Category / Shopping

apc-anvers-bag
By On In Shopping235 Comments

Getting dressed is no longer stressful. Dressing up in the morning is so much easier when you know you look good because every piece of your small wardrobe works well together and fits perfectly. You no longer have to worry about trends as you naturally gravitate towards certain styles and colours that compliment each other.

Your closet is remarkably well-organized. Remember that one shirt or pair of pants that was a so-called wardrobe favourite, but after a while was completely overlooked because there were at least a million other options hanging in your closet? Fewer clothes means you don’t have to spend hours on end trying to organise an overstuffed closet as it’s already clutter free.

Quality over quantity. Buying less means saving money. Money that you are partly able to invest in quality items that you truly need and enjoy. When your closet consists of beautiful garments that you love, you will most likely have less desire to add to it. And also, you get to wear them on a regular basis. So why not buy that gorgeous designer coat that you will cherish and wear for many years to come?

Less clutter means less distractions from what’s important in life. Of course, the occasional shopping trip can be fun and relaxing, but by cutting down on frequent shopping sprees, you have more time to spend on things that truly add value to your life.

 

diamonds-by-the-yard-bracelet-tiffany-co
By On In Shopping401 Comments

I hadn’t worn my silver diamonds-by-the-yard bracelet for months, because I needed to get it cleaned. So I brought it to Tiffany & Co a couple of weeks ago, not only for a thorough cleaning session but also to have it shortened a little because I already lost it once at work when it got caught on my coat. Several heart attacks later, I finally found it under my desk with a broken clasp. It is one of the first gifts that I bought for myself in order to celebrate something. Because why not treat yourself every once in a while?

I love it when things that I bought in the past are reminders of certain accomplishments or events. Like the aforementioned bracelet; I bought it when I was first offered my job at the museum. It was only for a couple of months at that time, but it was everything I had been working up to at that point after years of studying. As a matter of fact, six months prior I had finished my last temporary freelance job and I was getting pretty anxious because finding a job in the cultural sector is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

From that point on, I allowed myself to buy something nice every time my contract was renewed. The Balenciaga bag and boots, the Céline trio bag are all the result of hard work. And sure, they’re also part of my 5 piece French wardrobe adventure which allows me to invest in a few quality pieces every season, but linking a purchase to an important or happy event makes it even more special. Every time I look down to my wrist and I see that bracelet, I feel the same sense of excitement that I felt when I landed that job.

Have you ever bought something to remind yourself of a special occasion?

ace-tate-glasses
By On In Shopping209 Comments

I didn’t expect to be able to show you my new glasses so soon as I only ordered them last Tuesday. I’ve been wearing glasses for over 15 years and speaking from experience, it usually takes a few weeks for your new glasses to arrive. But not these! I got to pick them up on Saturday and I’m over the moon with Ace & Tate (and no, this is not sponsored, I’m just really excited!). As you can probably tell from looking at the actual glasses, I’m practically as blind as a bat. So previously, before I got to know this brand, I had to pay an extra €100 per glass for the ultra thin option but this time I only paid €98 for the entire pair of glasses.

My search for new eyewear started a little over a year ago. And even though I don’t mind the occasional shopping spree, picking out new glasses can be such a horrendous task. You’re so used to your old glasses, that it’s really hard to find a frame that tops the one you’re wearing right now. So thank god for my boyfriend and a friend who both decided that this pair looks best on me. Nothing too bold, but a pleasant change from my old black frame that I wore for the last three years.

 

hair-pin
By On In Shopping1,271 Comments

According to both my hairdressers, I am blessed with very easy hair. And I suppose they’re right. Thank god actually, because I’d rather spend another 10 more minutes in bed than blowdrying my hair. Just a quick shower and I’m out the door with wet hair. When I arrive at work, it’s dry and there’s always someone asking me if I went to the hairdresser again. Uh no, I washed it?

But speaking of details, I’m wearing my new silk blouse by & Other Stories. I decided to send the H&M blouse back. The washed black colour was beautiful, but the fit wasn’t at all flattering; very square cut and insanely wide. A couple of weeks back I tried the & Other Stories blouse and was pleasantly surprised. Only to find a small snag in one of the front panels and so I left crying and empty handed. But luckily they restock every once in a while and I found one in my size just last week. Feels a bit strange though, to be wearing something that isn’t black, white or grey. How daring of me, right? I even added a Celine-esque hairpin to complete the picture.

Now that I crossed that silk blouse of my list, I do need to remind myself to slow down a little. It was only a little over a week ago that I posted my wish list for fall/winter and I’m already hunting down the next item. This is why I both love and hate the end of the year. It’s my favourite time to shop, because I’m a sucker for coats, knits etc. but I also tend to get a little carried away. So a small confession from my side: after all of these years living by those 5 piece French wardrobe rules, it’s still hard occassionaly.