Quiet Luxury: Because We Can All Pretend We’re Rich (But, You Know, Subtly)

Ah, quiet luxury. The trend that whispers, “I’m rich, but I’m not about to yell it.” How classy. How sophisticated. How…unattainable for most of us mere mortals slogging through life at 30 without a trust fund or a yacht to cry on.

For those who don’t know (or who have been too busy adulting and surviving to keep up with Vogue), quiet luxury is all about understated elegance. Think cashmere sweaters so fine they dissolve in water, plain white t-shirts that cost as much as your rent, and beige everything. Oh, the beige. It’s like the color palette of wealth is a rebellion against all our vibrant broke-people energy.

PHOTO CREDITS: CAMBRIA

Now, let’s pause and address the elephant in the room: this trend wasn’t made for people like us. I mean, how does a member of the middle class—or, dare I say, the low-income club—pull off “quiet luxury”? Should we just…not talk about our overdraft fees? Should we whisper while showing off our thrifted Zara blazer that kinda looks like Loro Piana from afar? Maybe if we squint?

But here’s the real kicker: quiet luxury screams judgment. It’s the rich person’s way of saying, “Loud logos are for people trying too hard.” You know, like us common folk who splurge on a Gucci belt as a flex. But hey, sorry we’re not rich enough to look poor! My apologies for thinking a little branding might help signal to the world that I’ve “made it” (or at least that I know how to max out a credit card).

PHOTO CREDITS: IN STYLE/GETTY

And let’s talk about the practicality of it all. Imagine wearing a perfectly tailored, cream cashmere suit to your 9-to-5. Except, instead of being a tech CEO, you’re working retail, and you know, there’s a 99.9% chance someone spills coffee on you. Quiet luxury doesn’t do “spills.” It doesn’t do “hard-working 30-year-olds who’ve been at it since their teens and deserve a break.” It does soft lighting, wine tastings, and passive income.

But here’s the thing: we can still embrace our version of quiet luxury. Oh, yes. Quiet luxury on a budget looks like a clean pair of white sneakers (from last year, but we scrubbed them with baking soda). It’s the perfectly curated thrift store haul that makes us look like we could maybe afford brunch with people who say things like, “Let’s summer in Capri.” It’s pretending we’re rich enough to keep things simple when, in reality, simplicity is all we can afford.

PHOTO CREDITS: MENSFLAIR.COM

So, to my fellow 30-somethings who still haven’t gotten their lives together: let’s redefine this trend. Quiet luxury isn’t about being rich; it’s about looking like you’ve got your act together when you don’t. Because, at the end of the day, nothing screams “luxury” louder than someone who knows how to fake it ‘til they make it.

Now, excuse me while I sip this instant coffee out of a thrifted mug and scroll through Net-a-Porter, adding $3,000 sweaters to my cart…just for the thrill of it. Cheers to looking expensive on a budget, darlings!

PHOTO CREDITS: Salvatore Ferragamo

- FASHION DOOHICKEy

Miss Universe 2024: A New Queen Crowned, But Where’s the Grandeur?

Photo Credits: Miss Universe Website

Last night, at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, the world witnessed the crowning of Miss Universe 2024—Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark. And let me tell you, this girl owned it. With her elegance, intelligence, and sheer grace, she brought the kind of sparkle that, frankly, the stage itself couldn’t muster. Victoria, darling, you deserved every bit of that South Sea pearl tiara by Jewelmer. But oh, how we wished the crown had a stage befitting its magnificence.

Photo Credits: Miss Universe Instagram

Let’s start with the obvious. Mexico City, you’re a cultural powerhouse with a rich tapestry of art, history, and vibrancy. So, where was it? The stage looked like a hastily assembled set for a corporate conference rather than the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant. The lighting? Duller than a cloudy day. The glamour? Missing, presumed dead. And don’t get me started on the lack of any substantial Mexican identity in the production. A mariachi band cameo isn’t enough, folks. Where was the wow factor, the fiesta, the flair? This is the land of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and tequila-fueled celebrations. Instead, we got something that screamed, “budget cuts,” louder than Olivia Culpo’s well-meaning yet slightly over-rehearsed hosting.

photo credits: Yahoo.com

Ah, Olivia. Bless her. She tried to salvage the night, but even her charm couldn’t distract from what felt like a drag race running on empty.

Photo Credits: Miss Universe Website

And then there’s the elephant in the room—the placements. Every year, the Miss Universe pageant claims to celebrate diversity and meritocracy, but this year, it felt more like a family reunion for countries connected to the MUO’s new management. Don’t get me wrong, some placements were well deserved, but others? They had me checking my Wi-Fi connection to make sure I hadn’t accidentally switched to a local lottery draw. Some of these countries emerged from the metaphorical shadows, while others—established powerhouses in the beauty realm—were glaringly absent. A few nations seem destined for token slots, while others? Left to wave their flags in the audience. It’s giving favoritism, not fairness.

