My Best Purchases of 2017

Hello friends, Happy Friday!

With all the holiday sales in full swing, I think it's the perfect time to share with you my best purchases this year, whether you are looking for last-minute gift ideas or just treating yourself this holiday season. I chose only the items I've been using for at least a few months (if not the majority of the year) and mostly ones you can still get! I also linked multiple sites for each item, if you happen to receive a gift card from any of them. We'll be talking about accessories, SLG, beauty, lifestyle, and fitness favorites today and let's get started! :)

1. Halogen Cardigan Stitch Cashmere Wrap:
This color is no longer available, but you can still get it in white from Nordstrom Rack ($74.97).

                       

I got this wrap from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year and I've gotten so much wear out of it! It keeps you warm on the plane (as I've been traveling a ton this year!), driving in the morning, or just as a scarf. The color is dark enough that I don't have to worry too much with stains. But don't worry if you missed out this year, Halogen brings this style back every year!


2. Louis Vuitton Rosalie Coin Purse ($370):

Credit: Louis Vuitton 

I've been carrying this mini-wallet ever since I got it in March. It's very compact and fits in almost every mini bags I own, so I don't have to switch to card holders every time. The monogram canvas is very durable and I love the Rose Ballerine lining. This is probably the most affordable wallet from Louis Vuitton and I think it's a great piece to start your luxury collection with. I plan on doing a post on my wallet collection and comparison, coming your way soon!

3. My Rose Gold Ring with Diamond:
Similar: Costco (0.11ct, $299.97), Nordstrom Rack (0.08ct, $324.97), Costco (0.22ct, $499.99)

I guess I've never shown this officially, but I was wearing it in my 4th of July Confetti Nails post. I fell in love with it when I was in China early this year and just had to have it. I love the rose gold color. I love how dainty it is and adds a little sparkle to any manicure. It was the only one in store and just my size (meant to be?). As you can see from the certificate, it's 18KT rose gold with a 0.1ct diamond in K-L color and VVS clarity. It was quite pricey, but what can I say? I just love it! It also pairs well with other rings. I've been wearing it almost every day!

Fun Fact: China doesn't seem to carry 14KT gold, only 18, 22, and 24KT.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette Beauty Glow ($75):
Get it via Nordstrom, Charlotte Tilbury

Credit: Charlotte Tilbury

If I can only recommend one palette this year, get this one! It has everything you need for a full-face look. It also includes her famous Filmstar Bronze & Glow ($68) in smaller pans. I love how natural and glowy it looks and the compact size is so travel-friendly. Needless to say, this was a staple in my makeup bag for many, many months! You can check out the swatches here.

5. Gunnar Gaming Eyewear Intercept Onyx:
Get it via Best Buy ($39.99), Amazon ($39.99), Gunnar ($55.20)

Credit: Best Buy (left)

Technically, I bought it at the end of 2016, but I thought it's still worth a mention. A coworker was wearing a pair at work, which, let's be honest, looks super geeky and awkward - You cannot look away! So I asked him about it and once I tried it on, I was sold! I went to Best Buy after work that day and bought myself a pair. It makes staring at any screen so much more bearable and doesn't add pressure on my nose. My eyes are less dry and no more headaches at the end of the day!

6. Slip Silk Sleep Mask ($45):
Get it via Sephora, Anthropologie (online only), Nordstrom

Credit: Sephora

I got this during the Spring VIB Sale and it has been a game changer for me. Yes, it's pricey, but it really helps me fall asleep faster (because it keeps your eyes shut!) or when I'm not in the mood to talk to whoever's next to me on the plane (haha, just kidding!). Now I can't go to sleep without it and always bring it with me traveling. I recommend getting it in a darker color, so you don't have to worry about makeup rubbing off on it.

7. Trader Joe's Jute Tote ($2.99):
Dimensions: 17" x 13.5" x 8.5" (L x W x H)

I've mentioned this tote in my June Favorites and it's the best $3 I've ever spent! It holds so much (dimensions above) and has lasted very well!

8. S'well Water Bottles:
Get it via Nordstrom, S'well, Urban Outfitters, J Crew

This is another purchase from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. If you recall, I actually got two in different patterns. I do use both of them - from taking coffee to the office every day to staying hydrated when I'm out and about. The stainless steel really helps maintain the temperature of the beverage inside and I love the wide range of colors and patterns they come in.

9. Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat:
Get it via Jet.com ($65), Amazon ($77.88), Manduka ($82)

I came across this yoga mat when I was shopping at TJ Maxx one day. It was marked as "Irregular" (looks totally fine to me!) and on clearance for $32. If you are a TJ Maxx shopper, you know those yoga mats are usually around $15 - $20, so I was curious what kind of yoga mat is still that expensive on clearance? After a quick Googling, turns out Manduka is a highly raved brand and comes with a lifetime guarantee (must be good!).

Credit: Manduka

Although I wasn't in love with the purple color, I do need a yoga mat that doesn't slip around when I work out. All the cheaper ones I've had in the past did. I have this in "long", which measures 79" x 24" and retails for $96. I love the extra length. I've been using it almost every day since I got it in March and it still looks and feels like new. I can really see it last a long time (if not forever) for me. The purple color has also been growing on me. I cannot recommend this yoga mat enough and knowing what I know now, I would be happy to pay the full price. That's saying a lot coming from someone who never wants to pay full price for anything. But definitely keep your eyes open next time you're in TJ Maxx. I was able to score another one in red, but standard length, for my mom two months ago.

10. Tone it Up Protein ($22.99):

Credit: Target

On the topic of fitness, I also started taking protein this year and have been loving both the chocolate and vanilla flavors from Tone it Up. After trying out several proteins earlier this year, I came to realize that I hate the taste of Stevia and it's actually hard to find proteins without it or any other sweeteners. This one is more expensive, but I love the simple and clean ingredients (and no Stevia!). They smell and taste so good! I'm glad I can get them from Target and I stock up on them whenever there is a sale. I use half a scoop (7 ~ 8g) in my smoothies and they blend well. I'm also a big fan of the protein bars in blueberry coconut ($6.99), perfect for on the go. However, I'm not a fan of the peanut butter chocolate flavor, which tasted very chalky to me.

So that's it for today, folks! I hope you find this helpful, whether you are looking for last-minute gift ideas or just treating yourself this holiday season.

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! :)

Padding myself on the back for managing two posts this week! No promises about next week, but I'll try my best!