The Refined Minimalist: Finding Luxury in Less
Concert at the Casino of Deauville. Eugène Boudin, 1865. Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington.
A refined life opportunity. It’s flexibility. It’s means. It allows you to say ‘yes’ to the moment, whether a once-in-a-lifetime experience or jazz on a Sunday night.
On a recent Sunday afternoon, I found myself with an unexpected free evening. I decided to seize the moment and indulge in a last-minute outing to see one of my favorite artists, Esperanza Spalding, at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. I scanned the available seats and booked one closest to the stage—center section, seven rows back.
When it came to what to wear, I asked myself the same question I had before my last spontaneous concert experience: what was the point? Back then, it was to be seen, inspiring a fitted tank and the removal of my Givenchy wedges from their dust bag. This time, it was to simply experience the mood and music. I reached into an organized closet and pulled out well-worn jeans, a comfy button-down shirt, and my favorite pink pumps (Yes, those pink pumps). Topped with a vintage jacket from my hometown's Goodwill store, I was ready to go.
I arrived at the concert a little late, but it was beautiful, nonetheless. When the opening chords of Touch in Mine rang out from organ keys, I brought my hands to my heart. One of my favorite songs made the set list, letting me know “I was where I was supposed to be,” as my seatmate reminded me. On the way back, I upgraded to Lyft’s black car service, providing a comfortable ride home and a moment to reflect on the magic of the evening. I was back at my doorstep before midnight. Welcome to The Refined Life.
The Refined Life: It's Personal
Now, if you're expecting me to say I jet-setted off to Paris, stayed at a five-star resort, or bought something incredibly expensive, you're missing the point. The refined life looks different for everyone. It's based on what you value and sets your soul aright. Underlying it all is a sense of ease, intentionality, and purpose. For me, it’s the freedom to say yes to an impromptu outing. And trust me, as a single mom of a child with special healthcare needs, this is quite a luxury.
Esperanza Spalding. The Warner Theater, Washington, DC. January 2025
My Journey to Minimalism
My journey began years ago when I decided to live well below my means. It was a way to ensure financial stability as an entrepreneur. Besides, I never quite needed a lavish lifestyle. Little did I know that years later, I would benefit from that early financial planning, along with choosing what jobs to pursue, where to live, and other life priorities. More recently, I realized that having a streamlined home and a simple life were foundational to who I wanted to be.
Through The Refined Life, I'm inviting you to explore what's most important to you. What do you value? How can you create a life with intention that doesn't necessarily look like someone else's? Remember, luxury is personal. It's about living a life that is true to yourself and filled with the things that bring you joy.
Join the conversation on Instagram and share your thoughts on how you create a life of intentionality, elegance, and fulfillment.
