Bits & Bobs I Find To Be Incredibly Chic
chic finds that won't break your bank account
There seems to be this notion that something cannot be chic and affordable. The luxury market has infiltrated the way we understand what true luxury is, and what defines high quality. Certain high end brands have decreased their quality and the craftsmanship of their product, while raising prices, yet other brands have taken an extra effort to preserve the craftsmanship that powers the fashion industry and continue the legacy of what luxury products should mean. Still, you do not need to spend thousands to look chic and put together.
People are often surprised when they compliment a person’s outfit, or ask where a piece is from, and are told it’s from H&M, or that it’s thrifted. The key is knowing where to look, what to look for, and how you put it together, but that’s for a different article.
So here is a list of things I find to be incredibly chic and luxurious, without spending a fortune:
Coffee table books
There is nothing that makes a room quite like books. I have become obsessed with the idea of what my bookshelves will look like in my future home, and have begun collecting books in anticipation. A coffee table book is elevated and a statement, telling the people who enter your space the primary details of who you are as a person. Are you into fashion? Art? Cars?
My most recent purchase is this book on the style and fashionable lifestyle of icon Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, which I can confirm is amazing down to the last detail. Other coffee table books that are both amazing to look at, and interesting to look through, are: Sofia Coppola Archive, Sporty & Rich Wellness Book, and any other fun and unique books that you can find second hand and thrifted.
Unique eyeglasses
I’ve been wearing glasses since the eighth grade, and since then always stuck to a simple pair or two that would match everything. I always liked wearing glasses, but would choose styles that weren’t stand out. A few months ago when I went to Paris, I decided it was time to invest in this pair from Claris Virot. Since then, they have quickly become my favorite pair, not just for style, but also for comfort, while elevating every outfit.
Sleek hair clips
Nothing has held up better for me than this $7 hair clip. The shape, inspired by that of EmiJay hair clips, is so sleek, and while the clip doesn’t necessarily hold the best, it does the job. It matches any outfit, and even just clipped to a bag handle it doesn’t look out of place.
A simple watch
While my watch is more of a fancy bracelet since I need to get the dial fixed, it is my everyday essential. A sleek watch, regardless of material, is the best accessory. Since I wear this one so often, I am really in search of a good leather strap watch, something inspired by vintage styles, and that I can wear everyday, leaving the gold for special occasions.
Statement earrings
Nothing levels up an outfit more than a statement earring. This square knotted pair has been my go-to recently, but other favorites include these Heaven Mayhem Dupes, and anything thats gold and bold. Especially with a slick back.
Anything tortoise shell
I’m not sure what it is about tortoise shell that draws me to it so much. Generally, I don’t wear brown so much, so I find it interesting how many accessories I own in a tortoise shell pattern. My hair comb, from Officine Universelle Buly 1803 in Paris, was customized in their boutique in the Marais district over the summer. It feels like such a little luxury, and beautiful just sitting on my countertop. I wish I could be one of those women who truly did carry a comb like this everywhere, and while maybe one day I will be, for now she is just for show.
While you can purchase products from Officine Universelle Buly online, I would recommend not to, simply for the ambiance and memory that shopping in Paris can bring.
Special little luxuries that make daily life more chic
This Marvis toothpaste may hav ben the most recommended product I pick up in Paris. Nearly every pharmacy carried it, and although it sounds stupid, I can’t explain the joy it brings me to see this on my counter instead a tub of Crest. Maybe I’m just a sucker for good packaging, but definitely for shopping, thats for sure. The toothbrush is one I picked up in C.O. Bigelow in Manhattan, and while some may say $9 is outrageous for a toothbrush, I think I’d rather call it therapy.
Last but certainly not least is my Trader Joe’s hand cream. Generally I have a love for all Trader Joe’s body care products (specifically their body butters), however amid the craze for Aesop and L’Occitane hand cream, this one is much more affordable (a rare win for my wallet) and just as amazing.
Other TJ’s products to check out: their Laneige lip mask dupe, powder dry shampoo, hyaluronic acid face serum
Special mentions:
Matching PJ’s
A good lip combo
Matching sweat sets
High end concealer
Anyways, thats all for now,
T <3