Finding the Real Luxury (Without Ditching the Pretty Purses)
From Broke to Bougie to Bordeaux
Hey friends—
Today, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of luxury.
Yeah, yeah—I know what you’re thinking:
“She’s got great shoes. Cute bags. Must be one of those old-money fashion girls.”
But ohhh, how wrong you’d be.
I didn’t grow up sipping sparkling water and summering in Nantucket. I came from a small-town farm, where Kraft mac and cheese was a special occasion dinner—because it was the brand name, not the generic orange mystery powder that came in the big box. And let me tell you, we savored it.
I’ve worked hard for everything I have—at a lot of jobs.
Like, a LOOOOOOOOT of jobs.
And not the fun kind with perks and espresso machines in the breakroom.
I mean the soul-sucking, time-clock-of-eternity kind—the kind where you’re promised promotions that never come, and the best perk is maybe a lukewarm pizza party.
A Bottle, A Spark, A Soft Life Calling
Then I discovered wine.
We’ve talked about my Bordeaux moment—but the truth is, I fell in love with wine a little later in life. After all the soul-crushing jobs, the clock-watching and empty promises, I’d come home, pop a cork, and just breathe. Sometimes with friends, sometimes with just the cats. Either way, it was the first time I felt like I didn’t have to rush through my evening. I could enjoy it.
That’s when the magic started to happen.
The more I fell in love with wine, the less I wanted to do anything else—especially the kind of jobs that just paid the bills. It was like those jobs were the generic mac and cheese of life: they got me by, but they never really fed my soul.
Wine? Wine became my steak and lobster dinner.
And the funny thing is, it started to show. People noticed. My energy shifted. I wasn’t just doing a job anymore—I was showing up with passion, curiosity, and joy. And for the first time, I started getting rewarded for that.
That’s when I knew I was on the right path.
Then I met someone special, and we started talking about wine. Suddenly, I found myself doing work I didn’t dread. In fact, I loved it. I was learning, connecting, sharing stories—and for the first time, I wasn’t just clocking in. I was lit up.
People started trusting me with more. I was promoted. I was heard.
And that’s when it hit me:
This. This right here—doing something I love, in a way that feeds my soul—that’s the real luxury.
The Plot Twist: Luxury Isn’t What You Think
Let’s be clear: I still love a great outfit. My Tory Burch and my Louis Vuitton?
Emotional support accessories.
(Both of which I saved up for months and bought on layaway. Don’t hate.)
But the version of luxury I believe in now?
It’s not about status. It’s about softness.
Luxury is:
- Having time to cook dinner—not just toss it in the microwave.
- Eating with my husband before 10 p.m.
- Curling up with Boo and the girls for the night with a glass in hand and nowhere else to be.
- Sitting by the fire pit in the backyard when the weather is just perfect.
Boo loves it when I’m home. She lounges like she owns the lease.
And Luna Luna? She would absolutely crawl into that Louis Vuitton and ride shotgun with me all day if I let her.
And honestly? I’d let her. She’s earned it.
Because this life? This calm, beautiful, made-with-love kind of life?
I used to think I’d get it “someday.” Turns out, I just had to stop waiting and start building it.
Spoilers & Sippin’: We’re Uncorking the Dream
Spoilers — Tom and I have decided it’s time to start working on opening our very own wine bar.
I know, I know… I said I was slowing down.
But when your passion taps you on the shoulder (and pours you a glass), you listen.
So yes—me, the husband, the cats—we’re all in. The dream team is assembling, and every member is fueled by cabernet and stubborn joy.
We’re not just building a bar.
We’re creating a vibe.
A space that feels like a deep breath—the kind you take right after you take your bra off at the end of a long, hard day.
(You know the one.)
It’s a place where you and the wine can vibe.
Where you can slow down and savor.
Where you don’t have to perform, rush, or explain.
Where time feels like yours again.
✨ It’s romantic date night without the pressure.
✨ It’s little black dress night with your girls—because you can.
✨ It’s grabbing a drink with your bestie and staying longer than you meant to.
✨ It’s “oh no, my phone battery’s dead… guess I’ll have to stay for another glass” energy.
Come dressed up, come cozy.
Whether you’re in heels, flats, or fuzzy socks under the table—we want you to feel like you’ve stepped out of the grind and into something soft, soulful, and a little bit sparkly.
Fancy-ish. Cozy. Romantic. A little magical.
This is where your soft life pours freely, and your second glass comes without apology.
Why Now? Why This?
Because I was tired of performing success for everyone but myself.
I spent years working toward promises that never materialized. I was waiting for “my turn.” Waiting for a better boss, a better title, a better week.
And I finally realized:
If I want a life that feels rich, connected, and joyful—I have to build it on my own terms.
The Perfect Pour isn’t just a wine bar.
It’s a rebellion against burnout.
It’s a tribute to all the women working 9–5s who dream of more.
It’s proof that you can start fresh, even in your 40s—with a plan built from passion, Pinterest boards, and probably Pinot.
What’s Next?
Right now, we’re in the concept phase.
✨ We’re dreaming big.
✨ Pinning like mad.
✨ And calling it research every time we open a new bottle.
There’s no set launch date. No big press release.
Just heart, hustle, and the quiet certainty that this is the right path.
If you want to come along—cheers to that. Follow me here, on TikTok, or YouTube. I’ll be sharing every high, low, cat cameo, and Cabernet-soaked brainstorming session along the way.
Because this isn’t just a bar.
It’s my midlife renaissance.
It’s a love letter to slow evenings and fast laughs.
It’s a seat at a table I finally built for myself.
And there will always be one saved just for you.
xo,
Rachel
