We are nearing the gift-giving season. Which means that we are nearing the new year. Here's a list, which you can use as a shopping list (because this is my shopping/wish list) for the holidays, or just for a treat yo'self-day
1. A new, good-quality purse.
A new purse just feels good. If you're into leather, you know this is especially true. You go to the store and pick out this completely un-puckered purse to carry. At the end of the year, you can sell it, or put it up in your closet, or continue carrying it until it falls apart.
2. A new watch.
Watch trends change. Just like purses. I prefer analog to digital, just because I have a slight inclination toward pretentiousness (I'm an English Major, what can I say?) For a while I had a watch from Fossil that was a clear plexiglass band and rim around a rose gold face. It's still my favorite one, but it broke and I haven't made any distinctive moves toward purchasing another.
3. A new PJ set.
I wear PJ sets. I know I'm not the only one. But I wear actual PJ sets to bed. I like how idyllic they are. I may stay up until 4 am and I may have to wake up at 8, but I'll be damned if I don't look cute during the four hours when I'm asleep. Obviously, I break this rule when I sleep in my sweats and a big t-shirt. But I don't feel cute. I feel baggy. When I wear PJ sets to bed, I feel cute, happy, feminine, and put together. If you don't wear PJ sets, I implore you to run your happy ass to Target right now and buy a set.
4. A new wallet.
5. New shoes.
Sneakers, heels, sandals, boots – who cares? You need new shoes. I like to buy new slip-ons (like vans or toms) for the new year, because there's nothing like feeling confident in shoes that completely perfect your ~look~. New year, new you, right?
6. A new swimsuit.
So, this is more of a summer purchase, and depending on how many swimsuits you already have, you may want to forego this suggestion. I have too many swimsuits. They're all pretty classically cut, none of them are neoprene, which, if you remember, was pretty popular in 2014. If you like to stay ahead of the curve, you probably won't want to be wearing a neoprene swimsuit this summer. Also, I feel like swimwear would be slightly cheaper in the winter than in the summer, because of supply and demand? Maybe? That makes sense.
7. A new outfit.
Hello! You are fabulous! So is your classic go-out outfit. But it's also your typical outfit, and that can put you in a rut. I suggest that each year you pick something new out, that you can alternate with the outfits you already have. So, you don't stay in that rut.
8. Getting your car waxed & detailed.
This is my dad talking, but also me. I'm only saying it because it's how I was raised. My dad taught me, through the care he presented with our cars, that looking good feels good. You may have the nicest car on your block, but if its covered in dust and someone has scribed, "Wash Me," on the back windshield, you may as well be driving a Sims 3 Sloppy Jaloppy. Get that shit cleaned. Detail the inside. Get the outside waxed. You can do it yourself too! Go into any Auto-Zone-y place, and they will direct you to the tools. Also for me, I've found that cleanliness promotes my personal productivity, and if I'm driving in a beautiful and clean and shiny car, I want the rest of me to echo that beautiful shine.
9. New tubes of your favorite products.
10. New underwear.
You probably buy new underwear more than once a year. But do you also throw out your old undies? Keep that rotation up, man. It's annoying to not be able to find anything cute in your drawer because all of your underwear is from the year you graduated high school.
And your bra? Honey. Give your old one a break, and buy a new one so that you aren't wearing the same bra for months in a row anymore.
11. Photos.
Every year, seriously, you should move photos from your phone onto your computer, and then send those photos to CVS or Walgreens or Kroger or wherever develops photos, and get those photos developed. Not only does this free up space on your phone for new photos and apps, but you'll be starting a collection of physical photo albums – keepsakes that you can take with you into the new year.
