Contrary to popular belief, I rarely go clothes shopping. Though I still spend as much money as when I was younger and used to shop for a quick thrill or for a fix of the lastest trent, my shopping habits have now, thankfully, evolved. These days, I consider each purchase: how it will fit my life, the image I want to project, the cost-per-wear basis, and whether it’s a piece I will want to wear for years to come (and which will last just as long).
L-R: Chanel Earrings (a gift from a dear friend that arrived in the post, completely by surprise); nail polishes in Vendetta and Riva; a vintage pearl, leather and golden medallion to add to my ever-growing Chanel brooch collection
I am a firm believer that buying the best quality one can afford has two benefits: your clothes will last you far longer (and therefore, on a cost-per-wear basis, should be no more expensive than a cheap alternative) and, even if you can only afford to buy a few items, they will always look more luxurious than a wardrobe bursting with high street trends.
My purchases these days are thus divided into two categories: 1) beautiful classics and wardrobe building blocks around which everything else revolves (buttery soft tshirts, a beautiful silk blouse, gorgeous underwear, the perfect skinny jeans, season-less pumps that make you walk that little bit more elegantly, a coat that is both deliciously warm and beautifully cut and that you can wear year after year without feeling frumpy); and 2) the peices which make everything feel like ‘me’ (a preppy blazer, some tailored shorts, a dress that is always ready for a party, a quilted chain bag, handfulls of glittery jewels, and more white silk or lace tops than I care to count).
Perennially classic: sky-high ponyskin leopard print pumps by Kurt Geiger
When I know something is missing, I make very boring lists and set out to find these items during the season. And when I see something I hadn’t been searching for but which I immediately like anyway, I always stop to ponder it for a day or two – if I’m still dreaming about the lovely item later in the week and I know it will work with what I already have, only then does it come home with me.
Topshop blush pink silk playsuit (for luxurious sleep and weekend hibernation indoors) and Collette Dinnigan bow print knickers
This isn’t to say I only ever spend a ludicrous amount of money when I go shopping, no matter how rare an occurance it may be. Just as strong as my belief in good quality and design is my belief that one should always have small luxuries; little items that make everyday living that much more glamorous. If you’ve only got £30 to spare, you’re much better of buying a new candle, silk camisole or lipstick of the highest quality than a cheap top you’ll only ever wear twice. Your daily pleasure quota will increase, but you won’t need to take out a loan to fund it.
Diptyque L’ombre dans L’eau perfume (the smell of blackcurrant leaves and Bulgarian black roses), perfect for wintery days
Like a magpie, I’m continually drawn to beautiful scented candles, artisanal chocolates, silk underwear, a sparkly bauble, good books, and a new lipstick or polish to make me smile on a dreary day.
So here are some of the small luxuries I’ve collected the past few weeks. I’m sensing a theme: while my love of all things feminine and Parisian is eternal, my desire for them only increases as the days grow greyer.
Charbonnel et Walker pink champagne truffles and Mimco black silk and pearl necklace/bow brooch (a gift from another dear friend across the seas)
Are you a believer in quality over quantity? What are the small pleasures you turn to to make your days more lovely?
Love, Miss B xx
Gorgeous! You have amazing taste. Just lovely!
x
You have found some amazing pieces, here’s to more gorgeous investments! x
im totally a quality over quantity girl.. i used to be the worst impulse shopper and drop all my money in chain stores – then I realised recently that I never actually wear any of those clothes… ever… The clothes I wore the most were the ones that I had actually dithered about, gone home to think about, and then eventually went back to the store (chain or otherwise) to buy. Now I shop along the same lines. Sometimes I am grabbed by an item and I have to buy it, but I do so knowing myt ate and style and kknowing that it will all magically go together. Most of the time though, I am on the constant search for certain items – more long-ish skirts in interesting neutrals, tapered pants, sweaters, button up shirts – so that when I see something I “need” (haha) then I know it will work.
I love your little treats though. they are perfect for a wardrobe or life lift without being extravagant. I like Mazet chocolate – I am on strict instructions to bring some back for paris because it costs $16 a block here – and also NARS make up products.. the glitter in them just makes me feel so special no matter what I’m doing!
