The Best Fashion, Beauty, and Home Finds Bazaar Editors Bought in 2023

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Every year in fashion has its It items. Last year’s list included the ribbed Prada tank top and the Adidas Samba; this year, it felt like every other editor carried a half-moon bag with their Alaïa fishnet flats. But check in with fashion insiders about their true hero items of the past year, and they won’t respond with a list of the pieces you’ve seen flooding street style. Their answers are a lot more personal, and just as shop-worthy.

So before 2023 comes to a close, I asked Bazaar editors to share the best purchases they made this year—a guide to their personal It items, in other words. For 2023, our shopping list ranges from elevated staples by new designers to know to indulgent home decor and luxury gifts. One editor’s wardrobe was forever changed by a directional Khaite belt; another is bringing refinement to her jewelry stack with a pair of Agmes x Simone Bodmer Turner earrings. And yes, there are a few appearances from anointed It items. Even for fashion editors with thousands of options at their fingertips, a fresh Loewe bag and a trending Onitsuka Tiger sneaker are worth the hype.

Read on for the items that defined our year in shopping.

Pre-Owned Ronde Louis Cartier Yellow Gold Manual

“When I saw a similar version of this pre-owned Cartier watch at Bucherer, I knew it was the perfect watch for proposing to my fiancé. The very classic styling, the throwback lines and size, and the luxurious brown leather strap said exactly what I wanted to say: My love, like this beautiful timepiece, is forever.” —Miguel Enamorado, accessories director

Mexico 66

“As someone who owns more heeled than non-heeled shoes, I really mean it when I say my Onitsuka sneakers have been the best purchase of my year. I, personally, was influenced to finally buy my own pair after reading my fellow Bazaar editors’ diagnosis of the trend, which had its precedent set by Uma Thurman in Kill Bill. Though I didn’t nab the iconic yellow and black iteration, the creamy Mexico 66 Deluxes with green and red stripes have served me greatly—and my tired feet thank them profusely for their service.” —Chelsey Sanchez, digital associate editor

Walker Jean

“I love this brand’s minimalist streetwear staples—I have their baseball cap, a tote, and a great boxy white tee—and have been wearing their high-waisted Cool Jeans nonstop. The jeans are so good they sold out, but they’re restocked just in time for the holidays.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor

Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

“As someone who is extremely picky about lip products, this one changed the game for me. I like to apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe the product off. What remains is the perfect ‘your lips but better’ transparent stain, which you can top off with any moisturizing lip balm or oil. I can go a whole day eating and drinking, and the color still lasts hours later.” —Olivia Alchek, senior designer

Medium Squeeze Bag

“I’ve been searching high and low for a great work bag (and just a beautiful bag for life in general), and I kept coming back to the Loewe Squeeze. I finally pulled the trigger a couple of weeks ago and couldn’t be more excited to end the year with such a special carryall, which will take me happily—and stylishly—into 2024.” —Brooke Bobb, fashion news director

The Original Mortgage Apple Cake

“This moist and dense apple cake consistently wows everyone who has tried a slice at gatherings. The cream cheese icing has just the perfect amount of sweetness. And it ships all over the country—a yummy way to show love to someone this season.” —Carl Kelsch, managing editor

At Home Membership

“I’ve been attending the Class in person for a couple of years now, but recently decided to continue with workouts at home with a monthly membership to their digital studio. Since I can access the Class from anywhere and take advantage of their audio sessions when I’m not in the mood for a full experience, I’d consider signing up one of the best investments in myself I’ve made this year.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor

Rhea Trapeze Sweater

“I’ve tested (and tested, and tested) a lot of oversize sweaters in my day. This Black Friday purchase finally delivered on the deliberately slouchy fit and throw-blanket handfeel I’ve been looking for. The turtleneck comes up to my chin, and the sleeves drip down over my hands in 2018 Ariana Grande fashion. But when I wear it with a single-pleat trouser, it looks intentional. It was worth waiting until November to find it.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

x Simone Bodmer-Turner Large Sandra Earrings

“When I approached buying jewelry for my wedding this year, I knew I wanted to purchase something that was just special enough, but also could be worn again and again. These Simone Bodmer-Turner for Agmes statement earrings did the trick. I love how the hefty golden brass contrasts with the delicate dangling pearls. They work just as well styled with a wedding gown as they do with the perfect T-shirt and jeans. A ring isn’t the only type of forever jewelry!” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor

Velvet Short Sleeve Midi Dress

“I’m pretty sure I wore this dress four weekends in a row after I bought it. The fit is phenomenal (who doesn’t look amazing in velvet?) and the intricate buttons add a bit of French flare. I love pairing this midi length dress with a sleek leather boot, for the perfect winter outfit.” —Olivia Alchek, senior designer

Checkered Rug

“My partner and I moved in together at the end of last year and wanted a rug that we could build a room around. Graphic yet soft, this one did the trick, and paired perfectly with our brown leather couch and numerous green plants. We got it from a seller on Etsy whose rugs are all handwoven in Morocco—we love its plushness, but our cat loves it even more.” —Ariana Marsh, senior features editor

Oakley Vest

“It’s almost embarrassing how much I’ve been wearing this smooth little set since I got it a few weeks ago, but it’s just the easiest, most chic outfit to throw on when you want to feel dressed up but don’t have the energy to wear a whole dress. I’ve worn it with strappy heels for a cocktail party, and with white Adidas Sambas and silver ballet flats for the office and post-work dinners. If you see me re-wearing it this holiday season—no, you didn’t!” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor

