Yahoo Movies I'm a Picky Shopper, but These Are the 14 Things I'm So Happy to Have This Winter
InStyle/ Lake & Sky
When I was younger, I loved to shop. I was at the mall almost every day; it was my haven and the place to gather with friends. I enjoyed browsing the racks, trying on clothes and shoes, and buying a few new things here and there (because there was always an excuse for a new outfit in high school, right?). And before you ask, yes, I always knew I wanted to work in fashion, hence my love of shopping. It was, in a non-cheesy way, my passion.
As I got older, though, and I kicked off my career in fashion, I started to buy less and instead, buy better. I learned about investment pieces and cost per wear; I stopped buying just to buy, and instead, asked myself if I needed it before grabbing my credit card. I kinda, sorta became what you might call a picky shopper, though I would call it being a smart shopper, instead.
Nowadays, I like to do a little shopping at the beginning of every season, but there's nothing I love more than investing in new things for winter. It's cozy season! It's relaxation season! It's the time to rest, unwind, and hibernate, and as such, the items I buy all fall into that theme. Self-care takes priority; my skin needs a little bit more TLC, so replenishing my beauty cabinet with moisturizing essentials is a must. And, of course, spending more time indoors also means investing in items like candles and blankets that make your home feel like a sanctuary.
Ahead, all the things — like sneaker-boots that are equal parts cozy and cool, a moisturizer that has saved my dry skin, and a weighted blanket that alleviates stress and anxiety — that are helping me through winter with ease.
14 Editor-Approved Buys for Winter
Cariuma Caturi Camel Suede, $169; cariuma.com
Lake & Skye 11 11 Candle, $48; lakeandskye.com
Sunday Citizen Casablanca Throw, $160; nordstrom.com
Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream, $52; tula.com
The North Face Nuptse Mule, $75; thenorthface.com
Hollister Faux Leather Puffer Jacket, $66 (Originally $120); hollisterco.com
ZIIP OX Series, $480; ziipbeauty.com
Sustain Yourself Sensitive Skin Deodorant, $14; zerowastestore.com
Bearaby Cotton Napper, $249; bearaby.com
Laurastar IGGI Handheld Steamer, $299; amazon.com
Kathryn New York Sagittarius Constellation Anklet, $195; kathrynnewyork.com
Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment, $36; boucleme.us
Smash & Tess The Elevate Happy Hour Romper, $129; smashtess.com
Love & Sage Lip Balm, $12; amazon.com
Cariuma Caturi Boots in Camel Suede
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Living in Minnesota most of my life, where temperatures regularly reach the negative teens and a single day's snowfall can be as much as 8 inches, I've come to know the importance (and value) of a good winter shoe. Ugg boots truly have been a saving grace, but when I discovered these insulated Cariuma boots, I thought I'd try them instead. And boy, am I glad I did. Not only do they look incredibly cool thanks to the sneaker silhouette, but my feet were so toasty because of that vegan shearling lining. Oh, and the vegan leather is water-resistant, so no need to worry about snow or slush leaving annoying stains.
Shop now: $169; cariuma.com
Lake & Skye 11 11 Candle
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A candle a day keeps the doctor away. Okay, but in all honesty, there's nothing more relaxing and grounding than lighting a candle, especially on cold, dark winter nights. Add in an amazing scent, and you have all you need to create an atmosphere of pure peace at home, when the outside world can be anything but. This Lake & Skye candle has impeccable burn time (50 hours, to be exact) and smells amazing (its scent is a mix of amber and musk). I'm on my third one already and buying it for all my friends, too.
Shop now: $48; lakeandskye.com
Sunday Citizen Casablanca Throw
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Okay, so when I tell you this is the best blanket I have ever had in my entire life, I mean it: This is the best blanket I've ever had, and my entire family is hooked. After using it for less than a day, my mom decided to purchase one for herself; shortly after, so did my sister. It's the perfect weight, incredibly soft, and big. I'm tall, so I've always had issues with blankets not covering my feet, but that doesn't happen with this substantially sized one. I also bought it for my friend's birthday, and after unpacking it, her husband purchased one for his mom and his sister minutes later. Clearly, this one's special.
Shop now: $160; nordstrom.com
Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
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Everything from Tula has been my saving grace since I began using the skincare brand last year. Its Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm is my secret to looking like I got a full night's sleep (when absolutely did not), and its best-selling 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream is the only thing that has been able to soothe my dry, cracked, irritated skin this winter (thanks, in part, to my apartment's heater that has wreaked havoc on my complexion). The cream does it all: It hydrates, firms, nourishes, plumps, and calms, all thanks to an impressive mix of hero ingredients like probiotic extracts, apple and watermelon, and squalene.
