The Best Thing I Ever Bought

I love the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  It's exactly what it sounds like; Food Network chefs talk about the best thing they ever ate.  If I were on the show, I'd definitely talk about the Elotes Callejeros at La Esquina, but I digress.  So, I thought it would be fun to ask some very stylish Professionelles to talk about the best thing they ever bought (limited to office appropriate items).  Here's what they had to say:

Erika loves her large, black Longchamp bag.  It can fit file folders, shoes, and her entire life, but is still technically a purse (so she can take it into museums, restaurants, etc. and not feel like she's dragging a tote bag or briefcase).

Monster iClarity bluetooth speakers were Sonia's pick.  They connect via bluetooth to your iPhone (no extra cables to deal with) and also via a chord to your laptop. Another bonuses is that they take up hardly any desk space and are chargeable via USB.  Sonia has no problem sitting for 12+ hours a day, but her ears can't deal with headphones clamped over them for that long, so once her officemate leaves for the day she listens to music over these babies.  They are clutch for late-night and weekend doc review sessions. They're also versatile: easy to travel with and sound good at low or loud volumes - great for blasting Ke$ha in your hotel room with your friends (if you get a free weekend).

Shuli claims her pick is very pedestrian, but those are often the items you wear all of the time.  Shuli's pick was a black pencil skirt from Uniqlo that she wears at least twice a week.  It fits comfortably but professionally and somehow looks good with every top.  It's also one of the few skirts Shuli has found that's the perfect length for work - right above the knee, so it's flattering but still appropriate.

Phyllis's picks were very unique.  First, this gorgeous potted orchid.  I also have a large potted orchid along with two other plants in my office, and they bring me more joy than anything else at work.  Second, Phyllis suggested this beautiful desk lamp.  Sure, the firm gives out free desk lamps for those who want extra light or share an office with vampire-esque associates who work with the lights off (yes, this really happens), but why not spruce up your space with something pretty?

Marissa loves her diamond solitaire stud earrings set in white gold.  Her mom got her a pair for college graduation.  This style of earring is truly appropriate for every occasion - subtle enough for work but sparkly enough for going out after!

This was tough for Sarah, which doesn't surprise me at all since she has about the chic-est wardrobe I've ever encountered  Sarah was tempted to say her new nude prada pumps that she bought a few weeks ago - work appropriate, but sexy and very comfortable.  She also love her Brooks Brothers non-iron shirts for work that fit perfectly (she suggests to get the fitted ones and go down a size), look crisp and can be thrown in the laundry.  She can see why all of her guy friends love them.

My personal pick is a silk knit black cardigan that I got at Cour Carre at Harbour City in Hong Kong.  Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it and it's not available online, but it's warm yet thin so I can toss it into my purse and pull it out whenever I get cold.

Hopefully, these items provide some inspiration and guidance.  What's the best thing you've ever bought?