Photo Credits: Miss Universe Website

But let’s not overshadow Victoria’s triumph. Despite the lackluster production and questionable judging, she rose above it all. The Danish queen will undoubtedly bring grace and excellence to her reign, and we couldn’t be prouder. She shone in a setting that frankly didn’t deserve her, and that’s a testament to her undeniable star power.

Photo Credits: Miss Universe Website

Dear Miss Universe Organization, this is a plea from fans, not just me, the self-proclaimed pageant addict with a sharp tongue and sharper wit. If you’re going to continue as the beacon of global beauty and empowerment, give these women the stage, production, and respect they deserve. Mexico is known for its corazón—heart. Next time, let us feel it.

Until then, congrats to Victoria. You’re the queen we needed on a night that didn’t quite live up to its potential. 👑

Photo Credits: Miss Universe Website

- FASHION DOOHICKEy

The Tragic Loss of Liam Payne: A Heartfelt Reflection and Call for Kindness

photo credits:abcnews.com

Today, we mourn the loss of a beloved artist, Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, whose sudden and tragic passing has left many of us shocked and heartbroken. At just 31 years old, Liam fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His death has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and millions of fans around the world.

photo credits: skynews.com

Liam's life in the public eye was not without its challenges. In recent years, he struggled with personal battles, including well-documented issues with alcoholism in 2023. In 2024, before his tragic death, his ex-fiancée, Maya Henry, filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of obsessive contact. These struggles were compounded by the pain of divorce from Cheryl Cole, the mother of his son, Bear, who is now seven years old. Liam’s life, once filled with the glitz and glamour of fame, slowly unraveled as he faced a whirlwind of allegations and public scrutiny.

photo credits: usatoday.com

The police report from October 16th revealed that Liam may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he fell to his death. The weight of his struggles seems to have finally taken its toll on him, and it is heartbreaking to think about the pain he must have been carrying in his final moments.

photo credits: gmanews.com

It’s hard not to feel a deep sadness for Liam, knowing all that he endured before his passing— the divorce, the abuse allegations, and the backlash surrounding his plastic surgery. These things, though public knowledge, should remind us of the human being behind the headlines. His story is a poignant reminder that even those who seem to have it all can be struggling with unimaginable burdens.

As we reflect on Liam’s life and the tragic circumstances of his passing, I urge everyone online to take a step back and reflect on the power of their words. In a world where social media allows us to comment and criticize so easily, we sometimes forget that our words can hurt. Liam’s struggles, like those of so many others, were amplified by the intense pressure and judgment he faced from the public.

photo credits: ca-times.com

Let this be a call for kindness. We never truly know what someone is going through behind the scenes. The celebrities we admire, the people we work with, the friends we chat with online—all of them deserve our compassion, not judgment. In a time where negativity can spread so easily, let us choose to spread kindness instead. Let's be more mindful of how we speak about others, especially when they are no longer with us to defend themselves.

photo credits: apnews.com

Rest in peace, Liam Payne. May we all learn from the struggles you faced and strive to make the world a little more compassionate for everyone.

- FASHION DOOHICKEy

The Victoria’s Secret 2024 Show: It’s Not About Objectification, It’s About Perspective

photo credits: people.com

The Victoria’s Secret show has been a point of contention for years, especially in light of movements like #MeToo and the evolving discussions surrounding female empowerment and representation. However, critiques often miss an essential point: the show does not objectify women—how you think about it might be the problem.

photo credits: tatlerasia.com

The Power of Expression

Let’s begin with what the show actually represents. The Victoria’s Secret show, in its recent iterations, has gone beyond the traditional beauty standards that dominated fashion runways for decades. We saw supermodels of different body types, ages, and identities, including transgender models and older women. These models weren’t just walking to sell lingerie—they were reclaiming their spaces, expressing their individuality, and celebrating their bodies on their terms. If a woman chooses to express herself in lace, wings, or feathers, who are we to call that objectification? The real issue may be in the perception that women wearing lingerie is inherently degrading.

photo credits: fashionweekdaily.com

The Fantasy Isn’t Universal, and That’s Okay

The argument that women "playacting" as presents to be unwrapped feeds into the narrative that women are dressing or acting for the male gaze. This line of thinking assumes that all lingerie or runway shows involving scantily-clad women are primarily designed for men, which erases the agency of the women involved. The truth is that many women enjoy wearing lingerie not to fulfill anyone else’s fantasies but to express their own sense of empowerment and confidence. It's a form of self-expression, not an invitation for objectification.

