This year, I’m kicking off a new monthly series featuring a round-up of items that were instant hits – starting with January favorites. Expect a monthly mix of items, including beauty, skincare, home, travel, fashion, and random categories. For example, this month includes incredible dental care items. Who knew a toothpaste and toothbrush would change my life? Not me!
Some months may include only a few products, while others could be filled to the brim with must-haves. Through it all, my promise to you is to keep the lists focused; only the very best items.
January Favorites
In fact, about a year ago, I had a discussion with Allie and Mackenzie about the blogging space and product recommendations. After blogging since 2007, I’ve featured a lot of brands and products. So often, I wish that I could sit down with you to talk about the items that are SERIOUSLY incredible.
Listen, I would never ever EVER feature something I don’t believe in. But there are countless instances where a product far and away blows my mind. I’m talking about items that I immediately text and share with close family and friends.
In my discussion with Allie and Mackenzie, I started to reference these brands and top picks as “guacamole.” Don’t ask my why, haha! I guess because guacamole is one of my all-time fave dishes and never lets me down.
So without further ado, I’m sharing this month’s “guacamole” – the absolute best January favorites that I adore.
January Favorites – Best of Beauty
To kick things off, let’s talk about the best of beauty – including a few makeup/skincare items and also dental products. Yes, dental products! Trust me, friends – these brands and pieces are worth a look.
Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste
With 15,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon, the Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste is legit. For the past few months, I’ve been doing a bunch of research about teeth, gum, and overall mouth health. I can’t stand cavities, and I want to avoid them at all costs.
Thankfully, I came across this amazing toothpaste online, and I immediately loved the fact it has nano hydroxy (basically a mineral that remineralizes teeth and reduces sensitivity). It’s also proven to be non-toxic and free from fluoride, sulfates, and much more.
Fluoride is something that you should 100,000% read up on. I’m SO thankful to know better now. 🙂
Here’s the only catch. It’s not very foamy, so if that’s an important quality for you in toothpaste – pass. Frankly, I don’t mind it’s not foamy. Results are what matters the most!
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Toothbrush
Speaking of dental care, I’m obsessed with the Sonicare DiamondClean Toothbrush. Total game changer. Sure, it’s an investment, but I’ve been shocked at the results that I’ve seen in a short period of time. I love it so much that Bob immediately ordered the gray version for himself the day I got mine (along with the Ela Mint toothpaste).
Beyond the fact it comes with three different brush heads depending on your goals (whitening, deep clean, etc.), it removes up to 10x more plaque. I’ve especially noticed my teeth feel whiter (especially since I still have some separators from my Invisalign).
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation
One of my holy grail foundations may have been dethroned. For the past several months, this NARS foundation has been my absolute favorite, go-to daily foundation. I still adore it, and will certainly keep it in my collection.
However, the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation really shocked me. First, it gives more coverage than the NARS. Therefore, for special occasions, it’s the PERFECT foundation. It’s also slightly more dewy (nothing crazy). If you have combo or oily skin, I’d just recommend setting this gorgeous foundation with powder and having a pressed powder on hand for light touch ups throughout the day.
January Favorites – Best of Fashion
This month was filled with so many fave fashion items, it’s hard to know where to start (haha). But I narrowed it down to my absolute best of styles that I hope you’ll take a peek at! These are also in no particular order.
Cara Cara x House of Harris
Since its inception, Cara Cara New York has been a very special brand to me. One day, I’ll tell you the full story over drinks. 🙂 But let’s just say a few members of the design team mean a lot to me, and I will forever support them. Best of all, the collection is STUNNING. The prints, patterns, bold colors, and unapologetic styles are just some of the billion of reasons why you’ll love the line.
Remember this maxi dress? I still can’t get enough of it. This summer printed dress? One of my faves in my closet.
Recently, they launched a collab with House of Harris for a capsule collection that includes printed sets, dresses, and tableware. It was love at first site. Beyond the posh pattern, the fabric of this printed set is SO comfortable. This stylish set feels like wearing pajamas yet elevated enough to wear from work to weekend.
I also love the items can be worn together or separately. Be sure to check out the entire collaboration.
Shop Buru Skirt
One brand that’s always on my radar is Shop Buru. Every single piece from their collection has remained in my closet, and I can’t seem to get enough of it. Their best product in my humble opinion? Their Teagan Skirt is an absolute stunner.
First, I love that each version has an elastic waist. The silhouette is SO comfortable, and they always pick the most perfect fabrics. This version is the BURU x TSCS Pink Label Teagan Skirt in pink swiss dot.
Per the fit notes, the skirt can run small so if you’re between sizes, go up. I found it to fit true to size (I’m wearing a size small), but the stretchy waist makes it easier to
While I’ve consistently opted for maxi skirts, be sure to check out the midi version too. So good!
