235: We don't deserve Norma Kamali

A spring shopping list under $500.

This post is brought to you by Collective Voice and has been curated with complete editorial independence.

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If this newsletter ever blows up and makes me a billionaire (dropping that share button below in case you wanna help make it happen), I think the most-worn parts of my closet would still be among the least-expensive, as they are now. My outfits lately go hard on vintage Levi’s found for $75, baby tees bought in bulk for $40 each, and a certain currently $50 Skims hoodie.

Getting a competitive ROI out of a thousand-plus dollar investment is almost always the goal, and I’m the first to admit that expensive stuff can be nice! And justified in its price! But there are plenty—and I mean truly countless—thoughtful, high-quality, and full-of-character pieces coming from brands that didn’t just fall out of a coconut tree that cost a few hundred bucks at most.

It can be tough for a fashion operation making worthwhile product to keep their prices down, which makes me respect those that do that much more. To further pollinate their efforts, I’ve put together an edit of 20-ish under-$500 pieces that have moved me this season.

From the affordable designer we don’t deserve to the swimsuit brand on everyone’s lips to the straw bag brand with an army of imitators behind it, scroll on to shop my favorite fairly priced pieces for spring.

St. Agni Plunge-Neck Maxi Dress, $405 / COS Mini Sling Bag, $99 (my heart pined for this sweet, smart bag in leather, and it can barely handle the cuteness of palm green raffia) / Éterne Emma Ribbed-Jersey Maxi Skirt, $165 / Inés Bressand Haricot Bag, $429 (there may be a million straw bags new to market every spring, but Inés innovates and expands the category moreso than any other with her incredible hand-shaped vessels made in Ghana and France) / Lido Sessantotto Swimsuit, $310 / Sea Samaka Belted Garment-Dyed Shorts, $295

Bettter Aaron Linen Shirt and Pants Set, $470 (this set is a really incredible deal for Bettter, a new editor-helmed brand that’s elevating “upcycled” in a way I haven’t seen before—it usually makes suiting, but this Guayabera-style linen duo is a great foray into casuals) / Jennifer Behr Lucy Silk-Satin Headband, $120 / Sara Cristina Salt-Pearl Bikini, $280 (more on swimwear soon, but the streets are saying Sara Cristina’s name) / Our Legacy Gray & Tan Klove Sneakers, $445 (might be blasphemy but I prefer these to the new Wales Bonner x adidas) / Julietta Coral Beaded Necklace, $275 (made with real coral and sterling silver) / Issey Miyake Black Knot T-Shirt, $395

Hodakova Black Stocking Polka Midi Skirt, $200 (more ambitious collectors should check out Hoda’s inside-out suit jacket dress—wedding dress material?—but it wouldn’t be my list if I didn’t include at least one sheer skirt) / Norma Kamali Paillette-Embellished Tulle Maxi Dress, $395 (people say “we don’t deserve dogs,” but my recurring thought is “we don’t deserve Norma Kamali”…like how is this piece under $400? It’s giving Paco) / Déhanche Hollyhock Suede Belt, $250 / Le Monde Beryl Regency Grosgrain-Trimmed Satin Ballet Flats, $475 / Studio Amelia Angela Leather Sandals, $400 / COS Knee-Length Denim Shorts, $120 / Toteme Monogram Cotton PJ Bottoms, $480 (these are hot girl vacation wardrobe canon at this point)

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