2021 Luxe Wishlist

I’m a little late to the game, but my wishlist for 2021 took some serious reflection. The purchases this year will be much fewer than 2020, but will be bigger ticket items. Last year I purchased quite a lot of apparel, and this year I am more focused on accessories, which is one area I haven’t really invested heavily in before. My affinity for jackets has always led me to purchase clothes over bags or shoes, etc., However, I am maxed out on jackets, and need a few amazing handbags that will suit my lifestyle. I already have a few new additions to my collection, and will be featuring a few unboxings very soon. While I don’t (and can’t afford to) amass a huge collection of amazing handbags, a small and curated collection is attainable. With all that said, there are amazing things to come and let’s jump into my 2021 luxe wishlist….

Wishlist Item #1: Valentino VLOG 70 MM Belt

Because I love a more understated look and prefer a belt that will literally go with everything, this is my pick for a designer belt. I prefer the matte black finish to the gold logo, because I think this is more wearable and will match any hardware on handbags/other accessories. The Signature Belt in Glossy Calfskin in 70 MM is my perfect version and would look fantastic with black leggings and black boots, which has been my go-to look lately.

Wishlist Item #2: Valentino VLOG Combat Boots

I have NEVER purchased luxury boots, but this pair has peeked my interest. I am a lover of boots, and because I now live in a much colder climate and these have a very minimal heel, they seem like a practical choice. I like the edgy look and how easy they would be to style. I am slightly obsessed with the VLOG collection from Valentino Garavani, and my wishlist definitely reflects that. Not sure that these will find their way into my closet, but I don’t own any combat boots, and I think these would be a great addition.

Wishlist Item #3: Balmain Logo Sweatshirt

I adore Balmain, and I think this is such a casual and easy piece to wear with jeans, leather pants or even a leather skirt. It’s a luxe touch to a laid back style and definitely a great piece add in for a capsule wardrobe.

Wishlist Item #4: GoldenGoose Superstar Sneakers

I own one pair of Golden Goose sneakers and I am in love! I can walk around the city for hours without any discomfort. I can honestly say these are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn, so I think this purchase is not just aesthetic, you are paying for the support and comfort of the shoe. The pair I own is white iridescent, so I would like a darker pair that are more hard wearing and that I won’t worry about in rainy weather.

Wishlist Item #5: Chanel Mini Square, Patent

Clearly this is the big ticket item on my wishlist. Initially, I was more drawn to the boy bag style, or the Trendy CC bag. However, I do love a small bag and the black hardware and chevron style are extremely rare. The caviar version of this bag are even pricier than this patent version I spotted on Fashionphile, just under retail price. However, this is a collection from 2018, so it is not currently available.

The home page of my blog shows my love affair for Chanel’s So Black collection. The mini bag is still a trend, but I genuinely prefer smaller bags. The square mini is an amazing size if you pair down to the essentials, although I am basing this on videos from trusted fashion bloggers that I have watched. I have heard good and bag things about patent leather, but would eventually like to have patent in the mini size and a caviar bag in a small classic flap. I do love the patent leather and have always known that I would own one at some point in life and I think the black color way in this crumpled calfskin will be the most hardwearing. While a mark on patent leather is supposedly impossible to remove, I think any accident would be less visible in this distressed, crumpled calfskin.

Wishlist Item #6: Chanel So Black Coin Purse

Such a perfect pair for the Chanel square mini. I only own one card holder, which is a Valentino rocketed version in electric pink, so a classic black coin purse (or even small wallet) with black hardware is the ultimate classic small leather good for any handbag.

Wishlist Item #7: Something Else from the Chanel So Black Range!

My new obsession. I think it the ultimate classic, all of these options are so classic with the black hardware, from the boy wallet on a chain to the top handle.

After looking at my wardrobe, I think this hardware suits me the best and works with all my outfits, without having to worry about clashing hardware. These bags literally will go with everything! Sometimes, we can change our preference in silver or gold and I have items in my closet with both, so the So Black range is the ultimate Chanel collection in my mind.

These items would have to be bought preloved, and the resell value reflects how rare these pieces are. I am doubtful that I will add any of these beauties shown above to my closet, but just putting it out there that I would gladly add one of these stunners over almost anything else on my wishlist!

Wishlist Item #8: Prada Cahier Bag

I have been eying this handbag for quite some time. This bag comes in raffia, velvet, leather, etc. The raffia version would be incredible for spring/summer and I can envision this styled effortlessly with summer dresses.

The Prada cahier in black, grey, or beige would be an incredible casual everyday bag. I have heard rumors that this bag can be very heavy, but I cannot speak to that. I actually prefer the raffia pink version as my spring/summer bag because I own so many pastels, pinks and baby blues. While I think most of our handbags should be in a neutral and versatile color, this pink bag is a fun departure from the basics in a casual, edgy style.

