When it comes to shopping [1], we like to keep it real with you. As editors, we see a lot of new It items on the street at Fashion Week [2], followed up by glossy press releases that bounce into our inbox — and these might as well be big, flashy ads. "I need that!" we repeat to each other from our desks, all day long. We love fashion, and collecting new items for our closet in the name of Spring [3] just feels right. But we're not always splurging on big ticket items — especially since we're working together to adopt a more sustainable method of shopping by recycling our clothes [4].
I know it seems like everyone and their mother owns the Bottega Veneta pouch [5] at this point, but for one major purchase like that, we're also saving by collecting essentials from more affordable brands. Personally, I love Hailey Bieber's Bottega mules [6], but if I'm investing in those, I'm going to save on an oversize blazer and scope out the likes of Mango, Reformation, or SHEIN for such an easy basic. Ahead, you'll be able to brush up on the rest of my team's tactics. Find out what clothes and accessories we've bought that are total steals, and also learn about the quality made pieces we feel really good about shelling out some extra cash for.
Steal: AMAVII Piago 18K Gold Handcrafted Gold Frame with Blue Jelly Lens
"I took a strong liking to the sunglasses Gigi Hadid wore around Fasion Week [8]. Upon further research, I discovered they were by AMAVII, and I fell in love with the brand's Piago 18K Gold Handcrafted Lenses [9] ($155). Love a blue tint!" — SW
Splurge: Reike Nen Clean Pumps Mules
"There is something so sleek about a white pump or mule in the Spring. I'm willing to shell out a little extra cash for a shoe that scores me endless compliments. I could also wear these Reike Nen Clean Pumps Mules [10] ($380) every single day, and the strappy ankle detail makes them evening appropriate too." — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion
Steal: COS Organic Cotton Denim Shorts
"When COS announced its sustainable [11] denim line, I was naturally all ears. I love that the label is offering its customer feel-good organic cotton at a reasonable price. I'm following in Laura's footsteps and jumping back on the bermuda short bandwagon [12] with these COS Organic Cotton Denim Shorts [13] ($89)." — SW
Splurge: RIXO London Nicole Azure Blue Jeweled Dress
"I've begun collecting blue minidresses for Spring simply because it's my favourite shade and it makes me feel good. I look forward to a night of dancing in this RIXO London Nicole Azure Blue Jeweled Dress [14] ($460), and you can be sure I'll make it count." — SW
Steal: Shein Lapel Neck Double Breasted Blazer
"The thing about a black blazer, is that I never realised I need a new one until Spring, when I want to throw it on as my final layer, to double as a light jacket. Usually, this happens after stalking all the awesome supermodel street style at Fashion Week [15]. I could see Hailey Bieber in this Shein Lapel Neck Double Breasted Blazer [16] ($23) with Bottega Veneta mules, can't you?" — SW
Splurge: Staud Lera Bag
"The new Staud Lera Bag [17] ($375) is the perfect size and shape for me. I especially love how the Fawn colour looks accessorised with a gold chain, which is my go-to metal when it comes to jewellery." — SW
Steal: Charles & Keith Lilac See-Through Chunky Sneakers
"These Charles & Keith Lilac See-Through Chunky Sneakers [18] ($63) would be a fun addition to anyone's wardrobe on their own, but I'm really looking forward to playing around with my sock colour since the uppers on these guys are transparent. How fun!" — SW
Splurge: By Far Sofia White Leather Boots
"These By Far Sofia White Leather [19] Boots ($505) are the softest buttery leather and they go with absolutely everything. I love the modern low heel. PS: Priyanka Chopra owns them too [20]!" — Dana Avidan Cohn, Executive Style Director
Steal: Chain Reaction 24K Gold-Plated Necklace by Brinker & Eliza
