![Things I Want: Birthday Edition](https://i0.wp.com/lifeinacoldclimate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2afcc75e-31e7-457d-937d-6a662b917613.jpeg?w=1024&ssl=1)
Things I Want: Birthday Edition
I occasionally like to write down things I am lusting after: partly as an exercise in wish-fulfilment and aspirational daydreaming, but also as a way to focus on things I really want. It is a constant goal for me to buy fewer, better things – it’s OK if they cost a bit more, if that means I will buy less random stuff that I’ll get tired of soon. The current list goes something like this:
A white coat. Let’s kick things off strongly with the most impractical garment one can possibly wear in the Estonian and Belgian winter climate and that’s a white coat. I’ve wanted one for a long time, but even my impracticality has limits, so I have prioritised black, brown, taupe, tan and beige coats. Now that I have all the above (plus green, blue and pink and some multicoloured versions), however, I really think I will get a cream one – I adore winter whites and this love doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Ideally, I would get that Lilli Jahilo coat I am wearing in these pictures, but that’s currently not (and probably never will be) in my budget. It is gorgeous, though, and I will be looking for something similar.
A vintage Celine Trio bag. Moving on to things I more or less actually need, next on my list is Celine’s small cross-body bag that they of course no longer make. I basically need two types of bags these days: huge ones that fit all my gym and work stuff and small ones to take shopping or to a walk. (Then of course I’ll that one work trip I thought would never happen and I realise I have no normal bags that would fit my laptop but not look like huge clouds I happen to carry around with me). There is of course no need for that small bag to be Celine, but I quite fancy having something more ‘elevated’, especially as my current H&M cross-body is literally falling apart. I would prefer to get one in white, which is obviously proving impossible to find.
Lucas Hugh gym clothes. Also broadly in the ‘need’ category: while I have two perfectly good sets of gym clothes (plus a spare or two that are perhaps not perfectly good but serviceable), it really is the bare minimum when you train four-five times a week. I own Lucas Hugh Axis leggings and a top already, but plan to get another set. Just have to decide whether to get it in Burnt Orange or Black. If you happen to have other recommendations for leggings/sports clothes, please let me know in the comments!
Vintner’s Daughter Signature Set. I tend to by whatever skincare I like, regardless of the cost, but even I balk at the price of Vintner’s Daughter products. The problem is I really liked the oil when I used it (especially mixed with serums or creams) and I’m very curious about the essence as well. I also really respect the brand because they literally only produce two things, which is admirable restraint. Perhaps I’ll buy one…
Necessaire body products. Gothamista says they are the best. The end.
Westman Atelier cosmetics. I believe that Victoria Beckham and Gucci Beauty have already been on previous versions of this list and I don’t want to repeat myself (although I would quite like to own Beckham’s new orange lipstick and some Gucci nail polish). The only ridiculously pricy makeup brand left that I want to try is Westman Atelier. I think it would make sense to start with Clean Glow Trio I, because it’s great value with three products for 78 euros, right?
Boy Smells Violet Ends. Boy Smells is known for their modern, slightly ironic candles. I’ve planned to buy one for ages, but have now been diverted from that goal because I want one of their perfumes even more. They all look interesting, with Violet Ends being my favourite – both because of the name and the notes (violet, rhubarb, incense, birch, tobacco). Of course, it’s impossible to get, as the US site doesn’t ship you Europe and while Space NK stocks it, they don’t ship perfumes to the EU. On a more accessible front, I am kind of tempted by the Chanel No 1 mist – it’s not what I usually go for, but I like the whole line and it smells fun.
Masterclass subscription. My year-long subscription to Masterclass came to an end a while ago and I really should renew it. It’s not cheap, but I enjoyed the classes when I had access to them. I am especially desperate to re-join because they have a writing masterclass with N.K. Jemisin and once I take it, it I will of course be able to write as stunningly as she does.
