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Tag: Investment Pieces

  • The 4 Best Balmain Bags, Period

    The 4 Best Balmain Bags, Period

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    Photo:

    Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Balmain Pre-Fall 24 Collection; Olivier Rousteing at F/W 23 Show; Balmain S/S 24 Collection

    Much like the late Balmain, Rousteing’s challenging journey has led him to create some of the most captivating clothing of our time. Born as an orphan, Rousteing, from a young age, felt compelled to design. He studied at Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode before landing roles working under Roberto Cavalli and then Christophe Decarnin. His later role, under Decarnin, led the protégé to eventually become the creative successor of Balmain at the age of 24, making him the youngest Black designer to be appointed to a luxury fashion house. In hindsight, his appointment marked the shift for Balmain and the broader fashion industry. Remember that long before there was any collective reckoning about the lack of diversity within the fashion industry, there was Rousteing.

    For so long, positions of power in the high echelons of society and high fashion have been associated with whiteness. Therefore, the mere fact that Rousteing has existed within that space for well over a decade is revolutionary in and of itself. But it’s not just that he’s occupied that space; he’s succeeded in it. By bringing back the brand’s couture, menswear, and leather goods, he’s successfully increased Balmain’s bottom line by millions of dollars. In many ways, Rousteing has managed to bridge the gap between haute couture and current culture, which is no easy feat. In part, how he’s been able to do that is his ability to notice what’s next. 

    If you pull the receipts, you can see that Rousteing has always been ahead of the curve; reference the brand’s early social media campaigns or even his recent collaboration collection with Beyoncé for her recent album, Renaissance. He’s been out here doing the work, okay! The grind that he’s put in has subsequently allowed a new generation, or what Rousteing refers to as the “Balmain Army,” to see luxury in a new light. No longer is it something out of reach, but it resonates with them; it can also be a part of their lives. That shift is most evident in the popularity of the brand’s handbag collections. For so many, Balmain’s bags are the entry point into a space they may have never felt they belonged. But what exact Balmain bags are beloved by this generation? Keep reading to find out. 

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    Jasmine Fox-Suliaman

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  • Nope, Fashion People Won’t Ever Ditch This Classic Handbag

    Nope, Fashion People Won’t Ever Ditch This Classic Handbag

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    As overused as the quote from the late Yves Saint Laurent might be, it still rings true: “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Especially within the context of modern fashion, which moves much faster than the pace of the industry in the ’60s during Laurent’s heyday. Like it or not, we live in an age when an It-item can be anointed overnight, only to lose its luster by lunchtime. Therefore, it can be hard to discern what’s worth your time and money. That’s where we come in, friends! 

    Although conventional wisdom would tell you that investing in those foundational basics is far more critical, there’s something else we feel is worth buying, too: bags. Before you discount our rationale, hear us out on this. Unlike apparel, luxury accessories are one of the few items that acquire value over time. But with so many different types of bags out there, how exactly does one pick a style that will stand the test of time? Return to brands with the “classic” feel built into their brand legacies, such as Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Burberry.

    Although each of these luxury labels may have its own rich history, one particular bag style is universal among them: quilted handbags. Characterized by its attentiveness to craftsmanship, this style is typically made from leather, nylon, or cotton with an overlay quilted detail that gives the bag a raised texture. Because quilted bags have been reinvented in various textiles, sizes, and shapes over the years by luxury and affordable labels, it’s become a mainstay in the closets of chic people everywhere.

    It’s one of the best investments you can make. Ahead, we’re proving that point as we’ve rounded up the 31 best quilted handbags at every price point based on quality, versatility, price, popularity, and shoppers’ reviews (when possible). Trust us when we say one of these bags will surely become an eternal part of your wardrobe. 