"This Chain Reaction 24K Gold-Plated Necklace by Brinker & Eliza [21] ($108) reminds me of something I'd find in a vintage shop. It has a nice weight and is 24k gold plated. It's also handmade in the US." — DAC
Splurge: Loewe Gate Bucket Handle Rust Colour
"I keep my bags forever and like to avoid anything too trendy so they will really last. I love the rope effect handle on this Loewe Gate Bucket Bag [22] ($1,990) and it's the perfect size for every day." — DAC
Steal: Frankie Shop Crinkled Leather Trench Coat in Off White
"This Frankie Shop Crinkled Leather Trench Coat [23] ($199) is the perfect Spring layering piece. I love the subtle off white colour pared back to faded denim or neutral separates." — DAC
Steal: Pixie Market Puffy Sleeve Crop Shirt
"Two things I'll never tire of: the puffy sleeve trend and white shirts. Enter: Pixie Market's Puffy Sleeve Crop Shirt [24] ($124). It's my perfect Spring top that I'll wear with everything from jeans to leather trousers and skirts." — Laura Lajiness, senior editor, Fashion
Splurge: Emme Parsons Jamie Sandals
"While I'm still debating whether or not I can pull off the ankle straps tied over pants trend [25], I'm most definitely ready to rock these barely-there Emme Parsons Jamie Sandals [26] ($425) all season long with everything from dresses to cropped pants." — LL
Steal: Frankie Shop Suzanne Pleated Tencel-Blend Shorts
"I'm officially here for the long shorts trend and find this pair of Frankie Shop Suzanne Pleated Tencel-Blend Shorts [27] ($155) to be the chicest iteration under $150." — LL
Splurge: Kinn Dare To Love Dome Ring I
"Dome rings are a major Spring jewellery trend [28] and this delicate Kinn Studio Dare To Love Dome Ring I [29] ($250) is my ideal take whether I choose to wear it on its own or stack it for a bolder look." — LL
Steal: Zara Contrasting Faux Leather Dress
"Perfectly blending my two favourite aesthetics, tailored and feminine, this Zara Contrasting Faux Leather Dress [30] ($90) is a total showpiece and for less than $100! I can't wait to wear it to the office and for date night this Spring." — LL
Splurge: Fendi Brown Nappa Leather Baguette Bag
"While I'm not normally a logo person, I've been bitten by the Fendi baguette bug. With my affinity for neutrals, I know I'll wear this toasty Fendi Brown Nappa Leather Baguette Bag [31] ($2,790) on repeat with work and leisurewear alike." — LL
Madewell Oversized Ex Boyfriend Shirt
Madewell Oversized Ex Boyfriend Shirt [32] ($80.00)
Isabel Marant Ermony Stud-Embellished Sandals
Isabel Marant Ermony Stud-Embellished Sandals [33] ($670)
H&M Zip-hem Leggings
H&M Zip-hem Leggings [34] ($70)
Reformation Eddie Long Sleeve Tee
Reformation Eddie Long Sleeve Tee [35] ($48)
Splurge: Vintage Dior Saddle Bag
"I've been trying to be more conscious and shop more vintage pieces lately. Vestiaire Collective is a great place for finding what I like the call 'the bag that got away.' For me, it's this gorgeous Dior Denim Saddle Bag [36] ($1,079, originally $1,350)" — Nikita Ramsinghani, associate editor, Fashion
Splurge: YanYan Knits Rosie Crop Top
"This YanYan Knits Rosie Crop Top in Ice White Lambswool [37] ($295) is the perfect top for Spring. You can dress is down with a matching caridgan, or dress is up with silk midi skirt and heels." — NR
Splurge: Oséree Shimmer Colour Block Bikini
"The moment I saw this Oséree Shimmer Colour Block Bikini [38] ($270), I fell in love with how unique it was. It's the ultimate holiday bikini." — NR
Save: Aritzia Hamptons Dress
"The thing I love most about this Aritzia Hamptons Dress [39] ($138), is that I can wear with thigh-high boots in the Winter and mules in the Spring for two completely different looks." — NR
Splurge: Tamara Mellon Nikki Heels
"The moment I saw these Tamara Mellon Nikki Heels [40] ($450) on Instagram, I hit the save button. I love the gorgeous mustard hue and the sexy strappy details." — NR
Save: Lacausa Hazel Jacket
"I've often stayed away from coloured jackets but I thought it was time to change that with this orange Lacua Hazel Jacket [41] ($165). Not only is the price great, but it's a fun way to introduce some Spring hues into my wardrobe." — NR