We went for a quick trip back to Hawaii for spring break and I was able to get away for a couple of hours to do some luxury reconnaissance at Ala Moana. I’ve updated my Luxury Shopping in Hawaii 2025 post with new prices from Loewe, Bottega, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Valextra. The best discounts can be found at Loewe, Bottega, and Valextra (about 15-20% off depending on the item). While Celine, LV, and Coach had either no discounts or about $100 off. I ended up adding a couple of Valextra pieces while I was doing my recon and I guess that’s just the hazards of doing such “rigorous” work 😂. I recapped my 2025 Loewe, Bottega, Coach, Celine, and Valextra shopping in my post here.
While watching some YouTube Hermes videos, I was tempted to impulse buy the Hermes leather tray (the ones that can be carried flat but use snaps to become a tray). Instead I searched for something similar on Etsy and found this mini leather tray. I got it in the red maple color and had it personalized. Shipping was fast and they even added a little extra gift. Of course it’s not going to be of Hermes quality and finish but it’s a fraction of the price for the same functionality.
I sold my Margaux 10 from The Row, which funded a purchase of the Peggy Clutch. I had to think quick since it was the last one from The Row website, but I’m so glad I bought it. The Peggy reminds me of the Margaux, except it’s even more minimal (no buckles) and sleeker. Sure it’s smaller but I can fit all the essentials and I appreciate that I can sling it over my shoulder. I haven’t loved a bag from The Row this much since my medium Park Tote.
Updated the following review: Quince kids clothing review (added the linen shorts for kids—please bring them back in more colors!), Luxury Shopping in Hawaii 2025 guide, Quince Sweaters review (added an updated review of their upgraded cashmere sweater—much less pilling!), Quince All Things Linen Review and Quince Linen Sheets Review (got another pair that seem to be thicker and more durable now).
And speaking of Quince, I read this WireCutter review of Quince this month. And I agree with a lot of the things they said, mainly that Quince is a mixed bag. I wouldn’t call them luxury or really compare their quality to legit luxury products (is the patchwork bag really the same as the Loewe Puzzle? Actually I will attempt to answer this question myself soon). But they make many great quality products that are close enough or good enough as a dupe for their higher end counterparts. Plus I appreciate that they continually strive to upgrade their products when they can, like their $50 cashmere sweater and current linen sheet set. Their old $50 one is crap (and so is a lot of the cashmere fisherman line IMO), but their revised $50 cashmere sweater is quite good and can beat any number of the fast fashion ones. Does that make them luxury? No. And do they over-inflate their value? Sometimes—but many times there still is a good value. As a blogger who’s been reviewing them for six years now, I know they’re not perfect (no retailer is) but I appreciate that they keep trying (side note: I see the Triple Compartment Shopper tote that came out of a factory in India that was said to be made of 100% top grain leather, which Tanner Leatherstein showed to be made of lesser quality split leather is now pulled from their site and is being replaced by variations of that tote made in China).
And finally, I’m declaring it here to keep me accountable: I’m going to be doing a No Buy May (No buying closet or beauty items, and no online shopping—but will allow myself to use credit if it’s expiring at the end of the month). I’ve definitely over-consumed for the first four months of this year (not to mention last year). So it’s time for a detox. I’m going cold turkey so wish me luck! [P.S. As part of an effort to help me focus on what I already have, I started a #NoBuyMay 7x7 challenge (7 items of clothing, styled in 7 outfits, over 7 days). I’m posting them on Instagram, and if you’re also doing a no buy or low buy May I would love to see your outfits for the challenge too—use #NoBuyMay7x7 and I’ll look for your posts!).