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SHOP THE COLLAGE:
- Gap "Big Puff" Duvet Puffer Coat: This is the BEST puffer coat and here's why: it's super puffy and cozy and feels like you're wearing a duvet, it has a HUGE hood that cinches and is also removable, it's super long (mid-calf), it ties at the waist, it has fleece-lined zippered pockets, and it has an extra long sleeve lining with thumb holes so you can easily layer your gloves on top and your wrists won't get exposed. It runs very large, I got an XS and still have more than enough room to layer.
- Amazon turtleneck: I don't think I've ever included this sweater on a favorites post, which is crazy because you've seen me wear it a million times! It's the BEST turtleneck for tucking and layering. It's true to size (I wear the small), a nice cotton blend, comes in a ton of colors, and is under $30.
- Old Navy sweatshorts: These are an integral part in my summer lounge uniform - I wear them for everything from reading a book on the deck to throwing on over a swimsuit. They're currently out of stock for the season, but I know they will come back once we get into spring and summer.
- Amazon swimsuit: This one-piece swimsuit has become my favorite over the last few years. It fits perfectly (I take a small), has a flattering high leg cut, and adjustable straps. I have it in a few different colors and it comes in over 20 colors for under $35!
- Rubber footbed sandals: I have deemed these the ideal beach/pool sandals - they're easy to slip on and off but stay on your foot without flopping around, and they're extremely lightweight. Plus, they're only $10!
- LL.Bean Boat and Tote: I'm fairly certain I featured the famous L.L.Bean tote bag in a past yearly favorites, and it's still the BEST bag. I've loved my XL zip-top one for years, and this year I got the small size and I've loved that one just as much for different purposes! I've actually been using it as a handbag for the last month or so and it's the perfect size to throw in your essentials and head out the door.
- Brixton Houston cowboy hat: I bought this hat on a whim before Kenny and I visited Florida and Mexico last February, and it became my most-worn sun hat last year. It's super comfortable and just fun, I feel like I take on a fun beach persona when I wear it. 😂
- Amazon aviators: These have been some of my most-worn sunglasses this year, I love them! They're super lightweight and I like that they have a lot of lens coverage.
- David Yurman cuff bracelet: I've wanted a David Yurman cuff since high school, and my wish came true last Christmas when Kenny gifted me one! I love this bracelet because it's classic and can be worn alone, but I also like stacking it with my rice bead bracelet (and potentially another DY one day 👀).
- Baroque pearl necklace: I've been loving baroque pearls in recent seasons, the organic shape and nautical vibe are just my style. This necklace is so gorgeous and you would never know the pearls are artificial!
- Kosas baked bronzer in "Waves": As someone who has always been very fair-skinned, I can quickly overdo it with bronzer. This shade of baked bronzer is perfect and blends beautifully with a slight glow.
- Clinique Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey": This has become one of my go-to lip products - I like topping it with a sparkly gloss like this one for a beautiful juicy lip look!
- Down pillows: I got these at Costco early last year and I haven't thought twice about them since - which is a good thing! I like down pillows because they're malleable so I can kind of form them to what's comfortable for me every time I lay down in bed.
- 365 cat calendar: If you saw my office, you'd surely think I am a crazy cat lady because I have three different cat calendars. 😂 This one is a daily calendar with reader-submitted photos and little tidbits about their cats.
- Michel Design Works hand soaps: My mom has always loved these soaps because they come in about a zillion different designs, so you can match them to the season or to your particular home decor. I just put my Christmas ones away, and the beachy summer ones are my favorite!
- Drip coffee machine: I ditched my Nespresso Vertuo machine once and for all this year, and it's crazy how much better it's been to have regular drip coffee at home! I soured on Nespresso because the cup sizes are small, they kept raising the prices of the pods, and I wasn't in love with any of the roasts. Making regular coffee is much easier, cheaper, as well as being more flexible with the brew amounts and variety of coffee choices.
- Tervis: I was OBSESSED with Tervis tumblers back in high school, and I'm back into them as my everyday around-the-house drinking glasses. They keep ice intact for much longer and don't sweat! Plus I love the fun designs - Tuckernuck has some gorgeous unique options, I got a seashell set last summer.
- Capabunga: I can't believe I have never included these in a yearly favorites post! They're silicone caps you can use to re-seal your wine after you pop the cork. Apparently they allow you to store wine on its side in the fridge, but I have never put that to the test!
- Buttery Chardonnay: I tasted my first buttery Chardonnay last summer and fell in love! The Josh Buttery Chardonnay is my favorite accessible grocery store option that you can really taste the malolactic fermentation in.
- Red's Burritos: These frozen burritos have been my go-to when I need a quick breakfast, lunch, or afternoon pick-me-up. I get the bean and cheese, but I'm sure the other kinds are delicious as well. What really won me over with these is the tortillas - they're so chewy and delicious!
- Better than Bullion: I use a LOT of vegetable broth, and last year I stopped buying broth and stock and started using Better Than Bullion instead because it's easy and much cheaper. It comes in tons of flavors including several vegetarian options which are the ones I use, and it's also a great addition to sauces and marinades to add depth of flavor.
- TheRealReal: I love shopping the pre-loved market, and one of my favorite things to hunt for are unique estate jewelry pieces. I love browsing TheRealReal for jewelery, and while I rarely make purchases from there, it's where I've found some of my very favorite pieces over the years.
- Cape Charles: My mom and I took a semi-spontaneous trip to Cape Charles last July and absolutely fell in LOVE - you can read more about our trip in this post! It's the most adorable storybook town along the Chesapeake Bay and we had the most perfect time there. I highly recommend it for an East Coast long weekend destination!
- Chiswell winery: Last but not least, my new favorite Virginia winery! My friend introduced me to Chiswell and it's just the best place - it's located in a gorgeous historic house on a BEAUTIFUL and scenic piece of land, and the entire property is open to visitors. I love exploring the rooms of the house and tasting the different wines - I haven't tried one that hasn't been amazing in its own way! My favorites are the Cabernet Sauvignon and the sparkling Rosé, and my mom loves the Meritage.
CHEERS to you, and happy 2025! I'll see you back here later this week with a new outfit post!
xoxx, Laura
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