In fact, the VS show explicitly stated that “the women hold the reins.” This new chapter is about offering models and women a space to be celebrated on their terms, not the terms of male fantasy. If someone interprets these displays as objectification, it’s a reflection of their own ingrained biases rather than the intentions of the show.

photo credits: cnn.com

Representation Matters

It’s been noted that the latest show included more diverse body types and showcased a range of women, including trans models and older women. This is progress. This is representation. But the critique continues to undermine this effort, claiming that it is still about objectification. Why? Just because a woman is wearing lingerie doesn’t mean she’s a vehicle for male fantasy. It means she’s confident enough to own her body, no matter its size, shape, or age. Celebrating that is not regressive; it’s empowering.

What some critics fail to realize is that being empowered looks different for everyone. For some women, strutting down a runway in lingerie may feel like the pinnacle of empowerment—an assertion that they are comfortable in their skin and proud of their bodies. For others, it might look entirely different. But no one has the right to dictate what empowerment should look like for anyone else.

photo credits: hearstapps.com

It’s About More Than Clothing

The argument that the Victoria’s Secret show should be “retired” because it’s a “relic of another time” entirely dismisses the importance of progress in reclaiming spaces that were once considered problematic. The show has evolved, and so has its message. By featuring a variety of models and body types, it acknowledges the mistakes of the past and shows a commitment to growth.

Sure, the wings and the feathers may look like fantasy, but let’s not pretend that the fashion world isn’t built on fantasy and spectacle. Just because there’s a "giant bow" or "feathers" doesn’t mean it’s about men’s fantasies. Women, too, can dream in glitter and sequins, and women, too, deserve to revel in their own idea of beauty.

photo credits: eonline.com

Empowerment Is Subjective

Finally, let’s address the claim that "parading scantily clad bodies... down a runway is simply not about empowerment." This statement reveals more about the viewer than the show itself. Empowerment isn’t something that can be boiled down to one definition. For some women, wearing lingerie and walking down a runway might be objectifying; for others, it’s liberating. Who are we to say that their choice is invalid?

The real problem isn’t the lingerie or the wings—it’s the assumption that women can’t express themselves in certain ways without being sexualized or objectified. The Victoria’s Secret show has made strides toward inclusivity and diversity, but until we change the way we view these displays, we’ll keep circling back to the same tired argument.

photo credits: immediate.co.uk

Conclusion

At its core, the Victoria’s Secret show isn’t about objectifying women; it’s about celebrating them in all their diverse beauty. It’s about reclaiming spaces once tainted by narrow beauty standards and offering a platform where different body types, ages, and identities can shine. It’s not the lingerie, the wings, or the runway that’s the issue—it’s how we, as viewers, interpret these displays. If you see objectification, perhaps it’s time to rethink how you perceive women and their choices. Empowerment comes in many forms, and it’s time we respected all of them.

- FASHION DOOHICKEy

So My Heart Dropped and Sank to the Ground. This is Couldn't Be Happening.

The long hiatus may seem like I am turning back on a lot of things that is related to fashion. But I just don't have the time and the drive to be all cheery and fashion-focused anymore. I started this blog way back in 2009 when I was still a teen obsessed with fashion and the fashion world. Don't get me wrong, I still love fashion that's probably why I had to come back today to post something that really struck a cord.

photo credits: elle

When the New York Times entered my feed, I  couldn't believe what I was reading. I was so preoccupied with the thought of his passing that my thumb could no longer scroll the screen of my phone. There it was, in bold letters. Karl Lagerfeld, Dead.

I looked up to him and the many things he does. It amazes me that he was able to define luxury and how he stayed true to his craft for so many years. I am very sad to know that one of the top fashion  designers or our times are slowly fading away and are slowly being replaced with new legends. The thought of that alone couldn't escape my mind, I hang-on to so many classic fashion designers and am deeply disheartened to know that no one as good as him could ever replace the House of Lagerfeld and Chanel. *sigh

May his soul rest in peace, I mourn with the millions of fans and the many fashionists out there! We lost a star, we lost a legend, we lost Karl. I know that the fashion world could still recover but the fashion world will surely be different without him, without his taste, with out his avant-garde grandeur. I will surely miss looking forward to his designs, I will miss him being a relevant fashion-icon.  

Goodbye Karl, thank you! You were my inspiration growing up, you gave me so much to look forward to when I was still young and innocent of the world, you inspired me to pursue fashion and to really up my taste when it comes to understanding fashion for what it truly is, you ignited hope in my heart, and for that, I will  be forever grateful.

- FASHION DOOHICKEy