Welcome to The California Edit, a twice-monthly roundup of the things that inspire me most right now. From beautiful interiors and coastal decor, to effortless California style and entertaining finds, this is where I share the best of Golden State living.
Today’s Edit
On today’s edit -Louis Vuitton love, designer discount shopping in Hawaii, The Real Real, a gorgeous coffee table tome, things I’m on the hunt for at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and a fun new French Substack to follow.
Table of Contents
Louis Vuitton
I’m slightly obsessed (to use a largely over-used term) with designer bags recently. My current favorite brands are Gucci, Louis Vuitton and YSL. I was excited to pick up a new bag at Louis Vuitton in Honolulu last month for my wedding anniversary present. (Happy 30 years to me us!😉) These sunglasses may have found their way into my shopping bag as well. I have a hard time finding the right size and shape for my face and these were perfect!
Designer Discounts in Hawaii
I was surprised to learn that certain designer brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci , Valentino and others (although not LV sadly!) offer 10-15% discounts in Hawaii. This means if you live in a high sales tax state (I’m looking at you California), you can save several hundred dollars on luxury items buying them on Oahu. Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax; instead, it imposes a General Excise Tax (GET) on businesses for the sale of goods and services, with a base rate of 4%. So if you’re looking for an excuse to shop the next time you find yourself in the state of Hawaii, there you go!
The Real Real
If you’re in the market for designer goods, but don’t want to pay full price, be sure to check out The Real Real. They have tons of great consignments and their prices are competitive with other pre-owned sites. That said, always compare their asking price to the cost of the item new. If you’re paying close to what the item would be new, I would consider paying full-price for the new item for best value.
The condition of the item matters a lot as well. The Real Real authenticates every item and gives it a grade: As Is, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Pristine. If I’m planning on using something like a handbag a lot, I’d prefer that the item is in Very Good to Pristine condition when I buy it. I skip most items that are graded below Very Good because they tend to have more visible wear. I also check to see if an item is returnable for a refund or not. I won’t risk buying something sight-unseen if I can’t return it.
For example, for my birthday this year I bought this GG Supreme Jackie 1961 Medium. I had been stalking this particular bag for a while on The Real Real and I finally found one in excellent condition that had the dust bag, box, etc. Since this is a discontinued style, it was more difficult to find and thus was a bit more in price. But, it was also returnable, which made it less risky of a purchase.
One of the pluses about designer items is they tend retain their value over a longer period of time than less costly items. One caveat: I won’t spend a ton of money on trendy designer items. I prefer to invest in more classic styles that will remain current for the foreseeable future and won’t look dated in a year or two.
Currently Reading
If you are looking for a HEFTY and gorgeous new coffee table book that’s also a great read, then be sure to order Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury: Updated Edition while it’s over half off on Amazon. I skimmed it cover to cover the day it arrived. I love learning about the history of modern luxury with this fascinating book about the birth of Louis Vuitton and how the company came to be. Plus, it’s a beautiful book. I can’t wait to visit Paris someday soon. Très chic!
Getting Dressed
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Now that the heart (and heat) of summer is upon us (I can’t believe it’s already July!) I find myself evaluating my wardrobe for the second half of the year. By now, if I don’t have enough summer clothes, it’s pretty much too late to start looking because fall fashions are already in the stores – unless I happen upon a good summer sale that isn’t too picked over.
You’re probably aware that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts in a little over a week. Cardmembers begin their preview shopping July 14-17 depending on their status and the sale to the general public starts on the 18th. And while the Anniversary Sale has been generally over-hyped for the last few years, it’s still a great way to find some new additions to your fall wardrobe.
I am looking for just a few new key basics to round out my wardrobe for fall: some jeans, a couple white shirts, a pair of stylish sneakers and some fun flats. Since we spend a good chunk of time in San Diego in the winter I don’t need as many sweaters, coats, etc. as I used to. I also don’t have much use for boots- although I love a good pair of boots!
New Items On My Radar for Fall From Nordstrom
I’ve been scoping out the new arrivals on the Nordstrom website and making a list of things that I’m hoping will be in included in the sale. It helps to create a “wish list” on the site so that you can quickly add items to your cart once the sale starts. Popular items and sizes tend to sell out quickly, so you need to move fast if there’s something you really want.
Red velvet flats – These are apparently all the rage in Paris right now. (See my new favorite Substack below.)I love a red shoe. I generally don’t wear a lot of red, but there’s something about these that makes me smile. ALEGRIA Round Toe mary jane ballet flats by Therapy Australia. They area also available in black.
White Button Down Shirt – I’ve been needing one of these for a while and there are some great options right now from Madewell. On the left, the Eyelet Oversize Button-Up Shirt is a summery option that will transition right into fall. On the right, The Easy Poplin Button-Up Shirt is a classic that will go with everything and can be dressed up or down.
Fun Sneakers – color reigns supreme this fall, but I also still love a clean white tennis shoe, so here are my picks. The Arizona Lace Sneaker by Puma on the left has a modern low profile and a pretty lace detail on the side. The slightly creamy white color is just what I’m looking for. The SL 72 Sneaker by Adidas on the right is pretty in shades of soft red and pink. It also comes in a snazzy cheetah option with bright orange laces, which I also love.
Jeans – I love the fit of FRAME jeans and I’m in need of a couple new pairs. On the left, the Essential Straight Leg Jeans are a good basic no-stretch straight-leg style in a soft faded denim color. The Le Slim Palazzo Raw Hem High Waist Wide Leg Jeans on the right have a longer inseam, a higher rise and a bit of stretch.
Currently Following
Substack – French “Stylé”
It’s interesting to compare a Parisian’s “thrown together” outfit to a laid-back California look – they’re actually more similar than you’d think. Both start with the same goal: to look effortless without trying-too-hard. In both cases it’s all about quality basics, a few well-loved accessories, and that “I didn’t try too hard” attitude that actually takes a little effort to pull off. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine or walking the bluffs in La Jolla, the ingredients for an outfit that works are the same.
Continuing with the French theme for this edit, I’m sharing my new favorite Substack called Stylé. Written by a former Marie Claire editor, it provides an inside look at what it’s like to live in Paris. She shares an “eye on the street” view of Paris fashion with lots of great photos of chic Parisian women going about their day. So much great inspiration! Be sure to check it out.
“The goal of Stylé is simple: to transport you to Paris with insider glimpses into what true Parisians wear, eat, and do, beyond clichés and guidebooks.” – Frosso.
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