What I Want (and Probably Won’t Buy)
A restrained woman’s semi-rational spring/summer wish list
I’ve been on a bit of a spending freeze lately. Not in the fun, aspirational way that involves color-coded budgets or a closet clean out. More in the we just bought a new apartment and every piece of furniture we currently own will look miniature and vaguely sad in the new space kind of way.
So I’ve been good. Too good, if you ask me. I’ve ignored every tempting email subject line. Stopped checking what’s new on Net-a-Porter and Moda. I’ve talked myself out of things I know would spark joy.
But then spring happened.
And with it: the siren song of linen, raffia, shell-and-bead jewelry, woven bags, and sparkly things that felt irrelevant in the dead of winter but now seem borderline essential. Suddenly, restraint feels less like discipline and more like denial.
So in the spirit of controlled indulgence—and because sometimes making a list is as good as shopping—I’ve compiled the things currently testing my willpower. Will I cave? Will I rationalize something as “a birthday present to myself”? Time will tell.
For now, here’s what’s calling my name:
The perfect little black dress—but make it breathable. Swingy, unfussy, and cool enough for the thickest NYC humidity while somehow still reading crisp and unflappable. Like if Carolyn Bessette took the subway.
I can’t resist the attitude of a cat eye. They give just enough drama to make even the most disheveled outfit feel intentional. Throw on with a bun and earrings and pretend you're avoiding paparazzi (or preschool drop-off).
3. Yves Nano Onyx Paracord Necklace
Like the friendship bracelet of necklaces—in the best possible way. I’d layer this on in May and forget to take it off until Labor Day. Slightly faded from saltwater and sunscreen? Even better.
Sculptural but playful, like wearable Calder mobiles. I love that Agmes pieces feel artful but never overwrought—and word on the street is they’re incredibly lightweight.
5. Dries Van Noten Embellished Satin Tote
This is number uno on my wishlist. I eyed it. Elyse bought it. Now I’m haunted. It’s sparkly without being precious, roomy without being slouchy, and would instantly make every outfit look 30% more considered. Ugh. I want it so bad.
Currently on sale (!!), and miraculously don’t require a pedicure to look chic. Flat, satin, quietly luxe—like the minimalist cousin of a boudoir slipper. Basically the shoe equivalent of not trying, but winning anyway.
1. Suzi Kondi Saria Chambray Top and Delos Chambray Pants
I already own the pants in a sandy linen and they are A+. Comfy without veering into "are you okay?" territory, and I get compliments every time I wear them. The chambray set is my dream summer uniform—lightweight, pulled together, and looks best with a little front-tuck and zero thought.
2. Ossa Paillette Wristlet Phone Strap
I live and die by my Ossa crossbody, but the wristlet is calling. The paillettes play into my newfound, slightly mysterious craving for sparkle... maybe it's a turning-40 thing? Either way, it's the jewelry version of a tech accessory, and I’m intrigued.
3. Hunting Season Origami Bag in Cognac Natural Fiber
Kind of like the Loewe Puzzle, but cooler, quieter, and not everywhere. I love that it's from a smaller brand, and the woven texture gives it that just-back-from-Costa-Brava energy—even if I’m just back from the bodega.
4. Grainne Morton Pearl and Shell Drop Necklace
I've wanted one of these since I saw Ulla Johnson (a.k.a. my jewelry north star) wearing it. It’s got that off-kilter, collected feel that makes even a plain tee look styled. Would wear this daily until it tangles irreparably in August.
5. Ancient Greek Natural Slippers
Breathable, walkable, basically a chic alternative to going barefoot. These are the shoes you keep by the front door and end up living in—especially when anything more structured feels like too much commitment.
1. By Malene Birger Organic Top and Cotton Shorts
Swishy, gauzy, semi-sheer perfection. The little ties are just enough detail to keep it from veering into PJ territory. This is what you wear when it’s 90 degrees and you still want to look vaguely like a person.
