Dear 2020,
This year has been anything but what I expected and while there have been many bumps in the road, this past year taught me so much. This year felt like a year of extremes: the highs were very high, and the lows were extremely low. My days blurred together quite a lot, making 2020 feel like the longest year. After developing an entirely different (and terrible might I add) sleeping habit, I gave myself an ultimatum: You can either continue on this downward spiral of “nothingness,” or I can try and make the most of this time. I would say I definitely experienced a mixture of both. Many things came from the first quarantine: I prioritized my health, read A LOT, went vegan for two weeks, practiced yoga, learned new recipes, spent immense time with my family, said goodbye to some toxic relationships, meditated, and even started this very blog. 2020 was a year of challenges, but more importantly, it was a year that taught me lessons. I learned to really practice gratitude, how to be patient, to try new things, and most importantly to be happy with myself. This year was huge for personal progress, and I hope that going forward, I remember the lessons I learned in 2020. Thank you for coming along my journey. It only felt right to make this post about the brands that I truly loved this 2020. So enjoy a list of brands A-Z that made my 2020 better!
XOXO,
Amanda 🙂
Throughout 2020, Aritzia has always been a brand I have come back to. From their amazing “Super Puff” to their amazing basics, Aritzia really has it all, making it a brand I couldn’t make this post without mentioning.
Boys Lie has been a staple in my wardrobe this year! Their sets are so adorable and very comfy! I love the concept behind the brand, and the quality of all their sets is amazing!
Converse are a shoe staple of mine! I absolutely love all the collabs they do, particularly their Converse X Comme des Garçons collaboration. I love the huge array of colors and styles!
Dior has been my #1 beauty brand this year. My favorite product of their’s is the Backstage Glow Face Palette. I also love their lip products! They are very hydrating and come in stunning shades.
EltaMD is my number one skincare secret! Their products were recommended to me by my dermatologist, and once I started I never turned back! Their sunscreen is the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out and their pm moisturizer is amazing!
I’ve been shopping at Free People for what feels like my entire life, but this year I have bought more from them than ever before. I’ve worn their “Hit the Slopes” fleece jacket almost everyday in college! It keeps me surprisingly warm and comes in so many colors.
Gucci fragrances are one of my favorites! My everyday perfume is the Gucci Bloom perfume, and I absolutely love how subtle it is. It isn’t overly sweet and lasts all day! I love floral scents and Gucci does it so well!
House of Sunny made a significant impression on 2020. Models and influencers everywhere were seen wearing the brand. Their clothing is not only sustainable but also extremely cute! I can’t wait to see more of their clothing!
This company prides themselves on using makeup driven by skincare. ILIA uses the cleanest ingredients and are very transparent about which ones. Their products aim to make your skin naturally more radiant! They are to die for, and the minimalistic packaging emulates the natural brand!
Joah Brown has easily become one of my favorite brands for upscale basics. Their “Contour Crop Tank” is so flattering! Their stuff is always amazing quality, and I can’t wait to buy more from them in 2021!
Koy and Victoria is a new brand that I discovered this year. Their clothing is absolutely beautiful and like nothing I’ve seen before! I recently bought a top from them and can’t wait to wear it in 2021! I can’t wait for their other collections.
Lululemon has never failed me! Due to spending more time at home this year, I found that I was always wearing the Lululemon Align leggings. They are so comfortable, and putting them on first thing in the morning was a good reminder to get a workout in during the day.
Mon Cher Moi is a Los Angeles based jewelry brand. The female-owned brand creates colorful and funky jewelry pieces unlike anything I have ever seen before. I just recently bought their “Donut Ring” in baby blue and can’t wait till it comes in the mail.
North Face has been a life saver this 2020! Their pieces have kept me extremely warm during New York winters. The styles are not only cute but also very functional. The brand has also been worn by quite a lot of influencers this year, making most pieces sold out! Hopefully newer pieces will arrive soon.
Off-White has become one of my favorite brands this year! I love the bag I have and am hoping to get a pair of shoes in 2021! Their cool take on fashion is inventive and unique.
Prada has and always will be one of my favorite designer brands! There is something so classy and elegant about the brand. I absolutely love all their handbags and currently have my eyes on some boots!
Quay blue light glasses have saved my eyes this past year. With so much screen time, due to more online classes, I was constantly getting headaches. These glasses have saved my eyes and come in so many cute styles.
Reformation has been a favorite of mine for a long time now. They are a sustainable brand and all their pieces are so gorgeous. I love how elegant and classy their dresses are.
Stand Studio has become a recent favorite of mine! They make the most unique and cool coats I have ever seen! The quality is amazing, and I recently purchased a bag from them that I have been using nonstop!
I absolutely fell in love with this brand! I love everything they stand for. Their sets are so easy to throw on and make you look put together! I can’t wait till I get my next set.
Uggs have always been a favorite of mine. I have been wearing my slippers all around my dorm and house since I’ve been home from school.
Verge Girl has been on everyone’s radar this year. Their clothing is always on trend and can be seen on basically every influencer on the planet at some point or another.
With Jéan was a huge brand for 2020. My Instagram was filled with people wearing their floral shirts and dresses. I love all the girly clothing and can’t wait to see their new stuff.
This is definitely my all time favorite jewelry store. The quality is amazing, and it is where most of my everyday jewelry comes from.
The YSl Touche Éclat Face Highlighter Pen has become my makeup secret! I don’t even wear a tinted moisturizer with it! It is so radiant and keeps my makeup looking natural .
Zara recently upped their game. All their clothing is adorable, and I have recently bought a whole lot from them. I can now no longer go the mall without stopping in at Zara.
What do you think?