Essential Cabin Bag

“I try to only pack a carry-on bag when I’m traveling. It is so liberating when you don’t have to check a bag! Rimowa not only makes stylish and spacious carry-ons that are easy to roll throughout the airport, but this year they came out with their Cedar Brown colorway. It is so chic and dark enough to look neutral (or even black), but slightly off—in the best way! Almost like my favorite brown bags.” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor

Sharp Floral Printed Napkins (Set of 4)

“I got this vibrant set of floral napkins from Tuckernuck, and I can’t wait to host my next event so I can show them off. If you add this eye-popping pattern to your tablescape, you’ll have all your guests talking. (Oh, and did I mention the design is also available on placemats, too?)” —Joel Calfee, editorial and social media assistant

Sera Sandal

“This summer, at the height of the craze for both studded flats and fisherman sandals, I blacked out and ordered these online. They are not at all my usual style, but I love them—they’re tough and comfortable, and they feel incredibly well made." —Izzy Grinspan, deputy digital editor

Enrico Jacket

“I have many black blazers in my wardrobe—some are oversize, some are boxy, and they’re all in different fabrics. Still, I wanted a classic tailored version. Veronica De Piante’s struck me as the perfect blazer with classic proportions. I’ve since worn this jacket with jeans and a T-shirt, over a dress, and also with tuxedo pants—it has range!” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor

Paddlefish Caviar Gift Set

“As a Thanksgiving appetizer this year, my family and I decided to treat ourselves to caviar and Prosecco (you only live once). On behalf of all of us, I decided to purchase this paddlefish caviar set from Russ & Daughters through Goldbelly, which guaranteed it would arrive at my parents’ doorstep right before the holiday. Though I was a bit nervous the set wouldn’t make it all the way to South Carolina from New York City in two days flat, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a text from my mom that it had—and our family gathering was that much more enjoyable.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor

Boucles D’oreille Loved 22k Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings

“Chalk it up to laziness, but I rarely wear statement earrings that require me to remove them every evening, just to put them back on the next morning. However, earlier this year, I was searching for elevated earrings that felt more sophisticated than my classic huggie hoops. I constantly wear these Sylvia Toledo hoops, which are light as a feather and gold-plated, so I know they will stay pristine even if I wear them in the shower or during a workout.” —Katie Intner, associate beauty editor

Leather Ballerinas

“I developed a shoe crush on Miu Miu’s ballerinas the moment they were released. A black ballet flat has always been my uniform shoe, and this one wittily references the leather ballet slippers I grew up dancing in, with the elastic logo strap and dainty bows. The stars aligned for me to order my dream flats early this year—‘stars’ meaning a gift card and an impulse to treat myself. It’s been a gift that keeps on giving, considering I’ve worn them almost weekly since ordering them in March.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

V11 Vacuum

“I’m convinced that peak adulthood is owning a Dyson cordless vacuum. After obsessing over my mom’s Dyson, I finally purchased my own—and it is arguably the best decision I have made this year. The vacuum is extremely lightweight and comes with several attachments that make it easy to clean small crevices and carpets. Plus, it comes with a wall docking station for easy access and aesthetic purposes, because a high-tech vacuum doesn’t really scream ‘chic decor.’” —Katie Intner, associate beauty editor

Benny Studded Belt

“I typically stick to a uniform of tailored separates, and I wanted something to update my usual go-tos. This Khaite belt was the perfect way to make my wardrobe feel new. I wear it almost once a week and for almost any occasion. I’ve worn this with wide-leg trousers and a T-shirt, but also with a knit dress and flats. It’s a new way to adorn a look, without adding jewelry!” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor

Velvet Arabella Dress

“There’s nothing better than a classic little black dress you can rely on. This piece by Rhode has proved to be life-saving for me for last-minute dinner dates, meetings around the city, and even early Monday mornings when I have to get to work but don’t feel like putting together an outfit.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor

Side Style

“I’ve been eyeing Lovesac Sectionals for years and can confidently say they are worth the hype. The design is simple and versatile, allowing you to configure the sectional a number of different ways (up to 20 variations). Plus, there’s a spot for storage, which every New Yorker needs. Aside from being practical, the couch is so comfortable that I have become a nap person.” —Katie Intner, associate beauty editor

Core Membership (10 Classes)

“I’ve always dabbled in boutique fitness classes without one really sticking. Then my coworker let me tag along to a New York Pilates class in the spring, and I became hooked. These reformer Pilates classes are more effective at toning than anything I’ve tried before, and the studios are so serene. I’m seeing the return on my investment in my body and my mind just a few months into my membership. For once, I look forward to working out.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

Lavan Boot

“These knee-high boots from Steven Madden are one of my favorite footwear purchases of the entire year. Not only are they super stylish, thanks to their faux crocodile texture, but since they feature a kitten heel, I can wear them for hours on end. They also happen to match just about everything in my closet.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor

Linen Sheet Set

“I moved to a new apartment over the summer and took it as a chance to redecorate, starting with my bedroom. Making the switch to linen from cotton was the best thing I could have done for my sleep and for the look of my space. The range of tonal neutrals works so nicely with my terra-cotta area rug and midcentury bed frame. More importantly, these sheets really get softer with each wash. I loved my first set so much that I bought a second for guests to enjoy when they stay over.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

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