In the past decade or so that I have spent with my step-mom, there are a few things that I have learned from her. The most important lessons I learned were how to clean, how to laugh and most importantly how to shop. I was taught that not all products were created equal so, without further ado here are my top nine things every girl should invest in before they turn twenty.

1. A winter jacket

If it wasn't obvious, this item is essentially on the list for the girls living up north. A warm coat isn't something that should be overlooked by New England girls. You get what you pay for, and your warmth is a no laughing matter, spend the extra few dollars and appreciate the warmth your Columbia jacket brings you. Trust me on this one, a fifteen dollar jacket is going to feel like a fifteen dollar jacket when you're trudging through a blizzard to move your car across campus for the plows.

2. Cosmetics

This is something I learned the hard way: cheap makeup is cheap for a reason, the chemicals will ruin your skin. Many girls think of brand name cosmetics as a treat, however, I prefer to think of them as a necessity. The key to buying makeup without breaking the bank is to purchase slowly, one by one until your collection is complete. When in doubt remember, you aren't what you eat but, you are what you wear.

3. Sturdy shoes

If a girl isn't in her bed, she is in her shoes, so it would make sense that she invest in the footwear that she will go to spend seventy-five percent of her life in. Whether it be a sturdy rain boot, thick winter boots or a nice pair of heels with cushion support, a girl needs to invest. It may be tempting to buy the cheap pair of heels at Charlotte Russe but, your feet will thank you when you get out of work blister free after the little splurge.

4. Car

Don't go and break the bank but, any girl should know a thousand dollar car won't do her any good. A car is an investment, one that literally holds your safety when in use. Invest in good tires, get frequent oil changes and change the air freshener every so often and your car will give back to you what it has received.

5. Interview outfit

Something important the internet taught me: dress for the job you want, not the job you have. When interviewing it is important your outfit makes you look confident and professional. Purchasing a few blazers, button ups and heels will make you feel like the power woman you plan to be. Investing into your interview wardrobe is essentially investing in your career.

6. Beautiful hair

Money isn't the most important thing to invest into a woman's hair, time is. I feel ten times more confident when my hair is done, even if I did it myself. Take the time to shampoo, condition and blow dry your hair for a better start to your day, your confidence will thank you.

7. Bedding

Remember when I said, "If a girl isn't in her bed, she is in her shoes?" Guess where the girl is when she takes off her shoes. Putting money into nice sheets, blankets and pillows will reward you with a good nights sleep. When leaving for college, invest in one of the three. After college invest in all three, plus a comfy mattress.

8. A watch

A watch isn't so much like the other must haves, a cheap watch will do just as well as a Rolex in telling you time, just ensure you have one. Owning a watch is professional, shows personality, and it will also help you when your phone dies and you're late for a meeting.

9. Education

Regardless of the institution, education is the biggest investment a girl can make. Hundreds of years ago we weren't allowed to go to school, now we can go to school to learn and educate ourselves to become better leaders and workers. A trade school, community college or a law degree alike, investing in your education is investing in your future during the present.