15 Things I Bought and Loved in 2024
The perfect button-down, my signature candle, and my other best purchases of the entire year.
And just like that, we’re taking down the Christmas tree and shifting into a whole new vibe. How do you feel about this in-between week leading up to New Year’s? I used to dread the end of the festivities, but now I embrace it as a time of renewal after the holiday hustle. As Helena Fitgerald said (via Austin Kleon’s newsletter) about this week:
“‘Dead Week’ is a week off from the forward-motion drive of the rest of the year. It is a time against ambition and against striving. Whatever we hoped to finish is either finished or it’s not going to happen this week, and all our successes and failures from the previous year are already tallied up.”
So, my wish (for both of us) is that we embrace this week as an opportunity to rest, dream, play, create, and do whatever nourishes our soul. I’ve been watercoloring, reading (just started The Husband’s Secret), going for hikes, and trying to ask myself what I feel like doing each day. Often, our greatest inspiration is found when we’re not trying so hard. Before we dive into today’s post, a couple things I wanted to share:
🍽️ Anyone else craving bright, zesty salads this week? This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Vin is the perfect lunch to have on repeat, especially since it holds up in the fridge for days.
🎧 Winter Solstice Rituals. This podcast episode is such a soothing listen and actually makes me excited for the remaining months of winter. Highly recommend popping on your headphones and listening on a chilly weather walk.
💫 You’re invited to join me for a Virtual Vision Board Workshop this Saturday. This is one of my favorite rituals to start the new year, and I love sharing it with all of you. Sign up for the Zoom session here, or buy the Vision Board Kit and get access to the workshop for free.
When I started writing my “What I Bought and Loved” series two years ago, I had no idea that these would become my most popular posts each month. But really, I shouldn’t be surprised—there are few things I love more than a conversation with a friend that begins, “I NEED to tell you about the [insert lifesaving product] I just discovered.” And it turns out, you guys feel the same way.
It’s always fun to look back and see which items resonated most with all of you, from books to skincare, supplements to wardrobe. So, thought I’d do a little “Best of the Year” edition, and share the 15 items you all loved most. Spoiler: y’all have great taste.
Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans
I moved rather abruptly from wearing slim-cut jeans to wide-legs almost daily, and it’s thanks to this cut from Madewell. I actually bought them in “tall” so they hit the floor when I’m wearing a stacked heel. (Now I need to add the standard inseam to my collection so I can wear them with flats, too.)
Sezane Farrow Bag
Speaking of staples, THIS BAG. I get compliments on its buttery leather and iconic bucket shape everywhere I go. It’s chicer than a tote, but still roomy enough that I can pretty much throw everything in there (and I do).
J.Crew Capitaine shirt in Irish linen
I just got a new color (flax) in my favorite linen button-down: J.Crew’s Capitaine Shirt. I ordered it in a medium so it’s a bit oversized. Perfect for tucking into jeans or wearing open over a swimsuit.
Casa Zuma Daybreak Candle
Our Daybreak candle is my signature home scent, and it was important to me that it also be clean-burning and toxin-free. I couldn’t be prouder of it—it’s truly my dream candle and the only one I burn.
Textured Rib Stripe Dobby Throw Blanket
I’m a sucker for a good throw—toss it over the arm of a couch, cozy up during movie night, or even use it as an impromptu tablecloth. Which is what I did with this textured fringed blanket from Hearth and Hand with Magnolia. It’s super soft and cozy, but light enough to be used year-round.
Saltyface Tanning Water
I’m a bit of a faux tan connoisseur and have tried just about every product on the market. I love this one for a couple reasons: the texture is like actual water, it’s full of skin-boosting ingredients, and foolproof to apply. And the color is a radiant, natural, non-orangey glow that subtly develops over 24 hours. I use it at night after my moisturizer.
Clare V. Midi Sac
Currently obsessed with everything Clare V (read our interview with Clare here.) The entire brand (this bag included) exudes laid-back Cali style meets Parisian polish.
Sezane Max Shirt
My ride-or-die. I already own this exact shirt in casual white, very light denim, and ecru/blue striped, and I wear them so much that I realized I needed this true, deep-blue denim to complete my uniform. I like a size 6 in this shirt for a roomy, oversized fit. This is one of those closet classics that you’ll have on repeat for years to come.
UBeauty: The Duo
My skin has never been better since I started using UBeauty’s Resurfacing Compound and Super Hydrator. This duo is designed to replace pretty much all your other products. They contain antioxidants, stabilized Vitamin C, retinol, hydroxy acids, and a hyaluronic acid that actually penetrates the skin (which is rare). And don't sleep on their plasma lip compound—the colors and hydration are the absolute best.
Aritzia The Effortless Pant
If you’re searching for the perfect wide (but not too wide) leg pant for fall, look no further than The Effortless Pant, which comes in a gazillion fabrics and colors. I’ve been wearing the wool constantly, and the black linen are my faves for spring/summer.
Quince Barcelona Polarized Acetate Sunglasses
It pains me to admit that I have lost three pairs of really nice sunglasses this year, including the most expensive pair I’ve ever purchased. (Still not over it.) I took it as a sign from above that “investment sunglasses” aren’t in the cards for me in this season of life, so thankfully I couldn’t be happier with these Barcelona Polarized Sunglasses. They’re giving Celine and feel just as high quality at a fraction of the price.
J.Crew Cropped Fringe-Trim Lady Jacket
The hardest occasions to dress for are those sort of “in-between” dressy and casual ones. Going out to a nice dinner, or a networking event where you need to look nice (but like me, are allergic to “business casual”)... those are the ones I always struggle with. Lately, my answer is always J.Crew’s Cropped Fringe Lady Jacket. I throw it over a white tee to make it less precious, and pair it with a miniskirt and booties for a festive event, or jeans and flats for a meeting. Kinda can’t remember how I lived without this wardrobe staple.
Haven Well Within Cashmere Sweater and Wide Leg Pant
If you treat yourself to one thing this season, highly recommend making it this supersoft cashmere sweater. This one in grey is the perfect boxy shape with extra long sleeves and it feels like an actual cloud. I’ve been wearing it with these matching wide-leg pants for the ultimate Friday night at-home outfit—or I’ll throw on a baseball cap and sneakers for running errands.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream
A few years back, my derm shared something that stuck with me: the first line of defense for fine lines and crepey-ness around the eyes is a really great eye cream. I’ve been using a tiny dab of this collagen-boosting cream morning and night, and it really makes a difference.
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