Essentials for January


This past year I made a few additions to my go-to products and took away some that turned out to just be a temporary fix. These are just the top ten so let me know if you want more!

  1. Press-On Nails

I used to drop $60+ every two or three weeks on dip nails that ended up absolutely destroying my hands. My friend Jordan (the real inspiration behind this) has been using press-on nails for months and I finally listened to her, as I should have forever ago.

Dorothy imPRESS Press-On Manicure

KISS Press-On Nails

Alkem Luxury Nails

Chill Tips

2. Friendship Bracelets

Y’all better not give me any shit for this but I always love a good friendship bracelet. They have come back into style recently, but I have this old one that I have worn for at least a year or two that has a lot of sentimental value! Most of my Christmas presents this year were friendship bracelets that I made and I will say they were very cute 🙂

BraceletsForSummer on Etsy

Friendship Bracelet Thread

Rainbow Bead Multicolor Pack

Bracelet Stretchy String

3. CeraVe Face Wash

This has been a constant for literally years. My skin is slightly sensitive, and face wash can really make it break out if it’s the wrong one. I have raved about this face wash before on here and I have a feeling I will keep doing so!

CeraVe Face Wash

4. Winter Coat

For the south, January is the month where it finally gets freezing (love that for us) and a winter coat is definitely a necessity if you want to go out your door. For college students, it normally takes the form of a puffer jacket or Patagonia, but I threw a pea coat in there for those of you who want something slightly more refined.

Old Navy Women’s Puffer Jacket

Patagonia Fleece Bomber Jacket

GAP Factory Peacoat

Target Overcoat

5. Tote Bag

Y’all, don’t overlook this one. I love my nice purse as much as the next person, but there are certain situations where I don’t want to get it dirty or it’s just too much of an accessory for what I’m doing that day. In comes the tote bag to the rescue! It’s great for running errands, brunch with friends, even a day at the office. I’ve linked a variety of options, but personally, I love to get them locally. It makes me feel a bit more connected to my city.

Custom Tote Bag on Etsy

Large Custom Tote Bag

Tote Bag Search on Etsy

6. A Good Scrunchie

The style of the 80’s and 90’s is still maintaining its popularity, but the scrunchie is one thing that is slowly fading into the background as claw clips start to take center stage. I can’t tell you the last time I legitimately put my hair in a ponytail other than to go on a run, and you best believe that my go-to scrunchie was in my hair. It may seem excessive, but a Lululemon scrunchie is the best hair tie I have ever used. I linked my favorite one below, and I hope you at least give it a try.

My Favorite Scrunchie

Lululemon Scrunchie Multi-Pack

Lululemon Scrunchie Filled

7. A Go-To Lip Liner

I would define a lip liner as a really good big kid purchase, and I have discovered that the older I get the more grateful I am for it. My favorite is from a company I don’t absolutely love, but this is the one time I make an exception and I purchase from MAC. Their formula is fantastic and the color is perfect for what I need right now! I am excited to explore more options when I feel good about dropping money on makeup, but this will last me for awhile and I intend to get the most use out of it I can. I have listed some other options as well down below!

MAC Half Red Lipliner

HAUS Laboratories By Lady Gaga Lipliner

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer

Allure Top Lipliners

8. A Sturdy Pair of Jeans

So you think you can coast by in the jeans you got three years ago from Target in the clearance section? Think again. Investing in a good pair of jeans that can be adapted to multiple group outings is honestly the flex I need for 2022, and I’m pretty sure I’ve already got a pair. I’ve listed my go-to below as well as a few other options for people who have different preferences! No light wash jeans will be tolerated 🙁

BDG High Waisted Jeans

BDG High Waisted Corduroy Pants

Reformation High Waisted Straight Leg

American Eagle Curvy Mom Jean

9. Hair Rollers

This really only needs your attention if you have hair long enough for rollers, but if you do… baby let me tell you about the magic! It doesn’t really matter what you heat your hair with, but these will be most successful with a curling iron of some kind (please use heat protectant). once removed, they really can turn your day around, and if you want to have a photoshoot with them in I also encourage that. I have linked below my favorites and some other options as well.

Drybar Hair Rollers – My Favorite

Hot Rollers

Hot Tools Velcro Rollers

10. Black Leggings

This one is something that I will preach until the day I can’t put on leggings by myself anymore! No matter how often you wear them, there will be a situation at least once a month where you will want a pair of black leggings. If you don’t have a pair, you will be kicking yourself in the ass. you know the drill.

Lululemon Running Leggings

Fabletics High Waisted Leggings 7/8

Athleta Leggings

Target Workout Leggings

These are just the things that I will be living by for this month, and I will definitely be updating this for February. Let me know what you think should be on this list!

ellie b <3