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    Jasmine Fox-Suliaman

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  • 6 Classic Pieces That Are Set to be the Foundations of My 2024 Wardrobe

    6 Classic Pieces That Are Set to be the Foundations of My 2024 Wardrobe

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    Most trends are transient by nature, but some pieces have been in circulation for decades, making them a wise investment if you’re planning on updating your wardrobe in 2024. There’s no better time than the new year to evaluate the gaps in your closet and add clothing and accessories which will make getting dressed easier—and more satisfying. Prioritising versatility and honing in on the styles you already wear a tonne is one way to ensure you always feel like the chicest version of yourself. For me, this means pressing pause on trends (however hard this may be) and making sure the foundations are in place first.

    With that, the following six categories are where I’ll be focusing my shopping energy this season. I know that each will be a worthwhile purchase that I’ll still wear in two, five and ten years’ time. From the simple knitwear style I reach for daily to the fail-safe blouse that I always fall back on, take a look at the classic pieces below.

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    Bébhinn Campbell

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  • Long-Haul Report: 10 Fall Trends That Will Be Around Well Into 2024

    Long-Haul Report: 10 Fall Trends That Will Be Around Well Into 2024

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    Photo:

    Courtesy of Stella McCartney; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Versace; Courtesy of Tory Burch; Courtesy of Gucci

    If we’re being honest, most color trends are fleeting, but occasionally, one manages to break out of the cycle and become a “neutral” hue in its own right—red has done just that. Since last spring, we’ve seen various shades of red surface on the runways, but it wasn’t until we began researching for this story that we were fully convinced this color is here to stay. While we didn’t see one singular shade of red reign supreme, two noteworthy variations were found across the fall/winter 2023 and spring/summer 2024 collections: crimson and cherry red. With the former, we saw the highly saturated red play a bigger part in fall collections, but it did carry over into spring too! Designers often used crimson to make typical silhouettes feel sultrier. That aim was on full display at Stella McCartney in a double-breasted coat and matching slip skirt that came in crimson red. At Tory Burch, we saw how a longline wrap coat becomes fiery when fashioned from a crimson material. And then there was Ferragamo’s fall collection, which featured suits, knits, and coats in the brightest possible version of crimson.

    If the fall collections were all about using this shade of red to dial up the heat, then spring was all about bringing it to a subdued simmer, which is apparent in the broad adoption of cherry red. Designers took this decadent shade of red and dialed up the ante by using it for “luxurious” items. For example, in Sabato De Sarno’s debut show for Gucci, leather goods like bags, moto jackets, midi skirts, and pumps all came in cherry red. Similarly, a Versace skirt suit came in drool-worthy cherry-red leather. Although the shades differ in vibrancy, they’re both a reminder that any color can be neutral if you’re willing to commit. 

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    Jasmine Fox-Suliaman

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  • 26 Shoes and Bags That Would Make Smart First Designer Purchases

    26 Shoes and Bags That Would Make Smart First Designer Purchases

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    So you’ve saved up and are ready to take the plunge and invest in your first designer fashion purchase—that’s no small feat! Understandably, you probably want to choose something that you’ll use for years to come, is versatile, retains its value, and just feels special. After all, you’ll remember your first designer purchase forever. But as you likely already know, there are a lot of options out there that meet these criteria. That’s what I’m here for.

    As a longtime Who What Wear editor, I’ve learned a thing or two over the years about smart designer shopping. I’m also well aware of how important that first big purchase can be, and I’ve come armed with recommendations. In my personal opinion, the best first designer purchases are handbags and shoes. You’re likely to wear them more often than you would an article of clothing, and they’re great investments. Below, shop my top 13 picks for each category, all of which are smart buys whether you already own designer items or not.

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    Allyson Payer

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  • Fashion People Shared Their Best Designer Buys of 2023—Here’s What Made the Cut

    Fashion People Shared Their Best Designer Buys of 2023—Here’s What Made the Cut

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    WHO: Eliza Huber, Fashion Editor, Who What Wear

    How would you describe your personal style? How, if at all, has it evolved over the last year? 

