It’s officially September, and I don’t care what the calendar says – in my book, fall starts on September 1st! So in honor of the unofficial end of summer, I thought I’d share some of my favorite recent purchases. I typically only include one season in these roundups, but since it’s been a while since my last one I decided to include purchases from both spring and summer. Each of these purchases is something that brings me joy every time I use it. Keep reading for my favorite purchases of spring and summer 2023!
1. Madewell Chunky Hoops – In case you were wondering, I am in fact still solidly in my hoop earring era. Lately I’ve been getting into chunky hoops and I picked up this pair last month. I love that they’re a unique shape so they make a little bit more of a statement!
2. Pharmacia Eau De Parfum – I first discovered this perfume while visiting my parents at their new condo in Florida last December. Darian and I were exploring the area and popped into Anthropologie. I had been looking to branch out from my usual scent (Marc Jacobs Daisy, which remains a favorite) and spotted these bottles and decided to give them a try. I instantly fell in love with the Fleur D’Oranger scent and finally picked up a bottle for myself this spring. Since then, I’ve been wearing it daily! It’s a light and fresh scent but it lasts all day.
3. West Elm Plates – I’ve mentioned before that as I’ve gotten more into cooking, I’ve become more passionate about pretty plating, too. I had been wanting new plates for a while, so when Darian and I spotted these plates while perusing West Elm on our anniversary trip to Richmond back in July, I knew I had to have them. I love how they look handmade but they’re dishwasher *and* microwave safe, and the color is gorgeous. I’m obsessed with how pretty every meal looks on these plates!
4. Tortoiseshell Phone Case – There are a few things that I tend to buy once and stick to until they’re completely falling apart. Purses and tote bags are one – and phone cases are another. I’ve had the same marble phone case and matching Popsocket for about 5 years, but when it started coming apart at the seams a few months ago I finally accepted it was time for a new case. Casey from the DIY Playbook shared this phone case a while back and I loved it, so when the time came for a new one I knew I wanted this one. I of course ordered a matching Popsocket and I have to say, I’m really happy with it! It’s so cute and neutral and I love that it pairs well with my usual simple gold jewelry.
5. Pampas Candle – My mother-in-law knows my love of candles well, and this past year she got me a candle in this scent for Christmas. Since then, it’s become my new favorite smell! It’s the perfect neutral but inviting scent and the throw on this candle is fantastic. When I discovered that it came in a three wick version, I knew I had to grab one for our main hangout space in the basement. If it wasn’t enough that the scent is delicious, the jar it comes with is gorgeous, too! I know I’m going to be buying this one on repeat.
6. Purple Faux Tulips – Okay, I know I mentioned in this recent post that I’m trying to transition most of our faux florals to dried florals – but what I should have said is that I’m trying to transition most of our *bad* faux florals to dried florals. These tulips definitely do not fall into that category! After seeing them on Instagram several times, I decided to see what all the fuss is about – and I was not disappointed! The quality of these is incredible (especially for the price) and I love how cheerful they make our spring kitchen feel. I chose purple because I felt like our kitchen needed a little color, but the white ones look beautiful too!
7. Linen Pants – In addition to being in my hoop earrings era, I’ve also entered my wide leg pants era. Like most people, I was skeptical when wide leg pants started to make their reappearance last year. I was absolutely haunted with visions of unflattering gaucho pants – but I am SO on board with this current iteration of wide-leg pants. I dipped my toe in by purchasing Old Navy’s Playa Pants, which I love – but these linen wide leg pants are even better! The fabric is super comfortable and I love how breezy they are. They’re the perfect summer pant that makes me feel put together but comfy!
8. Stasher Bags – I’ve been curious about these for a while and finally decided to pull the trigger on them earlier this summer. Although I do my best to avoid waste in the kitchen, I have a bad habit of using Ziploc bags for storing things like cheese. I decided to grab a couple of Stasher bags in the name of reducing waste and I’ve been really pleased with them so far! They’re great for things like cheese and onions and I’m definitely planning to purchase more.
9. Ribbed High Neck Tank Top – I’m a person who likes to feel balanced in the way I dress, so when I hopped on board the wide leg pants train, I knew I’d need to find some more fitted tops to go along with them. I initially purchased this tank in green to go with my first pair of Old Navy Playa Pants and instantly fell in love. The fit is so flattering and the ribbed texture gives it a little something extra! I’ve since purchased this in black, dusty pink, grey, rust, and navy – and you’d better believe that if they come out with other colors I’ll be grabbing more.
10. Velvet Lumbar Pillow Cover – I honestly could have included everything I purchased for our moody guest room makeover in this list, but this was hands down my favorite find of the project! I purchased this pillow cover in the 12×26 size in the color “Dark Olivetone” and I couldn’t be happier with the quality. It was the finishing touch in the guest room and really makes the room feel put together. I’m already debating picking up a second one for our mai bedroom!
11. Gold Makeup Mirror – I purchased this cute little mirror when I re-styled our main bathroom shelves this spring and I love it so much! It’s the perfect size for floating bathroom shelves and I was pleasantly surprised by the champagne gold finish. This is a great little styling item for a bathroom or getting ready space and the price point is ideal!
12. Ceramic Berry Bowl – This is one of those products that I didn’t know I needed until I had it! This winter I discovered my new favorite store in the world, Gray Apple Market. It’s a tiny home goods store in York, PA and I now stop there any chance I get. I decided to pop in before a wedding in May and couldn’t resist this adorable little ceramic berry bowl. I got it in the gray/green color and the pictures don’t do it justice – it’s even prettier in person! I didn’t know how often I’d use it, but turns out I use it almost every day. It’s great for rinsing berries or cherry tomatoes and perfectly fits a can of beans to easily rinse those as well. Lately I’ve been thinking I might even need a second one!
