In no particular order, these are twelve things that have been incorporated into my life. I wouldn't necessarily call them 'favorites,' but they played an important role in my life.
Before I had this wallet, I used cheap wallets from drugstores and I would use them for years at a time until the plastic pockets tore. Even after they broke, I would patch it up with tape, because I didn't want to spend a lot of money on just any wallet. I wanted to purchase the right wallet.
I'm lucky to have this wallet because my boyfriend knew bought it for me. I also paid for part of it with a gift card. I had been eyeing it for a while, so he surprised me one evening and rushed us to Nordstrom minutes before they closed just so he could get it for me. I knew this was the right wallet for me, regardless of brand, but because they matched all of these criteria:
- Continental shape to hold more
- Zips all the way around, so I don't have to worry about things falling out of it
- Opens up like a book, as opposed to the accordion style, so I can see all the contents
- Coin pouch, so I don't need a separate little bag just for coins. Sometimes, I empty the coins out and keep my phone in here instead. Then I don't need to carry anything else.
- Window slot for ID
At $208, this is very expensive, so I hope to use it for the rest of my life. A less expensive version is one by Halogen. I appreciate that it has a wrist strap, but it's larger and thicker, so I don't think I would be able to use it as a wallet, but it would make a great clutch.
Mulberry Roxanne
My rugged, G.I. Jane bag. I actually use this bag for work the most. It makes my life easier, because of its:
- front pockets: I always have my keys in one of the two front pockets and in the other, I keep my work ID.
- foldover flaps: I'm not good about zipping up my bags sometimes, so having the flips fold over each other is a sure way to keep me from losing stuff.
- magnetic closure: Again, easy to keep the bug shut
- boxy structure: I like the weight of the contents to be evenly distributed and I just like bags that are one big cube.
Chanel Cardholder
This was a gift from my cousin and I use it everyday. I keep my ID and a couple of cards in here. When I carry a small bag, wristlet, or clutch, I usually just carry keys, wallet, and this little thing. When I carry a large bag, this goes in there too. I am sad to say that it's aged a bit. To an untrained eye, it still looks brand new. But if you inspect it closer, the edges are a little worn and I've stretched the leather a bit. I still love it nonetheless and plan to use it forever.
If anyone can tell me a little about Chanel's restoration policy, I'd much appreciate it. I also don't have a receipt as this was a gift.
I started using this when I got badly sunburned the first time I was in Hawaii this past summer. I've never been sunburned in my life. In fact, it's difficult for me to tan, much less burn. So I wasn't too careful about protecting my skin at Hanauma Bay. I should have known better, because not only was it hot, the reflection of the sun was amplified by the sand and water, not to mention it was salt water, which probably aggravated my skin further. Once I started feeling really sore on my back, I didn't even want to wear a bra. So I went strapless for at least a week.
I used this aloe generously. I think It took me about a week to week and a half to fully heal. It feels very cool and refreshing on the skin. My ripped-up, flaky, alligator skin drank this stuff up. I also loved the Vaseline Aloe lotion.I keep looking for the small travel-size version, but haven't been able to find it since I ran out of it.
After a year of buying candles on and off, I've sort of put myself off candles now. Even though B&BW has their 2 for $20 3-wick candles quite often, $10 per candle adds up to quite a lot in the end. However, this is the one candle that I've thoroughly enjoyed and didn't get sick of. It has a clean, refreshing scent, yet also not harsh, unlike lavender scents, which I find kind of attack my nose. I haven't burned this yet. I'm saving it for a rainy day, I guess. Also the Aromatherapy line has discontinued all the smaller-sized candles, so it's either go big or go home, lol.
Colgate 360 Toothbrush
This is a weird item to have in here, but I cannot live without it. This year, I've been receiving these Colgate 360 toothbrushes for free almost every time I see my dentist. I just recently purchased my first one from Target for about $3. I never thought I would care what toothbrush I use, but this is my favorite. When I need to replace my toothbrush, this is the one I would go out and purchase.
