My top 10 buys from 2016. From products to experiences and more.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks. I’ve mentioned these shimmer bricks a couple of times recently. Mainly because I cannot get over how much I love them! Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks are a must have in your beauty bag. They’re extremely versatile and functional. As in, you can use the different colors for eyeshadow or mix them all together for a bronzer or blush. Buying one brick allows you combine two items and lighten up your beauty bag!
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate . This serum is the BEST! I started using this serum at the beginning of 2016 and now I completely swear by it. My skin lives for this stuff! Recently, I ran out. Within a couple of days I could see a huge difference in my skin. My skin was now dull, dehydrated, and uneven. After only two evenings of usage, my skin was back to looking refreshed and hydrated. I promise that will be the last time I run out of Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Serum!!
My blog template/design. This new template/design {that y’alll see now} refreshed Louella Reese. What you see now truly reflects my personality and style. I couldn’t love it more. With the new template/design I found myself more motivated and inspired. I wanted {still want} to create stronger content and only post features I truly believed in. Ones that truly represented myself and my brand. If you’re a blogger and stuck in a rut, a new template/design might help to inspire you. My template/design was created by White Oak Creative.
A statement hat. Before 2016 year, I was never really a hat person. I had one or two here and there but I was never drawn to them. While visiting a boutique in Nashville hat pulled me in. I had to have the hat, there was no denying it! Of course, after my initial purchase I was worried this was a total impulse buy. I figured I’d wear the hat once and be done. Oh no, I was very wrong! I find myself pulling this hat out whenever possible. And it makes such a statement! Plus the hat covers up bad hair days. Buying a fabulous hat is a definite win!
A session with a photographer in a city I was visiting. This is one of the best decisions my mom helped me to make! Buying a photography session with a photographer in a city your visiting is genius! A photographer knows their city inside and out. They know the best spots for photos and some unique places you wouldn’t find yourself. This allows you to see places of the city you would have missed. While also capturing shots to help you remember and reflect on your trip. Melanie Foster Photography took the previous photo and the photo below while I was visiting Nashville this summer. 
Slide sandals. Favorite summer purchase, hands down. If you don’t have a pair of simple slide sandals for the upcoming summer season {I know we have a long time}, I definitely recommend picking up a pair. I wore these sandals day in and day out. These sandals are easy to slide on and go wherever the day takes you.
Clean Juice Bar. If you follow me on instagram, snapchat, or twitter, you know I am obsessed with Clean Juice. I first tried out their wonderful creations early summer. After one bite of my acai bowl, I was hooked. I now cannot get enough of their white cashew milk and avocado toast. If you have a Clean Juice in your area {locations here} stop by and try out some of their goodies. Your tastebuds and body will thank you! 
An oversized cream sweater. You’re probably deathly tired of this sweater. I’ve been trying to not wear it every day. It’s a struggle though. An oversized cream/ivory sweater is one of the pieces you want to invest in. It’s a classic item that will never go out of style. And like me, you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again. I’m wearing this sweater which is currently on sale but no longer available in cream.
The perfect pair of booties. Another item worth investing in. As booties are a constant fall/winter go to item. Whether you’re wearing with dresses, skirts, denim, corduroys, etc. I had been on the hunt for a couple seasons trying to find the perfect pair. Ones that could be dressed up or dressed down. This Treasure & Bond pair, fit the bill. They come in black and tan.
Travel. Travel isn’t particularly an item but it’s one of the best things I spent money on in 2016. Travel enriches your life, creates memories, and refreshes your soul. Last year I was lucky enough to go to Asheville, Nashville, Charleston, Dahlonega, Duck, Playa Mujeres, Athens, The Highlands, and Wisconsin. Every trip brought so much to my year! Not to mention each one was something to look forward to, get excited about, and try out new things. This year I definitely want to make travel a priority and head to some new spots. What places do y’all have on your travel list this year?
