Quarantine has been forcing everyone to really go through it. While everyone is experiencing hardships that are different, at the end of the day, we are all in this together, and I don’t know about you, but that gives me at least some comfort. From a sartorial standpoint, shoppers are either buckling down and putting all shopping on hold while others (aka all of my co-workers) are really diving into the retail therapy side of things. 

Since all of the lovely men and women I get to work with are some of the most stylish human beings I know, I was curious to see what exactly they had been splurging on since quarantine started. There was no doubt a handful of orders filled with cheap thrills have been processed along the way, but the following splurges ahead were particularly noteworthy for this bunch, and after seeing all of their purchases, you’ll see why. 

“I’m pretty much considering any non-necessary fashion purchase to be a splurge these days, so after tracking these earrings from full price to clearance, I finally sprung for them. Most of the fashion purchases I’ve been considering in this period are jewelry. I think there’s something about the cost per wear that helps justify the expense. These handmade glass earrings are whimsical and a bit funky, which I think will help liven up my limited wardrobe I brought to quarantine with my parents. Plus, you can pretty much guarantee that anything from Maryam Nassir Zadeh will never be too trendy since her designs are so special.” 

“I’m honestly not sure how I’ve made it this far without investing in a great quality blazer (it’s shocking, really), but at some point during the quarantine, I came to my senses and added this beautiful double-breasted one to my closet. It might seem like a strange time to invest in something as structured as this, but I know for certain I’ll be getting so much use out of it for years to come.”

“‘I just made a psychotic purchase/ is an actual text I’ve sent one too many times during quarantine. Most recently, I decided to treat myself to these Balenciaga thong sandals as a birthday gift to me, from me!  According to all my fashion editor co-workers (who I consider among the most stylish humans on earth), this style of shoe has been majorly trending for a minute now, and I’m all about it. I figured it was a good opportunity to lean into my resolution to start investing in higher-quality footwear that I’d keep forever, instead of buying so much fast fashion that ends up falling apart after a couple of seasons of wear. I haven’t actually worn these babies outside yet, but I have dreamed up at least a dozen different outfits for which they will be the perfect shoes.”

“I can’t resist a Net-a-Porter sale, and this time was an excuse to stock up on pieces from Tove—one of my favorite brands right now. This top is perfect for a future date night and the pants are the comfortable, tailored staple I’ve been wanting to add to my closet for ages. The rich shade of chocolate brown also happens to tap into one of my favorite color trends for fall.” 

I recently had to move out of my apartment in New York and move back home. (You know, COVID stuff.) But before I left, in the midst of dramatic sadness, I thought it would be a good idea to treat myself to this Prada purse. Retail therapy is a real thing and to be honest, it made me feel a lot better. Plus, this particular bag has removable straps, pouches, and more, so it’s basically like four bags in one. At least that’s how I’m justifying it to myself.

“I’ve wanted one of Alanui’s famous cardigans for some time now, so when the sale season started and I realized that the comfortable clothes in my closet were the only ones getting any use anyway, I decided that one of the simpler styles would be my only splurge of the season (if not year!). I’ve worn it so much since that I don’t regret it one bit.”

“I haven’t made any huge splurges throughout quarantine, but I did invest in a cozy pair of shearling Birkenstocks that I wear all the time at home and out and about running errands. They’re ridiculously cozy and comfortable and perfect for the cooler months ahead.” 

“Tbh, I haven’t splurged on many fashion items recently, but I did recently buy a pair of Nike sweatshorts that have officially become a mainstay in my wardrobe. I actually ended up buying a second pair so I have a spare when the original pair is in the laundry.”  

“I’ve had my eye on this ring for so long and finally went for it. I’ve been really into buying everyday gold jewelry lately (which I consider this ring to be) and have been wearing it even on days when I don’t leave the house. I love chunky chain rings and the fact that this one is sprinkled with little diamonds obviously makes it even more special.” 

Next up, discover the five dress trends fashion girls will wear come fall.