Sep 17, 2019

I Tried on 23 Luxurious Designer Pieces IRL—I'd Put Down Money for These 7

by Anna LaPlaca

With fall fashion in full force at all my favorite shopping destinations, it seems that my shopping list is looming larger than ever. There is an endless amount of items I want to own right now, but if we're being honest here, I'm really only down to spend my money on a select few investment pieces that I can be sure will long outlive the current season. To know for sure whether an item is worth my hard-earned cash, I prefer to see it in person, feel it with my own two hands, and try it on to make sure it fits with my style.

To do so, I made a recent trip to The RealReal's Los Angeles outpost, where I tried on the most luxurious designer bags, shoes, coats, and accessories that the store had to offer. The goal? To find a few timeless investment pieces that would fulfill my shopping itch and also hold their value. Of the plethora of pieces I tested out IRL, I reasoned with myself that there were only seven I'd invest my money in today. Curious to know which were the best designer investment pieces that made my edit? From a classic Chanel crossbody to the Manolo Blahnik heels Carrie Bradshaw would be all over, scroll down to discover and shop each item along with similar styles.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

With its classic chain strap and gold hardware, this Chanel bag immediately struck me as a must-have. It's exactly the type of bag I'd want to elevate any outfit, day or night.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Timeless details like the quilted pattern and minimal logo ensure that this is a forever piece.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Leather separates are trending hard for fall, so I had to try on this luxurious trench coat from Burberry. From the buttery-soft leather to the chic belted silhouette, I fell madly in love with this topper.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

These slides check off a lot of boxes in terms of current shoe trends. They have kitten heels, come in a neutral beige tone, and are finished with a very of-the-moment animal embossing.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

In my humble opinion, Carrie Bradshaw would be all over these Manolos.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Sunglasses trends may come and go, but tortoiseshell will always look chic and elevated. I'd invest in these oval-shaped shades ASAP if I were you.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

It's all about the Gucci logo here.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Of all the designer handbags I tried on at The RealReal store, Saint Laurent's Envelope Bag is one I'd invest in. With a structured shape and glossy embossed finish, this bag looks ultra luxe.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

The shape is large enough to fit all the essentials, making it the perfect everyday bag.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Chain belts are such a fun way to elevate even the simplest of outfits, and this vintage Chanel one nails the look.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

One more shot because this belt is just too good.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Pearl jewelry is a trend that feels as timeless as it does current. These may be a splurge-worthy option, but the colorful gemstones make them feel so special.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Like most vintage earrings, these ones are clip-ons.

Explore More:
Vintage Shopping
Vintage

I Tried on 23 Luxurious Designer Pieces IRL—I'd Put Down Money for These 7

1. Chanel Zip-Around Wallet

2. Burberry Leather Trench Coat

3. Manolo Blahnik Embossed Slides

4. Gucci Tortoiseshell Sunglasses

5. Saint Laurent Embossed Envelope Bag

6. Chanel Chain Belt

7. Vintage Pearl and Tourmaline Earrings