18 Best Purchases of 2018

Happy Monday sweet souls! I wanted to share some of my favorite items that truly enriched my life in 2018. These are things I have found myself enjoying or have filled me with gratitude many times since purchase. As a result of me showing you my 18 best purchases of 2018, not all of these are fashion or even tangible items. Perhaps you have been on the fence about getting one of these or are just interested in my favorite purchases. Read along and enjoy. Many of the items are available in the shoppable widget at the bottom of this post.

1. Apple Watch – From being able to receive texts during meetings to keeping track of your steps to holding yourself accountable for your fitness, my Apple Watch has become a favorite staple of 2016. Brad gave me an official Louis Vuitton strap from THIS etsy store for our third wedding anniversary (leather).
2. Airpods – These are pretty obvious, but they make multitasking so easier. You can put up your hair, change clothes, and even do yoga in these Airpods. I love that your audio pauses when you remove one from your ear. Airpods can be programmed to pause, play, or skip to next song through a tap of either the left or right pod. Apple took a lot of care to make them super comfortable as they contour to your ear perfectly! Finally, you can hook them up to your “find my iPhone” in case they get lost.
3. Italy – I won’t lie. We didn’t exactly have the money to whisk off to Italy. We came back to no heat and a required 4K investment in a new HVAC unit. However, Italy with Brad, Tillman, and Blair has been one of the most beautiful memories to date. The magic, laugh, and ethereal feeling of the entire trip is unmatched. Getting to share that experience with family made it so sweet. Also, the timing was perfect. We needed to mentally move past Brad’s accident (described HERE), and Italy was the perfect way to do so. It is my favorite place to visit thus far.
4. Mother Denim – I bought these Denim just to see how they feel during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I ended up keeping these and an AG pair that most bloggers bought. Although these were not as popular throughout the blogosphere, I love them! They are buttery soft, flattering, high-waisted, and have great hold. See them styled HERE and HERE. I get more compliments on these jeans than any other pair.
5. 1. State Heels – I am always looking for beautiful, quality heels that do not have a designer name on them. These 1. State heels have a beautiful cut to the toe cleavage. The contour of the shoe makes them comfortable and easy to walk in. Finally, these come in many beautiful colors. I also love THESE as an affordable high heel.
6. Lace Dress – This beautiful lace dress comes in every color you could want. You can occasionally buy it 20-30% off. It is great for any occasion, whether you have a last-minute shower.
7. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong Underwear – I love the fit (ONE SIZE) of this lace underwear. The lace does NOT tear and wear down through the wash. There are tons of colors and they fold Marie Kondo style perfectly. They are easy to dry by hanging from a door handle. I have almost fully swapped to these undies as I am officially convinced. Pro tip: buy them in the multi-packs to help your wallet.
8. Vince flats – I figured I would wear these a lot for the sole reason that they are neutral and beige. However, I had no idea how often I would reach for them. I love the fun shoe cut, the pointed toes, and that they work as a work-appropriate, close toed sandal. Of course they are comfortable as well.
9. Gucci Belt – My Gucci belt is such a fun statement piece that I will keep for ages. I actually had an extra hole put further into the hole so I could wear this as both a regular belt and as a waist belt. Belts are coming back strong and help create a put-together look. I can throw on this belt with almost every single outfit I can throw together. Check it out styled HERE and HERE.
10. Living Proof Dry Shampoo – This is not the most affordable dry shampoo, but when I am running late to work and my hair needs serious help, I break this magic out. This is the most effective dry shampoo that leaves no residue. It actually looks like I showered.
11. Oribe Hair Oil – I got this as a sample last year. I threw it in my hair one day when it was looking rough, stringy, and broken. Much to my surprise it truly made my hair so soft & my texture 180-ed.
12. Thrive Causemetics Mascara – I’m always game to try new products. In addition, I prefer to layer mascaras. The Thrive Causemetics mascara is perfect last coat to create even, thick, long lashes. I also discovered MILK brand mascara that separates lashes and makes a great, even base coat.
13. One Two Cosmetics Magnetic Eyelashes – I love this magnetic eyelash company, and I believe everyone else does because Sephora has picked them up for their stores. Read more about them HERE.
14. Passion Planner – As a self-diagnosed organization freak, I have tried my fair share of planners. I have particularly enjoyed the Lilly planner, the Day Designer, and now the Passion Planner. However, I am really loving the Passion planner. Your entire week is broken down in 30 minute increments across 2 pages. There is a quote, daily focus, weekly personal and work to-do lists, and a space “of infinite possibility.” There are month reflections to reanalyze your focus and detailed web-maps to help you accomplish your dreams. Plus the materials seem stronger than other planners and there are no spirals to fiddle with or get caught in your pocketbook. Finally, there is a bookmark and a strap to keep the planner closed.
15. Pottery Barn York Couch – Furniture is hard to upgrade when you have something that works. However, Brad and I needed a deeper couch that we could both lie on to watch TV. This is one of the best investments we made this year. The lighter color has been beautiful and the removable cases are washable. I love the 2 layers of lumbar pillows and the depth of this couch!
16. Barefoot Dreams Blanket – This is the softest blanket alive. It’s warm but not too hot. It does not lose its softness after multiple washes. It also has the perfect stretch. Get one and it will be your new favorite, I promise.
17. Slip silk pillowcase – We spend 1/3rd of our entire life sleeping. Investing in that time is a no-brainer in my book. These pillowcases are expensive but have unmatched softness. They are always cooler to touch, reduce sleep wrinkles, and adsorb less moisture than cotton. As a result, it doesn’t immediately soak up your moisturizer and face creams. Even my hubby is a believer.
18. Liforme Mat – I have had the same Yoga Mat for over 5 years. I was ready for something new and looking for a grippy one that weighed less. The Liforme has great grip and better grip without sweat than the leading competitor. The sweatier I am, the more hold I have. Best of all, the mat does not require additional use of a sweat towel, so I don’t have to carry as much in and out of the studio.

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