As a longtime luxury lover, and running my own styling agency, dressing thousands of clients and working with brands for their branding, I naturally look at shopping from both a traveller’s and a stylist’s perspective. From the viewpoint of a stylist, shopping for luxury often means making every experience feel unique and memorable. Naturally, exploring high-end stores has become an increasingly interesting part of my travels. As someone passionate about shopping in the luxury world, I find every new experience fascinating.
But what exactly is luxury? Why do so many people define themselves by it? And why do so many others dislike what it represents?
I still remember the day I bought my very first Chanel handbag. I had worked hard, and being able to afford it felt like a personal milestone. That was back in 2015, and luxury felt very different then. Not to mention the pricing.
Fast forward 11 years, and luxury seems to be everywhere. From plenty of social media posts to articles and awards celebrating the best luxury hotels. There are discussions about what guests expect from a luxury hotel and what makes a shop truly luxurious. Prices have risen sharply, while browsing designer pieces, both new and second-hand, has become an everyday habit for many of us. Mostly thanks to social media. It invites us to be part of boutiques, hotel suites and wardrobes around the world.
But how much of this is real? Does seeing more of how many Hermes bags one owns make luxury feel more accessible and therefore less special? Or does it simply make us want more? And are these higher prices really justified? Will the second-hand market keep rising?
My Luxury Shopping Guides
And so, I will soon be sharing, not only my travels but also my personal luxury shopping guides, thoughts and feedbacks. From shopping in the designer outlet stores around Palm Springs and some incredible second-hand shops in London and Paris. For anyone drawn to the world of shopping in true luxury, these guides are for you. With shelves filled with Hermès and Chanel bags, these stores made me wonder whether buying pre-owned luxury is now more exciting than visiting the boutiques themselves.
And how about the continuing fascination with Hermès bags. Are they truly worth the hype, or have exclusivity and investment potential become more important than design and practicality? I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you. When it comes to the world of shopping with a luxury focus, many enthusiasts are curious about these iconic accessories as well.
Naturally, Chanel and other big brands will be part of the conversation too. Is the quality still as exceptional as it once was? Are the prices too high? And what happens with the old stock? There is so much to write about in high-end shopping, and I hope you will enjoy my stories. Think of this as your inside scoop on luxury shopping culture.
Luxury Shopping Guide in Paris
The best shopping streets and second-hand guide in Paris.
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About the Author
I’m Beate Pluta, an award-winning luxury and lifestyle travel writer, fashion stylist and the creator of Sweettravelbee. Having previously run my own styling agency and worked with thousands of clients, I continue to share my professional and personal perspective on fashion, travel, hotels and my own take on shopping luxury, offering glimpses into those unique experiences.
Find out more about me and Sweettravelbee.
