Interview with R

R has one of the most well rounded collections of bags, jewelry, and clothes that I have ever seen. What I really like about R is that her style I feel is very relatable – these are items that I’d love to own and wear myself – they are comfortable, can be used every day, and are timeless. Plus as you’ll read, R is a super smart doctor – a career I’ll always be in awe of (I memorize Excel shortcuts while they….save lives). Read on, and enjoy meeting R!

First things first. Who are you? What do you do, and where do you live?

My name “R”.  I’m a physician currently living and working in California.

What was the first designer item you ever purchased? How long ago was that?

Although I’ve always been obsessed with fashion, my first real designer item (not counting Coach!) was probably my Prada Antik Cervo Gauffre satchel that I purchased about four years ago.

You have an amazing collection a sweet husband who gets you lots of these gifts! How have you been able to train him thus so I have preparation to do the same? (As my readers probably know…I ask this question a lot. I am highly interested in this topic….ha).

It has taken many years of training LOL!  My DH and I have been together for almost 15 years, and trust me, he’s come a long way!  He comes from a mother who really appreciates the finer things in life, but it was obvious he didn’t may much attention to the details.  To him, a diamond was a diamond, and who cared where it came from?  He bought me my first earrings at K-Mart of all places.  My family on the other hand…detail is everything.  I watched my dad buy my mother the best that he could afford.  Whatever his budget, he’d always go for quality over quantity.

After a long enough time had passed, and I wore those K-mart earrings to death, I gently started teasing him about them.  He was surprised since I’d worn the assortment of six earrings ever since he gave them to me.  I told him I loved them because he gave them to me…which was totally true.  He started asking questions and I was more than happy to teach him.  Over the years, he’s enjoyed finding unique presents for me.  He designed my engagement ring and handpicked every diamond that went into it.  He loved doing it so much that he designed several other pieces for me since.  Every time we go someplace new, he makes sure to buy me a piece of jewelry special to that area.  Best souvenirs ever!

And to be honest, he usually just sees me looking through Vogue and other magazines and sometimes looks over my shoulder to get an idea of what I want.  In fact, one of his biggest complaints about me is that I never tell him what I want!  I really do operate on the idea that I’ll love whatever he gives me because he’s the one giving it.  I’m the girl who wants the card more than the present.  I’m really sentimental that way.  I really don’t care if he ever forgets to buy me a birthday present, but if he forgets my card?  I’m furious!

What are some of your most treasured, holy grail possessions?

My truly most treasured are my most sentimental:  my engagement ring (because of what I said above), a necklace my grandfather had made for my first birthday, and my family photographs.  Out of my designer items, I’d say my Birkins, my Cartier Tank Francaise, and my Chanel handbags (hey, I did start off as a bag whore!)

What do you find yourself wearing most – what are your most versatile items?

I wear my Cartier Tank and my wedding rings practically every day.  Clothes wise, I love my Louis Vuitton SS Marron stole, my black Rick Owens jacket, my Ann Taylor jackets, and my Lucky jeans.  I love to mix high and low designer items.

What are your most recent “obsessions”? What are you buying and collecting?

I’m currently obsessed with jewelry.  In the past year, I’ve gotten two Rolexes, my Cartier Tank, two Cartier Love bracelets, and an Anita Ko pyramid bracelet.  I’ve also “rediscovered” Christian Louboutin shoes!  And my Hermes obsession in always ongoing.

What did you collect for a while/buy that you now wish you hadn’t?

Jimmy Choo bags.  I’ve whittled down my collection to those I still truly love, but I can’t believe I spent so much on them, especially after watching them go on sale!  I’ll stick with Chanel and Hermes from now on…brands that hold their value.

Who are your favorite designers, and who in your mind, are the most overrated and/or overpriced?

Love Hermes and Chanel, although Chanel’s insane price increases and decrease in quality recently have been driving me crazy!  Makes me very happy that I have acquired pretty much all the bags I want from them.  I’d love some of their tweed jackets.  I’m getting more into classic things that will still look good when my granddaughter wants to borrow them!  I’m loving Chloe too, although every designer seems to be jumping on the “crazy price increase” bandwagon.  I’m not a huge Louis Vuitton fan.  I don’t like things with logos all over them, and I have a hard time paying that much for canvas!  🙂

What are lessons that you have learned about fashion/style/budgeting over the years that you’d like to share with readers?

Stick with what looks good on you, no matter what the number on the label says!  A great tailor can be your best friend.  You can never go wrong with classic items…that is money well spent.  If you like trendy items (and I’ll admit to a secret Alexander McQueen skull obsession!  For those who know me, that would come as a complete shock!) Try to get those things on sale.

Don’t be a label snob.  Sometimes I get the most compliments on my cheapest outfits.  If you’re wearing something simple, a great bag and shoes will make you look like a million bucks.  For those like me, who find themselves struggling with their weight a bit after having kids, you can never go wrong investing in handbags and shoes.  They’ll always fit!  Invest in great jewelry.  Accessories can make or break an outfit.  And try to buy things that do go on sale, on sale.  Usually the only things I buy at retail at those that either 1) will never go on sale, eg Hermes Birkins or Hermes jewelry or 2) are so rare in my size that they’ll probably never see a sale.

What are some of your other hobbies? Would love to hear more about you 🙂

My husband and I LOVE to travel.  We work hard so we like to play hard.  I also love sports.  I’m not the greatest athlete by the furthest stretch of the imagination, but I love going to sporting events…tennis tournaments, the World Series, March madness, you name it.  My most favorite of course are my 9 year old son’s hockey and soccer games!  🙂 I love curling up with a good book and DH and I love our movies.

And of course, I love shopping!

Finally, tell us something surprising about yourself!