fashion

The 3 designer items this fashion expert will never buy again.

If you want a glowing review of a product, ask an influencer. —

Whether they're raving about a new bag or the success rate of a high street shopping haul, there are plenty of videos on the internet from people who make a living sharing their fashion finds.

But a refreshing and rather humbling new niche has developed on social media where creators confess their retail regrets: the spendy items they wish they never splurged on, or the luxury buys that didn't live up to the hype. Like those $1000 jelly sandals by The Row which are said to be prone to breakage, eek.

The best thing about this trend is that you know it's 100 per cent authentic. Because no influencer is going to slam a thousand-dollar pair of shoes they were gifted (unless they're especially keen to never work again.)

Watch: Emily Vernem demonstrates the five-second shirt-tucking hack. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

One content creator who's jumped on the bandwagon is Jessica Lee, otherwise known as @thedavisstandard. The New York-based lifestyle vlogger recently let her 245k followers in on the "trendy" high-end pieces she regrets buying in the last 12 months — and her list might surprise you.

"I love to shop like a lot of women, but I'm trying to be smarter about my purchases," she shared in the post caption, elaborating on some of the cult accessories she was tempted by in 2024 but chose not to buy into — such as Bottega Veneta's popular oversized "Hobo" bag.

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As Lee points out, with the fiendish appetite for hot-ticket designer buys, it's no wonder the luxury resale market is booming across sites like Vestiaire Collective, Depop and eBay.

"It's a sign that too many are buying stuff they don't want and need," she said.

Here are the three items the content creator says she definitely wouldn't buy again.

Bottega Veneta Loop Mini Camera Bag.

The Bottega Veneta Loop Mini Camera Bag in brown woven leather is pictured.The Bottega Veneta Loop Mini Camera Bag. Image: My Theresa.

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First on the list is a small woven leather bag in chocolate brown by the buzzy Italian brand, which retails for a staggering $3,400.

Lee admits she's bought many Bottega Veneta bags in the past and has sold every single one of them.

"I think they're trendy, I don't think they're worth the money. The leather is nice but it's nothing special," she said

"I think Bottega [bags] are overrated. They're too expensive for what they are."

Expensive cashmere sweaters.

An embossed grey cashmere sweater by Hermes.Lee says Hermes cashmere sweaters are not worth the investment. Image: Hermes.

The second item Lee wouldn't waste her money on is a designer cashmere knit.

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"I bought this Hermes cashmere sweater — I think I wore it twice," she said, holding up a grey jumper with an embossed Hermes logo across the front.

"If I tell you how much this is, you will just be so floored," she says.

The jumper cost Lee $2,500 USD, which is about $3,995 Australian dollars. While Hermes is known for handbags and accessories that cater to the super rich, its clothing line is just as costly.

"I'd love to sell it and recoup even just 1,500 dollars," she said of the splurge.

"Is it nice? Sure. Is it that special? No."

High-end trendy designer heels.

Clear PVC stiletto heels with a jewelled front detail by Amina Muaddi.Amina Muaddi's embellished heels are on Lee's list. Image: MyTheresa.

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For the third segment of the video, Lee holds up a pair of clear PVC stilettos from Parisian shoe brand Amina Muaddi. The label exploded in popularity in recent years after a slew of celebrities and influencers were pictured in their embellished high heels.

Lee says she fell for the trend but barely wore her pair — and the style feels dated to her now.

"Really embellished heels — just don't buy expensive ones. Just buy ones that are under $200, wear them out, enjoy them," she said.

In the comments section of the video, many users shared their own opinions on the luxury items that aren't worth their price tag.

"So relatable," one user commented. "I purchased [a] vintage Chanel bag, I may have over paid... I wish I did more research."

"I regret my Mach and Mach crystal heels, I have only worn them once or twice," another shared.

Others agreed with Lee's take on The Row, which is designed by Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen. Known for their minimalist designs and low-key branding, their accessories are the epitome of the "quiet luxury" trend.

In an exchange with one user, Lee confessed she bought the brand's much-hyped Margaux bag after going on a waitlist, but was "unimpressed and sent it back".

Do you regret any recent purchases? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature image: Instagram/@thedavisstandard.

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