Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thrilled to be slowing down a bit today to spend time with my family at the beach. While I know I’ll still be doing some work; it will definitely be mixed in with quality family time, rest (already planning on a nap after a late night for a friends’ deb ball last night), and plenty of delicious food. Since I know a lot of you are in the process of compiling your Christmas wishlists (if you need a whole list of ideas of what to ask for click here) or shopping sales, I put together all of my favorite big-ticket items and links to where they can be shopped on sale!
As I’ve gotten older, my Christmas list has become more and more practical. Fortunately, I get just as excited unwrapping these practical gifts as I did those top of the list items from when I’m little since I know they will receive a ton of use.
One of the most unbelievable collaborations I’ve gotten to do through my blog was the one I did around the time of my college graduation with Michele Watches. I didn’t fully expect the collaboration to be a reality until this watch showed up in the mail. I remember a few friends were with me when I picked up the package, and they made me unwrap it in front of them so they could see it too. At first, I thought I would only wear it on occasion, but since receiving it well over a year and a half ago, I’ve worn it almost every day. The square face is modern yet still classic, and the ability to change the bands has been an unexpected feature that I’ve adored since it makes it feel like I have more options to choose from. A watch had never really been on my wishlist, and now I can’t imagine not having it on me at all times.
Sticking with the jewelry trend, my David Yurman bracelets, like my Michele watch, are items I reach for daily. My first David Yurman was actually a gift to myself, my sophomore of high school. I had seen them and loved the simplistic style and combination of metals and eventually saved up enough money to purchase my own. I have since added to my collection and love the layered look and variety of bracelets made by the brand. As such a timeless piece, I could see many girls categorizing a David Yurman bracelet as one of the best gifts they have received as well.
While there is definitely a bit of sticker shock when you see the price of a waxed Barbour jacket for the first time, I can assure you it is worth EVERY penny. This is, without a doubt, one of the most worn items in my closet. I received mine for Christmas my freshman year of college (meaning I’ve had it for five years) and wear it regularly for almost three full seasons of the year. I have the Barbour Beadnell jacket in the color Sage in a U.S. 6 and have since invested in a hood and liner for the coat. Even with those additions, I think that if I had a quarter for every time I wear it, I would be on the verge of being able to buy another one. I am actually attempting to re-wax mine for the first time myself this weekend (I meant to send it to the company since they can do repairs and re-wax the jacket for $50 but don’t want to part with it currently since it is such a staple). If you’re considering purchasing a Barbour jacket, I have shared a complete guide on the brand and their jackets in this post from last year.
Growing in popularity in the last few years, this was a bit of a wild card item for me to own when I first got it in my junior year of college. Since then, you see people in Truegrit (and Truegrit lookalike) jackets everywhere. I’ll be the first to admit it isn’t the most fashionable jacket ever, but boy is it comfy. It feels like a blanket and is the perfect thing to throw on with leggings and slippers when you feel like lounging. These come in a number of colors and styles that both girls and guys alike would live in this winter if gifted one. I have the men's version, and no one can tell the difference!
Sometimes a gift to yourself can’t be beaten since you know precisely what you want. That’s how I feel about this Patagonia Puffer Jacket that I got for myself during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale this year. I have a white North Face puffer jacket that I got before my 8thgrade class trip to Washington D.C. (it’s as shocking to me as it probably is to y’all that this jacket still fits and appears to be white) and decided it was finally time for an upgrade. I chose this jacket in particular because it would be easy to put on over other jackets and can be packed up into a very tiny size. I’ve already worn it a bunch and know that I will continue to do so.
40% off here
We may need to take a quick moment of silence for this next item since I think mine has officially bit the dust. I have quite literally worn my Frye Melissa Riding Boots into the ground (more than once too since I’ve had them re-soled). I have had my eyes peeled for a cute pair of riding boots to replace these with but can not seem to find something as classic as these and plan to replace my boots with the same pair. From November until March, I wear these boots constantly with dresses or jeans. I’ll probably get the pair I currently have re-soled in rubber so that I can continue to wear them (even when it rains) since I love them that much. The quality of Frye’s boots is unparalleled, and I’ve been impressed by how good these boots still look despite the countless treks across campus I’ve put them through.
30% off here
Speaking of rain, Hunter Rain Boots and a must-have for any college girl having to walk to class in the rain. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that once your feet stop growing, investing in footwear that works for the weather you’re faced with and your style is a worthwhile purchase. I adore Hunter rain boots and have two pairs. I’ve had my taller pair (currently 33% off) since middle school and don’t wear them as often as the short, grey high-gloss pair I got in college. I am so thankful for these boots on rainy days and would highly recommend adding them to your list if you find yourself confused with which shoes to wear on especially rainy days.
20% off with the code THANKS20
Growing up, I called these farm boots since we always knew to pack them when we went to our grandparent's house, which we call the farm. I even have one of my aunt’s pair from college in my closet since these shoes last forever! Whether you’re looking for something easy to hose off when dirty or keep your toes warm in the snow, these boots can fit the bill!
Up to 20% off with the code THANKFUL
I love tote bags and am under the impression that you can never really have too many. That’s a good mindset to have when trying to narrow down which Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote print to purchase. Thanks to my indecision, I now have four different prints of this tote. The durability and functionality of it are what keeps me coming back to it time and time again. Whether I’m carrying my laptop, magazines, and other work supplies or textbooks in college, these totes only get better with age. Thanks to the customized nature, I also love that you can create exactly what you want to fit your style when making this purchase!
I warned you that I love tote bags! I received my very first Longchamp bag in eighth grade and have been a huge fan of the brand ever since. While I’ve outgrown that first medium-sized chocolate brown one I received years ago, my navy, large Le Pliage tote is the perfect bag to tote to the gym or pack in when heading out of town. The material is so durable, and the style is simple enough to be used as an accessory or luggage easily!
20% off with the code FRIENDS here
I used to rely on the suitcases my parents had in our attic, but once I moved, I figured it was about time I have my own luggage. I own both the carry-on and checked size of this hardshell suitcase and love the classic appearance of the navy color. What’s great about this luggage is that you can go ahead and buy it as a set or break up the gift and order the various sizes separately. The hard exterior makes me think that everything inside is well protected, and the navy striped lining when you unzip it is pretty cute too.
17% off here
I spent more time with this computer than I did with my family while in college. If that’s not a scary realization, I’m not sure what is, but it’s the reality. I was lucky enough to replace that first MacBook Pro I received in high school and used so much that it had to have its hard drive replaced with a newer one for my master's graduation that I hope will have an equally lengthy lifetime. From college applications, starting a blog, four years of college coursework, teaching lesson plans, graduate coursework, and the occasional Netflix binge, I’ve spent a lot of time behind the screen of a Macbook and can undoubtedly say it is worth the investment.
10% off here
Definitely one of those items that is a want, not a need, but with my coffee obsession, it made for a really great gift from my brother last year. Using the app on your phone, you can set the mug to heat up to your desired temperature, and it will keep your coffee warm. I keep mine on my desk at work, and it helps me to savor my coffee instead of chugging it for fear that it will be cold come the final sip.
You can watch me rave about these items and explain more "in person" in the video below.
If you were to make this list with items you own, what would you put on it? I’d love your ideas as I begin to form my own holiday wishlist.
No comments :
Post a Comment