Chanel dreams to big-girl buys; these are the designer pieces on my wishlist
I’ve been building my luxury wishlist long before I could afford anything on it. Growing up, I discovered designer brands through my mum’s romance novels and a steady dose of fashion TV. Those designer brands Tyra Banks and her team pulled for shoots on America’s Next Top Model were my jam! I obviously couldn’t buy any of it, but that didn’t stop me from dreaming.
From classic tweed Chanel suits that reminded me of my mum’s power looks to Calvin Klein CK One perfume, which I imagine smells like a day out in the city. Not to forget those iconic Manolo Blahnik heels from Sex and the City, I’ve always kept a close eye on fashion’s finest.
Now, as a fashion editor, it’s not just a passion—it’s part of the job. I get a front-row seat to cult favourites, buzzy fashion drops, and timeless designer staples. And yes, I still keep a running luxury wishlist every month. The difference? Some of those once-distant dreams are now within reach (maybe if I save all of my yearly income, but never say never).
My first luxury piece was a vintage Burberry Novacheck leather bucket bag—hand-me-down from my aunt. Her style was minimalist, while mine always made a statement. That bag kickstarted a decade-long love affair with bucket bags. My taste has evolved since then, and so has my collection. These days, my luxury wishlist reflects a mix of practicality, indulgence, and big-girl purchases that feel more personal than performative.
Curious about what I’m eyeing this season? Here’s a peek into my current luxury wishlist. Let me know if we’re twinning on any picks!
My luxury wishlist: Dream pieces that inspire
Dior Miss Dior—Soft, bold, unapologetically feminine
N350,000 – N400,000
The Miss Dior perfume has been on my luxury wishlist for a while—and for good reason. It’s bold, elegant, and just a little wild beneath the surface. I used to shy away from florals, favouring masculine scents in my younger years, but with growth comes evolution. Embracing my femininity has become a power move. These days, I appreciate softer hues, pink tones, and fragrances that feel just as layered as I am.
If there’s one scent that captures who I am now—a grown woman fully owning her softness and strength—this is it. It’s a rich blend of floral, fruity, and woody notes, with sparkling mandarin, star jasmine, and warm ambery woods. I’ve secretly been hoping I get it as a gift—hello husband—but for now, I’m enjoying the anticipation.
Gucci Dionysus shoulder bag in beige monogram —The one that got away
$2600
My second-ever designer bag was a beige monogram Gucci Dionysus shoulder bag—a rare thrift gem I stumbled on by pure luck. I was so stunned that I hung it up for two weeks before I dared to style it. Like any true fashion detective, I spent days on Google and YouTube obsessing over how to authenticate it. It turned out to be 100% legit. I used that bag to the ground for years before reluctantly giving it away, mostly because I didn’t store it properly after moving houses. Losing that bag taught me something I still believe today: only invest in luxury when you can take care of it. Luxury isn’t just about the purchase—it’s also about the upkeep. Some pieces deserve to be passed down, not packed away.
Naturally, I’ve been chasing the high of that bag ever since. This is why the Gucci Dionysus Shoulder Bag in Small is back on my luxury wishlist. Its structured shape, sliding chain strap, and signature tiger head clasp create the perfect balance of timeless and bold. Big enough for my essentials, stylish enough to go from shoulder to crossbody, and iconic enough to make every outfit feel elevated—this one’s personal.
The DeMellier Hudson Tote: A power bag that works as hard as I do
$590
While I usually prefer mini bags, stepping into my big girl era calls for a tote that’s as functional as it is fashionable. The DeMellier Hudson Tote in light beige and black is a sophisticated, structured carryall that means business without saying a word. It’s sleek, elegant, and instantly elevates whatever you’re wearing, whether it’s a tailored power suit, a flared midi dress, or a polished denim-and-shirt combo.
Structured bags with top handles have always been my weakness. This one hits that sweet spot. It even reminds me of a black and white contrast midi bag I used during my NYSC year in Ibadan. It was a striking little piece that earned compliments everywhere I went.
Now that I’m curating pieces with longevity and intention, the Hudson tote has earned its spot on my luxury wishlist. Yes, I could’ve gone for a basic black tote, but where’s the fun in playing it safe? This one makes a quiet statement, and that’s exactly what I love about it.
Jimmy Choo Lev 95mm slingback sandals in organic lavender
$537
I still remember the thrill of my first six-inch heels: retro animal-print Jimmy Choos that my mum thrifted for me as a teenager. I wore them to church every other Sunday like they were red-carpet worthy, and I couldn’t get over how fun it was to say “Choo”. That name stuck with me, and years later, a random search led me down a rabbit hole of the brand’s fabulous, high-glam designs.
Funny enough, I’ve never been big on purple fashion pieces, even though it’s my favourite colour. I’ve always reserved the colour for accessories — hair clips, phone cases, or glassware—but never quite got it as a pair of shoes or bag. But growth is sweet. Embracing my full style identity now means owning what I love—whether soft, whimsical, or unexpected. Lavender, my favourite shade of purple, always feels magical. It reminds me of my childhood wonder and how purple feels like the most enchanting colour in the world.
These Jimmy Choo leather sandals bring that feeling back. The delicate lavender hue is just right—not too bold, not too bright. The ring hardware detail adds a touch of quiet luxury, and the sculpted heel gives it that architectural edge I live for. Although my doctor advised me to avoid high heels for long stretches, who says I can’t wear them just for the photos, enjoy the moment, and slip into flats after serving a look? These shoes are a fantasy— sometimes, that’s exactly what fashion should be.
Amanda Jumpsuit by Hanifa in butter
₦438,900.00
For me, luxury fashion is sometimes best as statement pieces. While I get the appeal of the timeless black designer dress (A classic for a reason), I’m more drawn to standout pieces that make a bold impact. These are the kinds of outfits that I can’t wait to style and use to create unforgettable looks.
When I saw the SS25 first drop from Hanifa, two pieces immediately caught my attention: the sold-out Serena bubble dress and the Amanda jumpsuit. Both in striking yellow hues, they were designed with such intention that I couldn’t look away. Hanifa’s knack for crafting flattering knit pieces is well known , but their innovative use of colour and structure keeps me intrigued.
Now, I don’t wear jumpsuits often. Let’s face it—the take-it-all-off-to-pee situation is a major inconvenience but this Amanda jumpsuit is a game changer. The structured bodice gives me that snatched silhouette I love, minus the hassle of lace-up details, while the wide-leg pants give me the flow and comfort I need. Plus, the semi-low back is a sexy detail. This jumpsuit merges two of my favourite looks—structured elegance and wide-legged freedom—in one perfect piece.
With the right accessories, the styling possibilities are endless. And let’s not forget the colour: butter yellow is always a favourite, and it absolutely pops against my skin. This isn’t just a seasonal pick, it’s a piece that will stay in rotation for years.
Dream big, shop smart and keep your luxury wishlist growing
I’ve learnt that it’s perfectly fine to desire a luxury item simply because it excites you, and it is equally okay to appreciate functional pieces. Fashion is all about self-expression, and your style should reflect who you are at any moment. Lean into what feels right for you while keeping sustainability in mind. Ultimately, it’s about staying stylish, being true to yourself, and making smart choices.
As you can imagine, my luxury wishlist is constantly evolving. It has over 20 items now, but I like to revisit it periodically. Some pieces get removed, others sneak in as the spirit leads – and trust me, I listen to that spirit!. These five items have stayed on my luxury wishlist for the longest, and I’m excited to share them with you. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to add to and refine my wishlist.
