Landon was looking into getting a handheld vacuum for small messes in the kitchen, car, etc, but all of the reviews of less expensive vacuums landed in the same review territory: “this works maybe a year and then you have to replace it / its battery dies / it stops working,” and we weren’t interested in buying a second pricey vacuum. We ultimately decided to just keep using our big vac, the one we’ve had for over a decade, and deal with the mild inconvenience of having to get it out, plug it in, etc. (Is it really that a big deal?) This made me wonder — what are the things you have bought for life? The items that have lasted and that you have no intention of replacing? There is an entire corner of the Internet dedicated to this sentiment, and they refer to it as “BIFL” (buy it for life). What are these things for you?
A few of the products we’ve purchased that have stood the test of time and that we have no intention of replacing:
Miele C1 Canister Vacuum — super powerful but not insanely noisy; love the extra-long cord (I know people hate cords but with this one, we really only need to unplug/replug 2 or 3 times for the entire first floor); love that it retracts with the touch of the button; settings are smart
Vitamix 5200 — I MEAN this is a workhorse. We use it at least once a day, as we make smoothies every single morning, and Landon uses it heavily for cooking (pureeing, blending, etc). This works just as well as the first day we got it. We still comment on the mild thrill of switching to the high power mode. It’s like — is the entire room going to take flight?! Extremely powerful. Puts every other blender I’ve ever used or seen to shame.
Mauviel Copper Cookware — Just the gold (um, copper?) standard. We find this the most consistent to cook with and it never warps. We’ve actually had some of our heavily-used stainless steel cookware (by All-Clad!) warp. Not all of it, but the fry pans. We still love most of the All Clad pieces we invested in early in our marriage, especially the 4 qt pot, but if I could go back, I would invest in copper cookware slowly over time.
LL Bean Boat and Tote Bags — Still have ones from my teens and 20s. Infinitely useful, forever in style, wonderfully made. This is my go-to gift for graduates heading off to high school or college or beyond.
Tumi Continental Alpha Suitcase — OK, this is not the most aesthetic thing I own, and I often find myself opting for my prettier styles, but I invested in this suitcase in my 20s when I was traveling a lot for work (almost weekly for a stretch there) and damn if she doesn’t still work like a charm. Extremely well made and thoughtfully designed. We’re hanging onto this and will give to our kids! My parents gave me old suitcases when I went off to college and it’s one of those random “thank God they have this and I don’t need to buy it” essentials.
Shun Knives — I don’t anticipate we’ll ever replace these. Sturdy, beautifully balanced. I really like the weight of the grip in my hand. We need to sharpen them routinely but that’s the case with every knife.
Hermes H Heure watch — A luxury for sure but I never intend to buy a new watch! You can replace the straps if they get too…patina-ed. I will then give this to my daughter. Same with my Chanel bag. Icons I’ll have worn at 20, 40, 60, 80, etc! The watch is something to keep an eye out for on The Real Real. You can often find them at a great discount and they are still in excellent condition, especially considering that you can upgrade the strap when you need to / if you’d like.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet — The only $30 thing I can think of that can be passed down for generations, and only improves with time and use?
Kate Spade wedding china — I keep waiting for the year where I think, “I’m not sure I like that anymore,” but I continue to love the pattern. It’s playful, somehow still kind of contemporary looking, not too stuffy, but the color scheme is elegant and simple. I remember thinking of going with something more traditional and upscale but I love this set! We use it quite a bit!
Guy Degrenne Absolu flatware — Another registry item that we continue to love. It still feels fresh and modern to me on the table, and the weight/quality has meant we don’t have any bent tines or warped handles. I have no plans to upgrade, ever.
HAWS Watering Can — The sturdy standard. Buy once, never have to buy again.
Boos block cutting boards — You must oil them regularly (this is a Landon job), but these are just as good now as they were when we bought them 15 years ago.
Caran D’Ache pen — Landon bought me one of these years ago and it’s my favorite fancy pen. I bring it to important meetings, use it to sign contracts, etc! (You can buy replacement ink.)