Shop now: $52; tula.com
The North Face Nuptse Mule
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I saw Kendall Jenner wearing these North Face mules, so naturally, I need them now, too. In my experience, one can never own too many shoes (correction: one can never own too many cozy shoes), and these check off every box: They're stylish, they're warm because of an insulated interior, and they're affordable, too. I'll take two pairs, please.
Shop now: $75; thenorthface.com
Hollister Faux Leather Puffer Jacket
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I used to shop at Hollister all the time when I was in high school. I stopped once I went to college, but because of Abercrombie's resurgence, I was also inspired to take a peek at what Hollister now has to offer — and I immediately fell in love with this Vegan Puffer Jacket. It's so warm (I tested it out in the Minnesota cold) and is currently on sale for a reasonable $66. I plan on buying a few more colors of this one, too.
Shop now: $66 (Originally $120); hollisterco.com
ZIIP OX Series
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Jennifer Aniston called this Ziip face sculpting device by Melanie Simon a "cool tool" in 2019, and she still swears by it today. I recently added it to my beauty arsenal after reading so many rave reviews (and, of course, because it's Aniston-approved). The small-but-mighty device promises to lift, sculpt, firm, and brighten skin with its nano current and microcurrent technology. It's pricey, but this is the year I have decided to really invest in my skincare.
Shop now: $480; ziipbeauty.com
Sustain Yourself Sensitive Skin Deodorant
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I've been craving a new aluminum-free deodorant (I swear by Kopari's, but a change was needed), so when I went to my local co-op in Minnesota, I decided to try this all-natural deodorant cream from Minneapolis-based brand Sustain Yourself. Its formula is gentle yet effective since it's made without baking soda that can irritate sensitive pits (like mine!). I also love that it's plastic-free, and once I'm done with my first jar, I plan on reusing it to hold some of my earrings.
Shop now: $14; zerowastestore.com
Bearaby Cotton Napper
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I've heard so much about the Bearaby Cotton Napper, so when I had the chance to test it out, I said yes without hesitation. The weighted blanket is said to help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, as well as aid in better, deeper sleep. And while I was a little surprised at its weight when I first unpacked it (I went with the 15-pounder), the minute I put it over me, it didn't feel quite as heavy. The weight was distributed evenly over my body, and after laying with it for about 15 minutes, I did, in fact, feel calmer and more relaxed. Plus, it looks so chic, too.
Shop now: $249; bearaby.com
Laurastar IGGI Handheld Steamer
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Is being an adult getting really excited about a good steamer? I think so. I had the chance to test out this innovative new device that's not just your average steamer: It's technically a hygienic steamer that gets clothes wrinkle-free faster than others while also disinfecting fabrics (and objects, too). I tested it on everything — even my most delicate of silks — and they came out looking and smelling so fresh.
Shop now: $299; amazon.com
Kathryn New York Sagittarius Constellation Anklet
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I rarely splurge on myself, but I've recently come to understand the value of spending a bit more on gorgeous jewelry — especially if it has special meaning to you. This Kathryn New York anklet is the perfect addition to my collection. I'm also very into astrology, which is why this Sagittarius anklet holds a special meaning. Plus, I like that it can also be my little secret that I'm wearing it.
Shop now: $195; kathrynnewyork.com
Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment
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My hair gets extra dry and frizzy in the winter, so I really must focus on giving it some extra love and care this time of year. This Bouclème hair mask is just what my dry strands need, and after the first use, I already noticed a difference in my hair. It was smooth! It was shiny! It was easy to comb through! The creamy formula is packed with ultra-hydrating marula oil, mafura butter, and camellia oil that work together to rejuvenate and strengthen each strand. The result? Hair that's less prone to breakage and tangling. Plus, there's a lot of product in one jar, so the $36 price tag is well worth it.
Shop now: $36; boucleme.us
Smash & Tess The Elevate Happy Hour Romper
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If you haven't tried Smash & Tess's rompers yet, I'm sorry, but you're seriously missing out on the easiest, most comfortable outfit in the world. Celeb fans include Emma Roberts, Hilary Duff, and Kate Hudson — and fashion editors (like me) are also totally in love. They're great for work, play, and travel. Just lounging at home? These rompers are perfect for that, too. I have three in my collection and will be adding a fourth — especially, this Happy Hour Romper — to my lineup next.
Shop now: $129; smashtess.com
Love & Sage Lip Balm
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If you're looking for a hydrating lip balm that gives a subtle pop of color, consider your search over. This Love & Sage lippie, which is made from beeswax and a blend of ultra-moisturizing oils, like coconut, sunflower, and baobab, has been the only thing to help soothe my cracked lips. After use, they're silky! They're soft! And they look so pretty thanks to the subtle pop of pink. I totally get why Gwyneth Paltrow ends her night with this Love & Sage balm.
Shop now: $12; amazon.com
