As long as we can make choices, we live a form of luxury. Perhaps extreme luxury simply means telling yourself that you are happy. We can live in "permanent luxury" if we develop a certain mindset—a "hedonistic" attitude towards life.
With this quote from Dominique Loreau in mind, I began writing this article about the freedom a woman can embrace beyond a certain age. For me, it was 30. This was the exact age when I began acting like I own myself and my life, like I don't owe anyone anything, and I am free like a bird in the sky to make choices regardless of what others might say or think.
When I was approximately 14-15 years old, a friend of mine criticized me for being a snob due to my preference for high-quality, beautiful clothing and other items that were, of course, significantly more expensive than others. Not only did her opinion about me make me feel like an awful person, but I also began to consider the possibility that she might have a point; perhaps my preference for expensive items wasn't due to my good taste, but rather it meant she was right. Of course, at that age, I didn't truly understand that a limited edition piece made with love and care from impeccable textiles and cuts could not be cheap.
Up until a few years ago, I must admit, I paid no attention to what I wore. I always believed that wearing expensive clothing might implied that I was a snob. And I am not even talking about who knows what super brands; it really didn't matter the brand for me, but only the material—I have sensitive skin—and the model—having nice tastes—is among the qualities I possess and am really proud of owning.
After the age of 30 and after I became a mother, it only felt natural to embrace the need to let go of all these layers that weren't mine, you know? I was a woman capable of making her own decisions regarding the way I dressed, talked, what I wanted to do with my life, and where I wanted to live, and do you know what this mindset brought along the way?
Exactly the appetite for high-quality, not so ordinary, not so mass market clothing, accessories, and home decor items.
When you start believing in yourself and cultivating a sense of self-care, self-love, and self-respect, you can't go back to the people, places, jobs, and things that aren't right for you, which don't bring you any joy or serenity.
You begin to make conscious choices, choosing items that make you feel confident in your own skin, regardless of what others may think or say. I don't own many clothes or accessories; I am the type of woman who doesn't have a collection of shoes or bags. Owning too many things gives me anxiety.
I only own items that I truly love and cherish. And maybe I am a snob, but it sure makes me feel amazing when wearing something that is pure beauty and quality.
So you can understand why a brand like FREYWILLE, whose jewellery and accessories draw their inspiration from the magnificent world of arts, is among my favourite brands.
One day, on a sunny and hot October Saturday, I wore the versatile fire-enamel Mademoiselle bracelet and the silk Gavroche scarf, Hommage à Claude Monet, on the beach of San Pedro. I dressed myself in a white t-shirt, simple high-waisted jeans, and flip-flops on my feet.
The FREYWILLE brand resonates with my perception of what luxury could mean. Their art-inspired designs, paired with my approach to owning and wearing only items that truly bring joy, align perfectly.
Like I've mentioned, the key is to surround yourself with pieces that elevate even the simplest of outfits, like my white t-shirt and jeans, into something special.
Because, you know, having the ability to infuse everyday moments with elegance is a reflection of how you’ve cultivated your own definition of luxury.
When it comes to accessories, I believe I am the type of woman who chooses to tie them to a particular moment in time, infusing them with meaning beyond their aesthetic function.
It was the situation last evening when I wore my silk Gavroche scarf, Hommage à Claude Monet, by FREYWILLE, to San Pedro Feria. We took advantage of this fantastic playground and fiesta to celebrate our 7 month anniversary of living in Spain.
I put on some makeup, donned high heels (something I rarely do), and my silk Gavroche scarf, which was just the thing to complement the vibrant ambiance.
I felt so good in my own skin, and I remembered once again that luxury in life and true freedom are synonymous with being unapologetically myself.
And besides clothing, another type of freedom I embraced after 30 years old is the one related to the way my body looks, what I do for a living, the place I chose to call home, and everything that I do, from small and insignificant actions to the greatest decisions of them all.
I choose freedom—the freedom of being the woman I want to be.
In Bucharest, you can shop for your favourite FREYWILLE pieces at one of two stores: Calea Victoriei 63-81, Radisson Blu Hotel, Șos. București-Ploiești 42D Baneasa Shopping City. Of course, online too, here - shop.freywille.com/ro
*This article is part of a fantastic project with a brand that I deeply and truly admire: FREYWILLE.
