STYLE | My best purchases of 2020

Our Best Regards “Georgie” earrings | A local brand, great design, light weight and simple, these Georgie earrings tick all the right boxes. They’re a serious statement piece because of the thick, bold gold hoop while still being lightweight and easy on your earlobes because they’re hollow. I’m looking to add a smaller pair too my collection this year, either Zee or Sidney

Louis Vuitton Louise earrings | I clearly had a thing for medium sized, gold hoop earrings in 2020, because my Louis Vuitton Louise earrings also made the list. This is another statement piece which is not doing too much. I was lucky enough to get my pair when I went to Johannesburg in September. They are very popular but I won’t let that won’t deter me from wearing them.

Tom Ford Sunglasses | I bought these sunglasses on a whim, influenced by Jenee from HighLowLuxxe. Buying sunglasses online is always a risk because you don’t really know how they’ll fit and if they don’t look good on you there isn’t anything you can do to change that, but I took the risk anyway. And I’m so glad I did, because only after purchasing these Tom Fords did I realise how badly I needed a pair of tinted “indoor” sunglasses. I am currently on the hunt for another pair because I wear these so much. I’m currently eyeing this pair from Gucci or a pair from Dior.

Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud fragrance | I purchased this fragrance at the very beginning of 2020. I was looking to introduce some niche and not so popular fragrances to my rotation. I’m not the type of girl who keeps a lot of options when it comes to fragrances. 3 is more than enough for me at any given time. Two daytime scents (a floral and vanilla scent and amber/spicy scent) and an evening scent. This was meant to be my evening fragrance because it is so intense, but I love it so much that I wear it during the daytime too even if I’ll be home all day. Jo Malone also offers personalisation options on their bottles which I love. This is perfect for a special gift for a loved one or special friend.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | 2020 was especially rough on my skin. I suffered one of the worst breakouts I have had in my life. I am still trying to tame the acne and scarring today but Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting BHA exfoliant has been the quickest working product I’ve used in a long time. It is a leave on liquid exfoliant which tames red, angry and enflamed breakouts and helps minimise my blackheads in record time. It isn’t a reasonably priced product, but its worth every cent. My skin isn’t perfect but adding this to my routine has made the quickest difference and I’ll continue to keep this in stock and in my skincare rotation.

@Home Mirror | Staying at home more meant I needed to spruce up my apartment so just before our very first lock down I purchased this mirror. It reminded me of Anthropology mirrors which give a nostalgic, vintage nod while elevating any space. I didn’t realize how big this mirror actually it is until it got delivered so I’m so glad it managed to fit into my current space.

Rich Mnisi “New Classic” knitted jersey | I’ve wanted a Rich Mnisi polo neck knit for years so I was surprised when last winter the rest of SA seemed to catch on and this became the item that defined winter 2020 in SA. Out of all my faves I have got the least amount of use of this item but that’s mainly because Durban winters aren’t cold enough for thick, knitted sweaters. I still love this and will be keeping it (and possibly adding another. I have my eye on the cream) to wear when I’m in more colder climates.

Louis Vuitton Bom Dia slides | Another late purchase of 2020. I only purchased these in September but I wore them non stop in December & January while on holiday, here and here. They’re comfortable, flattering and go with so many outfits in my wardrobe.

Nike Joyride Trainers | Purchased early in Jan, these are by far the best trainers I’ve used in years. The tiny foam beads underfoot make them so comfortable to jog in, cushion my feet and reduce tension that I usually feel when I work out. They’re also not bad to look at. I’m embarrassed to say but I have considered buying another pair of the exact same trainers because they are THAT good.