Welcome to the first edition of What to Buy If I Could Only Buy One: June. I’m filtering through all the products I own and use or what’s on my wish list to recommend the smartest buy to make each month.
As I have gotten older, I have become way more intentional with my purchases. While it’s easy to get caught up in everything new and shiny, it feels so much better to make a purchase you love and know you will get loads of use from.
So, whether you are being intentional with your purchases because of finances, or because you appreciate the simplicity of it – this is a series you will love.
I’m focusing on one item per month from different categories in fashion, beauty, wellness, & lifestyle that make sense to own based on the season and trends.
Just to be clear – I am not saying you need to buy one of each of these. Instead, think of this as a checklist to figure out the gaps in your closet and home. Then, what makes sense to fit your lifestyle.
My goal is to make it easy for women to show up confident and look their best, even in tough economic times.
What to buy FASHION
DRESS: this floral dress
WHY: This floral dress is so easy to wear and can be dressed up or down. It works perfectly for dinner parties, baby/wedding showers, brunch, or just a chic weekend look! I love the fact that you can throw on a dress and feel instantly put together. While I’m not usually into florals, this year they have been my go-to pattern. The colors in this dress are subtle but beautiful and the waist is very flattering!
STYLE TIPS: Pair it with a denim jacket and white sneakers or slides for a more casual look. To dress it up, play with accessories like a pair of statement earrings and a stack of bangle bracelets.
SIZING: I wear it in a size small (regular length) and the fit is perfect. I’m 5’8″ and the length hits a little above my ankles.
Here are a few other beautiful dresses that hit the mark. Also, check out this post for more budget-friendly options!
TOP: this button-front tank
WHY: I absolutely love the style of this tank. It’s the perfect cross between a cap sleeve and tank, and you can wear a regular bra with it! The color is a pretty creamy white and the fabric is so soft!
I especially love the banded waist. It makes this top so flattering and gives the same effect of tucking in a shirt without the hassle of keeping it in place.
STYLE TIPS: This is a top that makes any outfit look more put together. The best part is with all of the cute and subtle details, you don’t need to do much to the rest of your outfit. It looks great with any wash denim but I especially love it with dark grey or white/cream denim.
For a boho twist, try layering under overalls!
Also, it looks amazing with an A-line midi or full maxi skirt.
SIZING: I am wearing this in a small. Typically I’m between xs and small top. I didn’t want this to be too cropped or the buttons to pull. I love how it fits and would say it runs pretty TTS.
SHOES: these sandals
WHY: Believe me when I say these sandals, while a bit of a splurge, will be your go-to pair all summer long! I have had mine for 3 years and they still look new (despite the constant wear and “breaking-in” phase). I own them in taupe but the brown is ahhhhmazing as well.
Almost weekly I am DM’ing someone a link for these sandals and the feedback I get is always the same – phenomenal sandal, comfy, chic, living in them… you get it.
They are a sustainable sandal with a simple but totally chic design. You feel like you are air dropped to the middle of Napa, or an old European city.
STYLE TIPS: These are perfect for travel because they are so light weight and versatile. I especially love them with linen pants and breezy dresses but trust me you can pair them with almost anything.
SIZING: They only come in whole sizes. I tend to be an 8/8.5 and the 8 fit perfect. The design of the shoe is completely flat though, so if you are someone who needs to wear an insert to provide arch support then consider sizing up. The leather takes a little while to form to your foot but when it does they are so comfy!
They go in and out of stock so keep checking back. Or if you follow me on instagram I share restock alerts to my stories!
ACCESSORY: bracelets
WHY: Because there is something so effortless and cool about a great bracelet stack in the summer. I say stack because I absolutely love that look, but even one well-chosen bracelet can give your outfit an instant chic boost!
I tend towards bangles in the summer because they are easy to layer and work pretty much any look of the day!
Here’s something to keep in mind with any jewelry purchase: Unless it is pure gold or vermile, it will probably tarnish pretty quickly. You can typically keep pure gold and vermile on 24/7 without ruining it. However, if that doesn’t fit your budget, just remember to take it off before hitting the water, showering, bedtime, or workouts.
What to Buy BEAUTY
SKIN CARE: SPF
WHY: OK, I know this is a super unpopular statement but I do not wear sunscreen every day, especially in the colder weather. Unless I am doing a lot outside, I prefer to keep my skincare super minimalist.
