Little Luxuries I’m Enjoying Lately (and Why They’re Worth It)
Happy Valentine’s Day, if you celebrate! It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through February. For those of us in colder climates, take heart—spring is just a few weeks away. I’m already looking forward to longer days and the promise of spring travel.
In the meantime, here are a few little luxuries I’ve been enjoying lately—small indulgences that feel good to use and easy to live with.
A Soft Layer That Makes an Outfit Feel Finished
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this new Liberty print collection in cashmere and silk from Black. It features one of Liberty’s most iconic prints, The Strawberry Thief.
Last fall when I was in London, I met up with Toby from Black to go through dozens of archive Liberty prints and choose our favorites for the next collection. This charming print won hands down!
As with our prior Liberty collection, the print was enlarged to better highlight the intricate details, and produced in four different colorways. On right, from top to bottom:
- Raspberry Pink: good for Summers & Winters
- Blue: good for Springs & Autumns, some Summers
- Coral: best for Springs & Autumns
- Dark Olive: best on Autumns
And just for my readers, you can use code SUSAN15 for 15% off.
These cashmere-silk scarves are SO soft! And they provide warmth without bulk, so are perfect for travel.
An Easy Cotton Layer for Transitional Seasons
I’m quite smitten with the petite-friendly and budget-friendly Quince cotton cardigan I’m wearing above. It’s a perfect weight for transitional season wear. I often find cotton sweaters to be bulky, but this one has a lovely drape and doesn’t feel heavy at all. It’s available in several neutral colors, sizes XS-XL. I’m wearing the XS, and suggest sizing down.
A Well-Designed Bag That Punches Above Its Price Point
If you love the look of the Loewe Puzzle Bag but not the price, this is a thoughtfully designed alternative at a much more approachable price point.
This is the “Clementine” bag from Australian brand, The Horse. I’d been seeing this bag in my Instagram feed for weeks, and finally popped over to the website to take a closer look. I ordered the “Oat Pebbled” color (which is more rich cream and less yellow than it appears in my photos).
I am so impressed with this bag, which punches way above its price point. It’s the same size as my small puzzle bags, with both zip and slip interior pockets. While it doesn’t have the pieced construction of the Puzzle, it does have a clean, architectural shape and a wide, adjustable crossbody strap that makes it very comfortable to wear. It’s lightweight for a leather bag, and available in several colors.
If you’re interested in more of my bag finds, you might also enjoy:
Stylish Bags Without Flashy Logos
Lightweight, Non-Leather Bags That Don’t Sacrifice Style
Washable Silk for Travel (and Everyday Comfort)
I love silk pajamas for travel, but they can often be expensive. So I was especially happy to find these washable silk options.
These lightweight silk pajamas are available in several styles and colors. I bought a set in the “Toasted Almond” color, but I thought this navy & diamond pattern looked pretty spiffy too. I’ve also been using the washable silk pillowcases for the past few months and have been very happy with the quality.
A Fresh, Unexpected Scent for the Home
I love scented candles, but only if they’re not too heavy and perfume-y.
The team at Flamingo Estate kindly sent me this “Heirloom Tomato” candle to try, and I LOVE it! The fragrance is subtle and fresh—more tomato leaves than tomato fruit—which makes it feel light and unexpected. I’m going to try the Tuscan Rosemary candle next…
Luxury doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. I find myself drawn more and more to pieces like these—well made, thoughtful, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. They’re small indulgences, yes, but the kind that quietly add comfort, beauty, and a sense of ease to daily routines.
I’d love to hear about some of your favorite little luxuries—let me know in the comments!
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Hi Susan,
I appreciate you! Love that you don’t list Amazon or Target fashion, that you include both higher end and more affordable options., and note best colors for your readers.
I thought you might want to check out Smaak bags during your next trip to Europe. I recently bought their Cliff bag in Amsterdam, and it is quite nice and reasonably priced.
Best, Ann
Hi Ann, thanks so much, and thanks for the tip! I’ll keep my eyes open for those.
Hi Susan: for some reason the ‘red’ links for Black aren’t working–or rather, Safari says it can’t find the site. The scarves look beautiful. It’s nice to have little luxuries: candles for soft light and scent; soft materials to keep us warm (or cool) and comfortable; moisturizers on dry skin; tea or coffee to soothe or lift the spirits; warm fuzzy slippers on tired feet (!); cool eye pillows for tired eyes (!); lip balm with staying power; beautiful art; music. We need these little luxuries in these dark times.
