Alyson’s Current Favorites // December 2018

Holy December! I have no idea how we got here except we’re in it and the month is flying by. I’ve been busy sharing content here this month (including lots of gift guides to save you time!) so check the site if you’re looking for something specific holiday related. Here is what I’m loving this month.

 

WORTH GETTING: Cuyana wallet (here)

This gorgeous blush wallet in the photo above has been on my wish list since July. I’ve desperately needed/wanted a new wallet (the brand also has a smaller size) and I’ve heard such fantastic reviews about Cuyana, which creates timeliness and modern pieces that are clearly thoughtfully designed. I had asked Adam for the wallet for my Hanukkah gift. The brand then coincidentally reached out and super generously offered to send it my way (incredibly grateful). I would have purchased it anyway and now that I own it can fully say how it’s so worth it (for reference, my previous wallet, a similar sized Tory Burch is decently more and I find Cuyana’s quality superior).

The leather smells amazing and you can tell it’s well constructed. Plus, I love the monogramming service, which makes all of its leather goods extra special. Their totes are gorgeous as well and come in such a great range of colors. I candidly find my LV neverful tote pretty uncomfortable (it was causing shoulder pain!) so the slightly thicker straps are a fantastic, budget friendly alternative… for real leather. Check out this one under $200 — it holds a lot, is really comfortable, and the leather folds in on the sides (you can spy it in my photo just below as well).

 

FAVORITE FOOTWEAR: Leopard sneakers (under $30 here!)

You might have seen me share these amazing new sneaks on social media but they’re so worth sharing again. If you’re familiar with Golden Goose — the super cool hipster sneaker brand that yup, look sort of dirty and yup, are also at least $450! — then you’ll love that these are basically an amazing dupe… at under $30 (don’t they look just like this pair?)! They’re so freaking cute, I’m basically in them whenever possible…perfect with white or black tops but as you can see, they really go with everything. And, they’re so comfortable: for proof, I wore them around NYC for an entire day! I also get compliments or asked about them every time I wear them. They’re so good. For a “dressier” sneaker, my other most worn are these wedge sneakers that come in a ton of colors and I got in gray (they show up on my Insta stories alot!).

 

WORTH DOING: Month of Kindness

I saw this graphic on Palm Beach Moms Instagram page (here) and LOVE it so much that I just have to share. So many of these will take us just one or two seconds and can completely transform someone’s day, as well as your own. This time of year can be so full of material consumption that it’s important to focus on what’s most important… gratitude, family, community and love.

 

BEAUTY DEAL: It Cosmetics Lash & Liner Trio (Under $30, here!)

You all know my love of It Cosmetics for many years, and its Superhero mascara with its incredible ability to add literally superhero-level volume and length is absolutely one of my top three brand favorites… in addition to having a major cult following. I also use this liquid liner basically every time I wear liner, so the fact that you can get both of these full-size products PLUS its no-tug waterproof liner in this trio is such a steal. The mascara alone is reg. $24! I’ll be giving away one of these trios on my Instagram this weekend but I also ordered one for myself, and highly suggest you do as well (or it’s a great under $30 gift idea!).

 

 

WORTH WATCHING: MUST-WATCH SHOWS ARE BACK (there’s three shows on my hit list!)

Ok, you guys, commence cozy pjs because there is serious tv to watch… Marvelous Ms. Maisel is finally back with a second season, the cheesy goodness of Fuller House returns in just a few more days and Schitt’s Creek has a holiday special on Dec. 19 before season 5 returns in January. If you haven’t watched any of these shows, get on it girl (or boy!) because they all make me SO insanely happy. Ok, maybe do this after you tackle these 10 holiday movies, but then… start watching. I just re-watched all the Schitt’s Creek eps because they make me that happy.

 

SALE ALERT: BaubleBar sale — it’s all 30% off here!

Ok, a lot of style and fashion in this month’s favorites but there’s so much to share! You know BaubleBar is a long-time favorite for fun costume jewelry and the price is even great without a discount. Take advantage of a little jewelry refresh for yourself, or this is the perfect gift or stocking stuffer thanks to 30% off with code JOLLY. Last year I used this sale to treat a few people and I’m definitely planning it again…  it for sure made me happier to gift! Included above are my favorites, many of which I own and love, some that are on sale, and others that I’d totally purchase if I could justify one more piece of jewelry (fact: if you saw my current situation you’d know I cannot!)

 

WORTH READING: 3 Easy Ways to Be Nicer to Yourself

Are you super critical of yourself? If that resonates with you, you’ll really appreciate this article I saw Grace share about three easy ways you can be a little less self critical. They’re all totally accurate and in addition to perhaps starting a daily gratitude journal or list (i.e. just five to 10 things you’re grateful for… even that warm cup of coffee!) you can start to reframe your inner dialogue and perspective.