To quote alllll of our Christmas cards, “What a year!”
This year has been one for the books in all of the good ways and all of the bad ways. I’ve lost a couple of friendships that I never thought I would, strengthened some that I didn’t think could become any stronger and learned a lot about myself. Like, I’m really damn opinionated and I’m learning more and more that that is just me.
Nevertheless, despite having no where to go and no where to be, I did some shopping damage this year. These are my favorite purchase of the year, in no particular order.
WHITE BIRKENSTOCKS – even my brother said, on our first Covid holiday to Mammoth for the 4th of July, that he really couldn’t believe that I was wearing Birkenstocks. How could I not when they are so cute, white and beyond functional?!? The bottom of my feet really hurt from all the running and cardio I do, especially with all the hours I clock on them in my kitchen prepping 3 meals a day. Therefore, even with no place to go, I found myself loving wearing these just around my house. While, beyond the definition of “not cute,” I really do find them comorabtle when wearing my favorite and only socks for cardio.
PELOTON BIKE- where would I be without it?!? Cardio and working out is so much for my mental health than anything. Since I was beyond obsessed with OrangeTheory pre quarantine {my last class was the last normal class on March 16th, 2020}, I was beyond thankful for the addition of this bike in our home gym. I’ve found the workout classes more useful lately.
GEL MANICURE SET– as I mentioned in this post, gel manicures and generally getting my nails done was a basic norm for me. Learning that I can get the at home get manicure look in less time and money was a high of quarantine. I can do my toes in less than 6 minutes. {I painted one while the other is under the light and vice versa.}
100% CASHMERE BEANIE– a late edition, but oh so good! I found this when looking for stocking stuffers. Because I bought 3 colors, I got each for under $20, and literally don’t know what I did without them. I like to wear on layered over a basic baseball cap for my early morning runs and walks.
RAY-BAN WAYFARER– I’ve had a couple of dupes and one authentic pair with an orange interior. But, like everyone else on the planet, have always loved these sunglasses. I found them on sale this summer and since it was like the only thing I was wearing everyday, besides tie dye sweats, I figured some new sunglasses would be appreciate. Now, this is saying a lot, since I am a sunglass whore, but they have since rarely left my face. My husband even stole a pair of mine, so I had to get a replacement. They truly look good on everyone, every gender and every face space. They are currently my go-to for recommendations to readers for gift ideas for anyone.
LONG PUFFER JACKET– as I’ve mentioned a million times, this short puffer jacket {currently on sale for $60!} was my favorite Black Friday purchase from last year. Even I was shocked out much it got worn. But I did find myself wishing it kept my butt warm on more than one occasion. So I bought the longer version this year. With many hopes and dreams of more mountain holiday in 2021, I love that it is warm yet packs up so small. It has already earned it’s keep 100 times over with my early morning walks.
NEW RUNNING SHOES – with trying to get back into running shape after contracting Covid, I fifurted I was due some new running shoes. I’ve never tried this brand before but will never go without it now! With the ever popular Dad Sneakers, “cute” running shoes are surprisingly hard to find. There is something about the cut of these that are beyond cute and so super effective and comfortable for my long road runs.
ROSE STEM CELL MASK – as mentioned in this blog post, there has been a few new beauty purchases this year. My quarantine goals were hefty with me being better about face masks, hair mask and at home teeth whitening kits. My face masks tend to scare the family, since they are normally in strange colors. Yet, this one goes on clear, making no one any the wiser.
SUMMERSALT ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT– me, like most girls, has a hard time getting and feeling confident in a swimsuit. I don’t even remember why or how I discovered this brand but whatever magic they put into their fabric, I’m here for. I’m one of those people that will never have a flat stomach, so I truly appreciate the maic fabric of these one pieces. I’ve never felt more confident in a swim suit than when I’m wear these. Note: go up a size, I got a 6.
BEADED HEADBAND – a Christmas purchase when I was doing “research” for my Royal Gift Guide, I have loved every single second since this has been added to my closet. SO classic and you can’t beat that $14 price tag.
BROW PEN – This literally changed my entire makeup game. I’ve talked about this tinted brow gel in numerous posts {including HERE, HERE and HERE}. But layering this on first, then the Boy Brow over it will make it look like you have Anastia on speed dial. Note: get used to using the pen, as short and thin strokes make the pen look the most real. I practiced on my wrist and a couple of times on my brows before washing my face or showering to get used to using it. Brows tend to be the last step when I’m doing my makeup, so I wanted to get practice so I didn’t have to wash my face and start over if I messed up.}
‘THE LOOKER’ JEANS – while I fancy my personal style as preppy, I am 1,000% a jeans girl. In Southern California, they are part of the uniform and I find myself most comfortable in jeans and blazer or cashmere sweater. Plus, it aligns with my mom life. These jeans were a Nordstrom Sale purchase and quickly became a best seller. The price on them is a little $$$, but they are literally magic. By far, the most flattering jeans I have ever worn.
PEARL CARDIGAN – call me influenced from my favorite “style influencers” @caitlingeierfisher and @courtneygrow ! {I’m confident that neither identify as such, but I love each of their styles so much, they are my favorite accounts to follow and when they say “Swipe Up!” I jump}. While I was hoping that I would have many more places to wear this this fall, I truly believe that it is timeless and I will have it in my closet forever. {So far, on the limited times I’ve worn it, I wore it over this bodysuit.}
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