    You know, it’s funny because generally, I wouldn’t say that my style has changed very much over the last year, but then I go back and look at photos from this time in 2022, and I’m shocked at some of the combinations I put together. It’s not so much the items as I like to keep my wardrobe pretty classic and timeless, but more just how they’re styled. Perhaps they’re a bit louder than I’d go for now. I’ve always felt the most comfortable with more of a minimal look, maybe with one or two accessories that make an outfit feel special, so I’m very happy about the fade of maximalism. Bright colors and loud patterns have never appealed to me, so when those things were “in,” I do feel like I made compromises to my personal style a bit that I’m happy to feel no longer the pressure to make. If anything, this year, I think I’ve just learned more about myself and what I like, which makes getting dressed a lot easier, and every outfit feels more like me.

     

    What is the best designer item you’ve invested in 2023? Why do you love this item? 

    While in Milan for work earlier this year, I bought the Bottega Veneta Sardine bag from Matthieu Blazy’s F/W 22 collection after months of ogling over it. The shape is so interesting and artistic but, at the same time, very wearable. I went into the store, tried it on in all different sizes and colors, and then came back the next day without a single ounce of hesitation about buying the small size in Fondant, the brand’s signature dark brown shade. I didn’t have any handbags in color at the time, so it felt like something that would fill a void in my wardrobe, and it has. In addition to my bag earlier this year, I splurged on a tailored peplum and matching skirt from Tory Burch. In the months since, I’ve worn it countless times and gotten so many compliments on it, two things that contribute to my not feeling a single ounce of regret about the rather large investment.

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    Jasmine Fox-Suliaman

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  • 7 Luxury Fall Fashion Items I’ve Never Regretted Buying

    7 Luxury Fall Fashion Items I’ve Never Regretted Buying

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    Fall is here, winter is fast approaching, and, if you ask me, these seasons are the best not only for shopping but for investing in items you’ll keep and wear forever. Don’t ask me why, but there’s just something about the nature and quality of cold-weather clothing and accessories that transcend time and trend cycles better than their summery counterparts. Whether it’s coats, knits, or accessories, most of my favorite buys over the years have been fall-focused and, while they may have been on the pricier side, I’ve used them so much since that the bang-for-your-buck factor is unbeatable. 

    With that, today I decided to curate a little selection of items I would recommend buying right now if you’re in the mood to splurge on something for this season and beyond. Whether it’s outerwear you’re looking for or a party dress you’ll turn to time and time again, I feel pretty confident that I’ve got something (or some things) for you below. To get started, simply keep scrolling. 

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    Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour

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  • Buy Now, Wear Forever—These 29 Chic Fall Finds Are Meant to Be Passed Down

    Buy Now, Wear Forever—These 29 Chic Fall Finds Are Meant to Be Passed Down

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    If there’s one thing I’m adopting as my early 2024 New Year’s resolution, it’s adopting the “buy it for life” mentality. After years of hopping on short-lived micro-trends and ill-fitting fast-fashion clothing, I’ve spent the last few months thoughtfully curating my wardrobe with timeless pieces that not only set a foundation for my style but also make me feel excited to get dressed again. As a result, my spending has dramatically decreased (my credit card is thanking me!), and the amount I’m spending on individual pieces is going up. While you’d think that doesn’t make the most sense, let me girl-math it for you.

    When speaking to my fashion friends and fellow Who What Wear editors, we’ve agreed that investing money into higher-ticket items that’ll last for years to come is actually one of the smartest investments you could make. Instead of rebuying the same fall sweater once every three months, opting to put your money toward high-quality pieces that will go with everything seems like the smartest move. Ahead of the fall weather and in the spirit of my anti-gatekeeping agenda, I’ve decided to share all of the “buy it now, wear it forever” finds that I’m eyeing this season. From immaculately constructed jeans to cozy cashmere knits, these 29 pieces are some that’ll live in your closet forever if you take good care of them.

