This is a question I often ask myself. The truth is, they’re not. Even as someone who is privy firsthand to the amount of luxury gifting within the industry, it is still a question that arises for me almost once a day when I see an IG girly post a Margaux bag online
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My wardrobe approach is predominantly circular fashion (TRR, Poshmark, Ebay and the other usual suspects: Estate Sales, Flea Markets etc) with a light sprinkling of commercial and luxury pieces — so when I do shop at full retail price, it’s a purchase I have considered for a significant amount of time. This is the typical cycle of thoughts my brain will run through before adding to cart.
Do I really need this or am I looking for a dopamine hit? Because there is a snickers in my fridge with my name on it that would most likely satisfy me similarly. —>
Is this something that I can factor into my rotation expenses — aka full time childcare, a mortgage, rent on an apartment in the city +more (SMH) —>
Is this something I can find secondhand? *Goes to Poshmark and starts typing in similar keywords*—>
Hmmm is this even going to look good or me, or is the model just skinny? —>
What are four occasions or outfits that I can see this piece with? —>
At this point, if I’ve made it this far down the list and it’s something that is within reason, I purchase it. ★★★★★ (The five stars are a reward for me for doing my due diligence on the purchase vs impulse buying)
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Since having Frankie, I’ve been much stricter with my spending habits, but from time to time I do like to engage in purchasing an itty bitty wardrobe upgrade item I like to call The Fluffer™ (IYKYK) — The Fluffer is not necessarily a break the bank item, but she‘ll give you a nice refresh and get you enough buzz to reinvigorate your current state. I find her to be the perfect cure to my “Am I reLevanT oR aM I a wAsheD mOm, whAt are the KiDs weariNG these Days? Why do I haTe eVeryThiNG in MY warDroBE? SHoulD I paint MY waLls?” moments. Here are some of mine that are currently in rotation, from my wardrobe to my living space.
Big Floral Brooch
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I know this had a moment last year but I think the old girl still has a little life left in her. I cannot find the above color way on this Marni piece anywhere but I did find a blue version here. I also love this oversized Etsy version (image below) that is very Carrie coded — I am obsessed with Indian designer, Aisha Rao and her interpretation of the infamous JLO green dress and the flower motif. I would definitely have worn this piece PB (pre-breastfeeding) now I am not sure if these tits are perky enough.. I do like the idea of using the brooch as more of a centerpiece at the navel to anchor a look.
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A Statement Bowl
I am currently decorating our Brooklyn kitchen and this Alessi fruit holder has my name on it.
Unless you live in a huge rent controlled apartment, it is very likely your kitchen area is on the smaller side. I find that adding functional pieces like an oversized fruit bowl that can double as a beautiful object can help create a little life and add some personal style in a usually overlooked area. Also while we’re on kitchen additions — anything from Harlie Brown Studio — her star cereal bowls are also really doing it for me right now.
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Le Market Tote
There is something very call me by your name about a market tote. Even if it’s just hiding my pilates socks, a diaper kit and 5 half used Nivea lip balms. There’s a lot of chatter about transitional dressing now, we’re finally getting some sun (yay) and I think this addition is a fail safe way to introduce a little Spring Fever into your life, plus the playful combo of a stripe and bright color is kind of hard to beat. PS, remember these Balenciaga Bazar totes? I kind of wish I didn’t sell mine from back in the day, but there are some great versions on TRR for around $200ish. The Puebco version starts at around $25 to $45 ish (bottom right photo) for a more affordable option.
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Paper Mache Fruit
If you’ve followed me on social for even a short amount of time, you will know the chokehold glass blown fruit has had on me over the past few years. This love has now transcended to another kind of fruit assortment, the Paper Mache style. I currently have these scattered over my coffee table books on my media console but I feel like they’re a nice finishing touch on a shelf as book ends or entry way table.
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Square Toed Flip Flops
I know there has been serious debate about about flip flops out in the city — personally my take is this: an open toed sandal is acceptable within a local commute that does not involve any form of public transportation aka dog walks, bodega runs, playgrounds, coffee stops… are all flip flop approved activities to me. I especially love the square toe on these Havaianas.
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Bag Charms
Look, you don’t need to buy the Margaux bag — but you can add a little big of bag bling for an upgrade. I like this Collina Strada raffia floral guy *also now on sale at SSENSE for 50% off!
A Raffia Stripe Lamp
Raffia texture is big in my books. I love that something as small as a teeny tiny lamp can add a little texture and dimension into a neutral space. These are great as nightstand lamps or on a credenza in the living room.
Track stripe pants
This is my version of the Highsport kick flare that has gotten so popular that even The Cut wrote an article about it. While I find that piece highly overrated and overpriced, especially when you can get the Donni version at a fraction of the price — I don’t think you can EVER go wrong with a good ol fashioned track stripe pant. Here are a few pre loved options.
I just got the notification alert that this post is now too long to be an email, which is my indication to sign off. Happy shopping, browsing or none of the above (listen none of us really need more stuff anyway!)
Until next time, thanks for taking the time to step outside with me, ciao for now my sweets x
also just had a baby and reigning in my spending!! love the idea of the fluffer. my fluffer is using rtr to get that shopping dopamine hit until i figure out how to dress this new body ♡