I am very grateful to be able to purchase high ticket items, and most of the time I think they’re 100% worth it (though not always). This year I didn’t have any luxury purchases I regretted so I just wanted to recap my top 5 favorite and/or most used luxury purchases of 2023. And without further ado…
my everyday wrist stack
Vintage Raymond Weil Watch
I don’t know if this qualifies as a luxury purchase as I bought it from the RealReal for $140. But newer versions of this watch retail for around $1000 and it does look more expensive than what I paid, so why not. I’m not really a watch person, even though I’m a jewelry person. I’ve had several Cartier watches in the past (now I’m down to just the one I love the most—the Santos Demoiselle). But this vintage Raymond Weil watch (which I think was called the Tank) has been my most used watch for a long time now. I originally got it when I started working at the zero-waste shop, but now it’s definitely part of my everyday wrist stack. I love the big numbers, the sleek look, and the more manly style (it probably is a mens watch since I had to poke an extra hole to make it fit).
Loewe Mini Flamenco Clutch (review here)
This was an impulse purchase at the very end of last year/beginning of this year from Loewe in Ala Moana. I originally fell in love with the feel of the leather (and liked the cheaper price tag—it was $200 less in Hawaii than at mainland retailers, what they call “Asia prices”). But honestly it kind of sat on the shelf for the first few months of this year. Maybe because it’s brown, and most of my wardrobe is black, navy, and gray, but I had a hard time incorporating it into my daily rotation of bags. But around the summer I started using it, and I just loved the simplicity, the leather (of course), and its utility (it can hold quite a bit). And now this bag is one of my dailies, and even though the leather seems delicate it is not (it’s more durable than the leather of my puzzle bag).
Loewe Small Puzzle Bag (review here)
If you’ve ready my review, you know that my path to purchasing the Puzzle bag from Loewe was a tad longer than usual for me. First I tried two sizes (the mini and small) from Fashionphile but I was unsure of their authenticity. Thus I decided to purchase the small (the mini was way too mini) from a reputable source. I eventually got it from Matches at 20% off, and even though I didn’t want the black one at first I’m so glad I went with the classic black after all. I used the bag daily for three months straight in both rain and shine, and my love for the Puzzle has just grown. I love the shape of it, the relatively un-flashiness of it (only bag people would really know that it’s from a luxury brand), and the overall usefulness of it. It’s been through some downpours in Oregon (pictured above) as well as all over Korean and Japan. The bag is so useful (especially the exterior zip pocket where I keep my card case) and durable (despite a couple of scratches on the leather). This one is definitely a favorite and I can see why some people own multiples of the Puzzle bag.
Hermes Azap Wallet (review here)
I admit that this isn’t my daily wallet (I usually switch between my card case and compact wallet), but this is definitely the long wallet to end all long wallets. You are not going to find a better quality long wallet than the Azap from Hermes. The quality of wallets are especially important because they’re the workhorses in your bag, and the difference between a well made one and a cheaply made one is vast (as I discussed in my review). Anyway, I don’t always envision passing down my bags and accessories to my daughter (because she’ll have her own taste and doesn’t need my literal baggage passed down for her to maintain), but this is definitely one that I hope she can use in her future.
Cecile Preziosa Mugs
This is an unlikely addition to my luxury list and I haven’t reviewed this in my blog because I wasn’t sure anyone would be interested in a review about mugs. But these $62 ceramicware made in France would definitely qualify under luxury in my book. This is probably the only luxury item I’ve used daily for 365+ days (for my morning coffee) and so the cost per use is probably the best out of any luxury item I’ve purchased lol. I love the lightness of this mug despite the large volume of coffee it can hold. I’m also a huge fan of the thin lip feel as well as the matte glaze. I have this both in a white color called “snow” (no longer sold by Flora and Henri in Marin Country Mart where I bought it) though they still have this graphite color. I have used Heath mugs for about a decade before this but I can’t go back. These Cecile Preziosa mugs are by far my favorite.
The medium Park Tote from The Row
I haven’t had the bag for long, but the Park tote from The Row has quickly become a favorite (those who follow me on Insta know how obsessed I am with the bag), and I already consider it one of the best purchases of this year. I got it secondhand from a shop in Tokyo, but have been using it nonstop since. The leather is so amazing (it’s like the Taurillon Clemence of my Hermes Lindy) but in such a simple and minimal form. And it’s so discreet! It’s just such a feel-good bag to carry and I look forward to carrying it for a long time to come. I also purchased a new medium Park tote in cognac from Saks on impulse because it’s been so hard to find a medium Park tote new anywhere (except for at the Row but their return policy looks like a bit of a hassle for online purchases). The newer bag is definitely more structured in the beginning with a stiffer handle and body. But I am planning to return the cognac one (as beautiful as it is) because I opted to spend money on trying out both the small and large size in the Park tote (and another medium in the smooth leather—which is divine). And of course full review to come soon!