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    Ana Escalante

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  • 21 Jaw-Dropping Finds From My Secret Source for Discounted Designer Items

    21 Jaw-Dropping Finds From My Secret Source for Discounted Designer Items

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    If you’re into luxury fashion and aren’t yet familiar with Italist, prepare to be blown away. It’s a Los Angeles-based company that sells all the best designer brands for the Italian retail price. For us here in the U.S., that means an average of 30 to 40% off. (It explains why Italist’s slogan is “Always Like a Sale.”) On top of these organic discounts, the site offers free shipping on every order. It’s a beautiful business model that customers greatly benefit from. And needless to say, it’s one of my favorite secret sources for brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta.

    I thought it would be fun to do a roundup of my favorite Italist items because they’re particularly good, and it’d be a shame to keep them to myself. Keeps scrolling to shop the epic designer finds from the current season—and feel free to Google the items to see how much cheaper they are on Italist.

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    Allyson Payer

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  • 29 Basics That Women in NYC, Paris, and London Can’t Live Without

    29 Basics That Women in NYC, Paris, and London Can’t Live Without

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    No one can deny that every city has its distinct energy—history, art, food, music, and various cultural identities intertwine to lay the groundwork for each one’s unique personality. While no two cities are the same, the stylish people living there are no different. No matter the zip code, you can always spot the local fashion set donning a few similar things. The crossover you see reflected in street style can partly be attributed to the ever-expanding global fashion industry and a boom in social media. But what resonates globally isn’t just trends. More often than not, basic clothing is what you’ll see crossing borders more.  

    The universal appeal of staples is proof great style isn’t limited by geographical location. Instead, an arsenal of great basics determines it. And the girls that get that foundational truth can be found wearing their staples in the streets of Paris, London, New York, and beyond. But what exact pieces are making the cut? In search of the answer, I did hours of image research to identify 29 basic clothing items that women worldwide wear on repeat. Considering each item’s timelessness, functionality, seasonality, and popularity, these are undoubtedly the best foundational basics. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

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    Jasmine Fox-Suliaman

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  • I Buy 99% of My Clothes on Sale, But I’d Be Willing to Pay Full Price for These

    I Buy 99% of My Clothes on Sale, But I’d Be Willing to Pay Full Price for These

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    It takes a lot to get me to buy something full price. For starters, there is always a sale around the corner, a fact I know all too well as a fashion editor who rights about them multiple times a week. That, and because of my job, I see firsthand how quickly trends come and go in this industry, making it difficult to drop a ton of money on something that could easily be considered “out” in a few months (or even weeks) time. So, when I do decide to skip the sale rack and buy something new—without any red-marked tags or discount codes at checkout—it’s a big deal. And the items I go with are usually pretty good. Scratch that—really good. 

    But why take me for my word when you can see for yourself the exact full-price items that I’m seriously considering buying right now. The shopping carts are full and payment options are filled in. All it takes is one press of the purchase button and they’ll be mine. But first, while I marinate in the final decision, I’m going to round each link up and share it with all of you. So, before something on my to-buy list sells out because I procrastinated for too long, scroll down to see it in its entirety, from the Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. cuff bracelet that I can’t get out of my head to the Abercrombie tank top that I’m considering adding to my extremely edited down and tested list of the all-time best tanks on the market, the 36 pieces below have a bit of everything. What they have in common is this: Buy-worthiness. 

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    Eliza Huber

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  • 53 Vegan Designer Bags You’ll Want to Secure ASAP

    53 Vegan Designer Bags You’ll Want to Secure ASAP

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    Photo:

    Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker

    Don’t judge me for what I’m about to admit: At least once a week, I’ll fall into a rabbit hole, where I’m sifting through Nordstrom, Ssense, and Shopbop in search of one thing: handbags. I am a sucker for a designer handbag in every form—it doesn’t matter if it’s secondhand, covered in shearling, or if it’s the It bag of the season. I am a proud bag lady, but I’m well aware of the fact that while I may live for finding the best vegan designer bag of the moment or searching for a sustainable handbag, that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Luckily for them, I’ve taken the liberty of rounding up 54 vegan designer handbags at every price. Whether you’re an obsessive bag collector like me or are just looking for one great bag to invest in, I’ve got you covered.

