Just in time for Christmas, I am highlighting some of my favorite gadgets, accessories, and fashion items from this year. All of the items I have listed are ones I personally own and use frequently. The 12 items in the post would not only make great gifts, but also perfect indulgences to treat yourself. Thank you so much for following me throughout the year, and I wish you a very Happy Holiday Season!
1. Waffle knit tie top:
I have this extremely versatile top in several colors. It is great alone, under a cardigan, or unbuttoned with a cami under. It is a great casual day top to wear with jeans, leggings or sweats.
2. Oversize Sunglasses:
If you follow me regularly on Instagram, you see me wearing these sunglasses all the time. I have multiple pairs in every color they make. I am not great at keeping track of my sunglasses, and I have a terrible habit of tossing them loose in my giant messy handbag. Over the years, I have periodically invested in designer sunglasses, but I just end up going back to the inexpensive dupes. I have quite a collection of sunglasses, but these are by far the ones I wear the most. I love the large Celine lookalike frame. The light brown color is such a great neutral, and the classic black is just a no brainer. At around $10 a pair, I can’t recommend these enough!
3. Leather Tote:
This is another item that is all over my Instagram feed. This bag is a dupe of the Hermes Garden Party bag. It’s made of the most gorgeous leather and is beautifully detailed inside and out. It also comes in about 30 colors that are all very unique and vibrant. I personally have this one in brown, black with green trim, lemon yellow, orange, light blue, and taro violet. Obviously I can’t get enough of this bag, it is impossible to own just one.
4. Quilted Bag:
This bag is made by the same manufacturer as the tote bag listed above. It is an oversize quilted bag that is inspired by the Chanel Reissue. I love the size of this bag because I can actually fit all of my normal handbag necessities inside, with room to spare. It also comes in great colors and is a beautiful affordable spin on the classic quilted handbag that costs thousands. There are several other sizes and versions of this bag available if you click here.
5. Leather Boots:
These boots are made from the softest real leather imaginable and are around $60. I found these at Target from their new line Universal Thread, and I can’t say enough about them. Typically places like Target have great fashion boots, but it is very rare to find them made of real leather. They remind me of a classic Rag and Bone style, but are a fraction of the price. They come in both white and black and I have them in both colors. The heel is a perfect height for running around all day and chasing my toddler. They are very comfortable as well.
6. Perfect Over the Knee Boots:
Fall 2017 was definitely the season that I acquired most of my collection of over the knee boots. This style continues to be a favorite of mine, but this season I was on the lookout for one more perfect pair. I love these because the heel is a medium height, and they have a nice pointed toe. I love that they don’t have that annoying drawstring at the top, they just stay up on their own. They are actually tight enough to stay up without constantly tugging on them, which is a definite plus for over the knee boots. They do run small, order a half size up for sure.
7. The Perfect Tee:
It took me until I was 41 years old, but I think I have found the most perfect classic tee shirt under the sun. Bobi makes the softest tees with the most amazing fit. I love the v-neck and pocket, plus the shirt tail hemline is extremely flattering. I have several of these tees in different colors, but the one I love the most by far is the color called “bone”. It isn’t bright write, but it isn’t cream either. I find that it looks great worn under just about every jacket, blazer, and cardigan I own.
8. Fur Slides:
I recently discovered the world of fur slides and now they are basically the only shoe I wear inside the house. Perfect for the Southern California winter, they have the ease of flip flops, but the cozy nature of an Ugg boot. I like this particular style because it has a real sole, unlike a slipper, and can be worn outside.
9. Hand Held Steamer:
This little steamer is an absolute must have for anyone, especially if you buy your clothes online. How many times do you pass over wearing something in the morning because it needs ironed or steamed? I keep one in my bathroom, and I give my clothes a quick steam just before I put them on. It is very compact, which somehow makes it seem less cumbersome to use than other steamers, or certainly an iron. It is also extremely portable, so it goes with me on every trip.
10. Aquis Hair Towel:
I was definitely a little skeptical about how this would work when I first bought it, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I wrap my towel tried hair in this immediately after getting out of the shower, then I do everything else to get ready while wearing the towel. In about 15-20 minutes, my hair is almost completely try. It cuts my blow drying time down to usually less than 1 minute after removing the towel. There are several other brands of these towels out there that I can’t speak to, but I can say that this one works quite well for me.
11. Jade Roller:
I had been hearing about using a jade roller for over a year now, and I decided it was time to try for myself. I keep mine in the refrigerator so that it is cold when I use it which is supposed to make it more effective. I use it to help my serums, (usually vitamin C and hyaluronic acid) absorb. Not only does my skin feel more taught after using this than if I just use the serum alone, but it also feels really amazing. As a bonus, it can also be a nice temporary relief from a sinus headache.
12. Hot Tools Professional Long Wand Curling Iron:
First of all, I am obsessed with all the Hot Tools professional series of curling irons. My stylist recommended them a while back, and I think it is the best curling iron on the market for the money. I originally bought
this longer barrel iron just to use for my hair extensions. I have found that it is also great daily use on my own medium length hair. One feature I love about this is the turning handle at the top that allows it to easily spin. I recently participated in a photo shoot with some other lifestyle bloggers that borrowed this, and they we all raving about it as well. This is definitely my latest secret to good hair days!
I receive commissions for purchases made through the links in this post. Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
