three times her rent on a single item of clothing? 

Read our Q&A with each woman to learn more about their first major fashion splurge and how it defined their signature style.

Allison Bornstein

Here, Bornstein gets real about the Miu Miu messenger bag that would set a tone for her work style and a growing sense of purpose.

What was your first “gulp” purchase?
My first big designer purchase was a black leather Miu Miu messenger bag with gold hardware.

How did it make you feel? Was it like a cape that made you feel invincible?
I bought the bag right as I was embarking on the beginning of my career and I used the bag as a sort of fashion briefcase that I brought to work every day and used for travel. The bag became my “power piece.” When I wore it, I felt confident and strong.

Why this piece?
It was actually really practical. The inside has three compartments and was the perfect size for my laptop. I was traveling a lot for work and I needed something that could hold all of my essentials for the plane. I also loved that it is understated and simple but still unique — I have never seen someone else with this bag! It isn’t too flashy and the logo is really small which I appreciate. 

Was it an impulse buy – a Y.O.L.O. moment when you spent three times your rent on a single item of clothing?
It was a total impulse. I wasn’t necessarily looking for a large bag, but when I saw it I knew it was exactly what I needed.

After the fact, did you have any regrets?
Not a one. I was a stylist assistant for six years and that bag traveled around the world with me to every single shoot. That bag has seen so much! Although it was expensive, the investment made me feel grown up and powerful. 

Did you cut up your credit card after purchasing it? Eat cereal for dinner for a month?
It was definitely my only big purchase for that season and I was very careful to dial it back after spending that much on a single item. 

Did you swear to never do it again?
Unfortunately, that was only the beginning….

Or was it a proud moment?
I was really proud! And a little nervous. Whenever I spend money on something fancy, I feel a lot of pressure to take good care of it and to get a lot of use out of it to justify the cost. I think it is wonderful to be able to treat ourselves. 

Did the bag work out?
It was one of the best purchases I have ever made! It came with me to work every day and really made my life easier. 

What’s become of it? Do you still have it?
Yes! I don’t use it anymore but it is a sentimental piece that still has a place in my heart and in my closet. 

Would you ever consign it?
This bag has had a very full life and … it shows. The beautiful red lining is all faded and ripped and the leather is slightly damaged on the bottom unfortunately. I would love to give it another life but I think it has had its day!

Pamela Hanson

Here, Hanson gets real about the investment pieces that helped mark her growing career and their long-lasting effect on her closet years later. 

What is your current occupation and job title?
Fashion Photographer.

What was your first (gulp) purchase?
Azzedine Alaïa dress and coat.

What was your occupation and job title when you made your first purchase?
Same, but it was the beginning of my career. 

How did it make you feel? Was it like a cape that made you feel invincible?
Sexy, feminine, powerful and confident!

Why this piece?
Alaïa is the master of perfectly fitting clothes. 

Was it an impulse buy – a Y.O.L.O. moment when you spent three times your rent on a single item of clothing?
Neither — I thought about it and bought it with my first big check. 

After the fact, did you have any regrets? Did you swear to never do it again? Or was it a proud moment?
NONE, I did not have any regrets. It was a proud moment — delightful!

What’s become of it? Do you still have it?
Yes, I still have both. Azzedine is timeless.

Would you ever consign it?
Maybe, when it really doesn’t fit me anymore.