2. Le Sundial Carnelian Sculptural Necklace
I spotted this brand on Instagram months ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it. This necklace in particular—the mix of rope, beads, and that perfect sandy beige with a hit of carnelian red—feels like the jewelry version of a beach bonfire. I'd throw it on with a white tee and jeans, a kaftan, a swimsuit, anything.
3. LEMAIRE Octopus Tasseled Macrame Shoulder Bag
I cannot resist a tassel. At home, on lamps, and especially in my wardrobe. This bag is weird in the best way—part sea creature, part minimalist sculpture—and I love that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Suede is my perennial weakness—less practical than leather, sure, but so much better to look at (and wear). I’ve always leaned into chocolate brown over black, even before it was having a moment, so these feel like a natural fit. They’re basically the elevated Tevas of my dreams: equal parts chunky and chic, and begging to be worn with absolutely everything.
Ugh. I don’t want to want this, but I do. The swingy cut, the perfectly casual denim—it’s giving “threw this on” in the best way. I can already picture wearing it to the beach, out to dinner, and basically anywhere in between all summer long.
I’m deep in a Métier phase, and now apparently also in a bag charm phase. I know it’s a little silly, but charms are fun. They spark joy. I want this little S to layer on with all my other summer talismans.
3. Liffner Flat Leather Basket in Denim
A fun color, a great shape, not too precious—aka everything I want in a summer bag. I'd tie on my S charm and feel like the kind of person who “curates” their everyday accessories.
4. Carolina Bucci Downtown Necklace
I’ve been eyeing these for ages. The rainbow ones never totally did it for me, but this toned-down version is exactly right—still playful, like gumballs for grown-ups, but in a way that reads chic instead of sugary. Yes, the price is... a lot. But also yes, I still want it.
5. Alaia Metallic Crochet Navy Ballet Flats
I've had these in my cart (mentally, spiritually) for two years. The price has always stopped me—yet now, thanks to girl math, I realize they’d basically be free if I’d bought them back then. This crochet version with a whisper of sparkle might finally push me over the edge. Who am I?
6. Slip Dark Brown Silky Scrunchies
I wear these constantly and genuinely need the dark brown ones. Of all the things on this list, this is the one I can actually justify. Practical, useful, will not cost me my marriage.
Delicate, gauzy, effortless. Throw it over a swimsuit or half-tuck into jeans and you’re instantly that breezy, low-maintenance person everyone secretly wants to be. Yes.
Currently sold out—but I will wait. I love that it feels like something you’d find in a tiny coastal gallery and never take off. It’s art, it’s a charm, it’s inevitable.
I wish I didn’t have a penchant for overpriced sun hats, but here we are. My Janessa Leone and Loewe ones have earned their keep (and then some), especially when you factor in future savings on lasers, peels, and regrets. So yes, I’ll consider this an investment in SPF and sanity.
4. Soraya Hennessy Round Crochet Shoulder Bag
A minimalist little circle bag… from Anthropologie, of all places. It’s got that handmade, under-the-radar feel that makes you want to gatekeep it—except I already told you, so, oops.
5. By Malene Birger Lalla Leather Sandals
God, I love a heart. I know it’s ridiculous, but I have no defense. These are sweet without being saccharine and feel just offbeat enough to work. I might not be able to resist.
6. Johanna Ortiz Cotton-Voile Pareo
Part wrap, part scarf, part security blanket. The colors, the print—perfect for summer beach days, winter trips to Mexico, or draping over your shoulders when the plane is freezing but you still want to look chic.
So yes, I’ve been “good.” I’ve exercised heroic restraint. But if a few of these things happen to make their way into my cart—and eventually, my closet—just know it was for the greater good. Of joy. Of sunscreen. Of having something to wear when it’s 97 degrees with 82% humidity.
And anyway, isn't making the list half the fun?
More soon.
