I'm sure by now you've read a bajillion gift guides by people telling you what you need. So I'm just gonna share what this fashion girl loves and swears by that's available on Amazon.com right now - most for $30 or less! And bonus if you order today you can get most of these delivered to you (or your loved one) in 2 days or less. While most of these are more practical gifts, they are all super useful, and thoughtful nonetheless.
Some of the links in my post are affiliate links, which means if you click on them and purchase that item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Thank you for supporting my shoe habit.
1. Collonil Waterstop
If you're a designer bag or shoe hoarder like myself, you need to take care of your goods to maximize their lifetime. When I invest (be it on the cheap), I want my leathers to last for a good 20+ years. Some people buy a Gucci and expect to wear it for a year and pass it along. I'm a collector and I want to still wear that Gucci in 20 years and then be able to pass it along to my girls. Fashion is cyclical and everything comes back. And if something is quality it's gonna last if you take care of it. Once a year I pull out my favorite bags and shoes that need a little loving and treat them as needed. My #1 product in my leather care arsenal is Collonil Waterstop. For about 11 bucks you have piece of mind that your bag will be protected if you get caught in the rain - and it helps protect from dirt too. The second I get a new bag I spray on a couple light coats. Be sure to do it outside so you don't have to breathe it in. It's not for all materials but it works for most leathers. It says it's for smooth leathers only but it's fine on most suede and nubuk too. If you're really paranoid you can always order the special Nubuck & Velours version here. I've used several brands over the years but this in my favorite for my high end bags and shoes.
2. Leather Honey
I use Leather Honey to condition my leather jackets, shoes or bags that look a little dry. Every thrifter needs a bottle. A little goes a long way - you just rub it on lightly with a soft cloth and let it dry.
3. Sunglasses Organizer
I just purchased my third one of these and I LOVE them. If it's sold out (they keep selling out and restocking) you can try this similar one too. I shared my new one on my Insta stories recently and you guys went gaga for it. I wear a lot of sunglasses and it's annoying to store them in their oddly shaped boxes. This one stores 18 pairs which is probably enough storage for most people. Just not me LOL. I just grab a case and choose a pair before I head out the door every morning. For about $20 it's a no-brainer of a gift.
4. Velvet Hangers
When I'm organizing someone's closet, the first thing I do is buy them new hangers. I used to be brand loyal to one brand but since they started breaking too - I no longer discriminate. They're all gonna break at some point, so just look for ones with better reviews or ones that don't feel flimsy. What I love about these is that your clothing does not slide off, plus they are super thin so you can fit a ton in your closet. Price-wise, I look for hangers that are about $.50 or less. I usually just get black and silver so they always match but these pink ones are calling my name. If you do buy a color buy a ton so they match. Otherwise be prepared to mix colors in your closet.
5. Korres Mascara
I first got hooked on Korres mascaras after finding it in Sephora. And for almost 10 years now it's the only brand I'll wear. They have several varieties but honestly I love them all. I have super sensitive eyes and I love that it's more natural and non irritating. But most importantly, it gives my lashes a long fanned out, non-clumpy look in just a stroke or two. I honestly don't know why more people don't use it. As a beauty blogger I've tried so many high end mascaras and I have yet to find one that even comes close. I wear the black but it also comes in brown. They don't really sell it in the US and very few places sell it online. Buy one and thank me later. Your welcome.
6. Glittery Phone Cases
So I must be in the 1% of bloggers who does not have an iPhone. I get offers from companies for free cases daily, but of course they're all for iPhones. I'm so jelly of everyone with multiple cute cases. Don't get me wrong, I love my industrial black one that keeps my phone super-safe, but sometimes a girl needs to switch it up. Problem is, my giant phone has a hard time fitting into tiny bags, especially with a heavy duty case. I just ordered this glittery one for my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. It's not hard plastic so it won't crack (it's rubbery) and you know I love me some glitter.
7. Ring Light
I'm literally about to pull the trigger on a ring light and maybe a tripod. I've been thinking of getting into YouTube and need a few supplies first. There are a couple brands (Diva and Neewer) I keep hearing about but this one is the cheaper one - and has pretty good reviews. If you have one please let me know which one you have - and why you love/hate it.
8. Camera Lenses
I recently ordered a 24mm lens for my Canon DSLR because I love prime lenses. If your camera comes with a lens kit you basically need to toss it. I'm really a novice when it comes to my camera (I still shoot on auto) but I do know that the lens makes a difference. The lenses I really want are all over $1,000 but a 50mm or a 40mm will give you great photos for a little over $100 - sometimes less if you can find one used or refurb. I know everyone talks about the 'nifty fifty' but I personally prefer my 40mm. With the 24mm you loose some of the depth of the 40mm but it's great for group shots or landscapes. What's great about these pancake lenses is that while you can't zoom in or out, you get a great lightweight lens that's easy to put on your camera and toss in your bag. My camera fits right in my Chanel so it's easy for when I'm on the go.
9. Blistex Lip Medex
Blistex Lip Medex is the only cure for dry winter lips. I'm not kidding. I love the menthol and I sometimes put it on or under my nose when I'm feeling sick or stuffy - totally helps me breathe. After just a treatment or two your lips will be super soft and healed. These little blue tubs are magic. Recently I ran out and couldn't find it in Target and was happy to find it online....until my husband found some in the dollar store LOL. All I can say is stock up, it's gonna be a long winter.
10. Sexi Flips
I've raved about these so many times and I don't know why everyone doesn't have a pair or two in their closet yet. These Sexi Flip Crocs are genius. They are super light and comfortable and can easily be popped into your bag when you're on the go. I often wear these into the City and bring my heels in a tote. I'm headed to Miami soon for winter break with the kids so I'll probably be ordering a new pair pretty soon. Like any Crocs the soles do wear out and they stretch so you have to replace them every 6 months (depending on how often you wear them). If mine stretch out and still have some life left in them, I usually pass them along to my niece who's a size larger than me. Despite their thin straps, I've never had a pair break on me. The closed back keeps them on your feet and make them super comfortable for driving too. Love!
What are your favorite things to order on Amazon? Honestly I don't know how we managed before free 2-day shipping.
So this layered look is pretty much head to toe repeats other than my new Target boots. Read all about my rules of layering for winter in my last post, here. I've been looking for something cute and comfortable to wear in the rain and snow, as most of my boots are velvet or suede - or too delicate for extreme weather. And while I typically hate dupes (I'd rather wait to get the real thing on sale...or not get it at all), I practically stole these from Target on sale for $25. They're sold out online but you can buy online and pick up in-store if you can locate them near you. I drove 25 minutes out just to pick up mine. Right now they're full price which is still under $40 - and worth every penny.
Photos by @littlefashionstylist who stood in the freezing cold with me (without gloves!) to take my pics. Now that's friendship.
Nothing amazing on the sample sale front. Department store sales are heating up and I actually did really well at H&M the other day. I scored a $199 coat for $30 and a few other goodies. I suggest you take a peek at your local stores.
Happy holidays! Feel free to comment below with any questions about my faves - or if you need any tips to treat your leather goods I'm happy to share :)
XO
Michelle
