I started out this year thinking I’d put myself on a spending ban. Obviously from the title of this post you can see that didn’t pan out, but I’ve found I’ve been more mindful about my purchases. In the past I was queen of the impulse buy, and while I wish I had bought less things so far this year, they’re all things that fit into my routine/style/needs, and I thought about them quite a bit before purchasing. I could have done better, but at least now I have a list of some great buys I’d recommend.
Pepper Bras
If you’re a bra-wearer and you’re small-chested like me, I’d HIGHLY recommend checking out Pepper for bras. I didn’t know that even smaller cup sizes of mainstream brands are modeled and scaled down from a C cup, but Pepper’s bras are made with smaller chests in mind. The cups are shallower, and the wire in the wired bras is shorter. I can’t believe how much better these bras fit me - the cups don’t gap! I have all three colors of the All You Bra, and I wear them every day. I’m really interested in trying their wireless bras next. EDIT: I’m also now an affiliate! Using the code KELSEY at checkout will get you free shipping.
Rothy’s Chelsea Shoe
I was posting about needing some shoes that fit the “fancier than sneakers, but not as fancy as heeled booties” gap in my wardrobe - I had a cheap pair of high-top, faux leather slip on sneakers from Target that I didn’t love, but it fit this gap. Then Olive threw up in them and they weren’t worth saving. Those were my most-worn shoes, so I figured I could justify something a little pricier if it meant they’d last a long time. Rothy’s were highly recommended to me, so I got the Chelsea in Black. I’m obsessed! They go with all of my outfits, they look chic but not too dressed up, and they’re super comfortable and well-made.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Glosses
This year has been all about the lip gloss for me so far. My daily makeup look has been more barely-there than ever, so sheer glosses just fit the bill. These new Bobbi Brown glosses are just beautiful. They provide a sheer wash of color, feel nourishing on the lips, and are perfectly glossy without feeling sticky. I like the shade Slow Jam for a flush of color, and my new everyday favorite is New Romantic, a soft neutral pink.
Kosas Revealer Concealer
I’ve only been using this for a couple weeks at the time of writing this, but I can already tell it’s a winner. The new Kosas Revealer Concealer is beautifully creamy, gives great coverage (I’d say medium), and looks like nothing on the skin. It works equally well on undereyes as on redness and spots, and it also works well whether you’re wearing it with foundation or on bare skin. On super rushed mornings I’ll just dot concealer all over my face and blend it in instead of going in with some kind of foundation first, and this blends in with the skin so seamlessly that you can’t tell I’m only wearing concealer. The finish is just what I like in a concealer, too - neither too matte nor too dewy, and it lasts really well throughout the day.
AE Stretch Mom Jeans
For the longest time I avoided the Mom Jeans trend. I always assumed I’d get the dreaded waist gap, but I was getting really tired of wearing nothing but skinny jeans. I had a code for a free pair of American Eagle jeans (so far the only brand of jeans I’ve found that I like), so I went for a pair of their Stretch Mom Jeans. It was a medium blue wash with rips at the knees and frayed hems at the back. I think they’re the only jeans I’ve worn (besides the gross pairs I wear only to work) since I’ve gotten them. They’re so comfortable, and I really do like the shape. I try to wear them with slightly more fitted tops and save my loose, boxy tops to wear with skinny jeans, but they’ve been such a nice addition to my closet.
Everlane The Perform Leggings
I love Everlane and when I saw them start teasing a legging launch, I put myself on the wait list right away. I’m always looking to get more pairs of leggings for working out - I only have a couple pairs I like right now, and it’s a hassle to always have to do a load of laundry before I can work out again. The Everlane Leggings are really comfortable - they’re a good medium between a “naked” feel legging and a more structured one. They make my legs and butt look good (lol), and they have a sort of slippery finish to them. They’re quite high-waisted, which I really like, and I find the waist doesn’t roll down while I’m moving around. I got the ankle length and they’re more like a full length on me (I’m 5’3”). I’m super impressed! I would for sure get another black pair, and I also really want the other colors, although I sweat A LOT so I normally avoid colored leggings.
Spring Wishlist
With making more thoughtful purchases in mind, I’ve been looking through my collections and really considering what I need (or rather, what I’d like that also serves a purpose). I’m especially interested in adding some pieces to my wardrobe. I’ve been trying so hard lately to really elevate my outfits!
Rothy’s Slip-On Sneakers in Camo Cat
Yes, after one day wearing my new Rothy’s, I already decided on another pair I wanted. I love slip-on sneakers, and they’ve always been a staple in my wardrobe. I don’t own anything animal print, so I thought these would be a fun addition to my closet, and I’m sure I’d still wear them with everything as the tone is neutral.
NARS Overlust Cheek Palette
I love a good cheek palette, and I fell in love with this NARS one when I saw it in person a couple weeks ago. It looks a lot different in person than in photos online! The shades are just the kinds of blush shades I love to wear on an everyday basis, and the highlight shades have a bouncy, putty-like texture that’s super interesting. I usually impulse-buy NARS cheek palettes and then use them daily for months!
The Perfect White Button-Down
It’s been years, but I’m still on the hunt for the perfect white button-down shirt. I don’t want it to be too structured, but not so baggy that it looks weird and billowy when I tuck it in. It’s been so hard to find one that doesn’t make me feel like a waitress on duty. I still think it would be a great addition to my wardrobe and meshes well with my style, but I just can’t find one! If you have any favorites, please let me know.
Converse High Tops in Ivory
I don’t know how I went so long in life without wearing Converse as part of my outfits. My sister was getting rid of a pair of gray high tops so I took them, and I’ve ended up wearing them so often! I love the really casual look they add to any outfit. I’d love a pair in the ivory shade - it feels a little more “me” than the gray ones I have now.
What are your favorite things you’ve bought this year?
This post contains affiliate links