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I’ll be the first to admit: I love stuff. I’ve tried to be a minimalist more times than I can count, but at the end of the day, I love having a closet full of clothes, walls full of art, and a bookshelf stacked with books, candles, and memories from my travels. I’ll also be the first to admit that I’m very privileged to be able to live a maximalist lifestyle. That being said, I’ve tried to reign in my spending this year in an effort to invest in things I actually want, not just something I saw on TikTok and thought I needed. Here is my list of things that are worth the money and the hype (see the end for honorable mentions).
I will never shut up about Madewell jeans. I’ve spent years searching for a good-quality, long-lasting, well-fitting pair of jeans. And I’ve finally found them: the Madewell Baggy Straight (which is on sale right now). These jeans fit great, are breathable yet sturdy, and have not stretched or shrunk after tons of washes.
I have been looking for a fun way to add colorful light to my room for a while. I considered strip lights, but I saw that they attract spiders, and I was immediately out (that, and I find them tacky looking). Moment of honesty: I saw this product on TikTok. But my roommate had also purchased a version of it and loved it, so I caved, and I am so glad I did. This light is so fun! It changes color and adds just the right amount of ambient light to my room.
Dinner Bowls (a.k.a. Blates)
I don’t know about you, but I love to eat everything out of a bowl. And then I discovered what my boyfriend has cleverly named the “blate” – a combination of a bowl and a plate. I don’t think I’ve ever actually loved a piece of dinnerware, but I love blates. I don’t think I’ve eaten off a regular plate in months.
When I realized the neutral eyeshadow palette I was using for everything was over 4 years old, I figured it was time for a new one. I’ve always loved Tarte products and when I stumbled upon this palette after scouring the shelves of Ulta for 30 minutes, I knew it was perfect. It has a great combination of mattes and shimmers, and a wide range of neutral browns that makes it adaptable for so many events.
I’ve been searching for a colorful and timeless sweater since October. I’ve looked through the racks of Plato’s closet, every thrift store in Tuscaloosa AND Southern California within driving distance of my apartment/home, and every obscure Instagram ad that looks like a scam. Finally, on spring break in Florida, I found the most perfect sweater at Ralph Lauren. I will admit, it wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it. Sadly, I couldn’t find it online, but I will link my personal Instagram post where I’m wearing the sweater so you can try to track it down on your own.
I’ve also been gifted some amazing things for my 21st birthday, so here are the honorable mentions of things I’ve gotten, but not purchased myself.
Madewell Medium Transport Tote
Now this is the perfect purse. I can fit literally everything in here: a sweater, water bottle, sunglasses, regular glasses, wallet, keys, chapstick, and even extra tissues and Tums in case I have a spontaneous tummy ache. And there’s still room left over for my headphones and my iPad if I need to bring either along with me. I have a strong feeling this purse will be going everywhere with me for a long time.
Warby Parker Blue Light Glasses
I’ve been wearing the same pair of cheap blue light glasses since 2020, and I figured it was time for a new pair. I’m also scheduled to get Lasik surgery in May, which means I really need a nice pair of glasses. Warby Parker makes a variety of styles in a variety of sizes, and they have this cute feature on the website where you can virtually try your glasses on before purchasing them! 10/10 recommend investing in a good pair of blue light glasses.