Davek Mini Umbrella — We’ve had ours for literally…15 years? Maybe more. Maybe 20. It’s the tiniest, mightiest umbrella. We had an issue with it once, where one of the levers broke or something, and we shipped it back and they repaired it for us! Big fans of this random utility item. It never blows inside out and is tiny! Fits in a pocket!
Barbour Waxed Coat — My FIL bought me one 15 years ago and it’s still in great condition. These are coats meant to be worn in the elements, and they LAST, and they are so warm and practical for facing cold/drizzly/rainy weather. I recently wore on a cold, wet birding excursion, and was warm and happy. I’d suggest going with a classic, borrowed-from-the-boys style — slightly oversized, unisex vibe — because I think it will have the longest legs, style-wise. Something like this.
Rosle Metal Implements — These are super expensive relative to most other brands, but once you invest, you’ll never look back. These are heavy duty cooking implements that are designed with care and lifelong intent, and, frankly, kind of chic? We have a pair of tongs, a slotted spoon, and a basting spoon and these will last forever. Super heavy duty, never bend, never warp.
Ralph Lauren Oxfords — I still have ones from HIGH SCHOOL. They still slap 🙂
TKEES Flip Flops — I have a pair I’ve had for 12 years. The style is really minimal-chic so doesn’t ever feel in or out of trend? I don’t wear them super heavily, but I mean…they’ve lasted season after season and they still look great, modern, etc!
Mason Pearson Brush — OK, I know we’re all having a love affair with the Yves Durif, and I personally prefer my YD to my MP at this point just based on my own use case (more on that below), but this MP brush is definitely a BIFL item. It’s incredibly high quality. It redistributes oil and detangles wonderfully — I still reach for it when I need a big, thorough brush out after, say, going skiing or being in a windy area. But it also DOES brush out any curl / style / gives a little “flouf”/volume, which is not what I’m after right now on a daily basis (I’m going long, straight). These are difficult to find right now but I found them on eBay.
Chanel Flats — Big spend but these are forever in style, and you can have them resoled to last.
I have others, but these are our top BIFL items that we’ve owned for a decade plus.
Items we’ve purchased recently with a BIFL mentality (but that we’ve had for only a few years, so caveating that these continue to work well now but haven’t passed the decade test yet):
HESTRA HELI GLOVES (BUT AFTER TWO SEASONS OF USE, I WISH I’D GONE WITH THE MITTEN FOR WARMTH, FWIW)
CELINE 48MM SUNGLASSES (CLASSIC SHAPE; THEY JUST FIT MY FACE PERFECTLY! — THEY’RE REALLY THE ONLY ONES I WEAR…DON’T EVEN CONSIDER WEARING MY CHEAPER ONES!)
NO. 6 CLOG BOOTS — STILL PULL THESE OUT EVERY SEASON; I GOT THEM AROUND 8 YEARS AGO SO WE’RE CLOSING IN ON THE DECADE TEST. EXTREMELY WARM, EXTREMELY WELL MADE
AGOLDE RILEYS — I HAVE A PAIR THAT HAVE SUSTAINED MULTIPLE-TIMES-A-WEEK WEAR (IN SEASON) FOR ABOUT FOUR YEARS NOW…THE CLASSIC STYLE, THE LIVED-IN FEEL OF THEM!
POLARN O PYRET KIDS BASE LAYERS — SADLY, GOING OUT OF BUSINESS IN US BUT THESE ARE LIKE THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS LEVEL UTILITY…WE HAVE SETS THAT HAVE GONE THROUGH SIX SETS OF COUSINS
BOGNER SKI PANTS — I EVEN WENT WITH BLACK SO I COULD GET MAX USE OUT OF THEM FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, NO MATTER THE JACKET/BASE LAYER/SKI/ETC!
ANN MASHBURN SHIRTDRESSES — HIGHLY ANTICIPATE I’LL WEAR THESE NOW AND IN 10, 20, 30 YEARS
OK, your turn! What are your top BIFL recs? And, adjacent question, what items are you currently researching with the hopes of BIFL?
