JANUARY FAVORITES

Another month, another year! 2021 has treated me well so far and I hope it’s doing the same for you. More members of my family are getting vaccinated (yes!) and I hope to see the trend continue. I’m busier than ever at work (which is great), and I made my very first real designer purchase. This month we also spent some time at a few restaurants for the first time in over a month and have found a few UES spots that I think will become our new go-tos. Here’s hoping for everything to continue on this path — we all deserve it. Here are my favorite purchases/gifts/micellaneous items from this month I’ve been loving.

FASHION

Fendi Double F Mini Baguette Bag — Baby’s first Fendi! Here’s the thing. Designer/big purchases or gifts for me in my life have always come about during a time of transition. My very first Gucci bag was given to me from my grandparents as a sort of coming-of-age gift when I was in middle school about to start junior high. My MCM tote was another gift from my family when I got my first job. So on and so forth. Every bag has a meaning to me, and this one was a splurge for surviving all that was 2020 and finally getting (and affording) my first solo apartment. I’ve changed so much this year, and this was a little token to myself that will always remind me of how I got through it and how I’m getting through it. I opted for Fendi because it’s obviously very trendy at the moment — but also because of my love for the edgy Italian brand and its constant nod to vintage 60s, 70s fashion. I loved this particular mini because it fit in my budget, is delicately small yet can carry a good amount, and because of its homage to the Roman double-F monogram. I’m so excited to wear it for years to come.

Croissant Minimalist Hoops by Caitlyn Minimalist on Etsy — I wanted ridged dainty gold hoops to add a little more texture to my ear candy, and these ones hit the spot. For only $23 and 18K these are a must-buy if you’re looking for something similar.

miscelleneous + accessories

8th Generation iPad in Gold — This one was a delayed Christmas gift from my parents! I asked for an iPad for a few reasons — 1) easier to bring with me instead of my Macbook Pro when I’m headed out of town and 2) I have so little room in my apartment (it’s overflowing with makeup/skin-care testing samples honestly) that I have had trouble storing books, so I’ll be using it as a reader. I also am feeling a little spark of creativity right now so I’d love to get a little stylist to do some drawing. Either way, I’ve been finding myself using this during my downtime almost every day since I got it and I’m obsessssed.

Brown Croc iPad Case — Can’t have an iPad without a case! I picked up this super chic one on Amazon for $17! Fair warning, it’s a lot more brown-red IRL which I actually was totally going for and am so thrilled it’s not as dark as its photo looks online. It disguises the iPad as a literal journal and I’m loving it!

Matte Black Command Hook — Super random favorite, but I’m so into it! Picked up this really chic Command hook from Target and I had to include. I’m always looking for removable hooks like this for holding my purses and other accessories and this one is perfect IRL.

Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low — Another one of my favorite Christmas gifts — from Seanner! I picked these out actually (duh), but am so happy he picked them up! I wanted a different, more “wintry” AF1 to add to my collection in addition to my classic white ones. I love these as well because they have a slightly larger platform.

Leaving you with a little seasonality/ transitioning quote from Shakes:

“Thus sometimes hath the brightest day a cloud; And after summer evermore succeeds

Barren winter, with his wrathful nipping cold: So cares and joys abound, as seasons fleet.”

[Henry VI Part II 2.4]

Here’s to Feb! Cheers, xx - A. Martine

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