With Christmas just around the corner, it’s nice to indulge in a few thoughts of fantasy gifts. What if a pristine Celine tote were awaiting me under the tree?
Sigh…Oh well. The thing is though, maybe it’s better not to have these kinds of precious items. Maybe it’s better to invest in pieces you’re not so afraid to subject to a little wear and tear. I own a few prized bags, but in all truth, I tend to “baby” them so much lest they get damaged that they barely see the light of day.
That’s not what I really want from my possessions, regardless of how much I love the idea of them.
This got me thinking about the term “wearable luxury.” What are those items you can love to death because of their value, their functionality, and use on a daily basis?
When I think about this, two things I own come to mind. Firstly, my watch (a graduation present) that I wear every single day, and secondly, my wallet by YSL.
These are the items that are most dear to me because I love them to pieces, and what they represent, but also because I’m not afraid to use and wear them!
I know my wallet’s been the victim of water spillages, bulky cards and coins causing dents- but all the while it’s retained its rigid structure despite me having owned it for over a year. No frayed stitching or marks either! I’ve not been particularly careful with it, and the fact it remains wonderfully intact is probably also down to great craftsmanship, but for me it’s the ultimate definition of everyday luxury.
Similarly, my watch has been subjected to the elements, little bashes here and there, but I don’t mind because I don’t think something that’s truly functional and meant to last should be preserved in a mausoleum! (It also helps that I was assured it was scratch resistant so perhaps that gives me some license to be less careful!)
So what else potentially falls under this term? I think that’s quite a personal choice and largely depends on lifestyle, but here are a few of my ideas:
A lot of these picks were chosen based on fabric. For example, the Chanel Grand Shopper (although clearly a luxurious piece), is crafted from Chanel’s super durable caviar leather, so it’s good for everyday use. Plus, it’s roomy enough for all your essentials and the shopper style gives it an easy, casual feel.
The Altuzarra tweed jacket is another example of a high-end piece that needn’t be classed as “precious”. The tweed fabric, and its sister, boucle, are hardwearing fabrics but associated with coveted items- just think of Chanel’s classic jacket. Plus, the zipper on this jacket again takes it into the realms of every day wear.
The shoes I picked for their luxury status symbol- Louboutins can never be classed as anything but the ultimate prized possession! But these are the perfect oxymoron- a flat shoe from a brand whose signature style is the glamorous skyscraper heel. The added bonus is that they’re also made from durable patent leather.
What about cashmere? The above Gucci cashmere jumper defines everyday luxury. The quality of such a piece must be unparalleled, and it’s certainly indulgent to invest in a material you can find on the high street. But its understated nature makes it almost a wearable and functional “basic”.
Below it, the Eddie Borgo rose gold-plated bracelet is simple and elegant- despite its design you’d almost forget it was on your wrist. For me, accessories that blend in epitomise everyday luxury.
Finally, this cute Smythson card case looks like a little jewel constructed of exotic croc-skin, but really it’s printed calf! Looks so precious but you can literally just chuck it in your bag and not worry about it at all.
Wearable luxury, to my mind, is THE best kind. Fashion’s totally about falling in love with a piece that looks like a work of art, but what good is that really if you’re afraid to wear it?
