I have always had an affinity for little daily luxuries. I love novelties and things that are beautiful and unique. I fixate on the little details, whether that be the details in films, books, or other humans. Does anyone remember that scene in the beginning of Uptown Girls where Molly Gunn is running around her New York City penthouse, full of whimsical trinkets, dusty perfume bottles, and designer shoes? And in a rush, she rummages around her dresser full of luxurious skincare and jewelry to pick out a beaded candle shade topper to transform into a hairpiece—scenes like that stick with me. I don’t know if it’s the creativity, the visuals of all the muted colors and nonchalant, exquisite items thrown around her beautiful apartment, or the effortlessness in turning one thing into something entirely different.
I want to be surrounded by little luxuries and beautiful transformations. It’s the Taurus moon in me; what can I say? I’m extra, and I know you are too. It can be the dumbest things that make me happy and like I have my shit together. Things like the San Pellegrino seltzers sitting in my fridge with their Italian logo and carbonization bring me happiness- the little things that ignite the senses. I want my daily luxuries to entertain all five senses with my environment. It adds to our daily experience to have little luxuries that flirt with our nostrils, tastebuds, eyes, ears, and hands. It creates an effect, whether that effect is grounding or exhilarating.
Daily Luxury 1: Affordable Fine Jewelry
A little luxury I enjoy is jewelry, especially those made from high-quality materials. I’m just being honest, but real metals like gold and silver make me feel more put together and happier than costume jewelry. I love gemstones and crystals too. Anything from nature molded into something beautiful feels like I’m adorning my body in a celebratory fashion. Putting my rings and necklaces on each morning feels like I’m taking extra time to make my day special. One company I recently discovered gets the vibes. Common Era Jewelry is ethical, sustainable, and intentional. Inspired by ancient mythology, their timeless jewelry brings history to life in modern form. They’re 100% woman owned and donate 3% of profits to the AWI. They craft their jewelry from 100% recycled solid gold but don’t compromise on excellent design. If you love coin or amulet-inspired jewelry, these designs will satisfy your design cravings.
Daily Luxury 2: Flameless Candle Diffuser
I have a keen sense of smell and am very sensitive to smells, good or bad. I can’t stand foul odors and go crazy for the scents I love. Anything that carries an aroma of mystique is especially special to me. It almost feels like smells can light up parts of my brain that make me change states of being. So, if my mood is to escape my reality, so to speak, a mysterious and alluring smell can take me somewhere I’ve never been but want to explore. I want my house and environment to smell good just as much as I want myself to smell good. That’s why diffusers and candles are a big part of my little luxury heaven right now.
This essential oil diffuser from Pottery Barn is my diffuser of choice. It’s water-free, meaning it won’t get moldy, which means less cleaning, which is always a luxury. It’s also a flameless candle, so it creates the effect of a real candle by adding warmth and coziness to a space. And it’s remote-operated with a dimmer effect so that you can adjust the light and interval.
Daily Luxury 3: Spa Slippers
Because I want my home to feel like an oasis, a spa-inspired spot for rejuvenation, I need a good pair of slippers. Like the Scandinavians, I’m also a huge proponent of always taking your shoes off in the house. Having a specific “house shoe” to slide into at the door is more hygienic than tracking the outdoors with you across the floor. No tracking in unmentionables- you don’t want to know what’s on the bottom of your shoes. A classic slipper is the Ugg slipper. They’re classic and reliable, so they’ll last for years before wearing out. Here’s an Ugg slipper dupe made from genuine suede with shearling lining, but for nearly half the price. Slippers should be comfortable but crafted with durable enough materials that you won’t have to buy a new pair every Autumn. I usually have a winter slipper and a warmer weather slipper, so my feet are always cozy but not sweaty to prevent fungus and promote healthy foot skin. Even dermatologist Dr. Dray agrees with me. So adjust your slipper to regulate your body temperature, and swap between seasonal slippers if you have to.
If you want to feel like you’re unplugged from the world truly, add a pair of genuine spa slippers to your arsenal of daily luxuries and transform your evenings into mini getaways.
Daily Luxury 4: Silk Pajamas
You didn’t think I could list daily luxuries without including some silk, did you? Most people know by now that silk is hypoallergenic and moisture retentive, meaning it’s better for our skin than other fabrics. But we’ll skip the ubiquitous advice to use a silk pillowcase and talk about something just as important in my book- silk pajamas. Because we often neglect the skin on our bodies, we forget that wearing silk can also be beneficial.
I like my silk to be as soft and durable as possible, extending the lifetime of the garment and making it an investment. Lilysilk’s silk pajamas are 100% Grade 6A Mulberry silk. The grading of silk is really important in quality, and Lilysilk has high-quality silk for an affordable price. Their pajamas are 22 momme Charmeuse. Momme refers to the weight of the fabric, so the higher the momme, the denser the weave will be. Charmeuse silk is a particular type of weave that allows the extra luster and shine on the front of the fabric with a dull finish on the back. Most silk pajamas, pillowcases, and bed linens are made from charmeuse weaves.
I’ve bought silk tops and shorts from Lilysilk, an entire sheet set, and hair scrunchies, and have never been disappointed. The beautiful sky-blue shirt I bought two years ago still shines with the same luster, and I always get compliments. It’s more exciting than a cotton T-shirt and makes me look and feel more put together. Not to be dramatic, but I would drape myself in silk 24/7. It’s the most luxurious fabric, not just because of its aesthetic, but because it lasts for years and stays timeless. With a good laundry routine, including a gentle detergent, silk stays fresh and vibrant without fading, pilling, or other wear and tear that cheaper materials experience just weeks after purchasing.
I will forever enjoy the daily luxuries of wearing silk tops, and pajamas and sleeping in silk because it’s the best, period. It’s a daily luxury that I now can’t live without and has been a great investment that’s saved my money- and my skin.
Daily Luxury 5: Fresh Soap
Speaking of taking care of the skin on your body, there’s simply nothing better than fresh handmade soap. I love how it feels kind of old school to use fresh bar soap. I grew up using artisanal soaps as my grandma was a fan of using them over store-bought body wash. I would receive soap for Christmas in my stocking: goat milk and lavender infused.
My mom would also always have yummy-smelling soaps in her underwear and sock drawers, even sticking them in the linen closet. Because they emit a natural aroma over time, they keep everything smelling lovely. I recently took a trip to Kennebunkport, Maine, and found beach rose-scented soap that I gifted my friend who loves beach roses. She was pleasantly surprised at the small gesture and kept it in her drawer where she gets a nice whiff of it every time she opens it. It adds to the experience of a room and can enhance your candle and diffusers.
Harsh drug store soaps and body washes can dry the skin, especially in winter. When you use soaps with moisture-retaining ingredients, such as shea butter, it keeps the skin supple, and the aroma from natural fragrances can uplift your mood and shower experience.
Always moisturize your skin after showering, and you can match your body cream fragrance to your soaps’ to create a long-lasting, unique personal fragrance. Mix it with a few spritzes of perfume of choice behind the wrist and ear, and you’ll smell like a dream. Check out these 5 beauty hacks for more useful and game-changing beauty tips.
That wraps up 5 simple, yet monumental daily luxuries that can have a huge influence on your daily routine and outlook on life. You know how the saying goes. It’s the little things.
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