When I began this blog, about 2 and a half years ago, I found myself feeling as if I needed to try to fit a certain mold to which style bloggers and influencers seem to conform. One of the things you will no doubt see at this time of year on most style bloggers websites are gift guides. Last holiday season, I decided to ditch the idea of calling them “gift guides” for a couple of reasons.
First, they are a TON of work and let’s be honest, how much to they help you anyway? Second, and most importantly, how on earth do I know what you should buy your loved ones? I don’t know them at all. To be totally frank, I have absolutely, positively no idea what to buy my own husband…ever. Unless its another vintage car, he is not the least bit interested, so I have no credibility in this department at all!
What I am here to offer for the second year (click here to view last years post), is a list of 10 items that I have personally purchased over the past year and am using and enjoying regularly. Some of these items were originally gifted to me, but most are things I have researched, chosen, and bought myself. None of the items are sponsored for this particular post. There are items under $20 and a couple that are over $100. Most are conveniently available on Amazon, and all could to make great gift items for the women in your life.
1. Fedora Hat – This hat is under $20 and it is so perfect. It comes in a million color options and is a simple, flattering hat that many people can wear. I personally needed to update some of my hats this season with new shapes, and this one really hit the mark. I purchased it in black and camel, and although my husband would disagree, it was a great addition to my hat collection.
2. Go Pure Serums – I collaborated with this brand earlier in the year and I have since purchased endless bottles, because I truly can’t live without them. They make Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Retinol serums that are effective and extremely affordable. They are all the more effective if you use product number 8 on this list in conjunction with them. Use code STYLENAV for 10% off your first purchase of Go Pure.
3. Ultra Slim Wallet – I love this wallet so much, especially for small handbags. My large wallet is always overstuffed and impossible to fit in an evening bag, and this one fits perfectly. It’s packaging presentation is beautiful, and the quality is really nice for the price as well. I discovered it when the brand rep reached out to me for a review this fall as a sponsored post. In fact, if you go to the link for this item on Amazon, there is a video of me discussing the product. LOL! They in no way expected me to post this here, but I thought it was so great, it made the list.
4. Soft Knit Pajamas – I am in a major pajama moment right now. I recently started replacing all of my ancient pajama pants for soft and cozy traditional pajamas. It just makes bedtime more of a ritual, and lounging around on weekend mornings for fun. I have tried a few different brands from Amazon, Nordstom, Rack, and Target, but these are my favorite for the price. They come in several colors and are true to size.
5. Batwing Sleeve Sweater – I do have an ongoing collaboration with this brand, and I continue to work with them because they truly make awesome basic items that I love. Every time they send me something new to promote, I end up buying at least one more in another color. This sweater is so flattering with everything. I had quite a time finding something that worked the skirt pictured above, but this sweater was definitely the answer. It also looks amazing with jeans, all skirts, and my spanx leather leggings. The weight is perfect. Not too heavy, but heavy enough to drape well and look much more expensive than it is.
6. Leather Studded Boots – These boots are an awesome find for under $100! I first discovered them on the Instagram of one of my favorite mama fashionistas, Shalice Noel, and I am seriously in love. They are a dupe of a Chloe boot that is around $1400 and are very close. They are comfortable, real leather, and I can walk in them all day without pain. Although I wear the black a lot, I also own them in pink suede which is great for those cold spring days when sandals are just not going to do. These boots run a true to size for me.
7. NuFace – This was the year for skincare gadgets for me. I’ve been trying everything I can to treat the wrinkles on my forehead without injections. NuFace uses Microcurrent technology to fight aging, and is similar to devices used when you get a professional facial. When I use this tool consistently (about 3 times a week) I definitely notice a difference. It can be used on all over the face, but I mainly focus on my most problematic area, which is my forehead.
8. Beauty Bio Glo Pro – This may be my all time favorite skincare investment ever! I have been using a micro-needling tool for a few years now to help with serum penetration and collagen production. It is truly a must to get the most effectiveness from all of those products us 40+ ladies lather all over our face. The Glo Pro is to micro-needling, as Cartier is to jewels. It is truly the best I’ve found. Click here to see the gorgeous founder, Jamie O’Banion describe how the tool works. I also recommend getting the body attachment, as it does wonders on helping cellulite cream penetrate as well. Or, you can buy the entire kit with all the attachments here. Ladies, you need this… drop the hint to your loved ones stat!
9. Short Sleeved Knit Dress – This perfect little dress hugs in all the right places and it so flattering. It’s knit, so it can be easily worn very casual with sneakers, or be accessorized as in the pic above for a more dressed up look. It was a great dress to wear during that in between fall season where we were still having summer temps. Actually though, it’s awesome for all year long. The burgundy or green could also make a great holiday party look. At under $25, it’s a staple you can afford to have in a few colors.
10. Amazon Pocket Leggings – I have been updating my workout pants this year to everything high-waisted, with pockets. I find that pocketed leggings are a must for carrying my phone while running. We spend a lot of time at our property on the central coast of California. This year, when I was trying to stock that house with the comforts of our home in LA, I decided I needed to curate a small workout wardrobe to keep there. Since I was buying duplicates of everything, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I purchased these leggings to try and I’m so impressed! They are very flattering, they stay up, and they hug in all the right places. Plus, they come in a bunch of great colors. What more could you ask for under $20?
If any of these products interest you, please use my links to purchase if possible. I do earn a small commission from those links and it makes the time spent to write these posts all the more worth it. Thank you and Happy Holidays!
