Coveted Designer Items

Carol

Do you own any classic designer items (Chanel suit, etc?) If not, what are one or two things you would badly want, or happily own? I would be very happy with Chanel slingbacks, or a Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress.

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6 months ago

Inspiration

28 replies

Latest reply was from Carol

cat2

Veteran

I don’t have anything at that level; I top out at bridge brands bought on deep sale. I do covet a Bottega Veneta bag and Van Cleef Alhambra jewelry, but would never pull the trigger.

6 months ago

Joy

Veteran

I would dearly like a Hermes scarf.

6 months ago

Roberta

Veteran

I used to own a Michael Kors skirt that was the nicest thing in my closet. I wore it for years, until I retired.

I actually have a whole Pinterest board devoted to things I would buy if my last name was Rockefeller. Like Joy, I covet an Hermes scarf. I occasionally look on eBay for a particular design that I like, but I've never pulled the trigger. The other thing I REALLY wanted for years was a Loewe Puzzle bag. At this point in my life I'm never going to spend that much money on a handbag, but I do really admire them. Such an original and still practical design!

6 months ago

Irina

Veteran

With an unlimited budget, I would buy bags and shoes from The Row and Jil Sander. Maybe an Armani black pant suit.

I have some designer items but from the brands that are not that popular or expensive like my Bao Bao and Ganni bags, clothes from Marimekko, Rag and Bone, Vince.

And a few higher end items here and there - Toteme winter boots, YSL glasses, Nanushka skirt, Helmut Lang silk top, vintage Rick Owen’s silk scarf, Acne Studios sneakers. But none of it is “iconic” or even well known.

6 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I want a Pucci scarf to go with my Theory co-ordinated set.

I wouldn't mind something by Armani. Or maybe some vintage Halston.

I love many of the brands Irina mentioned as well and do own a few items bought mostly on consignment, e.g a Paul Smith jacket, Dries van Noten pants, Vince dress-turned-top (I altered it), a DvFurstenburg sweater. In fact, I am taking all those items on my upcoming trip, testament to their versatility and loveability, I guess!

6 months ago

Dee

Veteran

I don’t own anything high level designer. Wouldn’t mind trying on a few things though, just to check out the difference in quality, like maybe those Chanel sling-backs or something from Max Mara but I’d be totally intimidated browsing in a shop like that.

6 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I do!

I have three Chanel items I never wear. They are black, and were gifts from the industry when I was a retail buyer doing a LOT of business in Hong Kong. They are in mint condition and still in their boxes! Almost years old

I have a Valentino Bag that was a gift, and is one of my most coveted possessions! I LOVE IT!!!

I've had two pairs of Prada boots that I WORE INTO THE GROUND. Always looking for more.

I currently have a pair of green Armani pants that are awesome!!!

I have some Philip Lim and Burberry too.

And I have a fair amount of Pret a Porter designer items that I get at the NAS or on sale. Like Veronica Beard, BOSS, Polo, L'Agence, Theory, Rag & Bone, Ganni, DVF....and I'm blanking on the rest...

6 months ago

Irina

Veteran

Yes, Angie, not easy to recall all right away
I have some Max Mara Weekend clothes (cheaper Max Mara line), APC and JW Anderson bags, too.

6 months ago

Val

Active Member

I don't have any designer items, besides glasses and sunglasses, Dior does them beautifully I just can't resist.

As for what I would like... I lust after Sabyasachi Heritage line,

6 months ago

Olive Green

Veteran

I splurged on a pair of Belgian Theo designer eyeglass frames for everyday wear, and a perfect panama hat, both from high end Santa Fe shops. No regrets.
Margaret Howell would be a good place to spend some money, and custom made buttondowns are on my list.

6 months ago

JAileen

Veteran

I have a scarf that looks like a Gucci Flora scarf. I thrifted it for a dollar or two. It’s probably not genuine, but the fabric feels very luxurious, and the print is so charming, so who knows?

6 months ago

Runcarla

Veteran

A Hermes scarf (gifted) and Maison Martin Margiela sandals (thrifted) are the extent of my ‘designer’ items. I did have a wool/silk blend plaid skirt from Alfred Sung in the early 80’s (before he founded Club Monaco). It was spendy even though deeply discounted - but I was treating myself (first ‘real job’ after uni.) I wore it until the derrière became sheer (it had a lining).

I wouldn’t say no to a Max Mara or Sentaler winter coat, a classic bespoke suit from Victoria Beckham, a ruched dress from Vivian Westwood (preferably vintage) for special occasions or a shirtwaist dress from Carolina Herrera for everyday! There’s an occasion dress from The Vampire’s Wife that I like a lot, but I don’t think it would suit my build.

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6 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Really only my Chanel frames.

I have a few NZ/Australian designer pieces but they are not at the luxury end of the market.

A Karen walker blouse
Deadly Ponies Handbag.
Beau Coops footwear
Taylor trousers

I rarely consider international luxury or designer brands as they are out of my price bracket. I do love the Bvlgari Serpenti range and would consider something from that if I had the money.

6 months ago

Suntiger

Active Member

I love the idea of owning some fab designer gown! Realistically though, I wouldn't have the occasion to wear it, and would spend the money on my home or travel instead

6 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Roberta, I lust after a puzzle bag too! Went to the Loewe shop in Paris with my husband but just couldn’t do it.

Carol, I have a pretty DVF wrap dress in a bag to sell, but the consignment shops around here seem uninterested. I have no occasion to wear it anymore and it’s a size too small these days. Can you wear a small 8?

I have a small collection of designer items — some secondhand and some new. Issey Miyake, Stella McCartney, Maria Cornejo (my new favorite and most worn pants!), McQueen… I do make the splurge mostly when my husband takes me shopping for a gift.

