High Hopes, High Heels and an Even Higher Sense of Self
Big Spender: volume #004
Welcome to Big Spender, an interactive shopping column delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. In these issues, you will find links to items on my shopping wishlist along with recent good buys and product that sold out before I got the chance to buy. Enjoy & happy shopping!
Happy New Year! I can’t believe it’s already 2025. 2024 really flew by, for me, at least. I experienced so much change this year — moving to and out of a new city all in the same year, starting a new job, and a lot of other noteworthy things that are a bit too personal to share. None of this change scared me in the slightest when I was going into it. If anything, I was thrilled at the opportunity to try something new. A lot of the change in my life is slowly coming to an end and the timing is purely coincidental to the start of a new year.
Change can feel really scary. In this strange transitional period, I feel equally as scared as I do hopeful. For me, maturing is realizing this is just life. We go through peaks and valleys and are just trying to find our footing through it all. I am a deep feeler and an even deeper thinker. This gets me into big trouble sometimes because of introspective nature. Ha, my Scorpio is showing. Beginning a new chapter of life simply forces you to be introspective, and it’s not a bad thing. Often times, that deep self reflection brings you closer to yourself.
Even my Instagram feed agrees! Let this be a reminder to slow down and check off the boxes as they come. Oh, and to bundle up because baby, it’s cold outside!
I think we are going to see a big shift in more womenswear brands leaning heavily into femininity. If you keep up with runway shows, you might remember Chloe’s Winter 2024 show that had major boho-chic energy. In general, it feels like we are in an era where womanhood is heavily being celebrated. From a spike in charting female musicians to a resurgence of this energy in fashion, it feels so empowering. Hence, my need for this For Love & Lemons asymmetrical sweater that I plan on wearing for my next girls night out.
For Love & Lemons is one of my favorite brands that solely play in a sexy yet sweet lane. They are usually my go-to for overtly feminine dresses and tiny summer tops, but the last time I was browsing their site, I broadened my horizons and scrolled through a few additional categories. I was stunned by this sweet, cream sweater and short set. During this chilly weather, I’ve realized how badly I need to switch up my at-home loungewear from solely sweatsuits to something a little more exciting.
I have a newfound love for French brands. I discovered the brand Rouje recently through work. The reason I enjoy this brand so much is because it has that same through line of sweetness as For Love & Lemons. This pink mohair sweater is a testament to that. Another brand I found out about through work is Soeur. They have some of the best, most chic outerwear I’ve ever seen. For example, this double faced wool coat that has a detachable collar. If I use girl math, that’s basically one coat for the price of two.
Speaking of…I really want to participate in wearing cold weather accessories. I am already a big fan of cozy socks, both for the purpose of wearing around the house and for walking through the city. It’s just that when it comes to beanies, scarves, balaclavas, good quality ones pack a mighty punch when it comes to price. However, they really are essential if you live in a place that has cold Winters. So, I guess I will be purchasing my first cashmere head accessory, and it will be this. Also, this chic Navy head scarf that has buttons to adjust to my big curly hair. Can’t forget about these cashmere socks, too.
I recently came across a photo of Tracee Ellis Ross in the most insane cherry red patent leather boots on Instagram. She was pictured with two magazine editors (I think?) inside of a store I don’t remember the name of, probably because I was too busy staring at her boots. They were tucked into an oversized pair of black wide leg trousers, just like this (same vibe, different outfit):
What I find the most attractive (appealing?) about fashionable people like Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Hailey and Just Bieber, Princess Diana, Zoe Kravitz, the list goes on… is the way they let their personality radiate through their clothing. That, to me, is what makes someone stylish and cool. It’s the ability to unapologetically show up as yourself everyday.
And with that, I’'ll leave you with this vibe I created, which highlights all of my muses and things that feel like a reflection of me:
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love, Chinaya