Things I Bought This Month and Didn’t Return
- Bella James
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Aka the chaos I justified with “I’ll use it forever” energy
Let me set the scene: it’s 11:37 PM. I’m in bed, bonnet on, screen brightness low, and suddenly I’m possessed by the spirit of “I deserve something.” Aritzia tab? Open. Amazon cart? Full. Sephora points? Nonexistent. My bank account? Terrified. But what comes out of these spirals? Occasionally — just occasionally — gold. These are the items I bought this month and, against all odds, did not return.
Yes, I have a return bin. Yes, most of my cart additions are “just to see.” But these? These are the ones I kept, used, wore, reapplied, and… fell in love with. They’re worth the rant. They’re Bella James–approved. And no, none of this is sponsored — but it should be.
None of these links are sponsored or affiliate — just products I personally use, love, and now force upon you with chaotic devotion.
1. The Aritzia Butter Collection in Villa Pink
Because comfort, confidence, and delusion are my core values.
So Aritzia dropped a new pink shade called Villa Pink, and when I tell you this colour is my personality now?? It’s soft, girly, not too muted or neon — like if Barbie was born in Provence.
Here’s what I picked up:
BUTTER Cheeky Hi-Rise 3" Short – CA $48
BUTTER Movement Bra Top – CA $48
HomeStretch™ Rib Crew T-Shirt – CA $28
I know, the total is screaming adult money. But the cost-per-wear is chef’s kiss — especially when you’re wearing the same outfit three days in a row, switching only your claw clip and your vibe.
The fabric is what I imagine clouds feel like if clouds also snatched your waist and supported your boobs. It's not just clothing — it's a hug that matches your lip gloss. And Villa Pink? Baby. She’s not just a color. She’s an identity.
✨ Bella's Splurge Justification Tip™: Pick one piece every payday. You’ll build a wardrobe of pieces that last longer than your summer fling.
2. Amazon Individual Lash Extension Kit – CA $15.99
Because I love looking high maintenance without doing anything.
I’ve always wanted lash extensions. But $130 fills? Lying still for two hours? My right eye twitching from anxiety? No thank you. Enter: this literal Amazon miracle.
It comes with:
Clusters in 50D (for “she’s just naturally pretty”)
Clusters in 60D (for “I swear I’m not crying over him anymore”)
Bond & Seal that glues like trauma bonds
Cute pink tweezers because aesthetics are half the battle
These lashes? They do not move. You could go through a breakup, heatwave, and full-blown romcom crying sesh and they’ll still be sitting pretty. I once wore them for 6 days straight and they looked better than my relationships ever have.
💡 Warning: They don’t come with remover. DO. NOT. YANK. THEM. OFF.You will regret it. Order a remover or soak gently with coconut oil and patience.
Best part? You get 280 clusters for under $20. That’s basically $0.05 per main character moment. I’d like to personally thank the Amazon algorithm for knowing my vibe.
3. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Self-Tan Set (Dark) – CA $67.20
This tan is what I imagine my summer romance would’ve given me if he didn’t ghost me.
I’ve tried every self-tanner and ended up looking like a pumpkin spice demon more times than I’d like to admit. But Coco & Eve? She’s different.
This set comes with:
The tanner itself (in “dark,” which I highly recommend)
A mitt so your hands don’t betray you
A back applicator for my single girlies
A blending brush for those “kneecaps from hell” zones
The tan is warm, golden, never orange, and actually fades evenly. I wear a pair of old pajamas, sleep in the aesthetic version of a trash bag, and wake up a golden goddess. Plus it smells like a tropical vacation I can't afford.
✨ Bella Tip: Apply with plastic gloves instead of the mitt on easier places (arms, legs, chest, stomach). Absorbs less product + gives you that deep bronze that screams “yes, I live in a coastal town and sip iced lattes at sunset.”
4. La Senza Lace Lingerie Set – CA $70 Total
For when I’m wearing sweats but still need to know I’m a baddie underneath.
This wasn’t even supposed to be a match — but the Pink-A-Boo Bra and Ballet G-String work together like it was fate (or like La Senza actually planned their collections, wild idea). It’s:
Soft. Like shockingly soft.
Baby pink. Duh.
Pretty and supportive.
Not $130 like some other lacey options I adore but can’t afford rn
Even if no one sees it — and no, a man doesn’t need to be in the picture — wearing something beautiful under your errands outfit? Instant confidence boost. Who needs validation when you’ve got lace and underboob support?
5. KISS Classy Ready-To-Wear Nails – “Dashing” – CA $10
They said “short almond” and I said “fine, but make it girly.”
Long nails will always have my heart, but these? These are my functional but still fab go-tos. They’re short, almond-shaped, glossy, and somehow still serve that “clean girl goes to brunch” aesthetic.
They come with:
28 nails (so like… two full sets plus backup for the clumsy)
Minimal design that goes with everything
Price tag that says “yes I have bills but I still slay”
Best part? With a solid prep routine and KISS glue, they actually last. I wore these to a family BBQ, got a tan, opened four La Croixs, and they were still on. A miracle.
💡 Want my full prep routine? Lemme know on IG @thewhisperededit. I’ll overshare, promise.
In Conclusion:
Did I buy too much this month? Possibly.Do I regret it? Not a single thing.
These are the keepers — the little luxuries that actually made me feel like me. No buyer's remorse. No return labels. Just joy, glow, and good energy.
💅 Some cost more, some cost less, but all of them? Worth it. And remember — it’s okay to splurge on the things that make you feel beautiful. Especially when you’re frugal in other areas (like cancelling that third iced latte you were gonna DoorDash... maybe).
So now it’s your turn:
What did you buy this month and actually keep?
Drop it in the comments, share it to stories, or DM me so we can spiral together 💌
Keep them guessing, Always.
xoxo, Bella James.
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