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.

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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 NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a numberBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.