Wishlist Item # 9: Classic Chanel Sunglasses

This is an item that I will wait to find the perfect version of. I own only 3 luxe pairs of sunglasses, and none of them are black. I think a pair of chunky black sunglasses, possible cat eye, definitely have a place in my wardrobe. I would be open to buying these preloved or new, depending on when I find the right pair.

Valentine's Day Gifts for Guys

I’ve put together a little Valentine’s Day gift guide for the special man in your life. These items are on the higher-end side, from Maison Threads, a website that solely offers designer brands for men and boys. Brands range from Versace to Kenzo to Tom Ford, and there is something for every guy…whether your man has a more classic style or embraces trends and color.

A denim jacket always makes an amazing gift, because it’s something that can worn on a regular basis with any outfit. A killer logo belt or a masculine pair of shades will be something that will up your guy’s style in a major way, and he will think of you whenever he wears it.

For men with a more colorful style, Kenzo is a great option. This brand has everyone from embroidered sweaters to playful sweatshirts and tees.

For guys with a men-in-black style, a logo hat or Versace sweatshirt make the perfect gift.

I hope these gift suggestions help as you shop for your loved one. I think that one nice item that your guy can wear on a nice date night or a special occasion will make him feel like a million bucks. Also, you can always go with a more practical and everyday item, like a pair of sunnies or a card holder.

I will soon be posting head-to-toe Valentine’s night outfit ideas that you can wear for the evening, but also wear over and over, as well as classic accessories that are investment pieces and wardrobe staples.

2020 closet update

Magda Butrym pieces are wearable, chic, but with a fresh and modern feel.

Currently, I just have my eye on a few high-quality, day-to-night pieces. Denim is a classic and I have fallen hard recently for the Magda Butrym brand. I love the aesthetic. As the designer described in an interview with Harpers Bazaar, she strived to create elegance in the every day. Butrym says it best…“I wanted to make every Monday morning a special occasion.”

The denim dress is a nice option to have for a night out, but would also easily work for the day. Wear it for brunch date or a nice dinner. Upon further research, the lace collar is removable. Now that’s versatile fashion. Details like this make a piece worth investing in.

And because one amazing accessory can make an outfit, I included my favorite belts that make a statement but aren’t overly branded.

This YSL belt is edgy with the crackled look, but the logo isn’t too in your face. Over time, belts can show wear and tear, but with the cracked effect of this one, you won’t be able to tell.

The JW Anderson and Etro belt just have a really cool vibe that would transform a jeans and t-short ensemble into a high-fashion outfit.

And when I bring new pieces in to my closet, I like to let go of others. What I sell also goes toward any new items I want to introduce into my closet. Here are a few of the departures…

I do have to sell a lot of items to fund one high-end fashion purchase, as the value of clothing goes out the window, even if it has just been worn once. But the extra closet space and a little extra to put towards something on my wishlist is so worth it.

Farfetch Mini-Haul

Because I was resourceful and did most of my Black Friday shopping at Unclaimed Baggage, I was able to make a few splurges on a luxury retailer. I didn’t want any returns or regrets, so I carefully considered every single purchase. I selected only classic pieces that were lacking in my wardrobe, and that are versatile and lasting.

After comparing my wishlists on Farfetch and Net-A-Porter, Farfetch’s promotion of 30% off on sale items was too good to pass up. I still only bought two items..perhaps the best Black Friday purchases that I’ve ever made…

The white blouse from LoveShackFancy can be worn to dinner, on the weekend, with jeans, or in the Spring with skirts and shorts. It has the perfect amount of crop and puff sleeve and the small is a perfect fit. I have several great statement tops, but needed a classic Victorian style blouse that can be worn over and over.

The square neckline is very flattering and I love how this top highlights the waistline. Paired with high-waisted pants or jeans, this will create a very leg-elongating look.

Now, onto my favorite Black Friday purchase. It is my first real designer belt purchase. I fell head over heels for the pastel pink logo with the pink and black ribbon belt.

I wear black almost every other day, and the pop of pastel pink with that, adds the right amount of color. It is modern and fresh, but still with a feminine touch. It gives any outfit a more statement look and will look phenomenal with black denim.

And let me introduce my new favorite fashion retailer for high-end looking but more affordable fashion…Fashion Bunker. For Black Friday, they offered 25% off full price items.

After a long search for the perfect camel coat, I decided on this light nude option by Keepsake. This brand offers amazing, high quality pieces that look very designer, and Fashion Bunker offers the best selection of Keepsake. I love an ultra pale nude shade…and this wrap style and dramatic lapels is very slimming and modern.

This “Lucky” coat is more special than designer versions I have seen. It also has a much more tailored distinct look than a camel teddy or basic wool coat. And when you get a classic color, you only need to invest in one fabulous coat. I will be wearing this year after year. And I actually love the style more than versions I saw on Net-A-Porter.

I hope you did some resourceful Black Friday shopping. I expect similar sales to continue after the holidays to celebrate Boxing Day.