My 12 Best Buys from 2024

Hi! Last week, I wrote about my favorite beauty items from 2024, and today, we're covering the other stuff. I tried to keep this list as edited as possible, but I'll tell you what two factors qualified these things to make the list:

1. Cost Per Wear or Cost Per Use

By now, we might be sick of hearing the term, but it's one I'll never stop thinking about. Usually, when we make a purchase, it's hard to really gauge how often we'll wear (or use) something. We might think, "Oh, I'll definitely wear this all the time," but that thought doesn't always translate. I know that for me, some of the most unexpected things become my most used and worn.

2. Elevating the Everyday

I realize it sounds a little cheesy, but in life's craziness, I try to romanticize life as much as I can. This could be anything from lighting a candle to using your beautiful dishes on a regular Tuesday or wearing nice fancy perfume for school pick-up. My Louis Vuitton planner was a birthday gift from Keith, and it falls into that category. Is it the most practical? Probably not, but I love it.

With that said,

These are my best buys from 2024:

Sweatshirt & Sweatpants. I wear a medium in both and they’re slightly oversized.

1. Aerie by American Eagle Sweatsuit

This was a random late-night purchase and one I never thought I'd wear as much as I do. I wear it when I get home and am not quite ready for pajamas; I throw it on in the morning when I'm in the mood to change into something else. I've worn it with a fancier coat to balance out a school drop-off/pick-up or an errand outfit. It's the best. The grey is sold out, but I'd get it in another color in a heartbeat for the comfort factor alone.

Edited to add: if some things are sold out, I’d still recommend having a peek at their “Offline by Aerie Cloud” pieces.

Vince Suede Blazer that runs a little large. I sized down to a 4 and could still layer sweaters underneath. There are some random sizes available or I’d recommend trying sites like the RealReal or Postmark. Madewell also has their version that looks similar.

2. Vince Suede Blazer

This piece dominated my fall wardrobe, and I wore it regularly up until full-fledged coat season. The quality is a 10/10. There’s also a Madewell version that looks very similar. I haven’t felt it in person, but a few have mentioned that it feels slightly heavier than the Vince one.

3. Chanel Suede Flats

My favorite shoe buy from 2024. They’re like a piece of velvety, caramel-y chocolate for the feet. They elevate the most simple of outfits.

4. Kindle

Why the hell did I wait so long to buy this thing? I love a good ol' book, but having the ability to throw this into my bag has been a game-changer. Even having the ability to read in the dark while Keith is asleep next to me is not something one can do with a regular book. I've also found that I'm reading so much more, which is very rewarding. If you're on the fence, get one!

Nour Hammour Hatti Jacket (wearing a size 38) | Nili Lotan Denim (size down) also a notable mention for favorite buys of 2024 | Toteme Shoes | Bottega Wallace Bag | Leset Tee (my favorite - in a M) | Colors in Optics Sunglasses

5. Nour Hammour Hatti Jacket

After lusting over this leather jacket for months, I finally purchased it in March of 2024, and I have zero regrets. I continuously drool over the Nour Hammour website, and all of the beautiful outwear. I recently treated myself to a new Nour Hammour piece while they were having their 30% off sale, and I cannot wait to whip it out! It feels very glam Russian mob wife, and I’m all for channeling that part of my style.

Liffner Suede Tote. This current style is currently sold out, but I highly recommend browsing their website for beautiful handbags that are very fairly priced for what they are.

6. Liffner Suede Tote

Two handbags made the “My Best Buys of 2024” list, with a gorgeous Liffner tote being one of them. I love the color; I love that it fits everything that I need, including my laptop; I especially love that it fits under my arm, even when I’m wearing a bulky coat; I love the price point, considering the look and feel of it. This specific style is currently unavailable, but I highly recommend looking into this one.

HigherDose Sauna Blanket. I ended up getting the bundle during their Black Friday sale. Also wearing the Light Boost LED Mask, one of my favorite purchases of all time.

7. HigherDose Sauna Blanket

This was a Black Friday purchase. It’s also a purchase I contemplated for over a year. I don’t usually like to include things I bought so late in the year, as I wonder if they’re worthy of making the final list, but I’m making an exception. The blanket has quickly become one of my go-to rituals, allowing me to be still, something I struggle with. 

As someone who also doesn’t sweat easily, I am dripping after 30 minutes (I try to do at least 45 minutes). I will use it while watching a TV show or listening to an audiobook or podcast. Half the time, I doze off into the most meditative nap. My only regret is not getting it sooner. If we had the room for an actual sauna, I’d go that route, but this will do the trick for now.

8. Louis Vuitton Planner & Pouch

These were technically birthday gifts, but both are undeniably on the list. I wrote about both pieces (in great detail) in this substack post.

9. iPad with Keyboard

Another tool that I wish I had gotten sooner! As someone who has worked for themselves for over a decade, I’ve grown accustomed to my go-to electronics and systems. Whenever I’d travel or need to do something work-related or on-the-go, I’d bring my laptop. It was a sushi dinner with Jane, another creative friend, who suggested this method for a more manageable (and way lighter) on-the-go solution. The keyboard is a must! Don’t get me wrong - I will always prefer a laptop over an iPad, but this has been a handy alternative for travel. I also love it for watching shows when I’m in the kitchen or doing any chores.

The Toteme bag is pictured with my Emme Parson boots, one of my most worn items from 2023, and again, in 2024.

10. Toteme Belted Tote

Another handbag, which is not entirely a shocker. I always assume that someone who is reading this substack is someone who has been around since my early blogging days. This also might mean it’s someone aware of what a handbag person I’ve been from day one. I realize that is not entirely the case, but having two handbags from a list of twelve is pretty on-brand for me. The Toteme Belted Tote is one of my most worn items. Again, besides being gorgeous, it fits everything I need, and the large strap works well with bigger coats.

11. Weighted Vest

I was looking for a way to add a little spiciness to my regular walks, and adding a 12lb weighted vest has been the best thing. It makes me feel so much stronger and like I’m doing something great for my body

12. Barefoot Dreams Blanket

The most popular (and softest) blanket in our home. The one I had to order a second one of because my kids would fight over who gets it. I get it, though! When they’re asleep, and there’s an opportunity to relax, it’s also the one I immediately reach for.

There’s the list! There’s no way I’m not forgetting something, but these are the items that immediately come to mind.

You can also find my beauty favorites in the post below.