- smaller head (than most others I've used) - necessary for my small mouth
- softer bristles - for my sensitive gums,
- tongue & cheek scrubber on the back - which I don't use, but probably should
Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
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| picture from Starbucks.com |
Right after the toothbrush, I'll add an item that stains my teeth, lol. A couple of months ago, I discovered the Salted Caramel drinks from Starbucks. I enjoy all of them, the Mocha, Hot Chocolate, & the Frappuccino versions. I'm surprised, because I haven't been a fan of Starbucks, or coffee really, since high school. But I enjoy salted caramel (which is also weird, because I hate caramel on its own), so I gave this a try and I rather like. It's my guilty pleasure, but at least I order it without whipped cream. The downside is, it makes me really thirsty and dry-mouthed.
H&M Divided V-Neck T-Shirts
Now, I love loose-fitting t-shirts, too. But it's hard to find a good t-shirt that is fitted. They tend not to hug my waist enough, or they just stretch out too fast. I like these because
- fit - hugs me well, but not too tight
- v-neck - crewnecks make me feel like I'm choking sometimes
- long-length - good for my long torso
As you can see, I've acquired several and every time I go to H&M, I can't help but look for them. I don't see them at every H&M. More often than not, I see the scoop-neck version, but I imagine they're just as good.
Report Grover Nude Flats
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| image from Nordstrom.com |
I got these from Hautelook maybe 2 years ago (?). They're easy to walk in and pair well with almost every outfit. I've worn them so much that mine are ridiculously scuffed and kind of dirty if you look closely. I need to clean mine. Those are the only reasons why I like them so much. Other than that, they're rather stiff and not that comfortable, especially since mine are too big for me and I have to pad them to keep my feet from slipping out. Other than that, I really like the
- blush nude color
- almond-toe shape, almost pointy, but not too pointy
But since mine are so beat up, I am actually keeping an eye out for a replacement.
I purchased these back in October and they have been my most worn shoes for work lately. They pair well with anything. However, I am short, so my legs don't look great in them with skirts. (Especially because of my anatomy. Not only am I short, but my legs are especially short, even for someone of my height, because I also have a long torso.=[ ) They don't have them in black anymore, but click above for the nude suede version, which may be a good option for people with short legs.
- plain & simple, sleek design
- ankle bootie - easier to put on than taller boots, especially with the inside zipper
- surprisingly comfortable - 4.5 inch heel with 1 in. platform
Racerback Maxi Dress from eBay
Over the summer, I wanted a plain, black, racerback, maxi dress. I didn't know where to start looking, so I just searched it on eBay ('racerback maxi dress' or 'tank maxi dress'). Lo and behold, there were a million search results. I don't remember the name of my seller, but I believe mine shipped from an online store in the UK. I loved wearing it with sandals in Hawaii. I also plan to experiment wearing it under sweaters and with boots, maybe.
Look at that, I finally caved in on the iPhone bandwagon. Not only that, but I finally got myself a data plan. I previously had a smartphone, but I was able to purchase it sans data plan. So I actually did use wifi wherever I could connect to a reliable connection.
I know...I must be the last person in the world...or at least in their 20s (?) to get a data plan. I was just reluctant to pay an extra $20 or so dollars a month just so I could use the internet on the go. I'm actually one of those 'old' people who think that life should be experienced outside of a touch-screen, handheld device.
But I must admit, now that I have it, I love it. It has .... changed my life...lol just kidding, not that dramatic. I also didn't want to get an iPhone, because it's so mainstream and everybody has one. But it really is a good phone and I just needed to get over myself.
So...a very belated happy new year to everyone!
Great finds!
ReplyDelete*Besos*
http://www.cmichellestyles.com
so gorgeous! Love the wallet and bag!
ReplyDeleteAndy
After Flats