There has been so much chatter on social media about Black Women and luxury. The fact that we should have more of it. Normalize it if you will. I wanted to write this post because as someone who is budget-conscious, I wanted to stress that luxurious items don’t have to come with an expensive price tag or be made in Italy. If you can afford those things great, I have a designer wish-list as well. However, there are things I consider a luxury that every one of us can have in our lives. And the luxury does not have to be defined by what someone is wearing, luxury is a state of mind.
Candles/Aromatherapy. I think I light some sort of candle, incense, or home fragrance item every day. Even more so now that we have been spending so much time in the house. Candles give ambiance and a sense of relaxation after a long day. It is a simple luxury that we all can indulge in. My favorite black-owned candle companies are Crown Candle Co. and Lit Bklyn.
Flowers/Plants. I got into buying plants for the home a couple of years ago. As an allergy sufferer, they are a good way to purify the oxygen in your space and are aesthetically pleasing. It took me a few dead plants to get where I am today, but it’s a simple luxury that elevates your space. Watering and nurturing the plants is an act of self-care. If plants aren’t your thing, I also love having fresh flowers in my space. Don’t wait for someone to buy you flowers, it can be something you do for yourself on the grocery runs!
Good Food/Wine. Our food itself can be a luxury; crab legs, lobster, and oxtail aren’t cheap LOL. At the beginning of the shelter-in-place orders, the concern was raised for families who depend on the school lunch. I had to sit down and really count my blessings, my kids have never known that feeling. So splurging once in a while on take-out or buying the top-grade meat or seafood, is an easy way to feel luxurious. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also a luxury. I used to think the Farmer’s Market wasn’t for me, boy was I wrong. Nourishing our bodies to live our best lives, is luxurious. I almost always have wine in the house as well. I have recently learned more about pairing the right wine with the right meal. Real grown-up and fancy okay!
Pajamas/Robes. There is something really grown-up about having nice matching pajama sets. I was always a tee shirt and shorts girl in the house, but I am working on having pajama sets. The feeling you get when you go to bed in nice linens is different. I also have an obsession with nice robes, thank my girlfriend Sasha for that. There is a sex appeal to walking around the house in nice silk robes instead of my beat-up tee shirt from college.
Face Masks/Skincare. Your skincare can come from the drugstore and still be an act of luxury. The mere fact that you are not washing your face with soap is the upgrade. I love a good face mask and my skincare routine can be extensive. With the toner, eye cream, serums, moisturizers, and SPF, we are luxurious up in here okay!
House-Keeper. I don’t have this luxury yet. But it is something that I see many women have budgeted for and it is a luxury that can give you some time back. Hopefully, when things return to back to some sense of normalcy, it will be a luxury that I will indulge in as well. I am tired of cleaning these toilets child.
Therapy. Healing from trauma and generational curses is also an act of luxury. Mental health is something that we need to nurture just as much as we do our physical. So let’s strip the stigmas that come along with seeking help. Especially now, please check on your strong friends and family members!
There is also something to be said for just dressing up and being put together that is luxurious. Like this amazing dress, from one of my favorite small businesses, Trendy Chix Boutique. I want to spread that luxury with you all by hosting a giveaway, #treatyoself. All you have to do is tell me what ways you normalize luxury in your life. The winner will get a $50 gift card to Trendy Chix. A winner will be chosen randomly on Thursday at 5 PM, EST. Please leave all comments under this blog post. Thank you so much for reading, stay chic and luxurious.
UPDATE: THE GIVEAWAY WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AS OF THURSDAY JULY 23, 2020 AT 5:03 PM!
I loved this post!!! You’re such a good writer.
Girl I’m with you on splurging on some crab legs…my fave dinner along with some lamb chops. An expensive meal for sure. So I feel it’s one of my luxuries. Also, having a good thick luxurious body butter that smells amazing after a long shower is another one of my fave things. I love going to bed smelling good and feeling soft!!🤗
Author
Thanks so much Kim. Yes, I love quality body products as well. Thanks for reading!
Author
Hey Kim,
You are the winner of this giveaway! I will be emailing you shortly!
I love this list! I enjoy a lot of the same luxurious things! My favorite way to normalize luxury in my life has to be walking around in my silk bath robe. I don’t even think it’s real silk but I just feel luxurious in it. Lol
Author
Yes to our robes, it’s all about the vibe it gives off. Thanks so much for reading!
Love the many ways you include luxury in your lifestyle! I too enjoy incense burning after a long day of work. Luxury to me also includes frequent stops at the Farmer’s Market to incorporate fresh fruits, seasonings, & vegetables to benefit my recent lifestyle change. Luxury to me is indulging in various aromatherapy to wind down after a long day. I recently found black owned body treats owner Christine Henry on Etsy. All soaps are handmade and benefits your skincare routine through undeniable scents and exfoliation.
Author
Ohhh body treats sound amazing, will check her out. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for this post.. so important to realize that how we feel matters, and it all starts with us! I’m currently on the hunt for an “affordable “ house keeper .. even looking for one makes me feel like I’m making myself a priority.. and of course the candles, good food, luxuriating in my silk robes 😉, and fresh white linens are a MUST! White sheets and towels make me feel like I’m always in a hotel!
Author
Okay housekeeper, let me live through you on that one. White sheets and towels are a good idea, will try to start adding those. Thanks for reading!
Great write up!! yes to burning candles – house smelling great relaxes me at the end of a long day at work and definitely good skin care – mask once a week.
Author
Very important self-care rituals! Thanks for reading.
Great post Chica! Candles are a must along with essential oils. Clean house, quiet time, with candles on is my release. My self care day use to be Zumba, mani and pedi, favorite snack, and a movie. That’s changed but I’m grateful for the small moments of me time.
Author
Thanks for reading Chica! We need to find the best ways to make ourselves a priority as much as possible now!
It’s crazy. One of the things that came up in therapy (luxury/survival need over here)…was what do I wear to sleep! We discussed hote pajamas…nice ones, pretty ones…not only is a form of self care, but can set the tone for better sleep!
I also love spending a little money on essential oils for my oil diffuser. Similar to a candle…but with the oils I get to make different mixes every day. It helps me get through working at home!
Author
Yes I never realized how important the at home wardrobe was until recently! I need a diffuser now, LOL! Thanks for reading and sharing! 😘😘
Luxury is what you define it as but it doesn’t have to break the bank at all. I take pride in placing my home cooked meals on beautiful plate sets, and cooking my meals in lovely pot sets. It’s the simple things in life that make me feel luxurious. To much materialistic things became classed a luxury all good marketing on their part but what good is a $1600 bag if where you sleep and eat doesn’t bring you joy..
Thanks for this post!
Author
Love a nice place setting as well. It’s the little things that make us feel special, and that we put some effort into things. Thanks so much for reading!