In case you missed it, I mused earlier today that I’m ready to start adding some designer RTW to my closet. While I’m a new convert to the luxury RTW world, I’m convinced that a statement logo piece or a classicly tailored item can elevate any wardrobe. Because I’m at a very happy place in my collecting journey, I had planned on purchasing one or two RTW items in Paris this spring, but unfortunately, I had to postpone my trip. It’s likely that I’ll wait until Paris later this year to pull the trigger on my first big luxury clothing purchase, or maybe not, but I digress.
I’ve had my eye on a handful of items over the last few months. Specifically, the Loewe tank and jeans I listed below (not to be worn together, FYI). I’ve also toyed with the idea of a Prada Nylon piece or a cute logo tee like this one from Celine. If money were no object, I’d definitely add a great pair of high-quality trousers for a quiet luxury vibe or a perfectly tailored vest like the one below from Saint Laurent.
Do you purchase luxury RTW? What pieces are you eyeing this spring?
Logo Love from Loewe and Classics from Saint Laurent and more
I have many beautiful handbags. However, I have never bought an Hermès or a Chanel. I have several Celine‘s and Loewe as well as Dior and Ferragamo. I’m just not into designer clothing other than scarves, shoes and bags. I’m just not comfortable with the price per wear when it comes to clothing items. I often pull out a Burberry handbag that I’ve had for 20+ years. I guess I go for accessories because they don’t age and wear like clothing items. Maybe I’m too practical?
I partially agree with you. My designer RTW pieces are high-wear-low-tear items. That would be coats, cardigans, sometimes jeans, vests, “simple” but good cut shirts, etc. There ARE items that you can wear very often and the tear won’t be as bad OR will be “meant to be there” just like the accessories, such as jeans or a nice worn-in cardigan. I haven’t yet tried any of my RTW for 20 years as I wasn’t in designer clothing that young, BUT I can safely say I have had some for 5 years and they either look basically new, or I like the wear on them.
I 1000% Agree with you. Handbags and some accessories outlast most clothing. I feel I get my cost per wear from my bags and sunglasses and real jewelry.
This is why I shop on The Real Real where I have bought many pre-loved RTW items (and re-sold/re-consigned). It’s the only way I can afford to have luxury items. I tend to get sick of things rather quickly whether it’s designer or not, so I could never pay full price. If you featured Khaite or The Row, I may think differently since those brands are quality/timeless/classic pieces that you can wear for years and not know which decade they are from….but I would still shop second hand first.
I agree. I’ve gotten quite a few ready-to-wear pieces from TheRealReal and other high end consignment stores locally. I’m a teacher who likes expensive things that are way above my pay grade. This allows me to get quality items at a price that I can afford.
I would add that RTW often goes on significant sale at the end of the season, while handbags tend to stay the same price or increase unless it’s a novelty color or print. Unless it’s something you just have to own and don’t want to risk selling out in your size, waiting on RTW purchases is usually rewarded. I say that as someone who bought Stella McCartney and Loewe dresses at full retail price last summer and lived to regret it when both were heavily discounted. I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful RTW pieces secondhand from online consignment shops, sometimes at a 10th of the retail price. RTW is usually less likely to be counterfeit as well, at least compared to bags/sunglasses/sneakers, so I don’t tend to worry as much about that in the secondary market. Good for the wallet and the planet.
Invest is wrong word, as it implies a financial return. Although maybe it is meant to impact an investment on happiness, ego, etc.? I do like what you have curated. Good job.
Don’t understand the relevance of this post.
A wool vest for summer? The only item of interest to me is the mini Flamenco in the headline photo. That’s a pretty bag for summer. I love mine.
I used to buy RTW full price way back then. Now I only shop RTW on deep discounts or buy second hand. Japan is a haven for this! They have a lot of minimalist labels with fantastic tailoring. Got a second hand jacket for JPY 600 (USD 4.50) which I always get compliments for it and their jaws drop when I tell them the price!
I’d love to hear more about these Japanese labels!! Are they available on the Real Real??
I checked but unfortunately Real Real doesn’t have them.
The brand is called “Global Work” You can shop online and they ship worldwide. The price is a bargain!
This is the most out of touch post I have read in a while at a time when most of the country is struggling to put food on the table.
Do you realise that you are on a luxury blog?
This is true of all luxury items. However, if people have the money and want to spend it on these items they will. Nothing will change that fact, right or wrong.
Absolutely. Not to mention that the Prada mini dress is a nylon tube dress for over 2k. Paying massive amounts to literally have a logo on me with no artistry or craftsmanship is disgusting. I am perfectly fine paying paying big bucks for RTW with delicate embroidery or tailoring but most of the items on this list don’t meet any of these criteria
I don’t agree with the comment you’re agreeing to (because of where we are, I’m not here to discuss luxury being pointless lol), BUT I 100000% agree with your comment on the Prada dress how on earth is Prada’s uncomfortable triangle metal adorned clothing SO popular???
I like the cargo pants, Celine top, and the Loewe jeans. However, I can not fathom paying almost $1,000 for denim.
If you’re able to buy full price RTW and like it, do it. Personally I cannot, so I skew towards secondhand and vintage designer clothing. Given my taste in clothing which is heavy on classics and low on trends, this approach works well. TRR, eBay, estate sales, secondhand shops, consignment shops, etc., have let me build a beautiful designer wardrobe (LV, Chloe, St.John, D&G, Givenchy, Lanvin, Nina Ricci, Valentino, Dior, Prada, etc.) at a very minimal cost.
I wanna see super fun printed dresses plz!
Let me slap two giant logos on a pair of basic jeans and charge $990 for it. LOL Ridiculous and ugly.