UmmLila just posted a great article by author Joyce Maynard about her three indispensable travel pieces. In it, she said, "All three of these items share one quality: I’ve owned them for a long time. They are like old friends."

Like Maynard, I have a few "old friend" pieces, althought they don't always travel with me. My cowboy boots would also be on my list. Mine are Ariats, purchased in 2011, the second oldest things in my wardrobe. Whenever I wear them, women always stop me on the street to compliment my outfits. Interestingly, they rarely compliment the boots, themselves, but my Ariats have a magical capability to make any outfit they're paired with infinitely more interesting.

My second old friend is my Johnny Was duster. You all know it already. I insisted on bringing it with me to Europe even though it wasn't 100% practical because wearing it makes me feel like myself. I bought it in 2018 and, it was the most expensive wardrobe item I'd ever bought aside from my wedding dress. It was worth it.

I don't think I have a third item quite yet, but I'm always hoping for that perfect combination of special and timeless. How about you? Do you have any "old friends" in your closet?