X
Hi Briony
I have left you a response to your fabulous comment on my blog. It’s great to hear from you and I love your blog. Its a little piece of fine fantasy that every girl needs in their life. Love those Kurt Geiger shoes girlfriend…I came back from the UK obsessed with KG. Thank goodesss House of Fraser have free international shipping for purchases over 50 pds.
Quality all the way! I really enjoy your writing and your gorgeous images! Lovely, lovely post!
I’m absolutely a quality girl!
I’m always going through different stages when my brain can focus on only one thing/ one craving (OK, not just one but like one category:)). It feels like everything else has been shut off and I see and want only earrings/ bracelets/ shoes. 🙂 But at this moment I hate shopping! I guess it’s because I don’t need anything 🙂 But it may change in a week.
love all the way from melbourne….. delighted you love the earring. xoxox
Very nice pictures, you have a very good taste.
I really adnire your impeccable taste, and I go through stages of impulse buying than actually thinking about quality, and over time, when I think about how much clothes I have donated to charity because I didn’t’t wear them, I cringe. From now on I will be taking a page out of your stylish book. xx
Lovely post!! love those shoes!
Kisses from Spain!
Well am not strictly quality over quantity girl, but I do not believe in quantity for it’s own sake… I think the secret is to let it set in. If you’re still into it a few days later, than you should probably go for it. Otherwise… Something like one night stands! 🙂 … though they can be fun too, two much makes you slutty 😛
M
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http://mayabeus.blogspot.com/
Im a quality girl too, I also think is more important to put quality above quantity. I love to collect items that are classic.
xo
Been awhile since i visited ur blog but boy u got some good stuff goin on!!! J’ adore this post 100% – its French in any way u put it:) Love the Chanel nail polish colors and that La Tour Eiffel display thingie is sooo prettieee, i really want one of those! i’ve seen it on display in many jewellery stores before to display their jewelries,maybe abt time i ask where they get them? lol
Btw, i’ve recently been featured on another blogger’s website ( known as Le Choix Trois) abt some of my fashion items and a portrait of myself so feel free to drop by and check it out if u want!!:) Thats just so u can get to know me about more if u wanna,haha
Have a grea day!
Link to LCT’s blog and my feature!http://lechoixtrois.tumblr.com/
xoxo,
Cinz
Cinz, I actually bought the little Eiffel Tower on the street in Paris! They’re an awfully tacky souvenir, but I adore them scattered about the house anyway! B xx
no way! u lucky thing! i’m so gonna get it the next time i see the eiffel tower display! 😀 it adds a touch of style to the house eh?:)
Cinz
http://cinzee.wordpress.com
oh yes, and i forgot to say, i agree, quality is much more important than quantity (u realize this with age)! but i do have my guilt trips where i go to H&M to get my cheap bargains, hehe
Cinz
http://cinzee.wordpress.com
LOL we are SO alike! I loved everything that you featured in this post but especially the Kurt Geiger heels! I don’t wear a lot of leopard print but in accessories it is so chic!
Brilliant post, I’m definitely a quality over quantity girl too.
First time commenting after discovering your blog about a month ago — love it!
Totally into quality; I’ve done a major purge of my closet over the past year and replaced old items with the best quality that I could afford. This year, I’ve “invested” in a Burberry trench, black suede Blahnik pumps, a black St. John pencil skirt (at 70 percent off, glorious!), and a large black Longchamps tote for work. Four years ago, my husband treated me to a black caviar Chanel 2.55 identical to the one that was stolen from you (my condolences …), and I have a nice little fleet of Repettos to carry me through my every day. I have a tiny, tiny, tiny wardrobe, but love and wear everything in it. In the long run, it’s a marvelous way to stop spending money.
It’s terrible, but I’m having a hard time coming up with favorite small, luxurious treats that don’t break the bank. (Which means I probably need to rectify that situation!) But two daily indulgences that are so luxurious to me are (1) using my Clarisonic Mia to completely clean and massage my complexion and (2) writing with my S.T. Dupont fountain pen, which was a Christmas gift three years ago. I love that pen; it makes my hand happy!
Thank you so much Marsi! And your new investments and daily luxuries sound absolutely perfect! In fact I could do with a Burberry trench myself…
those nail polish colours are beautiful!
oh my, everything is absolutely stunning!!!! we really are sisters from another mother/continent/life.
love your blog!! xoxo kisses!
You’ve got some really beautiful things here!