Post-Scripts.
+I’d also contemplate nominating several of the items in this “my most worn clothing” collection to this conversation. These are pieces that I find I reach for constantly — great fit, great quality, just what I want to wear.
+One of my girlfriends has lobbied that Ann Mashburn cashmere is the only cashmere she’s hung onto for years and years and will wear every single season. This has made me reflect on investing in this brand’s knitwear. (Some of it currently on sale!)
+What are the happy corners in your neighborhood?
+Book releases we’re looking forward to in 2026.
+Updated my Shopbop hearts here.
+Things I’ve ordered recently.
+Things you’ve ordered recently (top sellers the past two days).
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.
My bought for life is my kitchenaid stand mixer! I have had it since I was 16 and am a 30-something on the older end of this. Best kitchen appliance I have and has stood the test of time. The one my Godmother had which my Mom has now is about 40ish years old too. And the nutcracker my Mom and Geandma have lasted forever. Yay for things built to last! Which stand the test of time and are so worth the investment!
Love! Agree – Kitchenaids are built to last! Forgot that one in in this roundup! xx
I know I’m late to the party, but I’d love to add my Herno jacket. These jackets stand out a mile away because of their beauty. The colors and fabric all look very expensive. In love with it! I always stop and compliment a woman wearing one!
Secondly is my Hermes H belt. Love it and belts are again very in fashion now!
Oh and a nice pearl necklace that sets you up with a sophisticated addition!
Thank you for asking!
Ooh I’ve long eye-balled the Herno jackets. So chic and never out of style! Thanks for sharing these!!
xx
How has a KitchenAid mixer not been mentioned yet? I got mine for my 21st birthday (7 quart lift stand) and it’s something I know I’ll be using to bake with my grandchildren someday.
LLBean (anything really) duck boots. Utilitarian, but chic, and gets better with age. My family summers in LLBean’s hometown, so I’m biased, but NYT wrote an article about them last fall: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/ll-bean-boots-review/
Also an export of Maine, Brahms Mount throws and blankets. Their signature is a cotton herringbone tasseled throw in a kaleidoscope of colors. I have one in every room of the house and they wear and wash beautifully. They are an investment – especially the blankets – but so worth the money.
Yeti coolers. Expensive compared to the standard Igloo, but far superior and built to last. Living in TX had us get serious about hydration and these keep our drinks cold and ice from melting like nothing else can.
Agree with the Barbour jacket and would add Hunter or Le Chameau rain boots into that conversation. I’ve had my pairs for 20+ years and would only need to replace them if I tired of the colors. Le Chameau makes a packable style that is lighter and foldable that I’ve found indispensable for trips to Ireland.
I agree — I can’t believe I forgot my KitchenAid! Mine has sustained weekly-ish use (?) for decades now. I asked for one for my nineteenth or twentieth birthday and my parents got me a pastel pink one that I still adore.
xx
Love this list! Agree on the Vitamix, we’ve had ours for probably more than 15 years now and it’s showing no signs of stopping. The horsepower is amazing!
Also agree on what others have said about Le Creuset dutch ovens! I will say I haven’t the best of luck (or skill, more likely), in maintaining cast iron (Lodge etc). I think I follow all the rules — handwashing, using the recommended chain mail scrubber, oiling it afterwards, not cooking acidic food until the seasoning is built up, etc, but somehow the seasoning that I thought is building up over time sometimes flakes off. Could be user error, but it always leaves me frustrated! I have a Staub enameled skillet that I use instead.
Re: Davek mini umbrella — oh my goodness, I think this is one of my favorite utilitarian things you’ve recommended. I bought it in a happy yellow color and I love it. I do a lot of walking on a university campus and I love that it weighs next to nothing in my backpack.
I would also add the Patagonia nano puff jacket to this list. While not trendy or stylish necessarily, it’s just one of those pieces that never let me down. I also have a nano puff vest that had some stitches unravel, and I brought it back to the store and they repaired it at no cost.
