Several years ago, an entrepreneur & investor seeking to develop a specialty men’s undergarment brand paid for an hour of my time so he could understand his future potential in the space of fashion, a category he was unfamiliar with…

Once I understood the concept, I immediately recommended him to focus his attention on tech fabrics, because what would matter most for his brand is quality and function, and they go hand in hand.

Tech fabric’s specialized material and advanced construction for performance, comfort and durability is essential in specific conditions (and perfect for his use case).

He was indeed developing important features that required details which regular fabrics would never be able to fulfill. Meanwhile he thought he only needed a designer of undergarments….

It was in that 60-minute discussion, that I learned just how “new” the subject of tech fabrics really was to the average individual.

It has never been more important to invest in quality goods. And today, the importance falls on adopting better purchase habits which simply starts with the right terminology.

→ When you buy (or shop), you’re simply acquiring an item.
→ When you invest, you’re choosing something built to last, physically, functionally, and sometimes even emotionally.

Investing (instead of buying) means looking beyond the price tag to the lifespan and long-term value an item brings into your life.

It’s choosing fewer but better…
Selecting items that maintain their intended performance far beyond the moment you take them home.

But also remembering that maintenance is part of the package. Therefore, use your seamstress and cobbler when needed.

→ Heavier knits, denser weaves, smoother finishes - indicate stronger fibers and better construction. You can feel it.
→ Zippers, buttons, clasps and trims - feel sturdy, not flimsy
→ Clean, even stitching, consistent hems, reinforced seams, no loose threads - all showing the strength of the item that was not rushed but built to last.
→ Even elastic goods return to their original shape instead of stretching out.

Luxury brands have a strong brand philosophy that spills into sourcing and manufacturing. The material integrity, ethics and transparency acts as one unit.

When seeking to invest in good quality, those are some tell-tale signs of a forever product.

Lastly, don’t forget to read the care instructions and if the garment says, “keep away from fire,” maybe skip wearing it to your next candlelit dinner (or maybe entirely).

(Read The Future of Wellness & Healing Fabric Deep Dive from Five-Course Tasting 👇 )

…are all part of the same, consistent habit. It becomes a mindset, attaches itself to your DNA and gives back in longevity. As this time of year gets colder for most of us, other destinations like Aruba stay consistently warm and hurricane free. Imagine waking up to touches of a warm hugging breeze, soft crashing waves, the salty air enveloping your nostrils and sending you back to a peaceful slumber (or daydream, whichever you prefer), from your very own overwater bungalow! 😉 And, you didn’t have to fly far to the Maldives or Tahiti to enjoy this secluded, personalized feeling. Only 4.5 hours from New York and up to 6-from most areas in the US.

What I adore about this hidden haven:
⚫ Exclusive boutique vibes with limited options: 8 overwater bungalows, 5 beach bungalows and 2 owner’s estates for groups of 6 or more
⚫ Every bungalow/estate has it own design aesthetic, layout and vision ensuring you have a truly one-of-a-kind experience
⚫ Features a famous restaurant, “The Old Man & The Sea,” to enjoy barefoot dining & lost at sea vibes. If you read Hemingway’s classic, you’ll know what I mean 😉
⚫ By far, one of the best bespoke outdoor massage therapies I’ve seen

It’s the perfect place to pay tribute to your hard work & come back re-energized for more.

Who said glow-ups are just for people? My linguine disagrees.