Are We Sheep? Followup – Regrets and Mainstays

Thank you for your comments (always) and especially on last week’s post, Are We Sheep? I really enjoyed the discussion and loved the perspectives and views. I re-read the comments at least a few times, and have to say that they made me consider a few aspects about my own wardrobe, and spending.

As a spinoff on that topic, I thought I’d share a few of my own closet items which I picked up because they were popular and I loved how they looked on other people, and how they’ve worked out for me over the years. Let’s start with the regrets, shall we?

Hermes 90cm silk scarves: I picked up quite a few silk scarves earlier in my Hermes phase, just because I loved how they look on other people, the heritage, the gorgeous designs. It’s the classic Hermes item after all, right? Don’t we all want look like Grace Kelly (or my current favorite scarfie, Janet Yellen)? If I just pick up the right one, I’ll be transformed into a French giantess like the one above and tower over all my less chic companions. If you ever read any of the Hermes silk threads on The Purse Forum, it’s super easy to get sucked into all the new releases, colorways, etc, and the modeling photos always look so good. The problem is, I just don’t feel that comfortable in these! And I never feel that they look as flattering on me as other people. I’ve generally regretted most of my 90cm silk purchases, but the good thing is they take up little space and I keep hoping one day it’ll just “click”. Until then, I’m not buying anymore. I wish I hadn’t purchased so many.

Do we think Posh still has these shoes?

Louboutin platform shoes: I don’t think these shoes are really “out” but I just don’t wear heels enough, and when I do these feel a little dated. I think with the right outfit they’d be great, but I just don’t think I have the rest of the necessary components to make them work (the “night party” section of my wardrobe is severely lacking in general). Whenever I put them on I just can’t get the image of these plus an Herve Leger dress out of my head. The Very Prive peep toe style seems especially dated to me – just Google it and you’ll see a ton of old celebrity photos. When I bought these, it was the most I had ever spent on a shoe and I thought it was worth it because they’d be “forever”. I guess not! At least I got a ton of wedding wear out of them.

Hermes “Constance” belt (the one with the big H): I only have one of these, and I bought it in 2006. I thought I was so cool back then, but for quite a few years now it’s sat somewhere in my closet (I’m not even sure where it is, exactly). I feel too self conscious with the big “H” on my waist (this same rule, however, does not apply to the Constance bag, which I still want).

Total waste of money, wish I had spent some more and bought an Evelyne or wallet instead.

Now onto the mainstays..the items that I love, have enjoyed for many years, and have never regretted:

Van Cleef Alhambra: I’ve been adding pieces steadily for seven years, so it’s an addiction.  I just love the design and they hit the right mark between luxury and everyday wearable. I’ve gotten tired of other jewelry pieces, but never these. Plus there’s so many options – rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets…whatever you like. I don’t care if everyone has them! Which is the best feeling.

Chanel flats: So easy to wear and I’ve never regretted a pair (except for when I bought too small). Plus there are so many color and material variations, I usually never end up matching with anyone “exactly”.

Hermes Evelyne bags: In some areas these are so common but I love mine, it gets used to death. If I got rid of it tomorrow I’d still think I got my money’s worth from “cost per wear”.

YSL Tribute shoes: These are the reverse of the Louboutin platforms, in that I’m sure many people think they are “out,” but I just keep wearing and loving them. They are just too comfortable to quit. No matter what I try, I’m basically hobbling by the end of the night in any other heels.

What are some “popular” luxury items you’ve purchased that you still enjoy? How about some that you’ve since given up?