Retail Therapy: December’s Monthly Wish List
Still some gaps under the Christmas tree after the holidays? These picks might just fill them
Here’s what you can expect from this issue:
The perfect everyday bag – complete with a cozy home for my laptop
A pair of jeans that outshines all others (even in price, unfortunately)
A knitting project that’s going to require some serious help
Finally, the perfect shoes that are sold out everywhere. AGAIN!
And so many more pieces that have been screaming for my attention from my screenshots for weeks
The holidays are over, and the family has returned home. Time to exhale. “Next year, we’re traveling for Christmas again,” my boyfriend declares, perfectly summing up how we feel after all that family time. He got sick almost immediately; I’m holding up – barely – but I can feel that final little push tipping me over, as if it’s all I needed to feel the full weight of 2024’s exhaustion pressing down on me. I’m tired, drained, and desperately craving some time just for myself. Watching movies, sleeping in, reading a book, writing articles in peace – none of which is exactly easy with a kid. Add a closed daycare to the mix, and it feels downright impossible.
Enter my go-to remedy: retail therapy. From home, on my computer, my phone – while my son naps, in bed at night, or even while waiting for the train. Those little, pricey, soothing, and somehow healing purchases are just a click away.
But since a big trip is also high on our wish list – and I haven’t exactly hit the lottery – it’s time to rein it in. Which brings me to the debut of my first wish list: a new category that will now land regularly in your inboxes.
For you, it might serve as a bit of inspiration. For me, it’s (hopefully) the nudge I need not to buy everything sitting in my virtual shopping carts, no matter how easily it seems to brighten up everyday life. Because once a wish has been said out loud, the urge to hit “buy now” will hopefully shrink just a tiny bit.
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Top of My Wish List: A New Bag
When one purchase sets off a chain reaction of others, my boyfriend likes to call it a classic "Marie chain reaction." And honestly? I’m usually not too upset about it. This time, it started with my laptop: I switched to a smaller, more portable model. Which means: new laptop bag, which of course opens up new handbag possibilities.
I currently have two large handbags that fit my laptop, but only one of them is actually practical. The other one? Pure fun, but let’s be real – yellow isn’t the easiest to style. Naturally, the new handbag needs to be brown– ideally smooth leather. And here are my favorites. The one from Toteme has been sitting solidly at the top of my list for ages. But ever since I saw the large Cannolo Bag from Jil Sander, I’m not so sure anymore. The only problem? It’s even more expensive ...
The Jean of All Jeans?
My jeans drawer is always well-stocked, but I’m usually not happy with what’s inside. Honestly, I get dissatisfied with the fit of my jeans faster than politicians change their minds. Right now, I’m really only wearing two pairs regularly – one digs into my waist, and the other is completely stretched out.
Then I spotted the Loulou de Saison Samur jeans on
and fell head over heels. The only thing keeping me from buying them is the ridiculous price tag.Turning Into a Dr. Martens Girl?
Dr. Martens have never really been my thing. I did own a pair once and loved them, but let’s be honest – they were never all that comfortable. I’m not a fan of the yellow stitching, and while I think they look cool on others, I always feel like I’m playing dress-up when I wear them.
But the brown Lowell oxfords with light stitching? They might just turn me into a Dr. Martens girl. Only one problem: they’re sold out in my size absolutely everywhere. Shoes and I just aren’t on good terms right now.
The Crown Hat of Indulgence
Finally, I’m admitting it, and I’m trying to say it without shame: I kept all three jackets, but in return, I parted ways with five other winter coats from my closet. Absolutely crazy, I know. But of course, now I need the perfect shearling hat to go with my Toteme shearling coat. The problem? I’m still not ready to pay the full price, so I’m crossing my fingers for some luck on Vestiaire or Vinted.
Butter Yellow Is My Color
Ever since I got my Closed One Bag and Adidas SL72 sneakers in butter yellow (or with butter yellow accents), I’ve been completely obsessed with the shade. It goes with everything: burgundy, brown, gray, black, navy, denim – you name it.
Now I’m on the hunt to bring more of it into my wardrobe. I’ve already found a great T-shirt, but for winter, I’m looking for a cozy scarf or cardigan. This one from Babaa has really caught my eye, although it is more a natural than a yellow color and already sold out. Does anyone know if it’s itchy? (I’m super sensitive when it comes to that!)
Finally, a form of balaclava that works for me!
I can knit (even though, thanks to my impatience and clumsiness, it’s never perfect), but since the moment my labor started, I haven’t held knitting needles in my hands. On one hand, I’m hesitant because I barely have time and am completely wiped out in the evenings after work and caregiving. On the other hand, my son always has an obsession with whatever I’m holding. So, I can already picture a knitting needle in his eye.
Still, I’d love to continue the famous Sophie Scarf tradition with the hoodie version, and I’ve already asked my mother-in-law if she’d be kind enough to make it for me.
Now it’s your turn—what’s on your wish list right now? Do you already own any of the items I’m eyeing, or do you have even better alternatives to share? Let me know in the comments!
Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s coming your way in the next issue:
I can’t promise it just yet, thanks to the daycare holidays, but I’m hoping I’ll manage to get a second edition out this week!