My Must Haves for Life
While I love to add new and fun pieces to my wardrobe, there are a few items that I wear over and over again, especially in winter and would consider fashion essentials. I thought I would share my must-have fashion list with you, and after I started thinking about it, I have must-haves in other categories as well so I decided to break down a few Life Must Haves and share them with you today…the kitchen category is huge, so I’m saving that for another post! I hope you enjoy!
Fashion
Shoes & Boots - I have three pairs of tall Stuart Weitzman Boots…two flat pair - one suede and one leather and a pair with a platform heel. These boots never wear out. I’ve put many miles on all three pairs and would highly recommend them!
Marc Fisher booties, in my opinion are the best for style and price. I prefer the suede Alva bootie, although I do have them in white leather. They run true to size, look amazing with jeans and are very durable.
If you read my post yesterday, I talked about my old and worn out Tory Burch clog booties and how much I loved them. Having said that, I have to include my clog booties from Veronica Beard on this list. They are relatively new, but when it’s cold out they are usually my choice.
Shoes are my weakness and these Gucci Combat Boots were an investment purchase several years ago. They still look brand new and I still LOVE them!
When it comes to dressier sandals, my favorites and most worn are by Valentino. I love the closed toe pump (mine are in red and no longer available), the block heel strappy sandal (mine are light blue), and the gold stiletto. I bought my red ones over ten years ago and they’re still going strong and I wear them every year…summer, fall, winter and spring! All of these styles go with dress, jeans and everything in between!
Jeans - Citizens of Humanity Rocket Ankle Skinny Jeans are my all time favorite skinny jeans. I haven’t gotten on board with the “skinny jeans are out” thing. I don’t think skinny jeans will ever go out of style…What will we wear with tall boots? Anyway, again, I have multiple pairs of these jeans in different washes and think they’re the best ever. Earlier in the year, I also discovered Moussy Jeans…they are a little pricey and definitely have a specific look but I do love them also. My favorites are very distressed and look great with a polished blazer.
Trousers - Trousers are not my go-to pants by any means, but there are times when the occasion calls for them. When that is the case, I reach for my favorite pair from Theory. They are great quality and always look great. The ones I own are no longer available, but these are similar!
Active Wear - Spanx activewear is my favorite to work out in. The booty boost leggings are very flattering and last forever. Normally, I always wear black, but I’ve just ordered a tie-dye set!
Sweaters - Hands down…Vince sweaters are my very favorite! One of my easiest go-to looks is a Vince crew-neck sweater, my Citizens of Humanity Jeans and Marc Fisher booties. In the fall and winter…you’ll see me in this look often!
Handbags - I have a collection of handbags and love them, but not quite as much as shoes. I do have a large wish list for 2022, but for now, I will tell you that my Gucci shoulder bag and My Louis Vuitton Alma bag are my most used handbags.
Tee shirts - I wear tee shirts more often than structured blouses. They’re easy under a blazer or sweater and so much more comfortable. My favorites are by Michael Stars, but I have recently discovered a long sleeve white one that I love by Club Monaco. I bought one earlier in the season and just ordered another one because I’ve worn it so often.
Other favorite brands for dresses, blazers and special pieces are Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. Also I really love my Veronica Beard clogs!
Sneakers - It took me a while to come around to Golden Goose Sneakers but they are the ones I reach for most often. I also have several pairs of Tory Burch sneakers that I love. When it comes to working out…my preference is Nike.
Beauty
I love to try all kinds of new products, but these are the ones that I go back to over and over again.
NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation - I don’t like a heavy foundation and have been using this one for years.
NARS Bronzing Powder - I also use this bronzer for eyeshadow when I’m in a hurry or just doing an every day work from home look.
Bobbie Brown Shimmer Brick - I’ve been using this for years and also find it great for everything from lining under my eyes to eyeshadow to a highlighter. Very multipurpose!
Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen - I use #2. This is hands-down my favorite concealer ever!
Dior Addict Stellar Shine Lipstick - Feels great on my lips and I love the sheer colors!
Perfume and Cologne - I have used Jo Malone colognes for many years and my favorite is the Pomegranate Noir. I also love the Grapefruit, Wood Sage and Sea Salt and the Amber & Lavender. This year I discovered Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady and I’m obsessed!
Skincare - I’ve been using iS Clinical Skincare for several years now and have seen a difference in my skin. I use Cleansing Complex and the Warming Honey Cleansers, the GenEXC Serum, the Reparative Moisture Emulsion and the Eye Complex.
Hair Care Products - Virtue Recovery Shampoo & Conditioner are my faves for every day. I also use the Virtue Healing Oil every day multiple times! Virtue 6-in-One Styler is great for smoothing and heat protection. I’ve been using Sebastion Re-Shaper Hairspray for as long as I can remember and will not use any other kind!
Home
Nest Candles are my go-to candles…they’re reasonably affordable and I love the Grapefruit year around.
I would have a Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir candle in every room, however, they are a little on the expensive side, so I use them for special occasions.
I love coffee table books of all kinds, but mostly decor and fashion…I’m in the process of creating a page on Amazon so you can shop my favorites! My all time favorite is Miles Redd, The Big Book of Chic…I guess I’m a maximalist at heart!
In the winter, I like to have a throw in every room and this one from UGG is so soft and cozy!
I also really love to use laundry and cleaning products from The Laundress! I wouldn’t call them a must have, but they are my favorites! The Le Labo Santal Laundry Detergent smells like heaven and the Scented Vinegar elevates your house cleaning experience!
Shop My Must-Haves Below