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    Jasmine Fox-Suliaman

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  • The 10 Most Popular Dior Bags of All Time

    The 10 Most Popular Dior Bags of All Time

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    Handbag trends may come and go, but investing in a designer handbag is always a smart choice. Sure, they may come with a steep price tag, but they also promise years—even decades!—of wear due to their exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Plus, Dior’s classic designs outlast any buzzy seasonal bag trend, guaranteeing much more bang for your buck than any micro mini bag or cloud clutch.

    While there are plenty of heritage bag brands to choose from, today’s most fashionable can’t seem to get enough of Dior. From the classic Saddle Bag to newer designs like the Book Tote or Bobby Bag, it’s impossible not to find yourself amongst a sea of Dior logos and the brand’s signature Cannage stitching outside of any runway show or event.

    Ahead, check out the best Dior bags that are totally worth the splurge, and shop the latest colorways and sizes that are guaranteed to stand the test of time.

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    Jenna Igneri

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  • I Asked 3 Resale Experts for Luxury Items Worth Investing In—They Said These

    I Asked 3 Resale Experts for Luxury Items Worth Investing In—They Said These

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    A lot goes into making a serious investment, no matter what it is. Just like you wouldn’t purchase a home or a car without proper planning and research, most people wouldn’t drop a significant amount of money on a designer bag, coat, or pair of shoes on a whim either. Knowing whether said item will lose its popularity in a season’s time, its resale value in the short and long term, and more are all variables to consider ahead of any type of financial exchange. Luckily, there are experts for that—and I just so happened to recently catch up with three of them. 

    Currently, designer offerings are the priciest they’ve perhaps ever been and the most desirable, making it all the more important for us to do our homework beforehand. Knowing that, I called on Jessica Henderson, a senior curator at FASHIONPHILE; Kelly McSweeney, The RealReal’s senior merchandising manager; and a representative at Vestiaire Collective to teach all prospective investors about the designer items that pack the most punch financially speaking. Ahead, see and shop the items they think will best hold their value down the line.  

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    Eliza Huber

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  • Buying an Hermès Bag Can Be Tricky—Here’s What an Expert Says You Should Know

    Buying an Hermès Bag Can Be Tricky—Here’s What an Expert Says You Should Know

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    Obviously, you can buy most Hermès bags straight from Hermès. It may take you a while, but you can buy a Birkin straight from the boutique. You just can’t walk into an Hermès boutique and buy a Birkin immediately. It must be ordered, and there is a waiting list. You also can’t buy the Birkin, Kelly, or most of Hermès’s more iconic styles online. So if you want a Birkin or Constance, for example, and you live in Biloxi, Mississippi, you will need to drive to Atlanta, Georgia, or Houston, Texas, to buy your bag from Hermès. But when you buy from Fashionphile, there are no waiting lists, and everything is available online.

    Scroll down to see some of the chicest Hermès bags you can buy right now.

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    Dale Arden Chong

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  • The Best Designer Handbags Worth the Investment

    The Best Designer Handbags Worth the Investment

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    So you’ve reached the moment where you want to invest in a designer handbag. Congrats! A well-chosen luxury handbag is truly one of the best investment pieces you can buy. It will see you through a lifetime of wardrobe crises, serve as a trusty travel companion, and even become a valuable heirloom after you’re gone. So where do you start in the bag-buying process, and what kind of bag is really worth the investment? It is, of course, crucial you choose a style you love, but there are several other factors to consider before making the big purchase. For example, will the brand hold its value? What color should you choose? What silhouette will never go out of style?

    Investing in what we like to call the holy trinity of luxury handbags—Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès—is a no-brainer when looking at the resale value. The fashion crowd has also put designers like Chloé, Céline, Gucci, and Loewe on the It-bag fashion map with styles that have become classics in their own right.

    If you’re ready to dip into the world of designer handbags, scroll below to see our curated list of power purses that are timeless, desirable, and make for some incredibly elusive arm candy.

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    Judith Jones

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