Candles are one of my most favorite indulgences – and if we are being honest, something I spend entirely too much money on. On my last trip to Tulum, I went overboard… loading up on beautiful black candles at the Coqui Coqui {they are incredibly hard to find online but you can buy the Madeiras one here.} And Diptyque. Please don’t even get me started on them. I love my Diptyque candles and for a long time have rationalized purchasing them because they are so pretty – and because they last forever! {Mimosa + Tuberose are my favorites right now, if you are curious.} But man – $60 for a candle? I feel kind of bad about it.
Enter Riles & Co. A few weeks ago Cristina Plana, the founder, sent me a note asking if I’d like to try one. I said yes, of course – who says no to a handmade candle? Still, I was skeptical. I really love supporting small businesses, and finding cool indie brands that no one knows about… but oftentimes the artisan candles I buy at Brooklyn Flea or on Etsy just don’t smell as good or last as long as their fancier counterparts. She sent me the Sandalwood {the large jar goes for $24} and I was in for a happy treat. Not only did the candle smell incredible, but it is lasting forever. I’ve been burning it every night this week and the jar isn’t even a quarter gone.
I feel silly going on about a candle for so long, but I’m clearly very impressed. All of the candles are hand poured {by Cristina, in her East Village apartment} into vintage inspired glass jars. I’m partial to Sandalwood, but she also sent tea light versions of the lavender and the Brut Rosé… both are lovely… and though I have not tried it {yet} the White Tea sounds equally good!
On a sidenote, she does something kinda cool – wedding favors!
This has beautiful packaging, and I love to hear that it lasts and smells great as well! Thanks for sharing!
xo
Christa
http://www.gardeniasandmint.wordpress.com
Diptyque Mimosa is one of my favorite candles! But so great to hear that you have found another candle that you love as much as your past favorites. I love the idea of a great scented candle for a much more afordable price, I will have to go check out Riles and Co.
these are cute!! love the packaging
Xo,
Belen
http://blog.androbel.com
I was just at the boutique in tulum this week and fell in love with the coco candle! Now am craving the perfume.
ooh – so jealous! I can’t wait to go back in a few weeks. 🙂
It’s funny that $60 seems so much for you to spend on a candle when you feature accessories and clothing that you own or suggest that cost hundreds if not over a thousand dollars.
Hi Eta – I see your point… but everything adds up. THat $60 candle lasts me about a month {oftentimes less.} Buy one every month for a year and you’re at $720 with a bunch of glass jars to show for yourself. I’d rather save money where I can and save my money for bigger ticket items that I’ll have forever… a $500 blazer that I wear once a week and makes me look 10lbs thinner, or a designer bag that I’ll either sell down the road or someday pass on to my daughter.