9 ways to wrap yourself in luxury this spring — without breaking the bank
Maybe it’s due to a particularly long and wacky winter or the rise in night-luxe dressing and a return to travel, but with the arrival of spring, strong “treat yourself” energy feels not only appealing but, dare we say it, deserved? It’s a contentious notion, particularly in this economy. But there are ways to enjoy the finer things in life. Think: fabrics softer than cashmere; leather accessories crafted by artisans that work with top fashion houses; rhinestone-covered stilettos; and the richest of red lipsticks — without going broke.
Ahead, find Michael Kors stunners, a suitcase that injects glamour into travel, and seven other ways to enter your luxury era with thoughtful upgrades that will make you feel like royalty (and keep spending in check).
Want in on a little secret? With its stronger and softer fibers, Peruvian alpaca feels even more luxurious than cashmere. Because it’s not as trendy, it’s often priced a bit less. Take this gorgeous throw, which delivers cloud-like cuddles thanks to 89% natural alpaca fibers and a bouclé texture (courtesy of 11% recycled nylon). While the Peruvian yarn earns sustainability points for its undyed finish (something that requires less water and energy to produce), nothing tops the instant feel-goods that comes with wrapping you and a loved one in its buttery warmth.
SHOP: Undyed Alpaca Blanket in Oatmeal, $400, available at The Tartan Blanket Co.
The best way to step into the night-luxe aesthetic? Pair these chain-mesh stiletto boots with skinny jeans or a mini dress and make plans with friends — and watch the compliments pour in. Bonus: The stunners come with extra rhinestones to keep them looking new even after several wears (and espresso martinis).
SHOP: Rue Embellished Glitter Chain-Mesh Boot, Was $225, Now $111.75, available at Michael Kors
One of the most affordable ways to enjoy luxury designer goods? Bask in the little things, like a classic red lipstick. Chanel has perfected the concept by offering 20 hues of red in a formula that taps ultra-fine pigments and a touch of pearlescence. The result? A color-rich formula that feels like a lip balm (thanks to shea butter and castor oil inside) and doesn’t feather or fade after hours of wear. What’s more, the brand packages each bullet in the most luxe gift wrap (and includes free samples with orders), making this a perfect gift, even if it’s just for yourself.
SHOP: Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick, $45, available at Chanel
This oversized suitcase offers the craftsmanship and features of a designer bag (including buttery leather straps and brass hardware), glamorous styling of a steamer trunk, and modern details (like spinner wheels and retractable handle) that make travel a breeze and evokes an “upgrade me” air at the ticket counter. Those looking for a more colorful case will find an excellent option in the brand’s new Palm Springs collection and other upcoming launches made to capture famous locales.
SHOP: Globe-Trotter Safari 30” Checki-n Suitcase, Was $2695, Now $1886, available at Matches Fashion
What makes a beach towel plusher than the rest? Double looped, organic cotton that not only feels lush, but better absorbs moisture by drawing it to the base of the fabric. With this set, optimal function and design are just the things to make this summer’s pool time très chic.
SHOP: Pool Towel Pair 02, $205, available at Baina
This messenger bag is made of the supplest leather and is designed to be worn with a crossbody strap for a slouchy, cool look or carried in the crook of the arm as the bag takes a more structured shape.
SHOP: Messenger Bag in Tan Neptune Leather, $525, available at Clare V.
Fancy candles are a dime a dozen. But fancy candles that are made to fill the air of larger rooms, boast up to 100 hours of burn time, and feature a proprietary wax that prevents tunneling and trapping of the scent? For that, you need a three-wick number from Nest, a company that ensures optimal scent by filling the vessel with about 15% fragrance (one of the highest concentrations on the market). This new scent (housed in an etched glass vessel that’s just begging to be repurposed as a makeup brush holder) brightens the air and elevates mood with notes of lime zest, green tea, clary sage, and bergamot.
SHOP: Lime Zest & Matcha 3-Wick Candle, $78, available at Nest New York
Even the most unpleasant chores in life — like picking up after your four-legged friend — can be made more luxurious. This grained leather leash attachment (made to hold waste bags) is not only gorgeous, but it’s made in Spain from the same manufacturers who assemble accessories from the world’s leading high-fashion houses.
SHOP: Pagerie The Pochette Leather Dog Waste Bag Holder, $175, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Keeping Fido’s fur looking fine (read: soft and tangle free) usually requires regular trips to the groomer — something that costs about $75 a pop. But this new gadget (made as an attachment for Dyson vacuum models) does the job with minimal fuss and for less than the cost of a single grooming session. Better yet, its design — which uses more than 300 retractable bristles to comb and suck pet hair and dander straight into a bit — ensures fewer stray hairs and flecks of skin land in your home. The chic result? A dog that’s ready for brunch and an environment that’s far cleaner.
SHOP: Pet Grooming Kit, $69.99, available at Dyson