Sure, it’s fun to buy cute seasonal stuff to get yourself in the mood for a coming change in the weather. Raffia bags in summer, fur bags in winter – those things have their place. When building a covetable wardrobe of designer handbags, fine watches and jewelry, though, the seasonal stuff isn’t always what makes the world go ’round. If you’re serious about building a collection, or even about acquiring your very first piece to start one, you need to start with the classics. Portero is here to help you do that.
If you choose correctly, you can build yourself a wardrobe of bags and accessories that you can wear not only next season, but next year. Color, material, shape, brand – those are all decisions that can greatly affect a bag or watch’s longevity, and when they cost many thousands of dollars, those are not decisions to be taken lightly. (Unless you just have that money to burn. And if you do, come over here and sit next to me.) The best thing you can do for yourself when choosing a bag is to go for regular, flat leather in a mid-tone bright color, but greys and taupes also work quite well year-round; if it’s a watch you want, try to choose a single-tone metal or neutral leather band without too many bells and whistles on the face. Remember, the look we’re going for is “classic” – the antithesis of trendy. If jewelry’s more your speed, stick to the shapes and stones that you’ve been seeing all your life and the long-enduring designs that the major design houses offer – think round-cut diamonds and Cartier Love Bracelets.
Now, where to get all of those things? Easy: Portero. The most covetable classics are often difficult to come by in stores. We all know that good Hermes bags vanish from shelves in an instant, if they ever make it there in the first place, but it’s also surprisingly difficult to waltz into a Chanel boutique and come away with a Classic Flap Bag in exactly the shade you’ve been dreaming of. Not only does Portero have access to 100% guaranteed authentic bags, watches and jewelry from a vast network of collectors and resellers, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for on the site, Portero can work with you to source a piece of your very own. In addition, pre-owned pieces can often be had below retail, which makes the classic accessories an even better deal. Below, check out our favorite classics from the site, or shop the full selection via Portero.
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Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch
$3,150 via Portero
A stainless steel Rolex needs to be the first watch in your wardrobe – it’s a durable, elegant, wear-anywhere classic.
Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Speedy Bag
$999 via Portero
Why Vuitton discontinued the Epi Speedy is beyond me, but now the only way to get this classic bag in super wear-resistant Epi leather is by finding one pre-owned. In red, it’s a true year-round option.
Hermes Guilloche Kelly Double Cuff Bracelet
$999 via Portero
If you’re used to wearing metals, try a piece of leather jewelry, especially from Hermes – it’s versatile, casual and has been chic since your mom’s era.
Hermes Kelly Bag
$24,500 via Portero
This Kelly is the size of the average Birkin, and with its optional shoulder strap and lush green color, it will look just as home next to a black topcoat is a floral summer dress.
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bag
Prices Vary via Portero
Everyone has to travel at one time or another, and Louis Vuitton’s monogram canvas is exactly the kind of wear-resistant, utterly seasonless material with which to do it. Lucky for you, there are plenty of these traditional bags to choose from.
Salvatore Ferragamo W Top Handle Bag
$1,200 via Portero
Ferragamo specializes in neutral leather classics, and this charcoal leather bag is dark enough for cold weather but just light enough to act as a stand-in for black when it’s warm.
Brilliant Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
$1,650 via Portero
At just under a carat, these are the perfect diamond studs to wear day, night, whenever.
Chanel Classic Flap Bag
$4,798 via Portero
Most people go with black when they’re shopping for a Classic Flap (or any Chanel bag), but Chanel does a lovely, season-defying taupe, too. In addition, the patent finish will make the bag a bit more resistant to wear.
Cartier Panther 18k Gold Watch
$4,950 via Portero
After you get the stainless steel Rolex, you get the gold Cartier. It’s just how you build a watch wardrobe.
Hermes Birkin
$23,500 via Portero
You didn’t think we’d leave out the ultimate classic, did you? Hermes is masterful at choosing just the right shade, which means that almost all its non-neon, non-patent colors are perfect for year-round use. This blue is especially gorgeous.
