2020 Best Purchases
/Well, if there’s one skill I really flexed in 2020 it was the art of online shopping. I bought a lot less “going out tops” and a lot more “soft clothes”. Here’s a round up of our favorite buys of 2020, including some of the most purchased items by YOU!. If your Christmas gift cards are burning a whole in your pocket, may I suggest some of these. :)
1.) Leggings - These 7/8 length and full length leggings are without a doubt what I reach for first from the folded laundry pile that sits in the corner of my room waiting to be put away. I love that they’re seamless on the outside. I love the soft, shiny, almost-scuba like material. I love how high waisted they are. And I love that they’re under $25. They come in plenty of colors (I have my eye on these pink ones for spring), but the olive green, petrol blue, and grey sage have been in heavy rotation this year. P.S. If you want WAY more detail about leggings and my legging preferences, read this. Run true to size. $24
2.) 2-Tier Lazy Susan - What’s better than a lazy Susan? A double decker lazy Susan. I use these everywhere - under our bathroom sinks (one for masks and face stuff, one for hair products), our pantry (spices), our kitchen (vitamins and medicine), and even in our storage cabinet for batteries and random house things. Definitely one of my most-used items this year, especially as I’ve been organizing post-move. Best part of this is this two pack is only $30.
3.) Clarins “Depuffing Mask” - This year I’ve been pretty consistent with two things: eating potato chips with wine at 9pm and using this Clarins mask the following morning to lessen the effects of the first habit on my face. If you feel puffy or swollen or bloated, lather this rich cream on and let it sit for a good long while. It helps reduce water weight - especially on my upper eyelids and jawline. I love its consistency -its a little springy and it kind of smells like my mom’s cold cream she used throughout my childhood. Yes $60 is a lot for a mask, but it is a giant tub and a little goes a long way. It’s nearly always sold out so if you can find it in stock, get it! $61 (appears to be sold out most places right now, but it comes back frequently. I’ve seen it at Sephora, Walmart, Macy’s, and Ulta).
4.) Sunglasses - My mom, sister, and I all have these. We laughed over Christmas because we couldn’t keep them straight. I have the polarized lens version (better for driving), but I like the tortoise color on the non-polarized version a bit better. I’m convinced the shape of these will fit any face. Classic, cool, and well-priced. $69 (polarized) / $59 (non polarized)
5.) Artis Foundation Brush - While I’ve only owned this for a month now, I knew the first time I used it that I would never do my makeup again without it. I can’t even begin to describe the difference this makes in applying foundation (or even tinted moisturizer!). It goes on like butter. And I use probably half as much product as I would normally. I put a little pump of foundation on the back of my hand, dot it around my face with my finger, and then use this brush to gently blend it out for an even, air-brushed look. Mine came in a set with three brushes, but to be honest, the one I really only use each day is the Number 7 Oval. I’ll demo this on Instastories this week so you can see the true effect. $65
6.) Skinny Jeans - These are the most purchased product by all of YOU! Y’all clicked on and purchased these more than any other product I linked in 2020. And for good reason - they are so flattering, so comfortable, and the perfect wash - not too dark, not too blue. I’m obsessed with mine. I love the raw hem ones that I originally purchased, but I also just bought the darker wash for when I want a dressier look. SIZE DOWN ONE SIZE though, as they run big. And warning, they look very small when you first look at them, but they stretch; I promise. They hold you in and come up just high enough and gosh I just love them. (The version I originally bought are sold out time to time, but here is another very similar pair with the distressed hem). $99 - $149
7.) Little People Baby Care Set - This looks just like any old little people toy, but for whatever reason Emilia is obsessed with it. She loves caring for all of her baby dolls, but she particularly likes this little set with a crib and changing table and toys. And the Little People fit in our other Little People toys like our school bus and airplane. My favorite part is that it all folds up in an easy case for transport or storage. Would make a sweet gift if you have any upcoming toddler birthdays. $20
8.) True & Co Bra - I feel like a broken record when it comes to this bra, but I guess that means it is definitely worth putting on the ‘Best Of’ round up. If you haven’t discovered a life lived underwire-free, then, oh man, your 2021 just got much better. I love these bras more than a traditional bandeau style bra because they still have light cups that provide shape and lift. They come in a spagehtti strap style, but if we’re being honest the version with the wide straps are still my favorite. They’re seamless and you’ll forget that you’re even wearing a bra. Linking the Target one here that is $24, but if you’re larger chested, you might want to invest in the original that has a little bet better quality fabric from Nordstrom at $44
9.) Patagonia Parka - I am officially a Texan because when the temperature dips below 55 degrees, I have this bad boy on and zipped up all the way. I love how lightweight it feels, but plenty warm too. I wouldn’t wear it skiing or anything, but for dashing from the car to Target or walking to school for pick up it is perfection. Love the longer length for both warmth and bum coverage. The light gray colorway I have is sold out, but this dark charcoal is lovely too. SIZE UP at least one size. Maybe even two if you plan to wear really thick sweaters under it. It’s an investment, but I’ll have mine for years. $200.
10.) Math Cubes - Seemingly out of nowhere over Christmas break, Deacon go way in to Number Blocks videos on Netflix. They’re super cute and basically animate out math problems and equations. I quickly ordered these math cubes to go along with his obsession and, no joke, this last minute $15 present has been the biggest hit of the lot. Who knew! I drew some eyes and smiles on some with a sharpie so he can act out the Number Blocks videos. He and I will also play together and I’ll ask him things like 3+4 and he’ll get his blocks out, count them up and say “equals seven!”. Truly my mind is blown. They’re also great for practicing patterns or putting them in a sensory bin and having the kids fish them out with tweezers for fine motor practice. $15
11.) Delonghi Dinamica Coffee Machine - You KNOW I couldn’t not put this on this round up. By far our most used, most coveted, most “i’m so glad we got that” purchase of the year is this coffee machine. Read alllll about it here in this post. And yes it’s rediculously expensive, but 1.) we get ours on sale and 2.) COST PER USE people! Cost per use! P.S. Looks like the white is sold out most places, but black and silver are still available.
What were some of your favorite buys this year? I, for one, hope I can buy some more travel-related things in 2021. I am itching to travel! That and finish decorating this house… :) Happy New Year friends! I’m so thankful for you!
