In My Fancy Girl Era
What do you think, should I get this bag?
I was standing in line at an estate sale, clutching two small vintage Laura Ashley pillows when I was approached by a woman holding a large black Chanel handbag. I had noticed her before as we waited in line to enter the home—specifically her long blonde hair wafting down towards her shoulders and a Louis Vuitton tote tucked underneath her arm. She glided towards the check-out table and politely asked to speak to someone who could tell her more about the Chanel she was holding. A young woman behind the table stood up and smiled. I learned that she authenticated the bag, and proceeded to tell this woman when the bag was bought, how old it was, and the work it had done (the hardware had been replaced and the leather was…reworked? I don’t think that’s the correct term, any designer bag girlies feel free to help me out hehe) The blonde woman nodded knowingly. “Ah, so that’s why the leather doesn’t feel as soft.” She paused and stared at the Chanel in her hands, then asked for a moment as she stepped away from the table, and more towards where I was standing in line. I watched this interaction in awe—I had never been secondhand designer shopping and I didn’t know anything about bag authentication until that very moment. So it took me by surprise when this incredibly chic woman asked for my opinion.
Since I clearly had no idea what I was talking about, I took my cues from her energy and body language. “It seems like you’re on the fence. What’s holding you back from saying yes?” She crinkled her nose. “I wish they had left the leather alone. It’s such a gorgeous bag. I don’t know if I can leave it behind.” I nodded in agreement. “You’ll get so much wear out of it—black goes with everything!” She paused in contemplation, then her energy shifted, a wave of serene confidence flowing through her. “You’re right. And it’s only $2k. I’m going for it.”
My heart skipped a beat, as if this was a victory not only for her, but for me. Did I convince her to buy this bag, even though I had literally never witnessed anything like this in my entire life? $2k is a lot of money, and in the moment I balked, but once I went home and did a little research, I learned that a $2k Chanel handbag is basically a steal. She ended up thanking me again and told me about one of her favorite secondhand designer stores in Georgetown. “You’ll love it!” She chirped, clearly oblivious that all of this was very, very new for me. I felt a swell of excitement rush through me. This woman was incredibly chic. Did she notice something equally chic in me? I looked up the designer consignment shop, of course, and made a date with some girlfriends to go check it out and have an afternoon in Georgetown.
A few weeks later I found myself in the shop, trying on a green Kate Spade coat with a faux fur lined collar. As I slipped my arms through the sleeves, I was completely taken aback by how good it felt on my skin—smooth and soft. So much softer than anything I’d ever had on my body before. Again, feeling a little bit like a newb, it dawned on me. Designer goods are expensive for a reason. They’re made with the highest quality materials, and as someone who’s obsessed with Target and the like, actually experiencing this quality felt incredible.
We ended up bopping into a few other high end stores, oooing and aaahing at literally everything in Ralph Lauren, Clare V bags and Dolce Vita sneakers. It became officially official that afternoon as I shared with my friends over coconut cold foam cold brews—I’ve always been bougie, but I’m now in my fancy girl era.
What does being a fancy girl consist of? Let me break down my own version of being fancy.
Quality > Quantity. I’m officially saving my pennies and choosing to invest in higher quality… everything. This is a slow game, but the goal is to be mindful with my purchases and fill my life with classic, high quality pieces I’m obsessed with.
A sleek and streamlined home. Clutter feels so low vibe, and I’m working hard to go through my things, and let go of items I no longer need.
Appreciating the beauty of all things. When I really break it down, my fancy girl era revolves around my closet, my home and my overall lifestyle. I love being surrounded by beautiful things. Learning more about design and fashion feels fun and exciting to me, and I want to lean into the things that bring me joy, especially as we close out the year.
Here’s a list of things that are completely giving fancy girl era vibes.
Fancy salt in salt cellars
Coup glasses
Olive oil from specialty food stores
Anything with a Ralph Lauren teddy bear on it
Pearls
Designer bags
Sezane sweaters
Matching pj and lounge sets
Lemon water
Mocktails
Dinner parties
Ina Garten recipes
Manicured nails
Minimal makeup
Morning and evening routines
Patience
I love thinking about what luxury truly looks like for me, and I encourage anyone else who is ready for a little more opulence to enter your fancy girl era too. Simply pick a few things off of the two lists above if they resonate, then add a few of your own. What would your fancy girl list include? Please share with me! I’m always looking for inspo, and I bet other fancy girlies would love to know too :) Fancy girl holiday is also officially loading, and I’m so excited about it! Now excuse me as I relax in my matching pj set with some eye jellies on. Happy Sunday!
xx, Kristen
Loove it!!
Obsessed with this