Oh I’m so glad I turned at least one other Magpie onto the Davek umbrella! Truly a favorite possession of mine. So useful, so well-designed, such high quality!
Patagonia is a good add. I have a few items of theirs from college that have stood up to the tests of time and heavy use!
xx
My YSL envelope bag- will last forever! my Le Creuset large Dutch oven, bought it 24 years ago and use it nearly daily. Agree on the Barbour waxed jacket. A dissent here. I have tried and tried all Agolde jeans, Riley, etc, they do not work for me! I wish they did!!
Love these — and thanks for the pushback on jeans (always welcome dissent, I think this is helpful for fellow readers). Can you share more about why they didn’t work/fit for you? I feel similar about Khaite denim — people LOVE and I’ve tried several styles and they DO NOT WORK on my petite, curvy body.
xx
Maybe I am just TO SHORT.. 4/11 on a good day. I can’tsay exactly.. they are unflattering on me and so stuff. I wanted to love them but sadly, no.I think I tend to run a bit bigger around the waist so I think the sizing is off for me..
Jen, I would agree that you are petite based on the height you have mentioned here in the past, but I wouldn’t categorize you as curvy! I know I shouldn’t comment about other people’s bodies, but… to me “curvy” means body types like Salma Hayek, Christina Hendricks?
Labels aside, you look fit and healthy, and that’s what matters!
Thank you! 🙂
Claire, I’m with you on Agolde jeans! I’ve tried a few different pairs and returned. Same with Citizens. Unfortunately, I’ve found that the more vintage-style (100% cotton) denim does not work for me. My body changed significantly in my mid-40s (ugh that perimenopausal weight redistribution) and I really need some stretch, as it’s intolerable to sit in otherwise. It seems the 100% cotton denim is meant to break in as you wear it, and while those pairs are in the BIFL category, I have zero patience for breaking in time and negative patience for uncomfortable clothes nowadays. Pistola has been working for me lately, and I am curious about Rag and Bone with all the reviews on its comfort, but I have yet to try the latter.
What would you recommend as BIFL classic black purse/clutch – small for evenings out/special occasions?
This is an interesting concept to consider in this day and age, given how much private equity-driven enshittification has really depleted the quality of most manufactured goods. And how so many things are now intentionally designed so that they cannot be repaired. I have a hard time believing that anything made of plastic is truly BIFL, but I agree that anything made out of cast iron falls into the category. I have my grandmother’s Le Creuset Dutch oven, which is at least 70 years old at this point and still going strong. Ditto anything made of 100% wool, provided that it’s stored and washed appropriately. I brought an Aran sweater last winter that I hope to have for many years to come.
Yes – any time I hear that a brand I love has been bought out by PE, it’s devastating. I just heard that Good Cottage Cheese was bought out (like, the brand name is GOOD) and I’m so sad for what’s to come! The wool note is interesting – it made me wonder how many of my sweaters are all wool.
xx
Wait you mean Good Culture cottage cheese??? Nooooo! I was wondering at first what happened when I couldn’t find it in a couple of stores one week.
I hope the quality stays the same. It’s a weekly purchase for me!
Yes, Good Culture!!!
I love my all clad pans, but I don’t fry in them! I have a fancy cast iron skillet for any frying. I have some copper stuff and while it’s lovely it’s not for me.
Duralex glasses, which aren’t expensive and last.
Villeroy and boch dishes…3 years in, the gold rims are just as bright.
Brabantia dish brush, somehow still perfect after 3 years and being thrown in the dishwasher most nights.
My Marie Marot button down is noticeably better quality than any of my others.
Chanel heels too!! I wear my wedding heels each summer, white leather mules with silver snakes vining up them.
Dior sunglasses. I also got a gorgeous bottega veneta pair that feel weighty.
My Dorsey baguette cut petite Bessette tennis necklace, which I wear every day.
My Dior saddle bag purse is still in great shape and regularly remarked on after 5 years of frequent wear. I wear it crossbody and use it as a little seat to help me carry my heavy two year old.
