There is such an amazing selection on The Luxury Closet, and select items are up to 40% off for Women’s Day until the 8th of March. I thought it would be fun to feature few of my favorites, from ready-to-wear to fabulous handbags…
While luxury apparel and handbags can come at a hefty price, this selection is on the more affordable side of designer, so you can shop with a clear conscience.
March 8th is International Women’s Day. The Luxury Closet is offering 40% discount on specific luxury merchandise until the 8th of March. From Gucci to Louis Vuitton, celebrate yourself, while elevating your wardrobe.
Because I am inspired this year to save, shop mindfully, and make only investment purchases, I want to keep myself accountable. I thought the most worth-while way to accomplish this would be to incorporate a monthly post on my purchases.
You will remember several of these items from previous posts because I only recommend items that I buy or would buy myself, and I like to compare and style items on my blog when I am considering taking the plunge on a purchase. I couldn’t resist getting this amazing denim dress from Magda Butrym (it is no longer available on Farfetch, but I found the same style in this print on Vestiaire.) The detachable lace collar and thick denim makes it versatile from season to season, and I love dresses that you can wear day-to-night. Buying a dress in a flattering cut that you can wear over and over, will prevent you from feeling the need to always buy more dresses for date night.
Magda Butrym Toledo Blouse
Another Magda Butrym piece. This really has become my go-to brand. I think this blouse is so elegant, and elevates any outfit, whether you pair it with shorts (as they styled it on Farfetch), or with leather leggings when the temperature drops. I bought this with Valentine’s Day in mind, but there are a handful of ways to wear it. The rich color mixed with the luxurious velvet fabric make this a top I will cherish for years to come. I advocate having basics and solids, but I think it’s great to have a small assortment of amazing statement blouses.
Fendi Calfskin Open your Heart Strap
I purchased this bag strap from Fashionphile. The beige and black caligraphy design with the hearts give a basic black handbag a nice accent. I regret not getting the matching handbag, and haven’t been able to find it anywhere else since. However, at least the strap is more versatile because I can use it with any handbag I own. I think it would be a perfect pair with a beige bag as well. This strap is sold out, so I’ve included a few other Fendi strap options below.
Katiana Leather Jacket
I also found the perfect leather jacket…yes the absolute perfect one. Edgy, but still classic. Fitted perfectly in the shoulders and torso. It even has a grained, textured leather that is hard-wearing. This is actually a Romania brand, and though this jacket is a higher price point, I found it at Unclaimed Baggage, so I got if for a third of the price.
Reflecting on my purchases, I actually got more than I thought as I kicked off 2020. However, I have made up for it in February, and am making it my goal for the year to limit my ready-to-wear purchases. And, two of these four purchases were pre-loved, so I will get amazing cost-per-wear. I’ve included two leather jackets below that give the same look but are more accessible.
My recent partnership with The Luxury Closet has has me lusting after a luxury handbag to add into my wardrobe. I’ve always had more of an interest in ready-to-wear than $$$ handbags, but even I have to admit that with a great designer handbag, it has more mileage because you can wear it with all your outfits (depending on what color you go with, of course).
As I don’t have the budget to buy more than 1 luxury handbag, I will narrow it down to a few of my favorite neutral bags, my top recs for classic black handbags and my favorite bright and bold ones. Then I will narrow it down to 1 in each category and decide what would be the best option for my wardrobe.
Classic bags are safer investments, as they will go with more outfits and surpass trends and fads. However, not all classic bags work well with our personal style or lifestyle. In the end, if a trendy bag is practical and works easily with your current closet, it may be a good purchase. People consider a bag trendy because of the color, print, or style. To me, a good capsule bag collection would focus on classic bags with a few trendy bags sprinkled in.
In this post, I am featuring bags from different retailers and re-selling websites. I fully intend on choosing a pre-loved bag, so I can get an almost new bag that is significantly discounted. While I want the bag to still be in great condition, I don’t see the need to pay double the price for a handbag that I will scuff or that I have to “baby” and be afraid to wear on a regular basis.
I’m in love with the Gucci Marmont in Candy Pink, but this wouldn’t be a good purchase since I don’t yet own a great basic black or neutral handbag. In the future, I would consider it, because most days I’m just wearing black and this would be a fun accent color. When I am wearing color, I opt for baby blue or pastel, and I think this pop of pink would pair with that as well.
Because I am a true declutter-er at heart, and want a modest but AMAZING bag collection, I will only be investing in one of the beauties. With all that said, let’s compare some stunning handbags from new and past collections across various brands…
I love a good metallic handbag, and one of my most loved bags was a white/iridescent one, and it truly went with all my outfits. If you want a bag that is a bit more unique and interesting than a basic neutral bag, metallics can be a good option.
You do have to keep in mind that silver or rose gold or gold can have very different effects and may look more night-time appropriate. You also should consider what colors look best on you. For instance, I have a warm complexion and brown hair and eyes, so copper and rose gold are the most flattering. However, I prefer silver.
Metallics can go with almost anything, but that can also depend on the bag’s style and leather/fabric composition.
Givenchy Crocodile Embossed Antigona
Saint Laurent Toy Loulou in Cork
Gucci GG Marmont, Medium
Gucci Marmont GG Mini Top Handle
Gucci GG Marmont, Small
Obviously I’m a little obsessed with the Gucci Marmont in Porcelain Nude Rose, however I’ve never made the purchase because I love to wear silver jewelry and the brassy/gold hardware always deters me. Hardware is an important aspect to consider and I would prefer black hardware or a bag that has both gold and silver elements so that I don’t have to always consider whether I need to wear silver or gold jewelry when getting ready for the day.
