And if you should buy it too!
We’ve all been there, scrolling through Instagram, maybe Facebook, or watching a Youtube video when suddenly an ad appears. Or maybe, you’re watching someone’s story that you follow and they are doing an ad for something or showing a haul of what they recently bought. Most of the time, this is a bit annoying. But every now and again, the product is so amazing and just what you wanted.
In general, I’m pretty good at not internet shopping or making impulse purchases. I call my mom the queen of being influenced because I can’t even tell you what all she has bought because she saw it on social media. It’s the modern day shopping channel. But there are a few things that I have been influenced to buy. Here’s what I’ve bought and if you should buy it too!
1. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
I’m not going to really go in any kind of order, but this product does happen to be the one I use most and also the one I’ve had the longest (it’s also the most expensive!)
I honestly can’t even remember where or when I first learned of this bag. I’ve been a loyal haul and luxury purse unboxing youtube viewer for probably a decade. Somewhere in there I saw this bag and just fell in love. Bags are super personal and I think it takes time for people to find out what they like and what they don’t like. Over time I’m realized I hate bags with flaps, they annoy me to have to take time to open them. I also prefer bags with less structure that you can squeeze into different spaces easily. I’m okay with bags that have no compartments, where I can just add my own little pouches instead.
All of this makes the Longchamp bag the perfect bag for me. It is incredibly durable, it can be folded for easy storage, and it is huge. I use it every day for all kinds of things. At any time there’s probably about four forks just rattling away in the bottom of mine. I use it for everything, I use it for work, I’ve taken it traveling, I’ve used it as a weekend bag. I’ve seen people use it as a diaper bag. It’s just the best.
I’ve had it for over five years and it’s still going strong. I bought it in London where it was much cheaper than to purchase in the United States. I’ve thought about replacing the bag but since it’s still holding up I’m going to keep using it.
2. Stanley Cup
Here it is. We all knew it was coming.
Water bottle culture it such a unique and weird thing that I don’t think gets talked about enough. I remember when Nalgene’s were all the rage then it went to tumblers with straws then Hydroflasks and now Stanleys. I heard Owala’s are the next thing but I told myself I can’t buy any more water bottles for a while.
There’s not a whole lot to say. They are huge, they keep your drinks cool, they fit in your cupholder, and they come in cute colors. Are they worth $40? Probably not. Did I buy two, use them everyday, recommend them to other people, and love them completely? Absolutely.
3. Pura
The next few items should just be called “Things I bought because Chris Loves Julia recommended them.”
If you don’t know, Chris Loves Julia is a design and lifetstyle account. I first watched a youtube video that was a walkthrough of their old old house. Since then, I’ve followed them on most social media. They have classic modern taste that is impeccable (and expensive.) Anything they touch turns to gold it seems like and I am an absolute sucker for it all.
I think the first time I saw or heard of Pura was on a Chris Loves Julia Instagram story. Pura is basically an air freshener on steroids. Like everything else these days, it connects to an app that lets you control the air freshener on your phone. You can set a schedule for when you want it to run or you can turn it on just before you get home. The scent intensity is also adjustable and there’s a light you can control as well. Another cool feature is that you have two scent cartridges installed at once so you can switch scents all on your phone whenever you want. Also in the app, you can order new scents or start a subscription so new cartridges will come however often you select.
The thing that really sold me on Pura and that keeps me coming back is the scent options. It feels like the chosen product of designers as far as home scents go. There’s been so many collaborations with designers, candle companies, and even Disney. My favorite scents to buy are from Anthropoligie and Brooklyn Candle Studio. There recently was a collab with The Met and I think I’m going to order those scents next.
I really like it and I want to buy more. I’ve recommended it to other people and they love theirs too. It’s really extra but it’s also very convenient and just elevates a space.
My current favorite scent
Pura scent diffuser
4. Chelsea Boots
Number two on the list of Chris Loves Julia buys are these Chelsea Boots. They were included in a list of good deals during the 2022 Nordstrom Sale. There are a few things in this life that I can never have enough of. Black Chelsea Boots are one of those things. I think I currently have three pairs. You just can’t go wrong with them and they are basically all I wear in the fall and winter.
This pair is a little bit different from previous ones I’ve owned. They are flat but with a chunkier sole. This pair has no zipper but elastic on the sides that help you slip them on and off. I like how hardy and durable this pair feels. They aren’t quite Blundstones but they have that kind of feel. They are great and they really were a great deal. I’m going to look out for them next Nordstrom sale and probably pick up a few other colors, they are that good.
5. Abercrombie Shorts
When I was younger, Abercrombie was for surfer dudes and the popular girls. It was all strong cologne and overpriced branded shirts. Abercrombie had its time in the sun but it didn’t feel like it had staying power and for a few years it was really irrelevant. But now Abercrombie is back and better than ever.
It is still overpriced in my mind, but they have some really good staple pieces that I’m okay spending more on. Denim is one of those things that I would rather spend more on and get the good stuff. Once you are the size that you will be for a while, it just makes sense to invest in denim and have it for a long time. It’s cost effective and reduces waste.
Abercrombie denim is absolutely killing it now. I feel like back in the day it was all the shorter the better but now they have so many options that are longer and better for people who aren’t 15. Chris Loves Julia recommended these shorts and I am hooked now. I only have one pair but I’m always other colors and cuts when there’s a sale. They are always sold out which I think is a testament to how good they are. Their shorts are just comfortable and easy and great quality. 10/10 would recommend.
6. Boden Tops
I had never heard of Boden before but I feel like I’m seeing it more and more recently. I was influenced by a British blogger I follow to purchase these tops. She was doing a try on video and showed the white top with ruffle cuffs. It is just a great basic layering piece with a special detail. When I was on the website to order the white top, I saw that black eyelet top and immediately ordered it too.
The tops are cotton and really lightweight but very good quality. They have special details that make them stand out just that extra bit. I wear both of them under sweaters for extra warmth and also because I don’t love how scratchy most sweaters are and how they absolutely wreck your elbows. I don’t ever wear the white top on it’s own because I don’t love the ruffles on the chest part. I do wear the black top on it’s own quite often. It’s a good transitional piece.
I got both tops on sale and while I probably wouldn’t pay full price for them that’s more a reflection of my thriftiness than of the tops quality. When there’s a sale, I will for sure be looking at what else Boden has to offer. I have my eye on a couple of dresses so we’ll see.
That’s about it, I think that’s everything. I definitely have things that I’ve gotten as gifts that are trendy or were popular online but nothing else seemed so great that I had to buy it right then right there.
Making My Good Life 
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