The end of 2022 has finally arrived, so I get to make my favorite blog posts! I love reflecting and looking back on the year. One thing I’ve noticed with my shopping habits this year was that I was much more intentional with what I was buying. There were months where I wasn’t shopping for any clothes or ‘fun’ items, just so I could continue to travel and go out with my friends. I’m not saying that is a bad thing, I just think it’s a lot different from my previous spending habits of 2019 and 2020 when I didn’t have to pay rent.
Because I was more intentional with my shopping, there were definitely items that I had wanted for a while, but was waiting until I could comfortably afford them. And yes, some of these items I bought in 2021 during Black Friday, but I didn’t really get to use them last year so I am counting them for this year!
- Platform Converse: I had low-cut Converse that I would wear all the time in college and just absolutely DESTROY them. I think I would go through a pair every 6 months. And at the end of that period, they would be so gross. Since 2019 my go-to sneaker was a pair of Adidas, but this year I ended up cutting my ankles on them and bleeding all over them. So I finally tossed those and started looking for new sneakers. My friends Cassie and Taylor first introduced me to the high-top platform Converses, but I was worried I would destroy this pair like all my others. Plus, I’m 5″9… do I really need the extra height? Turns out I do, and I love it. I wear these shoes so often! They go with everything and are so comfortable. I’ve had them for maybe 4 months now and they are still clean!
- Steve Madden Platform Boots: I need to thank Melissa for this one. When I visited her in Colorado, she let me borrow her Steve Madden boots for The Chicks concert and I instantly fell in love. I used to stray away from heels because I am already so tall, but these boots are just…everything. Plus they are so comfortable that I have actually made them my official ‘concert’ boots. That way I can also see above everyone’s head. So if you are standing behind me at a concert, my apologies.
- Lands End Robe: So technically I didn’t buy this one (my friend Amanda ordered two and gave me her extra) but this robe has changed my life! I thought I was a robe girlie because I own a silk robe and big fuzzy one from Target, but this robe soft, light weight and so cute. I have mine in a pink/brown tie dye color, but there are other patterns still available.
- Record Player: Again, I can’t say this is a ‘purchase’ of mine because it was actually a gift last Christmas from my friend Ash. But it is one of my favorite things in my apartment. I’m so happy I get to listen to records now and start my own collection. If you’ve seen my apartment, you’ll see it compliments the atmosphere so well.
- Oura Ring: My friend’s sister, Holly, first introduced me to the Oura Ring. We were at brunch in Dallas and I told her I liked her gold ring and she explained how it is her fitness tracker. I’ve been looking for a good fitness tracker for a while. I used to have a jawbone in college (which was a knock-off Fitbit) but I kept losing it. I’m very against getting an Apple watch right now, and since I have wrist tattoos, I didn’t want to get a fitness band for my wrist again. I wear silver rings all the time so I thought this would be perfect – and I was right! I want to write a full review in the new year, but for now, just know I am very happy with it.
- Gucci Bloom Perfume: One of my favorite scents is honeysuckle. I have been looking for a floral perfume since the spring and I actually just took a chance on this Bloom perfume. And it paid off! I carry a travel rollerball with me everywhere I go so I can be sure I always smell like a bouquet of honeysuckle.
- Biossance Moisturizer: I am trying new moisturizers! I asked my followers what moisturizers I should try and my friend Katie recommended this one. So far I am very happy with it.
- Hokas Running Shoes: The difference good running shoes can make!!! In July I stopped by Charm City Run in Fells Point to get a proper shoe sizing. Turns out, I have been wearing the wrong kinds of shoes while I run! And I learned my left foot is bigger than my right so I needed to size up and go for wider width. These Hokas are not only cute to wear but so so so comfortable. No more losing my toe nails!
- Lululemon Belt Bag: Like every other white woman you have met, I caved and got a Lululemon belt bag. And you know what? It was worth every penny! I love this bag so much. It has made traveling so much easier and has eased my anxiety when I go out, because my bag is always close to me. I was lucky and found mine at the local Lululemon in Harbor East.
- Nespresso Machine: I have saved so many money by not having to go to Starbucks! I bought this machine last year during Black Friday, but I wanted to include it in this list because I finally started ordering my pods from the Nespresso website. There are so many perks to doing so! More flavors, a free recycling bag and you can monitor your delivery. I start every morning with a cup from my Nespresso machine and I love it.
What were your favorite purchases of 2022? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading! xx