A long term wishlist
Or, that list if money wasn't an issue...Because, don’t we all have one? A list of covetable pieces for which you have an inexplicable desire. Quite often well out of our range, price wise. For now, or maybe forever. Or perhaps they are within range but you’re just not ready to bite the bullet because you know they are ridiculously expensive and how the hell are you going to justify the purchase. Or am I just projecting, LOL. Anyway, a girl can dream right? These are the 5 items that have long graced my long term wishlist.
Chanel two-tone ballet flats
It doesn’t get more classic than this. I first saw these flats at around 2009, I think. The French / minimalist style blogs were on the rise and I spotted this one image of a girl with black skinny jeans, an Isabel Marant like coat and a pair of creme/black Chanel flats. She looked so effortlessly chic. The image should be somewhere on my computer or external disk but sadly, I couldn’t find it. But you get the idea from the image below.
I tried these flats on once, in Antwerp, about 8 years ago. They looked and felt amazing but at the time I wasn’t in the position to spend that much money on a pair of flats. I still somewhat regret it as the price has increased a lot since then. Honestly, I don’t know if they’re worth the price anymore. Let me know if you have any experience with these shoes. For now, I will stick to my Repetto flats.
Max Mara 10801 Icon coat
Another classic. I’ve had a penchant for long camel coloured coats for ages. I bought my first one 10 years ago at H&M when I had finally gathered enough confidence to wear it. Anyway, the 10801 Icon coat is THE coat of al camel coloured dream coats. God, I’m such a sucker for oversized coats… I could see myself wearing this for the rest of my life. 30 degrees celsius? Whatever, hold on, let me grab my cashmere Max Mara coat.
Firstly introduced in 1981, it remains a timeless piece that exudes simplicity and elegance. It doesn’t matter if you are 25 or 75 years old, it’s suitable for all ages. Of course it would look brilliant with a pair of leather boots or flats but I can see myself wearing it with a pair of sneakers as well. To be honest, this coat will never be in my possession unless I win a lottery but if I ever get the chance to try it on, I’ll make sure to have my diva moment.
Cartier Tank Française watch
I don’t know how many times one can use the term ‘classic’ but I’m afraid this post mostly contains items that have withstood the test of time and are just as popular now as when they first made their appearance. The Tank Française was released in 1996 as a sportier version of the Tank Américaine and has graced the wrists of stylish, influential women such as Princess Diana en Michelle Obama.
While I like the Tank Solo which comes with a leather strap, this watch looks slightly more simple and sleek and a bit more modern. My colour of preference would be silver as I don’t wear gold jewellery. And also a smaller model than the one pictured below. I know owning a watch seems redundant nowadays but I don’t consider it very different from a bracelet. I just see it as an accessory and I like the thought of not needing my phone to tell the time. Which was incredibly helpful during my days as a museum guide.
Céline Box bag
The Box bag is still relatively new ‘on the scene’ compared to these other items. For a short time it wasn’t known if this bag would still be produced under Heidi Slimane when Phoebe Philo left Céline. So far, so good but I wouldn’t be surprised if it slowly disappears at some point. I’ve made my peace with it. However beautiful it may be, it’s not very practical for my lifestyle.
Burberry trench coat
I’ve been working on a post about trench coats so I’ll keep this part short. A trench coat will never go out of style. That is, if you opt for one of the more classic styles. So Burberry is the only logical choice here. I have to admit, they have so many different options that, at this point, I can’t narrow it down to just one design. Just from looking at the website, my first choice would be the Relaxed Fit Tropical Gabardine Trench Coat or maybe the Westminster.
Well, that’s it! If you managed to read this entire post, respect to you. I know a long term wishlist isn’t necessarily the correct term here because I won’t be buying most of these items (if any at all). Not now, not in the future. But no harm in dreaming, I suppose.
It’s funny that now that I’ve reached the end of this post, I realize that most of the things listed are accessories or coats. I suppose it’s somewhere in the back of my mind that clothing isn’t a great investment. Especially as you grow older and your weight fluctuates over time. Nobody needs to dress head to toe in designer clothing/accessories to look stylish. Imagine those Chanel flats with a pair of black jeans and a simple white blouse. They don’t have to be expensive to make you look put together. Just one simple statement piece goes a long way.
Do you have a long term or an in-case-I-win-a-lottery wishlist?
Great list! Quite a few of the items are on my wish list as well, but realistically not gonna happen any time soon. I have a Burberry trench and I have to say it’s great, makes me feel very stylish whenever I wear it, no matter what clothes I have underneath.
On my list are a Maje leather jacket, an Elvine winter coat and boots & shoes from Inch2.
