Oh January, the month of promises, gym memberships and apparently- shopping. This list of favorites is really compiled over the past few months, but I'm back on the nest to report on some of the best and worst items that have come into my life recently. I hope you started the new year feeling accomplished, inspired and brave. Thinking about where I will be in January 2017 is beyond my mental capacity... meet you back here in a year for a status update?
Sit back, relax & enjoy my raves, rejects, recents, reads, randoms and rhythms from the past month. (can you tell I like alliteration)
Rave: Sam & Libby Heeled Ankle Boots, Target $45
I take absolutely no credit for the discovery of these amazing booties- praise be to Sophie. She is patient zero of an epidemic: at least 10 people in our immediate friend group have bought these boots since she got them last year- contagious yet no one is complaining. They are chic, comfortable, and the perfect going out shoe for rainy Eugene as the fake leather is basically waterproof.
Rave: Gold pearl ring from 'Hands' in San Luis Obispo
I have adored this gold ring since Olivia gave it to me 4 months ago. A matching ring to one she owns, it is not only delicately beautiful and timeless but also sentimental. I always smile and think of her and how loved I felt on my birthday whenever I wear it. A new twist in the past month that I have discovered is layering the Hands ring with my old Dogeared coral ring to give it a pop of color. Disclaimer: This is not a sly engagement announcement, I usually wear these rings on my right hand but this blog is a one woman operation and I can't shoot my camera left handed. #PutARingOnIt
Rave: Living Proof Happy Hair Days kit $32
My Mom got me this kit for Christmas and it is safe to say I am obsessed. The entire product line has a flawless fresh and clean scent that blends with everything and doesn't smell too girly or flowery. As the price suggests this stuff is seriously high quality, but I am here to say that it is a good value and truly does make a difference. My hair stays cleaner for longer, my style holds better even when just air-drying and that dry shampoo is the 8th wonder of the world. Magical aerosol.
Chloé is a classic with insane stay power. Feminine & chic this scent and the adorable gift set (talk about luxurious lotion) has overtaken my original love Chanel Eau Tendre (gasp!) but I mean how can you refuse that adorable baby travel bottle??
Rave: Free People Tooled Wallet in Navy- $28 (next to another FP purse I love, an olive green beauty that is now sadly sold out)
Accessories have always been one of my weaknesses (also on the list is dark chocolate, candy corn & Harry Styles). Both of these purses have been staples in my wardrobe these past few months, each of them semi-neutral and useful in their own way. The olive green bag is a great every-day purse with lots of room and compliments so many colors and styles. The navy 'wallet' is my go-to going out purse, I tend to wear all black to the bars (thanks Sophie) so packing a punch with my purse is essential. Warning: it is pretty tiny and stiff so you can't over-stuff it. I comfortably fit a small wallet, phone, keys and other bits and bobs.
Garance Doré is slowly becoming one of my new obsessions. She has been killing the game in the fashion industry for years now, beyond talented not only with physical art but also with the art of words. Her book is a delight to read, split up in a variety of mini chapters that make me laugh out loud, nod along with her observations and see the fashion world through her eyes. 
Rave: Urban Outfitters Geometric Hoop earring (similar in this set for $24)
These were the ultimate impulse buy when I was in Seattle over MLK weekend, but I feel absolutely no regrets. I have been getting sick of wearing plain studs or diamond earrings when I need a neutral earring, and these do the trick with some added style and edge.
Rave: First Aid Beauty Kit- To The Rescue Sampler Kit $32
I wasn't sure how to classify this... both 'Rave' and 'Reject' are accurate. I love some of the products in this kit, but similar to the Josie Maran products below it didn't do everything it promised on the packaging. Everything by FAB is so gentle and kind to your skin, I find myself going back to it again and again (especially the 'Ultra Repair Wash'). Made of seriously high quality formula, so many bloggers swear by this brand and I can totally see why. Give this a try if you're looking for a new skincare routine- this sampler kit is a great value!
Reject: Josie Maran Whimsical Wonder Argan Oil Kit $48
It pains me to say this- but this product was a bit of a disappointment. At a time when I was so desperate for dry skin miracle products, I went to Sephora in search of answers and ended up spending wasted time and money. Not to say I didn't enjoy using this kit, it is luxurious, smells amazing and feels great on the skin- it just wasn't what I needed it to be. If you have combination skin that is getting a bit dry this winter give this a try!
Read: Charly Cox- Style the Natives
I feel like I have some kind of emotional connection to Charly Cox, she's my British spirit animal if you will. (This is a more realistic version of my notion that I would be soul mates with Harry Styles) Anyways, her blog is fantastic. Not only is her style on point, she is a fantastic writer who hits all my soft places with 'ugly' topics that not many people online are brave enough to take on with such grace and accuracy. Her website description says it all: "A painfully honest account of growing up combatting Bipolar disorder, an unhealthy love of bad men and buying into fast fashion. Written by a 20 year old loser who's had too many cool jobs to still be this broke." Read "There's no such thing as love, it's just a fantasy" for a taste of her work.
Random: Simple Human Sensor Mirror $190
This is one of those extravagant life accessories that I don't really need, but I LOVE (thank you Nana and Popop!). The intense (and honestly frightening) magnification and bright light is perfect for an OCD application of eyeliner or the extraction of a tiny eyebrow hair- what you see in that 5 times magnification cannot be unseen.
Recent: Hamsa necklace (a gift from Israel, given to me by Sophie)
This necklace is a great addition to any casual outfit to give it a sparkle and spunk. I love how it picks up the light so beautifully and reminds me of Sophie and her incredible adventures in Israel.
Rhythm: AMY - Amy Winehouse documentary
If you're looking for a good cry- watch Amy. God was this good. It tells the story of the tortured woman behind songs that we all know and love, lyrics that I have belted out my whole life without every knowing what she went through to get them to my earbuds. Such a talented human, such a loss.
Rhythm: Oh Wonder
This is a two-birds with one stone favorite; I am currently obsessed with the duo Oh Wonder and have been incessantly listening to their debut album on Spotify (Get premium it will change your life). Their music is simultaneously easy-listening, emotional, capturing and so catchy. You have probably heard 'Lose It' or 'Body Gold' but I am really enjoying 'Drive' and 'Livewire'. My Spotify account is a bit eclectic to say the least, but if you're looking for some serenity check out my "Nestled" playlist.
With love and favoritism,
Sarah Belle
