The Nikes and Gold Jewelry Xochitl Gonzalez Bought When She Made It

As told to,a writer at the Strategist covering wardrobe basics and personal care.She joined the Strategist in 2020 as a junior writer. Previously, she wrote about style at Texas Monthly.
saved

Save this article to read it later.

Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.

Comment
Photo-Illustration: the Strategist; Photos

We asked 15 famous people to tell us about the one thing they bought when they hit the big time and got their first paycheck — the gift they dreamt of getting themselves one day and finally did. Here, Xochitl Gonzalez, author ofOlga Dies Dreaming, tells us about the custom Nikes and gold jewelry she bought when she sold her first novel. Find more celebrity splurgeshere.

My debut novel sold when I was in Iowa City getting my MFA. So it was a lot of excitement, and probably in New York we would have gone and made it rain at a fabulous restaurant. But instead a couple of my classmates and I went to a kind of “fancy” diner in Coralville. It didn’t feel festive enough, so, like a true Brooklyn girl, I went online and made myself a custom pair of olive green Nike Air Maxes to mark the occasion. They had my initials on one heel and “BK” on the other.

Nike Air Max 90 Futura Unlocked By You
Saved
View
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes

New! You can now save this product for later.

Eventually, when I got back to New York, there was a fancy dinner — but first I made it rain at Popular Jewelry: a Virgen de Guadalupe piece and a Virgo signet ring. Essentially, I just fulfilled the yearnings of my inner 16-year-old. It wasn’t about Popular Jewelry the brand as much as it was a fun place to shop. A one-stop shop, you might say. There is no bling need or want that they cannot fulfill. If they don’t have what you are looking for, they will make it.

Popular Jewelry Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Medallion Pendant
Saved
View
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes

New! You can now save this product for later.

Popular Jewelry Vintage Virgo Zodiac Sign Lady Ring
Saved
View
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes

New! You can now save this product for later.

The Guadalupe is off rotation because the chain needs repair. (They also do repairs. It’s a wonderful place, Popular Jewelry.) But Idohave other pieces from there that I’ve gotten since — my two besties gifted me a custom Cafe Bustelo charm for my birthday that they had made there. I think they sell them now.

The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Tags:

The Nikes That Xochitl Gonzalez Bought When She Made ItYour product is saved! You’ll receive emails when your saved products go on sale.Manage preferences.