In this bi-weekly series, our editors share their "to-die-for" items, whether it's a basic white T-shirt or an ultra-trendy jumpsuit. Get ready for guilt-free shopping (and your credit card).

Fashion has always held a special and important place in my life. According to my mother, when I was in kindergarten, I refused to wear pants for a year because I wanted to look "dressy." In third grade, I did a project on Coco Chanel (this was the beginning of my projects, papers, and presentations on Coco Chanel). In high school, she carried a backpack full of fashion magazines to her weekly babysitting job.

With every paycheck she received, she saved money for future luxuries. Finally, all the hours I spent babysitting paid off when my parents offered to take me on a trip to Paris. I made it my goal to own a piece of fashion history: buy a vintage Chanel necklace.

Prior to our trip, a fellow fashion lover (my mother) and I did extensive research on the top designer vintage stores in Paris. We decided that Les 3 Marches de Catherine B (open in new tab) had the best selection. The store specializes in vintage Chanel and Hermès and, according to its website, "boasts the world's most coveted selection of fine vintage." I was enthralled. They suggested I make an appointment at the store, which I did.

When the day finally came, I was in a dream. My mother and I were ushered into a small, luxurious store with all the designer items we wanted. The wall full of Birkin bags took my breath away for a moment, but I had to focus. A vintage Chanel necklace. And then I found it. A gold CC medallion choker on a gold chain. An evening of flipping through fashion magazines in between changing dirty diapers had led to this very moment. With my new purchase in hand, I walked out of the store and onto rue Saint Germain, feeling like a Parisian. It's where I belong.

Six years later, my vintage Chanel necklace is still one of my most prized possessions. Every time I wear it, I automatically feel chic. (I've even been stopped by strangers on the street and complimented on this amazing necklace.) The magical necklace instantly makes any outfit fashionable. Unlike clothing, a great accessory can be worn every day. I have worn a Chanel necklace to dress up a casual t-shirt and jeans combination. I have also worn it with a gown to a black-tie event. This necklace is bold yet versatile and has become a staple in my wardrobe. It is one of my signature pieces.

This necklace also symbolizes more than my love for fashion and fine jewelry. For this reason, this necklace has become a cherished constant in my wardrobe. I have decided that this necklace will become a family heirloom. If in the future my great-grandchildren will have this necklace, they will be happy children. To me, investing in something classic, especially a timeless accessory, is worth the hefty price tag.

Since my necklace is vintage, it would be hard to find one exactly the same. However, if you are looking to invest in your own Chanel necklace, I have found several similar pieces. I promise it will stay in your wardrobe forever!

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