Hi Sally, I’m sorry for the inconvenience. The links do seem to work for me (both in Safari and Chrome). If you’re still unable to access, let me know.
I recently purchased a towel warmer for our main bathroom for $89, just large enough for two towels. It turned out to be a surprisingly wonderful and pampering luxury for the cold weather we’ve been experiencing in the south. I had no idea how decadent it would feel to pull out a warm towel to dry off with post-shower!
Susan I love your posts the best (I get two other authors on fashion choices). But I want to revisit the whole ‘seasons’ labels for my color choices. I always thought my hazel eyes gave me the autumn label but really my skin tone (porcelain in the Bobbi Brown world) made me more winter (pinkish). ? Where’s a good site to revisit this?
Hi Linda, thanks so much! I think it’s very difficult for most people to self-analyze. Really, the best way to understand your color season is with a color analysis from a trained professional. They can help you find the colors that best harmonize with your skin tone. (and if indeed you have a lot of pink in your skin, your palette may be on the warmer side.)
Hi Susan, I love that Quince sweater and have looked at it often on their site. Do you think it will look good open and if so, what kinds of shirts would you pair with it?
Hi Ellen, yes it works open as well for a relaxed look. It would work equally well paired with t-shirts or collared woven shirts, depending on your style and the venue.
I love the Liberty prints… but am wondering why all scarves these days are so large? I bought a lovely silk/cashmere from a small independent maker in Edinburgh: it is 25″ square and is so perfect. These large scarves really take over an outfit: yes, there is a time and place…but i’m wondering if you (or anyone) would consider doing an additional size? Just a suggestion!
P.S. I recently went to the “Women in Print” exhibition at the Wm. Morris Gallery in Walthamstow: excellent and I highly recommend. On until June I think.
I completely agree about disliking huge scarves! I look for small neckerchief sized scarfs or triangular scarves which suit my 5’3” frame much better. And I’ve completely tossed my old infinity scarves! Love the Liberty pattern but not the excessive length.
I’m completely the opposite; I like the big, but almost sheer, scarves that I can drape over my shoulders, but take off or loosen if a hot flash comes. I inherited several silk squares from my mother, and while I love them, they are just too small unless I wrap them close to my neck.
Check ebay or other resale sites; they have a lot of pure silk scarves for not very much.
Link for scarves is not working
That’s odd, it works for me. Try this one and let me know if you have bettery luck. Strawberry Thief scarves
Hello Susan: As a summer I am interested in the raspberry pink Strawberry thief scarf, but on the Black site I can’t tell whether it is the quartet pink or the coral. The colors are pretty different from your post.
Thanks. Mary
Hi Mary, this one is the pink: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43014085
I love both the scarf and the sweater! What color sweater would you suggest for a summer pallet? The buttons are a fun addition.
Hi Susan, thanks! The Speckled Beige and Dove Grey would both be good colors for a Summer.
Hi Susan, I wondered if you checked out reviews of items before recommending them? There’s an item in your post that I was interested in buying – until I started reading reviews including on a reputable site. The main criticisms are around quality and longevity, something that you may not be aware if you have only recently purchased.
Hi Alanna, yes, I usually try to skim reviews and try to avoid those with a majority of negative reviews. I don’t catch everything, though, so I encourage everyone to use their best judgement.
Susan My luxury is a very good cup of tea without phones or work; this is a moment for pausing and appreciation. I recently had a necklace of pink pearls restrung and an easier clasp put on it for older hands. I also had a larger bale put on two pendants. to increase their use. I hadn’t been to the jewelry store in my neighborhood for ages. This was truly not a necessity but a luxury. I noted a few weeks ago you had a strand of pearls on with a gold chain and a pendant and I really liked that look! That you for all the work you do to give us such nice options.
My luxury is the White Company London, silk/cotton pillowcase. When it comes to clothing, once a year I order some outfits from a local designer (Sally Phillips) who is based in my home town. Very reluctant, no matter how tempting, to order clothes on line, due to shipping and return policies. But, those Liberty scarves are very beautiful
A cashmere watch cap in ocean blue for visits to the East Coast and early morning ocean walks:).