Yves Delorme Sheets might be more of a regrettably worth it, they won’t last a lifetime, but after 6 years they’re still holding up!
My maison de la soie Tussah silk fill duvet.
My style has changed somewhat since my 20s but man, my Ted Baker dresses are well made and have held up. Ditto my old silk button downs from Grana, most bought in 2014/2015. Their quality to price ratio isn’t good anymore but it was amazing when they first started. Neiman Marcus Cashmere.
For my husband, Berwich trousers. And Wings + Horns henleys (RIP) have the best buttons and thick fabric, some of his are 10 years old. Armani unlined mesh blazers (more than 10 years old and often machine washed on delicate).
My Waro faux fur blankets hold up beautifully. I do have to brush them every time I machine wash them, but it’s a good job for the kids. They’re so weighty and having them on the bed and couch in winter feels unbelievably luxe.
my Jura coffeemaker. Such a workhorse. Mine is 4 years old, but my MIL has had the same model for more than a decade.
For my kids, Le Toy Van toys really hold up. They’re noticeably sturdy. And their Stapelstein stepping stones and Wheelie Bug ride on. MakeDo cardboard tools have been used and reused. Artipoppe baby carriers. Our bloom baby crib and spring mattress.
These are great! I immediately looked up Barabantia. It was a familiar name but I don’t think we own anything by them – thanks for that!
xx
I’ve been considering a waxed Barbour jacket for ages, but I’ve heard some mixed things. Do you have to rewax yours often? I’ve also heard that it’s not very breathable or super warm, so there is a fairly limited range of temps that it’s comfortable in – have you found that? But they are so classic and I have heard that they can last forever, so maybe it’s still worth the investment even if the season to wear them is short.
Hi Mia! I would say to think of the Barbour more as like a ski shell than a full-stop jacket. It’s meant (IMO) for layering. It’s nice and roomy so you can layer a big, thick sweater beneath for warmth, or you can remove the sweater and wear over a thinner layer depending on weather. It insulates and lets NO moisture in. I’m thinking it was really well and truly meant for like the misty, chilly moors, where it’s not freezing but it’ll chill you to the bone if you’re not prepared, so the coat keeps the rain/mist out but doesn’t provide a ton of padding.
Does this help? Lol. I’m sort of writing myself into a poetic headspace vs answering.
Anyway, this is the coat I reach for in temps of 40-60 degrees. Chilly but not freezing, can work with a heavy or light sweater beneath, jeans, boots.
xx
Hi Mia, I am a bit late to the game with this, so not sure if you will see this! I would definitely recommend a Barbour jacket. Mine is over 30 years old and still going strong. I have re-waxed it a handful of times and a few years ago, sent it in to Barbour to have some repairs made and to get it re-waxed professionally. I tend to think of it as a spring or fall jacket, although I also purchased a furry snap-in insert for cooler weather.
I didn’t know you could send it the Barbour in for repairs! Love this — thanks!
xx
My BIFLs include my Le Crueset Dutch oven. I meal prep on Sundays and use to make soup for lunches for the week. It distributes heat so evenly.
I would consider my 7ft faux fiddle tree from Pottery Barn a BIFL. It adds an outdoor element to an indoor space and is the perfect size to fill a corner. It always garners compliments from guests.
I’d be remiss in not mentioning Chappy Wrap blankets. They are so high quality and unique in design and just love collecting them for myself and also gifting to others.
I’m a big fan of the CB2 peekaboo console tables. Not sure if they still carry them, but I’ve had mine for years. Love the way it floats in the room and the function it provides. I have stools tucked underneath for added seating.
These are great adds! I also agree on the Chappywrap, though our oldest is maybe 3 years at this point (maybe a little older). They have held up wonderfully and are used DAILY, multiple times. The size, the weight, the softness, the cheerful patterns! A truly wonderful product.
The fiddle tree!!! I love this!
xx
I have a friend who lost her mom rather unexpectedly and has her mom’s fiddle fig tree in her office going on 15 years.