I love a good bargain, who doesn’t? But I also know when and where to throw down to get the most bang for my buck.

Let’s talk investment pieces – and how to incorporate these style elevating wonders – into your everyday basics. If times are tough, try to avoid cutting corners when it comes to these 3 essentials:

1. Leather handbag
2. Well-made shoes
3. Bracelet watch
   

   From top left: Furla, Gucci and Chanel Handbag; Pour la Victoire, Stuart Weitzman and Marni shoes; Nixon, Michael Kors and Burberry watch

4. Buy the best you can afford of the above, and do your research. Find a brand or designer that represents your personal style or preference. Here are a few things to look for: quality craftsmanship, leather-goods made in Italy, Swiss timepieces and overall attention to detail.

Every time I buy a cheap shoe (and I don’t just mean price), it’s uncomfortable and I am nursing a blister for weeks. Whenever I cave in and compulsively buy a trendy non-designer handbag, it’s a hand-me-down after a few wears. And don’t even get me started on a poorly made watch – battery replacement cost should never exceed retail within a year. Just saying.

So, please feel free to hit your favorite inexpensive shops (a la H&M, Forever 21, Target, etc.) but forgo the essentials discussed above and make the splurge for a chic (designer if it’s in the budget) handbag, killer heels and timeless watch. You could be wearing a paper bag and look like a million bucks with these elevated extras.

Now what? Go shopping, of course!

Stay tuned and stay stylish.