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

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.

1. Chanel Zip-Around Wallet

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(Image credit: @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.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

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

Shop the wallet:

2. Burberry Leather Trench Coat

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(Image credit: @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.

Shop a similar coat:

3. Manolo Blahnik Embossed Slides

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(Image credit: @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.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

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

Shop the shoes:

4. Gucci Tortoiseshell Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @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.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

It's all about the Gucci logo here.

Shop the sunglasses:

5. Saint Laurent Embossed Envelope Bag

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(Image credit: @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.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

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

Shop the bag:

6. Chanel Chain Belt

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

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

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

One more shot because this belt is just too good.

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7. Vintage Pearl and Tourmaline Earrings

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(Image credit: @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.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

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

Shop the earrings:

Next up, discover all the It items that matter this month.

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.