18 Designer Items Our Editors Think Are Worth the Splurge
As editors, we're always eager to give a good shopping recommendation, and this time is no different. In this episode of the things Who What Wear editors are loving, the topic is designer investments. With fashion's spring collections finally hitting stores, it can feel a bit overwhelming with so many new styles competing for the spotlight. It's easy to get caught up in the allure of an It-piece making the rounds on social media, but at the end of the day is it really worth the splurge?
Today, we're highlighting the seasonal luxury items our editors would actually shell out big bucks for. The decision to buy something pricey isn't one we take lightly either–there's always a level of practicality that goes into whether we think a designer piece is truly worth it or not. And considering that we're all privy to the latest designer drops and are practically professional shoppers, you can't find a better endorsement. Ahead, you'll find the 18 investment items that truly matter this season.
Anna LaPlaca, associate editor
Shop Anna's Picks:
"To me, these are the perfect mules, no question about it. The low heel and square toe feel very now but it's the charming buckles that really do it for me."–Anna
"The amount of times I've almost hit "checkout" with this top in my cart is alarming. My closet could always use a pretty white top and this shows just the right amount of midriff. I can already see it becoming my go-to with denim shorts in the summer (or with relaxed trousers this spring)."
Allyson Payer, senior editor
Shop Allyson's Picks:
"This seems to be the next iteration of Loewe's top-handle basket tote, and it's even chicer. It's the perfect summer bag if you ask me."–Allyson
"The Row shoes are consistently worth the splurge, and these always sold-out flip-flops are currently all over my Instagram feed. I'm convinced."
Bobby Schuessler, senior market editor
Shop Bobby's Picks:
"This updated take on the Petit Sac Plat bag is so cute and playful for spring. I love that it can work as a top-handle bag or crossbody."
"There are so many things right about these sunglasses—from the pop of yellow to the forward shape."
Kristen Nichols, senior editor
Shop Kristen's Picks:
"Ever since I spotted Prada's slingbacks on the runway, they've been sitting at the top of my wish list. Now, I just need to figure out which color to add to my cart."–Kristen
"Yep, another shoe I can't stop thinking about. With a sculptural heel, quilted toe, and cool nylon finish, I can envision so many outfits with these sandals from The Attico."
Kat Collings, editor in chief
Shop Kat's Picks:
"I love the size of this bag, I love the tiny buckle, and I love that insanely wearable color."–Kat
"The practicality of a clog makes me so happy. These are the sleekest ones I've seen."
Erin Fitzpatrick, senior news editor
Shop Erin's Picks:
"I personally love investing in great quality leather bags that will last a lifetime. I'm obsessed with the brown and tan color combo of this beautiful new Strathberry bag."–Erin
"I always feel good about a smart jewelry investment because I can wear it and admire it every single day—it will definitely not be collecting dust. Plus, jewelry is a lot easier to keep in good condition compared to something like shoes. Right now, I'm eager to invest in this timelessly chic Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet."
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, audience engagement editor
Shop Jasmine's Picks:
"I'll admit I always have a running list of bags I'm eyeing, but this beaded Staud Bag has been living in my mind rent-free. I love that it looks like a wearable piece of art."–Jasmine
"The first time I spotted these heeled mules from the Korean shoe brand Yuul Yie I literally gasped. The ombré heel? The pearl details? The square toe? It doesn't get more dreamy or downright unique than these shoes."
Judith Jones, senior market editor
Shop Judith's Picks:
"Ok, so I may be slightly "influenced" by practically every cool girl on Instagram carrying this bag, but there's no doubt the Prada Cleo is timeless, chic, and will never go out of style. An investment worth the splurge!"–Judith
"I'm not going to lie, I love Fisherman sandals and this chic black pair from The Row is winning me over right now. I could see myself wearing them for years to come."
Indya Brown, market editor
Shop Indya's Picks:
"A beautiful sundress goes such a long way during the hot months. You can wear it for backyard get-togethers, dressed-down weddings, and everything in between. Ulla Johnson's dresses are so immaculate with pretty intricate details."–Indya
"This fun top is so versatile, and the best part is you don't have to worry about steaming or ironing."
Next up, I'm a Fashion Editor and These Are the 8 Spring Outfits I Dream About Daily.
This post was originally published on an earlier date and has since been updated.
Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. While going to school at Columbia University in New York City, she got her feet wet in the fashion industry interning at Elle magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and New York magazine's The Cut. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. There, she worked on a multitude of projects, including styling inbook feature stories for New York magazine's print issue, writing and pitching market stories for The Cut, and serving as fashion lead for The Cut's branded content. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter. Now she is a fashion market editor for Who What Wear, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her duties as a fashion market editor, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times. But once the computer goes down and the emails turn off, she's likely eating her way through Koreatown, hunting down vintage furniture, scoping out new outrageous nail designs to try, or taking a hot cycling class.
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