And I’m not going to lie – I love a bit of a sunkissed glow. Everything in moderation is my motto 🙂
However, when it comes to the summer months I do tend to reach for my sunscreen a lot more frequently. When I do, I want to know that what I am putting on my skin is safe, effective, and not going to make my skin look weird.
My preference is always a physical sunscreen (zinc-based) over a chemical one, but I cannot handle that chalky finish or the time it takes to rub some of those in!
This one by Dr. Dennis Gross is amazing. It works great under makeup and I have never had that white cast on my skin from it.
MAKEUP: lash serum
WHY: So this isn’t technically a makeup item, but it can help you not have to wear so much makeup! I started using this lash serum and noticed a difference after 2 weeks. By the time the 6-week mark rolled around, my lashes were so long and I was constantly getting asked where I got my lashes done.
There’s just something about having long and full eyelashes that makes you look so much more awake and fresh-faced. I recommend starting this now because by the time July rolls around, you have these amazing lashes for all the pool parties and beach days. Add a swipe of mascara or get a lash tint for a super easy look.
HAIR: this Conair styler
WHY: You guys this is just a genius hairdryer. It is designed to give you an amazing fresh-from-the-salon look. I love that the styler is not a full round brush because that version always curls the ends under for me in a very unflattering style.
It also dries your hair crazy fast. There are three attachments it comes with but I tend to stick to the bristled one the most, it works so well! I do occasionally use the other two attachments. When my hair is looking a little frizzy, a quick blast from this with the comb attachment fixes it!
Obviously, it’s great for all year but it’s especially great for this time of year. I don’t always blow dry my hair, but when I do I want it done fast. The fact that it leaves your hair looking so fresh and frizz-free makes it the perfect summer styling tool!
BODY: Bump Eraser Body Scrub
WHY: Because it works so well! I’ve done all the DIY body scrubs and purchased loads of them from TJMaxx, but none have worked like this one. It has tiny pumice beads for immediate exfoliation results but also has AHA’s which are basically a chemical exfoliant. This means at a deeper level it is encouraging cell turnover and fresh clear skin.
I use it at least once a week and finish with a rich moisturizer. Also a perfect way to skin prep for sunless tanning.
If you are hesitant to pay $30 for the larger product, try out the smaller size. A little goes a long well so you can see if you love it and want to purchase the larger one next time.
What to Buy: Wellness
Owalla Water Bottle (the freesip version!)
Whenever someone asks for a tip to help them get in shape the first thing I always say is to drink more water. It probably drives people crazy because it’s so basic but it is KEY. Our skin, brain, muscles, gut – EVERYTHING – just works better when we drink more water.
Also, it’s easy to snack on empty calories out of habit. Having a “water first” approach can help break that habit cycle and satisfy. It may just be what our body was looking for all along!
Hydrating has never been so easy with this water bottle. I swear it’s the mascot of our Emergency Department – everyone has one.
This bottle keeps your water cold all day long and the fact you can chug it or sip from the straw is just genius!! My toddler kept stealing mine so she now has her own and I tell no lies – she drinks so much more water because of this bottle!
What to Buy: HOME
Outdoors: throw pillows
WHY: I love how inviting throw pillows make an outdoor space. It’s just begging you to cozy in and read a book, enjoy your morning coffee, or sip a glass of wine.
I love that it’s a relatively inexpensive way to spice up the outdoors.
These are the ones I am currently trying to decide between. This is number one on my wish list because it’s sturdy enough for the outdoors but can also be used indoors when the weather changes. I also love the colors it comes in!
Indoors: this linen duvet set
WHY: Linen bedding seems so inviting and luxurious. I was hesitant to buy this set from amazon because I thought how good can this really be for this price?
You guys I was blown away by the quality. It washes so nicely and is everything I imagined it would be. I bought it in the linen color and LOVE it – it’s kinda taupe, kinda grey, kinda oatmeal – just the perfect in between. There are a bunch of other colors to choose from though.
Fun fact about linen bedding – in the cold the fibers tighten to help keep you warmer and in the warmth they relax to keep you cooler. So if you were wondering if they are year-round appropriate the answer is YES (we use it!). However they are extra comfy in the summertime when you want more of an airy bedding.
So there you have it, my friends. I know it’s long and detailed but I wanted to explain the thought behind each purchase.
Are there any other categories you would like to see talked about? Leave a comment or pop over to my Instagram to let me know if you like this type of post!!
Thank you so much for visiting, reading, and sharing – it means the world to me!
x, rae
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