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| Starbucks mug // Inès de la Fressange scented candle // Muji stool // Violin // Uniqlo knit // Comptoir des Cotonniers coat |
As promised, here is my list of January acquisitions. This is usually a big month because of sales, not only for clothes but also home stuff, especially this year as I moved to Paris six month ago and put off some moving expenses to January. Here is the roundup.
I had my eyes on it around Christmas time, but didn't really need a new mug, so I passed on. Then I found it on sale, cheaper than the coffee itself. Since it wasn't a
necessity, I decided to feature it here. A little tea drinker treat.
- Inès de la Fressange Scented Candle
I stumbled upon this candle in the Arts Déco museum shop, and loved the smell so much I decided to get one. "Week-end à Deauville" is a spicy scent, not unlike Dyptique's Vetyver one.
- Muji Wooden Stool/Coffee Table
After having spilled many dinners and drinks on the floor because of the unstable foldable stools I used as coffee tables until now, I figured it was high time to invest. With a matching cushion, to serve as seat for guests. In small spaces, objects should be multifunctional...
This was a purchase from the heart. The idea of playing the violin again has been nagging at the back of my head for years, and since I arrived in Paris I am determined to not let myself be caught in the life
society has planned for me. So when I stumbled across an extremely cheap violin on a website, I just bought it. After all, if I don't make the first step, I'll never turn my projects into reality (more on that in another post).
This knit was a part of the spring collection, and it caught my eye right on the shelf, which is rare enough to be noted. I don't really know why I was drawn to it, so since it was quite cheap, I decided to go for it as
a test for a new kind of cut, and the colour fits perfectly in my wardrobe.
I mentioned wanting a second winter coat for turnover
before, but I had given up as I didn't feel like spending time looking for one that ticked all the boxes. This Comptoir des Cotonniers coat was an unplanned and unexpected finding: a leftover from the FW10/11 collection, that the
BHV store put back on the shelves for the sales season. I feel so good in it, and the cut and colour are so perfect it's already a winter staple of mine.
In conclusion, I think it was a rather good month in terms of item purchases. I spent quite a bit of money, but most of these purchases were planned, and buying only one clothing item on sale (the coat) is a first in my adult life so I'm quite pleased to see the first results of my life editing efforts...
Great blog! I didnt know that Ines has a candle line, im sure is great:) And I love the Comptoir's parka...I wish their prices were more friendly to my small budget. Also, having bouth a small leather bag on sales in CdC, I do think their quality is not worth the price. What do you think of their clothes (I dont mean their style, which I love, but the quality)?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I didn't know about Ines de la Fressange's home scented line before either. The Comptoir parka was from a collection from 2 years ago and it was heavily discounted, that's why I picked it up.
DeleteBut to be honest, I have bought my first Comptoir item in 2004 and the quality has gradually decreased while the price has gradually increased. And, this last point is personal, but since they changed the head stylist last spring I just hate their new style direction.
What I think of their clothes now, is that they are of very poor quality, I would say an equivalent quality of H&M or Zara. Examples: this winter I threw away a ruined pair of low boots that I purchased in 2012 for over 200€, and I have seen holes form under the arms in tops in less than a year.
I think they are surfing on the success of the brand to keep their prices high, but in my opinion it's not worth your dollar, unless the items are on sale.
Thank you for your reply. You confirmed what I was suspecting all along. It is really sad when a brand starts nicely, in terms of style, quality AND price, to gradually just shift towards making profits.I think Zara used to have beter quality too.
DeleteI will keep reading your blog, it is inspiring, and I like your choce of images:)
I love your Muji wooden stool, and how fun that you bought a violin! Go you! I can't wait to read more about it. Also congrats on navigating sales season so successfully, as you told us that had been a challenge previously :)
ReplyDeleteMe, I did a self-pity-induced/self-congratulary/rebellious sales purchase online today. I think it might have been a good one, we'll see. Will definitely elaborate on the blog!
Aha the violin purchase was quite unexpected indeed, I surprised myself with that. Even more surprising, I'm actually *playing* it on a regular basis. I'm sure my neighbours love me now.
DeleteI can't wait to hear more about your little online indulgence! I find it always interesting to see what motivates people to buy something.
I absolutely loved the article you linked to about consumerism/the 40-hour work week. What a brilliant insight! I've definitely felt (inarticulately) the same feelings the author describes.
ReplyDeleteYes this article resonated in me as well, as this is something I've been trying to avoid since I arrived in busy Paris. I'll probably elaborate on that in a future post.
DeleteIf you like that kind of read, I can only strongly recommend you the blog called Raptitude, by the author of this post. His posts are always very insightful: http://www.raptitude.com/
Thanks for the blog recommendation! I'll go check it out....
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