6 months ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have a fair amount of second hand designer items including some of the things mentioned above (Hermes scarf - thrifted, Chanel flats - thrifted, older Prada, Miu Miu, Dries van Noten, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Celine, YSL, Dior you get the idea). At the risk of sounding very boomer (I am genX!), in the old days there were many treasures to be found at the thrift stores. And there still are, but not quite as much .

6 months ago

avicennia

Veteran

I wish I had the time and patience to thrift nice pieces like Jaime. I do have a few pieces that I’ve bought on sale: a Dries Van Noten trench, an Avant Toi wool sweater jacket, a knit Missoni dress and Stella McCartney and Margiela blazers. I really don’t need new clothes anymore and have adjusted my shopping strategy and budget to buy a few nice pieces.

6 months ago

birdie99

Active Member

I have a few lovely designer things. The problem is that I feel too self conscious to use the bags regularly and am scared everyone will think I’m showing off so I don’t wear them as much as I’d like to. It’s very tricky. I absolutely love them though.

The Australian and NZ designer brands get much more of a workout as they are a more accessible price point.

6 months ago

lyn67

Veteran

Oh, I would be very happy with those color blocked Chanel slingbacks myself, too!!!:-) I never owned a true designer piece- think my most closer to a designer item I owned was a 3 pieces suit of a linen (woven in with some thin metallic fibre for the very special crinckle texture and subtle taupe shine) from Gerry Weber/Taifun -which I eventually overgrown and passed on unfortunately...

Haha, Roberta! Love that!

6 months ago

MsMary

Veteran

I own an Hermes scarf that someone gave me as a gift. I bought a small Chanel black quilted bag in New York (second hand) on my 60th birthday trip and I treasure it and use it ALL THE TIME when going out in the evening. Those are the only two pieces I would call real "classics." I do own Burberry, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton bags but they are more contemporary designs -- and I love and use them, too. Oh, and I found a DVF wrap dress in a consignment store years ago and wore it for a very long time until I gave it away. I kind of wish I still had it.

6 months ago

Roberta

Veteran

I forgot to mention that I have Missoni towels! From the very first Target/designer collaboration 20 years ago, hee hee. They still look amazing.

6 months ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I'm not sure what a designer piece is! I love my Burberry trench coat, which I bought when I turned 50. About 20 years ago, I found a Gucci bag in a consignment store. I am not a 'bag' person, but I like this.
I inherited a Christian Dior gold watch from my mother. I don't wear it, but it is beautiful.

I am more interested in designers like Jesse Kamm and Sarah Pacini. I have a few pieces from them, and their clothes have stood the test of time.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Burberry Brit Marystow Double Breasted Trenchcoat

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Jesse Kamm / Sailor Pant in Tobacco

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6 months ago

Marlene

Veteran

I have a Missoni skirt and top that I enjoy on fancy occasions. But that's all I have at the "designer" level. I haven't really wanted anything else. I do enjoy looking at designer pieces but don't feel the need to own any of them.

Except the Loewe Puzzle bag. I've seen them in person and I love. LOVE!

6 months ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Super busy and sorry I haven't gotten back. But Janet, that is a kind offer. I may be interested--am currently on the larger end of 8 and looking down optimistically.

How much are you selling it for?

I will try to get back to everyone else next couple of days.

6 months ago

Bijou

Veteran

I have a small collection of designer items, mainly handbags as I find they last a long time and are robust. I mainly buy these items second hand from a trusted consignment store, which reduces the cost. I have gradually (over the last 10 years) acquired a reasonable collection of Issey Miyake bags (in Finds) which have become signature to my style.

DH bought me a Chanel bag 20 years ago; it is still in great condition. I don't use it often with the feeling that it is a bit much. I have a certain threshold of 'expense' that I don't feel comfortable exceeding or even being perceived as exceeding - so in the most part, high-end designer items are not for me.

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6 months ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I have a Hermes scarf, a Loewe puzzle bag and previously had a Ferragamo bag as well (I culled it from my wardrobe because it wasn’t used enough). I also have a Jason Wu dress which I may not fit anymore….I should try it on. I have several DVF wrap dresses, but they aren’t the original, they are all Abigail (maxi silk) or Astrid (wool wrap) styles.

6 months ago

Andy Sartorius

(website)

Active Member

For my part, I have in my collection a Hermès Cheval Punk Bandana scarf 65. An accessory that I love to wear with a shirt and a suede jacket.

6 months ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

cat 2--I just found out about the Van Cleef necklaces recently--it looks like they have been around awhile. If I had the money, I would def. buy, as I find them imaginative, and not only expensive.
Joy--they really are wonderful, and you could almost throw it on with a black tee and any shorts, and look great.
Roberta--what a great idea to have that Pinterest board. The Loewe bag was new to me. It looks...sort of attainable in price, but you'd still have to really, really want that more than a vacation or whatever.
Irina--how nice to have those things. The Row I did not know a lot about. The Olsen twins? I have always been fascinated with them. The clothes remind me a bit of Max Mara.
Suz--Pucci scarves. Wow, now I have never seen those. Where have I been? I'd wear one in a heartbeat. Where are you going for your trip?
Dee--having lived in NYC for awhile, I can tell you there's a handful of shops that promote a friendly vibe. For instance, my friend went into Tiffany's in college, and just tried some stuff on. But I get it--I probably wouldn't do a planned excursion unless I had some serious dough.
Angie--that's great that you have all those, and maybe you can tell us which are the most practical to own. I would wear a Burberry anything, but mostly something in that plaid.
Irina--I would love to own any Max Mara stuff--high-end or not.
Val--you are selling me on the Dior sunglasses. I googled the second line, and all I got was pictures of traditional Indian clothing. Am I missing something?

6 months ago

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