I’m a Lifestyle Editor shopping expert… these are the purchases I recommend ahead of the new year
Welcome to Lifestyle Editor Picks of the Week, where I highlight my favorite recent purchases and the little (or big) luxuries worth investing in.
From home upgrades that will genuinely improve your day-to-day to the viral beauty essentials that really do work, these are the products I’ve been talking about – and shopping for – this week.
I test (and buy) far more items than I’d like to admit, which means when something makes this list, it’s because it actually impressed me – or made my life easier in a way I didn’t expect.
Think of the list as a curated edit of unexpected luxuries, smart tech items, life-changing travel products and things that really will spark joy.
From a perfume that has people stopping me in the street to the essential items I won’t travel without, these are my favorite things this week:
Home
The DedCool laundry detergent in Mochi Milk has kept my laundry smelling absolutely amazing
Who knew that doing laundry could actually be an enjoyable experience? I’ve been absolutely obsessed with DedCool’s laundry detergent in the scent Mochi Milk.
The scent is so delicious, and it leaves your clothes smelling amazing!
The scent is a cross between vanilla bean and sweet rice milk. It’s not overpowering, but instead, leaves a subtle, sweet vanilla scent on your clothes.
It retails for $35, which is a bit pricier than the regular Tide brand from Target or CVS, but I think it’s really worth it for the unforgettable scent.
You can also buy dryer sheets from the brand for just $12, if you aren’t ready to fully commit to the detergent. You can buy it here.
Wellness
This week, during the holidays, I went for a long walk in the park with one of my friends while wearing the 1lb Sunny Adjustable Wrist Weights
I love to get a workout in whenever I can, and I especially love being able to do it from my house – that’s where the 1lb Sunny Adjustable Wrist Weights come in.
These are wearable weights that you can wrap around your wrists and take along to any workout.
One of my favorite workout classes is SotoMethod, which offers really convenient online programs. I love to use these wrist weights for those classes!
This week, during the holidays, I even went for a long walk in the park with one of my friends while wearing the wrist weights.
They come in at less than $30, at $27.99. You can buy them here.
Beauty
The Cyklar Sensorial Body Wash in Sacred Santal has been a huge winter favorite
In case you couldn’t tell by my choice of detergent, I love anything that’s vanilla-scented.
I’ve especially been enjoying using the Cyklar Sensorial Body Wash in Sacred Santal recently.
The oil-infused body wash smells like a mix between sweet vanilla and a sexy, light musk.
You’ll smell warm and cozy, and I think it’s the perfect scent for the cold winter months.
It makes your skin feel extremely soft, lathers well and also will leave you smelling good for hours.
For $35, you get a big bottle at 16.5 fl oz, and the bottle itself is chic, which means it’s a no-brainer to have this on display in your bathroom. You can buy it here.
Fashion
I’ve been wearing my Susanna Chow Dawson Suede Gloves from Revolve nonstop this season
Even though it’s only December, New York City has already been freezing cold! It seems like everyone has had to bundle up more than ever.
Instead of going for a pair of traditional, knit mittens, I’ve been loving leather or suede gloves.
They keep your hands super warm, and are add an element of chicness to your winter outfit.
I love to buy my gloves on Revolve – they always have tons of options available. I’ve been wearing my Susanna Chow Dawson Suede Gloves from the retailer nonstop this season.
The gloves, which are made of brown suede, have a fun pop of brown fur around the wrists.
Priced at $225, you’ll definitely get your wear out of them, trust me. You can buy them here.
Tech
Right now, I have the Velvet Caviar phone case in Sweet Cherry print on my iPhone, and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it
Having a good phone case on my phone is super important to me, especially because I’m someone who tends to always drop it.
I love the iPhone cases from Velvet Caviar, because they’re really protective and durable.
Right now, I have their phone case in the Sweet Cherry print on my iPhone, which is bright pink with red cherries printed all over it. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it.
The phone case also has a bumper around the sides, which means that if you drop it, your phone is less likely to be damaged. The cases are really sturdy.
You can get the Sweet Cherry case for $40, or pick from tons of other patterns on their website. Velvet Caviar often runs sales online and on TikTok shop, too. You can buy it here.
Travel
The Mark & Graham X Jennifer Lake packing cubes are adorable for holiday travel
As we’re in the midst of a busy holiday season, I feel like I’m always on the go. For trips to visit family and friends, I love packing my suitcase with the adorable packing cube set from Mark & Graham X Jennifer Lake.
The blue and white scallop print on these is so classy and cute, and you can even get them monogrammed if you want, which adds another fun element of personalization.
The set comes with different-sized packing cubes, as well as a shoe bag and a bag for your hair tools.
Packing with packing cubes makes your suitcase so much more organized, I think they’re a lifesaver.
You can get the entire set for $99, and they’ll last you for years. You can buy it here.
Splurge
A splurge item that’s really come in handy recently is the G11PRO Electric Scooter from 5th Wheel
A splurge item that’s really come in handy recently is the G11PRO Electric Scooter from 5th Wheel.
In New York City, sometimes transportation can be unpredictable (hello, L train), so it’s always good to have the option to use an electric scooter if you need to get somewhere quickly.
Right now, it’s on sale for $599 – down $100 from $699. You can buy it here.