AmyJo Fascinator + Tory Burch Tulle Dress
AmyJo Original Hats was kind enough to DM me a couple years ago about possibly working together for a special occasion. After all, I love the Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot, Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, and any reason to celebrate either Derby’s or Polo.
Thankfully, we found the perfect occasion to work together with the National Polo Center Palm Beach’s famous Sunday Brunch. I’ve worked with a LOT of brands and designers over the years. She was easily in the top five in terms of easiest, best, most communicative, and lovely to work with. Ever, ever, ever.
Also, the final result was EXACTLY what I wanted. We had even been messaging over the holidays, and she was in constant communication about the status of the fascinator. Plus, it arrived PERFECTLY packaged within an inch of its life.
I styled it with this gorgeous Tory Burch tulle dress that was inspired by her phenomenal 2022 Met Gala gown. This darling dress was love at first sight. It’s even more stunning in person if that’s possible – fits true to size, and truly just so gorgeous. I decided to add a thin black belt to cinch my waist, and wore a nude slip underneath since the ivory tulle is a bit sheer.
January Favorites – Best of Home
As I’ve said before, 2023 is all about the year of interiors. We’ve only scratched the surface, but I’m excited to share a top pick that’s brought life to my workspace.
McGee & Co x Target Artwork
For the first time ever in my 14-year history at my full-time job, I finally have my own office. Listen, it might not stay that way (lol), but it has meant a lot to me to have my own space. Like a lot a lot.
I’ve just been the longest consistent full-time employee, and I’m incredibly proud of the contributions that I’ve made to the company. The goal of the space is not just to be my office alone either! It’s also a common space for people to use for calls, internal meetings, and just a getaway if someone needs a moment to themselves. It’s partly a shared space, and I’m okay with that!
As such, the objective was to make the space like an extension of the whole office. It’s no secret I’m not scared of colors, patterns, prints, and bold wallpapers. Haha! But I’ve been very cognizant of designing things to be cohesive with everything else.
Enter the McGee & Co for Target artwork. I did a large blog post about the new collection release, which has SO many good pieces. But one of my all-time faves? This 36 x 36 artwork for only $85. The price for this piece is INSANE. The large scale piece is just brilliant, and I love seeing it every day at my office. Highly recommended!
January Favorites – Best of Travel
2023 travel started out fast and furious with trips to Mexico and Palm Beach. My trip to Mexico was for work and to a property that holds a special place in my heart. Palm Beach was all about FUN.
We had the trip planned for awhile, and it was so nice to return to a dynamic destination and haute hotel that’s taking the fashion and travel scene by storm.
The Colony Palm Beach
Many years ago, Bob and I stayed at The Colony Palm Beach before it underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. We immediately fell in the love with the property and Palm Beach overall. It was a welcome relief to return to the refreshed property, and we were especially shocked to find they placed us in their Villa Poinciana.
I’ll be doing a full tour and post of the villa, but wow! Just wow. Simply put – it’s SPECTACULAR.
The stunning 2,700-square-foot villa features one king-sized bed in one bedroom and two twin-sized beds in the other. Additionally, it was designed by the incomparable Kemble Interiors. From the serene blue wallpaper to the gorgeous terraces, there are so many areas to explore. Check on the floor plan here.
Palm Beach Polo
Speaking of the National Polo Center’s Palm Beach Sunday brunch, I highly recommend buying tickets if you’re in the area. It’s SO fun. The brunch is held at The Pavilion at the National Polo Center where you receive a delicious spread of brunch items. You can also buy an elevated VIP ticket for 2-6 people that comes with better seating and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.
If we decide to return to Polo (which is definitely something we want to do), we’ll like opt for the more affordable Patio Table for two. Don’t get me wrong – we loved the VIP tickets. However, the Patio Table tickets are about half the cost and come with a similar experience. The biggest difference is that you’re much closer to the people around you and you may not be seated in the first row. Regardless, the day at Polo is a blast. Make sure to arrive early to enjoy every minute of it.
Steamline Luggage
To kick-off the new year, I’m thrilled to share a new set of luxe luggage. As someone who travels A TON for work and fun, luggage is like an appendage to me, lol. I use them ALL of the time. From planes to trains and automobiles, my luggage is put through the ringer. I need durable and stylish styles that can keep up with the fast pace of our travels.
To be clear, I am still OBSESSED with this monogrammed luggage. It continues to be timeless, classic, and items that I always use for trips. They will forever be a part of my collection. In fact, we love it so much that Bob get a luggage set in navy too. We truly can’t get enough of them.
At the same time, switching up the styles for different destinations and moods is always top of mind. Enter Steamline Luggage. I’ve been a longtime fan and owner of their pieces. In fact, the luggage is even a central staple in our family room. These luggage pieces are both fashionable AND functional.
January Favorites – In Closing
What are some of your favorites of the month? Drop a comment below and let me know any items that you can’t live without. I’m all ears and would love to hear!