If you seen my recent post, you’ll know I made my first Hermès purchase. It might have been the most affordable option from the brand however that didn’t make it any less special. Buying designer items may not always seem feasible and especially so in the current climate however there are a few ways to dip your toe in the water without breaking the bank. I’m all about adding a little bit of luxury in to every day life and these pieces certainly do that. They would also make great gifts and really give the wow factor due to the exquisite packaging they come in.
1. Dior Notebook
I’m a real stationery geek and have loads of pretty notebooks which I haven’t yet used. I’m working my way through them but apart from a daily to do list, I don’t really write much therefore it takes a while to use one completely.
In December 2019, I took the plunge and ordered the Dior festive season notebook. It’s not overly seasonal so can be used any time of year but I loved the moon and the stars as well as the blue and gold tones. The notebook came in the most beautiful packaging which completely took me by surprise. I received a huge blue Toile de Jouy bag as well as a stunning red Toile de Jouy gift box. It also came with a note and a Dior magazine. At £50, it is pricey for a notebook however totally worth it in my opinion as I’ll keep it forever alongside the bag and box.
2. Chanel Beauty
*photos from Chanel Website
This is one I haven’t yet dappled in much aside from a nail polish a long time ago however I’ve explored the skincare and makeup options. As I understand it, one of the most affordable Chanel Beauty options are the Extra Soft Cotton Pads. The box of 100 is priced at $20 / £15 and comes in the classic black and white, minimal but chic Chanel Beauty packaging. These could add a luxe vibe to your bathroom or vanity and serve a purpose or simply be used for decoration.
Another affordable option from the brand is the Eyelash Curler at only £28. It’s not much more costly than Tweezerman for example which range from £20-£25. It’s a simple way of elevating your day to day tools while maintaining value for money.
Chanel nail polishes are renowned for being long lasting and durable and they are another reasonably priced option from the brand. The formula is thin therefore you may require a few coats to obtain the full effect. They have a classic range of colours including Ballerina and Rouge Red as well as limited and seasonal editions.
3. Hermès Books
As mentioned previously, I made my first Hermès purchase after discovering the pop-up book on TikTok. At £30, it’s an affordable way to make a purchase from the brand while obtaining a lovely book with paper constructions of the scarves, popping up and bringing them to life. It’s a great option for luxury lovers and serves as a nice memento.
An even more affordable option are the Hermès sketchbooks. At only £10 each, they contain vivid illustrations detailing the history of the brand and can be collected. They come with an English transcription however I enjoy admiring the sketches and making up my own narrative at times.
4. Personalised Dior
Give a sentimental gift with the personalised engraving service at Dior. The service is free and enables you to add a personal sentiment to gifts or simply add your own name, initials or a message for yourself. You can personalise anything from lip gloss to perfume which is a really nice touch especially with the current restrictions when we aren’t getting to spend time with the ones we love. Small gestures like personalisation can go a long way and serve as a constant reminder when being used day to day.
5. Coffee Table Books
Designer coffee table books are a great buy for any fashion lover. They add a chic touch to your home and come in a variety of colours to suit personal taste. The Dior Catwalk collection is my favourite as the designs are exquisite and reading it takes me back to visiting the Dior, from Paris to the World exhibition in November 2017. That was such a special experience for me and I loved seeing the designs up close and being able to admire the true craftsmanship involved.
There are many options available including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford. The books are functional in terms of the content they contain but also serve as stylish home decor.
6. Designer Belts
Belts are often one of the more affordable options from the big Designer brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci and YSL. You can get different options from logo mania to more subtle designs which you wouldn’t necessarily recognise as designer. In October 2018, I purchased the Gucci belt from the children’s section which made it even more affordable at only £135 (now £145). The fabric or canvas styles are cheaper at around £110. It’s worth checking the size chart for the kids belts to see if they would be suitable for you. What I like most about buying from the kids section is the proportions. The double G buckle is much smaller and finer which I prefer to the chunky designs. It really depends what you’re looking for and there are loads of options to choose from.
More recently, I’ve had my eye on the Isabel Marant Lecce Leather Belt. It’s a simple black leather (or tan) belt with no hardware or closure. It has a slit which enables you to secure as tight as you wish and you can then fasten by folding over and creating a unique finish. It’s only £110 which makes it more affordable than most other designer brands and the lack of hardware means you can style it without having to worry about contrasting gold/silver etc.
As with most designer pieces, the prices are continuing to increase year on year. A belt is a staple piece for your wardrobe and something that you can wear regardless of the season, location etc. It’s a versatile option and a great way to start if you’re looking to buy your first designer piece on a budget.
xo!