Chanel Calfskin CC Pocket Tote
Chanel Iridescent Caviar Clutch
What shape is best for you really comes down to style and function. A circle bag may be on-trend, but may not be user-friendly if your cell phone doesn’t even fit in it. Now most brands offer various sizes in their most in-demand handbags, so if you love the Gucci Marmont, or the Chanel classic flap, then you can decide which size…from the mini to the maxi…works best for your lifestyle. Whether you prefer a wallet on a chain for date night or a tote that you can use everyday, your lifestyle and how practical you need your handbag to be will determine your size preference. It becomes a bit easier once you have a few bags in various sizes, such as nice tote, a work bag, and a clutch. I want a handbag that will work for both day and night, so my ideal handbag would be a crossbody that will fit my phone, wallet, and essentials.
The Prada Cahier is super edgy and functional, because it is a small crossbody. My ideal combination for this bag would be solid black with black hardware.
These Chloe bags wouldn’t be my first choice because I have a more edgy modern style and Chloe’s bags tend to be pretty feminine. The one in light nude is gorgeous though. If you prefer feminine and preppy looks, one of the bags below might be perfect.
Saint Laurent Crocodile Embossed Calfskin Sac de Jour
Saint Laurent Calfskin Crocodile Manhattan Shopper
The new croc embossed trend has paved the way for many brands to release alligator, croc, and croc effect. True exotic skins are crazy expensive, but croc effect can be more practical and attainable.
I did once buy a pre-loved Saint Laurent toy bag with croc leather in hot pink. I returned it because the scales were peeling off in the front. This is one thing I would precaution you on. Be aware of the condition of the leather and the specific type of leather, because as these bags show wear, the scales or “scaled effect” of the leather can flake off and make the bag look old and ratty.
Some leathers are more hard wearing, and in the right leather, a little texture on the bag can prevent every stain or scratch from showing.
The type and length of strap also should be considered when buying a bag. A chain strap is more edgy and modern and I have heard that the straps on the Chanel classic flap aren’t ideal to wear crossbody. The YSL Sunset bag straps can be taken off and another put on, making it more versatile. I like to add on my own bag straps, so I look for handbags that allow you to clip off and on the strap.
I am happy to feature a Dubai-based boutique that embodies what my blog is all about…luxury, investment pieces that you will love and wear for years to come. I am now working with The Luxury Closet, your destination for pre-loved luxury accessories and apparel, and especially handbags. The Luxury Closet guarantees 100% authenticity, and their website explains the multi-step detailed assessments that their team of authenticity experts take. The Luxury Closet delivers globally, with the option to pay over a period of 30 days as you shop brands such as: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Hermes, Gucci, and many others.
Don’t we all want to create our own luxury closet?
The Luxury closet also offers really reasonable pricing. Especially when we are talking Chanel, other retailers charge 2x or even 3x the price.
There is a denim belt I have been eying on Fashionphile, and when I was browsing on The Luxury Closet, I found the same belt that had sold for literally less than half the price.
I am all about investing in your closet, but we must also be savvy shoppers and comparison shop these high-end luxury items. It is helpful to have the option to pay over a small period of time when we splurge on a super-brand or designer accessory.
Happy shopping as you create your own luxury closet!
For this Valentine’s Day, I recommend selecting a few classic fashion investments that you can wear for a romantic evening on Valentine’s Day, but re-wear on a million other occasions with other items already in your closet.
Maybe you already have an outfit in mind and have had your eyes set on a luxury handbag or pair of shoes. Valentine’s Day may be the perfect time to gift yourself a bit of luxury that you can enjoy for a Valentine’s Day dinner or special night on the town.
Items like this Gucci Marmont or Loubutin boots inject a bit of color into your wardrobe, but still in a classic way. The Fendi strap is a unique, but versatile, investment that you can use with any of your handbags, and will instantly add a designer touch.
This is the outfit that I will be wearing this Valentine’s Day. Magda Butrym is such an amazing designer who incorporates feminine and elegant details into her pieces, and I think any of her blouses and dresses would make an instantly sexy but classy outfit.
Because I’m a massive fan of pink, I had to put together a pink inspired outfit with a dress by one of my favorite brands, LoveShackFancy.
These accessories are classics and very versatile in blush and nude. Because Monolos are such an investment, I would recommend a neutral shade like this so they will go with everything. This tulle hot pink dress would also look killer with a black leather jacket thrown over your shoulders and some ankle boots.
A classic outfit with a touch of trendy. This Iro embroidered white dress is elegant and feminine, but looks instantly edgy when paired with this amazing Balenciaga belt bag. I found these Oscar De La Renta Earrings on clearance and these Manolo-inspired heels are surprisingly affordable.
I‘ve had a Retrofete dress on my wishlist for quite some time. And while the brand offers this dress in an array of colors, (and I love the teal color-way), I think the white one is sophisticated without trying too hard. And with an all white ensemble, you can add in some color with your accessories.
I’m also including a few fun, feminine blouses that make easy outfits and will look great with tailored trousers, distressed denim, or even a mini skirt.
And if you’re focused on getting the most value out of what you buy, I recommend an amazing blouse over an overly sexy dress. It is more day-to-night appropriate and will likely work with more in your wardrobe.
I hope these looks give you some inspiration for Valentine’s Day and date night. While I never condone buying an expensive outfit for one specific occasion, I’m all about investing in high quality pieces that you can enjoy time after time and wear on those special occasions.
