These Summer Accessories Went From Want to Need After I Tried Them IRL

As a fashion editor, it’s my job to uncover the best new fashion items as they drop. While much of that happens digitally as I sift through lookbooks and new arrivals landing at retailers, nothing replaces seeing pieces in person—whether I’m attending a runway show, stopping by a press preview to see upcoming collections, or shopping IRL.

With many investment-worthy items sitting on my personal wish list right now, I went on a recent shopping trip to test-drive them in person and see which ones actually live up to the hype. Ahead, see the items that made the cut after trying them IRL—from the cult Bottega Veneta earrings that sell out almost as soon as they are stocked to Chanel’s nearly impossible-to-find-in-your-size ballerina flats to the designer bags on my shortlist. Consider this your edit of the hot designer pieces that have an editor’s stamp of approval.

One of the most talked-about designer bags in the last year? Bottega Veneta's Sardine bag. The style is designed with the fashion house's signature intrecciato woven leather and finished with a sculptural handle on top. Everything about this bag feels cool and now the only thing left to decide is whether to invest in the large or mini version.

I already own Celine's Triomphe oval sunglasses in black and they have become one of my go-top pairs since I picked them up a few years back. While the design isn't new, they have proven staying power so I've considered ordering them in another color. While there are many shades on the market, the tortoise won me over.

No jewelry item has been more prolific in recent memory than Bottega Veneta's drop earrings. The piece first rose to popularity last summer when celebrities including Kendall Jenner were spotted wearing them, but they are now dropping in new colorways and iterations because they remain just as in-demand today. I usually shy away from pieces that go viral, but after trying these on I understand the hype. They are truly outfit-making earrings that I can imagine wearing with something as simple as a T-shirt to make the look feel intentional. I was also hesitant to order them since they look heavy, but they're so light you almost forget you're wearing them.

Right now, we're seeing a rise in polished, elegant style and I can't get enough of the renewed sense of sophisticated fashion. In this vein, there has been momentum for pieces such as the Dior D-Joy bag that take on classic style codes. The style is similar to the iconic Lady Dior bag famously worn by Princess Diana, yet finished with a rectangular shape. I already know this would be the ultimate day to night piece since it can be worn to elevate casual looks with jeans, but could also be worn with a more dressy looks for the evening.

I've made many attempts at wearing ballerina flats, but often feel that I can't pull them off. But with the resurgence of the shoe style and the rising popularity of Chanel ballerina shoes, I was curious to give them another try. The Chanel shoes are so popular, that I had to visit four different stores before I was able to find a pair available in my size—the salesperson shared that they are hotter than ever and selling out almost the moment they hit the floor. It was worth the hunt, though, because now the shoes have officially landed at the top of my shopping list. I'll be shopping for them as soon as I decide whether to buy them in tweed or leather.

I attended an event in L.A. several weeks ago for the launch of Prada's Galleria bag and the style immediately won me over. The shape reminds me of the 1995 re-issue bag that was reintroduced last year, but with a different, slightly pebbled leather that seems like it would hold up to more everyday wear. This immediately feels like a piece I would carry to the office day-to-day.

The Chanel 22 bag won over the fashion set when it was introduced, but now there is a mini version on the market that is sold out practically everywhere. I was able to find one to try in person and can see why it's such a hit. The drawstring pouch is finished with a leather-woven chain handle and is the perfect not-too-mini size that actually fits all of your essentials.

I've been seeing Saint Laurent's Gippy heels everywhere on Instagram, so I wanted to try them out in person. Finished with a 2.25" height, they are perfect for people, like myself, who gravitate toward kitten heels. They're finished with a pointed toe and thin, modern straps that make them an easy go-with-everything style to wear.

Another cult bag from Bottega Veneta I was curious to try out in person? The Andiamo. The woven leather tote bag designed with a top handle and gold-tone knot has been popular on the celeb set and spotted on Jacob Elordi earlier this year. The bag comes in multiple sizes, but the medium version seems perfect to invest in as a directional work bag.

I've been thinking about these Gucci GG slingback rhinestone pumps ever since they were released and the fact that I'm still thinking about them years later means that they have real staying power. While I still haven't warmed up to the mesh slippers that everyone in fashion is talking about right now, I am aligned with the idea of mesh shoes when they're executed like this. I'll definitely be ordering these in the near future.

Another winning bag from Prada? The brand's re-nylon tote bag, finished with quilting, a signature triangle logo, and a woven-leather chain strap. I haven't seen much of this bag on social media or the fashion set, which is one thing that drew me to it. It is not as popular as many other cult viral items, which almost makes it feel like a special vintage find.

Next: These Are the 12 Most-Wanted Handbag Brands of 2023