Best Buys of 2018

Stepping in to 2018, I had made up my mind that I was going to curb my shopping habit tremendously.  I was tired of haphazardly buying things that I inevitably felt indifferent about 2 weeks later.  I wanted less stuff in general in my studio apartment, and I wanted everything "fun" I purchased this year to feel intentional.  I didn't succeed 100%- living in New York is expensive, and while I don't shop for "things" a lot, I did spend a lot of money on weekend getaways and eating out at restaurants- and I want to be better about this next year.   Nevertheless, I do feel that I was able to change my outlook on shopping this year- thanks in large part to this book, this podcast, instagram accounts like this one, and my own desire to feel more financially secure.  With that being said, there were a few select purchases I made this year that I am still pleased with- and wanted to share them.

1.) The Snowdrift Reversible Coat from Anthropologie.  I am officially obsessed with this coat.  It's comfortable, chic, very warm, and reversible. This one runs a little large- I purchased a size XS and it's still a bit roomy on me:

{also have had this black MZ Wallace handbag for 3 years now and can't say enough good things about it- it's my purse/gym bag in one and is just the most functional bag ever.}

2.)  Bandier lustrous leggings in black:  These are supposed to be just for working out (I think), but I keep wearing them under sweater dresses and skirts as regular leggings.  They are so comfortable and flattering.

The La Mer Moisturizing cream made the list last year, and it's here again- because even with it's price tag, it's pretty life-changing.  It has the best texture and just melts in to your skin.

Apple Ear buds:

Besides the fact that I lose them at the bottom of my purse on a fairly consistent basis (and forget to put them in their handy floss-like case), I love the Apple wireless ear buds.  It's so nice not to have to untangle headphone cords, or hold a phone up to your ear when walking and talking. 

Tortoise iPhone case - a simple, inexpensive purchase that I just love (this one is cool, too):

My general shopping tips for more mindful spending:

1.) Don't go just to "browse" somewhere.  It's too tempting and you'll likely end up spending money on something you don't need.

2.) If you really are tempted to buy something, never do it in that first moment.  Give yourself a few days to consider the purchase, and if you still want it in a week and can afford to buy it, then make the purchase.

3.) I actually prefer shopping places in person than online because you can try on.  95% of the time when I try to buy clothes on a website, I end up sending them back because the item doesn't fit perfectly and I don't want to spend $$ tailoring unless I REALLY love the piece. So, I do my best to avoid browsing retail websites. 

4.) Have a budget in place.  Admittedly, I didn't start keeping a budget until my late 20s and I'm not sure why I procrastinated for so long.  I do a simple Excel spreadsheet and log my expenses a few times a month to make sure I am staying on track.  I actually love the freedom a budget gives you- it feels empowering to know exactly where all of your money is going- how much you are saving, what categories you could improve upon next month, and how close you are to reaching goals.

XOXO,

Sam