my favorite things in 2020

I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As always, my opinions and sentiments are my own and I express them freely, regardless of sponsorship because I partner with brands I love.

Without opening with a cliche phrase to describe 2020 itself, I’ll just tell you that I really hope my favorite things in 2021 look a little different than this year’s do.

Understandably, I spent a good deal of time at home this year, cozied up under blankets and opting for comfy clothes, rather than my typical fashion-forward wardrobe that I’m normally sporting at the office and out and about. I opted to include only items on this list that I could think of in one sitting. Whatever made it onto my Post-It note is what you’re going to see here.

one: sunday riley good genes

I decided to take a more consistent approach to skincare in 2020, as long as I was going to be at home sans makeup most of the time. I mean – I’m not getting any younger – I turned 33 this year and will be 34 next month.

Sunday Riley’s Good Genes gets a LOT of hype from bloggers/influencers and the like, plus it costs a little more than pocket change does. Incorporating a lactic acid serum like Good Genes encourages cell turnover and smooths out your skin’s imperfections, which is exactly what I needed. I spend far too much time hunched over my computer in my home office these days and my wrinkles are getting more pronounced. I work Good Genes into my routine after toner but before moisturizer and let me just tell you – I was not expecting the results that I actually got from this product.

sunday riley good genes

 

My friend, Sarah, is a beauty and skincare junkie and encouraged me to try it out. I texted her about 10 minutes after I put it on my face for the first time because I could FEEL it working! I have continued to use it once a day (normally at night) and have seen a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my face and reduction in wrinkles. I will definitely continue to repurchase because it is WORTH. THE. HYPE.

 

two: good american good legs denim

I’m a broken record and I’ll be brief when I talk about these. You’ve seen me wear them over. and over. and over. and over this year. I actually bought my first pair of Good American denim in 2019, but I decided to purchase more this year.

favorite denim (again) – true to size

 

My favorite style is Good Legs because of my body type – they fit in all the right places and the waist band doesn’t gap when you sit. Good American styles come in sizes 00-24, so they are truly very size inclusive and the quality is top notch! I often have thigh rub in my various pairs of denim but my GA pairs have withstood the wear very well! They also have sales frequently, so be sure to watch for those.

 

three: nordstrom cz studs

I love these earrings and have them in two sizes. My most versatile style is the 2ct and they look so real! They often go on sale as they are Nordstrom made brand. I got my latest pair (6ct) from the NSale and they were half off. There’s nothing else to say about these beauties – they’re just truly classic and will not break the bank. They don’t look cheap, they don’t hurt (even my sensitive ears), and they go with everything!

Nordstrom cubic zirconia 3 CT total weight earrings Nordstrom anniversary sale 2020

 

four: chelsea boots

These boots are incredibly trendy and are a newer purchase, but I have worn them like crazy (when appropriate for the weather, of course!) You all went crazy for them when I posted them for the first time, so I know you love them as much as I do, too. They’re perfect for more petite and wide ankles (which you can’t say about every boot in this style) and look way more expensive than they are in reality. They’re around $100 but could go on sale here shortly. I find them true to size.

five: zella live in joggers

I was surprised to find that I don’t have a photo of me wearing these joggers, but I guess that makes sense because I’m typically wearing them on days when I want to just be comfy and not worry about getting ready. I purchased the Zella Live In Joggers (which come in both straight and plus sizes) during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year and I loved the first pair so much when I put them on that I immediately purchased a second pair and they are both in HEAVY rotation for me.

I know that not everyone is a jogger lover, but the Zella Live In Leggings are just as good if that’s more up your alley. I own a few pairs of those and wear them well, too!

Zella live in pocket joggers women’s

 

Zella plus size black joggers

 

six: barefoot dreams blankets

I’m laying under one of my three Barefoot Dreams blankets as I write this. I have one on each couch and I had to surrender my third to Peanut (insert eye roll). They are definitely a splurge, but are gigantic, plush, and wash very well. You can catch them on sale every once in a while and that is when I decided to get mine. They’re PERFECT for those who live in colder climates and although this might sound ridiculous, I can’t live without mine now!

plush tan and white blanket in leopard print

seven: erin condren planner + my favorite pens

If you’ve been around for a minute, you know that Erin Condren stationery (especially the LifePlanner) is my favorite! I’ve had several and I’m ready for 2021 with my new hourly LifePlanner, too.

I do really enjoy the Erin Condren Dual Tip Markers for some of my planner notes, but my absolute favorite pens are these extra fine point liquid ink rolling ball pens.

north-star-notes-erin-condren-life-planner

 

I hope that you’ve enjoyed my absolute FAVORITE things of 2020! Here’s to sharing more of my finds with you in 2021.

sign-off by heather from north star notes