Art. This one is very vague, because I don’t have any concrete plans and may well not buy anything this year, just do some research. It is, however, something I think about increasingly often. Partly simply because I enjoy visual arts, but also because I feel it’s important to support people who create things – if one is able to do so. It’s one reason I buy so many books; to support writers, the publishing industry and bookshops.
Oh, and I really, really need these heavy duty lifting hooks.
What’s on top of your wishlist? I am curious (and a bit scared) to know.
Coat and dress by Lilli Jahilo, shoes by Prada, bag by Longchamp. Images Laura Nestor, MUAH Erle Taklai.
Westman Atelier “Beauty Butter Powder Bronzer” in ‘Coup de Soleil’ is a favourite, despite its somewhat complicated name. You’ll have to sell a kidney to pay for it, but I’ve used mine regularly (apart from short pandemic spells) and it’s lasted me for a very long time. It’s matte, yet never makes my face look dirty or looks painted on, despite my complexion being whiter than the coat you are wearing in the photos. Warms recommendation. Just maybe don’t go for their mascara, which turned out to be a big, expensive disappointment.
I remember you hated the mascara, so have stayed clear. I now have the little glow set, loving the blush. And as I use makeup relatively little these days, I’m fine with paying quite a bit in case I love it.
Luckyscent.com in the US carries Boy Smells Violet Ends and they ship to Estonia, according to their website. The perfume is $98 USD. They also have samples for sale of every scent they sell
This is an extremely important bit of information. Thank you so much! And I really tried to get back sooner, but had very frustrating technical issues with the blog, so couldn’t reply to anyone, nor put new posts up.
Luckyscent also ship to Belgium
👍
About sport clothes: I was set on buying really fancy and expensive clothes. But ended up with a set from Oysho. It is lovely, fits very well, wouldn’t have thought. I wanted solid colors that I could easily mix and match with existing sweatshirts and running shorts. If I would train several times per week (which I dont) I would indeed buy another set from Oysho. I wish though they had some kind of “locally produced, fair trade, recycled, eco certified” ethos. Which they dont.
I love reading your posts.
Love from Paris.
Note carfully taken – the leggings do look very nice and the colours are good! And I am really sorry for not replying earlier, I have been wrestling with technical issues and not able to post anything. It was extremely frustrating, but now hopefully solved.
This is a good timing as I have a February birthday (I know yours is in January) so I’m also into making wishlists here,
Lucas Hugh has amazing leggings. The Violet Ends candle sounds exactly my style.
So, here are some things in my wishlist:
– Books (I just bought : “The Unreality of Memory” by Elisa Gabbert and I want to also read her other book called “The Word Pretty”, Hanya Yanagihara’s new work, “A Spy in the House of Anais Nin” by Kim Krizian among many others.
– A set of bookcases
– The Saddler high heeled sandals,
– Perfume: I already bought Arquiste Anima Dulcis as an early birthday gift, but also Floraiku hair perfume, Victoria Minya Hedonist Iris Absolute, Maison Godet florals (got and love Divin Mensonge)
– Jewelry: Cornelia Webb, Lignot d’Amour, Maria Black and others
– White loafers and another pair in a brighter color (yellow? light blue?) haven’t decided for brand yet.
– LuxurySparkleCo champagne scented candles
– Krigler perfume (if only I can find it!)
– TRNP perfume, discovery samples / sets, anything (so intrigued!)
– Midori stationery
– Chantecaille Faux Clis mascara
– New eyeglasses (I am eyeing a pair by Fendi and a couple by Tom Ford)
Not for the moment but for the future: Sophie Billie Brahe jewelry, The Attico and Shrimps clothing.
Love the idea of white in winter (as well as black in summer!)
Your list is very dangerous to read! But thank you so much for posting (and sorry for the late reply, I have already complained everywhere about my technical issues), I am always interested in your recommendations. I just looked it up and Midori stationery looks so cool. That Gabbert book is on my list as well (already got and am slowly reading the Yanagihara). Also, if I had the money, would definitely buy a thing or two from The Attico.