By now we all know that living through lockdown means hanging on to the small pleasures that get us through the day. Mid-2021, Buzzfeed posted a list of ‘Cheap Things That Will Make You Feel Expensive’. Here’s our guide on how to achieve a similar effect ethically, while supporting local small businesses.
Chic loungewear
One thing I am starting to learn as a recent adult, is that the point of athleisure is NOT to help you run faster. It’s to help you feel a bit more put together and glamorous while doing un-glamorous tasks – whether that be beginners’ yoga, binging Netflix, or popping out for milk. Bianca Pavlic is a superhero for this purpose, offering chic loungewear and sets like these, customised to the needs of each and every customer – fit, flare, and fabric included.
A simple set of jewelry
This one is an old adage of style. Think of the most elegant woman you know. Chances are she wears a signature set of earrings, and perhaps a sleek necklace that pairs with any outfit. Clean jewellery has a habit of elevating your look and bringing focus to your face, and you don’t need to break the bank to ensure your set has a personal flair. Eucalypse head designer, Bre, creates preserved memories of springtime in her delicate floral pieces, all of which hold little pieces of the bush capital close to the wearer’s heart.
Stationery for handwritten notes
A classy lady sends thankyou notes, to her admirers, haters, and distant relatives of either camp. In a world kept spinning by texts, emails, and social media bubbles, there is something beautiful about swirly script tucked into a gift bag brought to a dinner party or welcomed in the mail. Clare Mazitelli designs sells unique sets like these, just begging to be an elegant woman’s calling card.
A signature scent
Whether it be hand cream for a smooth handshake in business meetings, or travel-sized perfume to dab on at any pause, there is style behind associating yourself with a certain aroma (assuming it’s a pleasant one, that is). Bask Aromatherapy, a mainstay of the Handmade Markets, offers balanced hand cream and perfume sets so you can smell like you just have your life together. While the markets are yet to reappear, you can still shop them via their online store.Â
A moisturised complexion
When lounging on a picnic blanket this summer, a small way to feel luxurious is refreshing your face with a cooling toner mist. Vaana from Nature Lab Skincare also creates thick, hydrating face masks for opulent nights in. This small business is a favourite of mine, as Nature Lab was inspired by Vaana’s son’s struggles with eczema, catering to the most sensitive of skin types.
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