It's no secret that buying the best will often cost you. But as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. And while we're not advocating spending your hard-earned dough unwisely, there's a case to be made for shelling out for quality. And no one gets that more than designer Michael Bastian, who's built a label on the premise of perfecting a man's wardrobe with the best possible pieces.
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I'm a big believer in 'buy less but buy better.' Meaning, really invest in those few things you really love—the pieces you wear all the time. Everyone knows about putting the money into watches and shoes, and it's good advice, but I think you should also invest in a great grown-up top coat as well. You can be in sweatpants and a T-shirt but throw on an incredible cashmere top coat and some cool sunglasses and suddenly you're Jude Law. Strangely enough, I also really believe in sinking the money in the best fitting, best looking bathing suit you can buy. If you're only wearing one item of clothing, well it'd better be perfect. The areas where I get cheap are underwear (Uniqlo and Tezenis make great ones) and umbrellas, since they get lost or destroyed so easily. I either get $10 ones at the shoe repair or just pinch them from hotels."