🙂
Ah nice. Do you know which model it is, the trench coat? I always considered leather jackets a staple and still have one hanging in my closet from years ago. But I can’t seem to get into it. I think it’s the combination of leather and a lot of hardware. Hm, never heard of Elvine. Will look it up 🙂
Definitely a nice list of classic, timeless items! I have a bit of a list myself (including, still, a nicer classic trench coat someday, in which case Burberry has the most allure, though it’s not something I’ll likely shop for while my current one is still in okay shape). I’ve been quite taken by the idea of a Cartier Tank Solo because some bloggers really love theirs and it looks so chic on them. I’ve always loved the look of the Celine Box as well (I have a strange style inspiration influence for that – the Singapore Airlines standard-issue handbags for their flight attendants looks a bit like a Celine Box, and when I see them boarding the plane, they always look so chic…), though I keep hearing that it’s actually a fairly impractical bag for most lifestyles. I’ve never seen one in person though, or been able to handle one.
I had to Google those SA bags and I get the link between the two haha. I’ve seen the Box bags in person, mostly in stores and they are never scratch-free. Of course bags are objects to be used, so they will wear over time but even the slightest touch of a fingernail might damage the leather. Such a shame, especially at that price point.
I don’t actively follow Chanel, but I can imagine that the shoes are way beyond what they’re worth.As someone that indulgently buys designer sunglasses, I’ve seen Chanel sunglasses (made by luxottica, the same company that makes everybody elses) going for $600 now. I could get a ring with pave diamonds in it from David Yurman that holds a value better for less than plastic sunglasses. At some point the prices far exceed the value, but there is always someone that is willing to pay for it.
Also you never know what the 2ndhand market will spring forth. The MM & Burberry coats, the cartier watch will be enduring items.
Im lucky to own some of my forever items already. On my forever list is Rick Owens coda black bias maxi skirt in silk; Balenciaga studded flat sandals in the black/gold that were introduced under NG but they still produce versions of it. I will likely have to settle for a slip on version instead of the gladiator style. And a Longchamps Madeleine bag in black–a newer item but very classic, but the black is quite elusive to find on sale.
My lottery list would be ridiculous amounts of handbags and jewelry (Chanel small black cerf with gold hardware; Gucci bamboo daily in the black tote and red satchel; Tom Ford era Gucci doctor bag with wood handles; Cartier black trinity ring with diamonds)
Oh for sure, no ballet flat is worth €500 in terms of materials and labor. Speaking of rings, was it you with that large black? ring that broke and you got another one? I can’t really remember the story but something tells me it was you, now that you mention rings 🙂
I do check Vestiaire Collective and Ebay every once in a while but I’m in no hurry to buy any of these items. Mostly curious about the resell prices and quality of the offered items. And I’m quite hesitant to buy really expensive things through Ebay anyway.
The Longchamp Madeleine bag is nice btw!
Yes. It happened to me twice with Baccarat rings.
I have the Chanel flats in two different pairs and absolutely love them. I’ve had them for years and hold so good as opposed to Repetto (including sole replacement for all). The last time I went back home to Paris I only wore the flats and not extra pair of shoes to carry around. Remember minimalist travel 🙂 well, as you described, this pair brings that nice elegant touch to any outfit (even in the French Country dirt).
Burberry trench is something I also love although mine is not so classic fit. Very oversized and it’s the car coat.
Love carrier watch but I don’t find a function for it as well as the Celine box. Beautiful but not a need.
Lastly the cashmere coat is to die for. I’m not aware of this classic MM but I own the white oversized coat from Korea and now I don’t feel like I want to wear anything else in the winter than just this coat (it’s been 2 winters already so far).
Great list!
Ha, so jealous of your Chanel flats. I should’ve bought them years ago. And I do you think coat is timeless although it’s not the classic design that immediately comes to mind. Max Mara does wonderful coats. I always thought they were more of the 50+ category but now that I’m getting older, I do think they suit all ages.
I find the Chanel flats just a little too twee and almost costume-y at this point. Thats just me though!
The Max Mara coat is stunning. I would consider that a fool proof buy but like you say, its really only wearable during colder months. I bought a beautiful full length Isabel Marant Fargo coat two years ago and I don’t get a huge amount of use out of it just due to weather not necessitating it.
My wishlist items (I had to really think!) or the items I’m interested in at the moment are the Jimmy Choo Romy (80 height – im tall anyway) in black leather.
Also a Bottega Veneta bag would be lovely …any of them would do!
I get what you’re saying but I think they’re low key enough to get away with them. Here in the Netherlands anyway. I never see people wearing those flats. The winters have been getting progressively colder here so that would be a good excuse to invest in a durable, more expensive coat. But at this point in my life I cannot justify such a purchase. Which is fine, really. Maybe someday.
The Jimmy Choo’s are nice! Very classic and versatile.