9 Vogue Editors Reveal the Items They Bought—And Loved —In May
As Vogue editors, we often wax poetic on the latest runway must-haves and home decor treasures, but not every item we gush about on this website ultimately ends up in our closets and homes. Our discoveries are nice to behold—they’re lovely to look at and inspire fun conversation—however, of all these cool things to buy, what did we actually end up buying? Each month we’ll highlight those special finds our editors welcomed into their lives—all the things that gave us buyer’s rejoice.
As cool spring weather transitions into sizzling summer days, several Vogue editors couldn’t resist indulging in some staples. Whether it be a cutoff pair of denim shorts or a wear-everywhere caftan, the latest set of purchases was all about giving way to the sunny season and treating ourselves to items that truly bring us joy.
And it wasn’t just fashion staples that made it into our shopping carts. One Vogue editor found a hero beauty item to help simplify her makeup routine during the soon-to-come sweltering summer days, while another found an affordable way to brighten her smile overnight. Read on to discover more details on what Vogue editors bought during our joyous shopping escapades in May.
Madeline Fass, Market Editor
While working on a summer fashion story conveniently timed just before my trip to Rincón, Puerto Rico, last month, I stumbled upon this affordable striped knit set and ordered it immediately. Its casual, laid-back vibe was exactly how I wanted to dress while spending time in an easy-going surf town, and I knew I’d get plenty of use out of it all season long. I live in matching short sets during summer partially due to their loose silhouettes but mostly because they’re an effortless way to look put together for both balmy beach and breezy boat days.
Alexis Bennett, Commerce Writer
I’ve been looking for a quick and easy way to brighten my smile, especially since masks are slowly starting to come off. And I’m so glad I discovered the Colgate pen. The affordable price tag left me feeling a little skeptical, but surprisingly my teeth looked noticeably whiter after the very first use. Now I have a secret weapon in my medicine cabinet for whenever I want to whiten my teeth quickly.
Rickie De Sole, Executive Fashion Director
I found myself near Columbus Circle with time to spare and popped into the Nordstrom store. I haven’t bought any clothes in a physical retail store since the pandemic started, so it was a real “experience!” They had a charming Rag & Bone deli installation set up in the middle of the store, and I bought a pair of high-waisted denim shorts. I’m not sure what came over me as I rarely wear shorts, but I figure they would be great to have come summertime!
Julie Tong, Senior Commerce Editor
I’ve been obsessed with caftan-style day dresses, and when I saw this in my colleague Rachel Besser’s story, I couldn’t resist adding it to my cart. Dress it up or down for the beach and city life; it’s the perfect double-duty dress for the summer season.
Clarissa Schmidt, Commerce Producer
As we head into summer, I’m hoping to minimize my makeup in order to keep my skin under control. Instead of a heavy-duty foundation, I’m opting to use this lightweight Rare Beauty concealer that is buildable, hydrating, and sweat-proof.
Chioma Nnadi, Editor, Vogue.com
Whether I’m on vacation or not, I like to bring an endless summer vibe to my wardrobe as soon as the warm weather hits. In the accessories department, that means a handbag that looks like I picked it up somewhere exotic; think, a crafts market on a Caribbean beach. The La Lona x Prova bags fit the bill and come with easy-breezy slogans—mine says “Stay Nice.” Plus, they’re also made in support of a good cause: Proceeds go toward supporting art and entrepreneurial programs in East Africa. Each bag is hand-stitched by a group of young female artisans and made from recycled food ration sacks that are distributed in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
Lilah Ramzi, Features and Shopping Editor
After what has been a very chilly spring, Memorial Day arrived with buckets of rain and chilly temperatures. Over the past weekend, I picked up and almost exclusively wore a pair of cropped gingham cotton pants (very similar to this pair by Rag and Bone) because I’ve decided they’re the perfect pre-summer pant. They provide all the warmth of jeans and all the summery cheer you’d expect from gingham. These trousers will tide me over until sunny officially takes over.
Willow Lindley, Accessories Director
I’m obsessed with these super-classic and very comfortable ballet flats from Margaux, especially now that I’m doing a bit of commuting to the office again. I’ve just stocked up on more colors, including this bright red, to break up my basic black shoe routine.
Ciarra Loren-Zatorski, Associate Fashion Editor
Quite fitting for Mental Health Awareness Month, this May, I dipped my toes in the world of meditation—something I’ve struggled with for years! I’ve never been able to silence my mind and get the full benefits meditation can offer, until a friend suggested Headspace. It’s more than any other meditation/breathing app as it has guided sessions and courses to aid in a clear state-of-mind.
Reader’s Choice
And looking back on the month of May, it seems Vogue readers couldn’t get enough of the summery dresses, particularly this floral Dôen one, which is also perfect for petites.
