Here at Coveteur, we elevate shopping to the level of collecting. You’re not buying into yet another trend that will grow stale as fast as unboxed saltine; you are helping to define your own identity with the materials items in which you outfit yourself—girl math, am I right? No one exemplifies this proclivity better than those we select for our closet tours. Below, we asked a few past subjects to share the best thing they bought this year. Hint: you won’t find any simple white t-shirts on this list.
Marcus Allen
A Vintage Double RL Concho Belt
“The best material item I bought in 2023 was a vintage concho belt from double RL. [The purchase] was inspired by the classic, aspirational personal style of Ralph Lauren and the eclectic styling of the brand imagery. I've wanted an authentic one since 2006 (when I worked at the Polo Country store in Boston’s Copley Plaza). I had yet to find one I really liked until this year. I’ve worn it to a couple of black-tie events; it looks so good with a tux. It was a bit of an investment cop but definitely feels like a collector’s item that I'll have forever.”
Julie Ann Clauss
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche SS 1974 Floral-print Chiffon Dress
“This one was kismet! I collect 70s YSL, but sometimes vintage sizing doesn't easily work for modern proportions (the ideal body shape changes with every decade). That said, I was about to pull the trigger on this dress in a different colorway in a size that would almost certainly be too small for me. I was going to buy it anyway (never a good idea, but we all get caught up sometimes!)when I walked into a vintage fair and this dress was one of the first things I saw—in my size, and for half the price of the other option I was considering! Definitely a reminder from the vintage gods to be patient when you're hunting.”
Tina Leung
Hermès Shadow Birkin
"Hermès is totally a cult that I’m 1000% happy to be a part of. The shadow was originally designed in 2009 when Jean Paul Gautier was creative director. It came in a special box, and I use mine incessantly.”
Erica Cloud
Prada F/W 2007 Fur Clutch
“The fall/winter 2007 Prada show is one of my all-time favorite collections. I love the textures, colors, and pairings. I’m a big fan of vintage/up-cycling, and often go on a treasure hunt for any pieces floating around from this collection. Earlier this year, I found a clutch, coat, and socks! I think a faux-fur clutch is the perfect fall or holiday piece to spice up a look and make it feel unique. It adds fun and personality to any outfit.”
Marc Duron
Bottega Veneta Tire Chelsea Boots
“Classic, but with a twist, I pulled the trigger and bought these dream Bottega boots in ‘black ebony.’ Oddly enough considering their large silhouette, they pair well with everything.”
Brianna Andalore
The Seks Shop Don’t Hug Me Tee
“I love my Seks ‘Don’t Hug Me’ shirt because the [creators] are my dear friends and the material, wash, and cut are perfect! It’s actually really funny because I was on set of Julia [Fox]’s new show that I styled–‘OMG Fashun’ coming out in May/June–and I was wearing the shirt and everyone stopped hugging me! The truth is that I actually love hugs but the shirt works; people won’t come near you if you wear it.”
