We test and recommend a lot of things to buy, from clothing to housewares to books and whatever we find worth sharing! We thought it would be interesting to think back on our favorite purchases of 2024, in any category, at any price point, that brought us joy and we used a lot. Here you go!
Joanne
- Dyson Cordless Vacuum: I love not having to find a plug and wrestle with a long cord! It’s lightweight and holds a charge for a long time. My floors are much cleaner because it’s super easy to grab and go.
- Vuori Clothing: I resisted Vuori for a long time, but I was sold once I tried the products on. The fabric really is that soft and comfortable, even after many washes.
- Party Pants: I love festive patterned pants to wear with a simple black sweater or white blouse. These from La Double J definitely do the trick and have been fun to wear this year.
- Double J Dresses: And speaking of La Double J, l love their one-and-done dresses! The fabric patterns are so fun and don’t require belts, jewelry, or any other accessories. I found 2 long dresses on super sale this summer and I also love the short cotton dresses.
- YSL Purse: I bought my first really expensive purse this year for my 60th (gulp) and I must say I really love it. I had never been a big believer in the expensive handbag trend but it turns out an expensive handbag makes me feel more pulled together.
- Gold Knot Earrings: I had everyday earrings on my shopping list this year and I found them in Florence (at a jeweler Chrissie recommended) and here is a similar pair at Nordstrom. They are simple knots and remind me of the Monet knots that were popular in the 70’s. Very simple and a classic.
- Herno Pants: We love the Herno puffers but they have a lot of other clothing that is worth a look. I have two pairs of their satin-effect pants – baggy joggers and a more tailored trouser. They pair with most everything and pack down to nothing so they’re perfect for travel.
- Moismont Cord Case: I have been on the hunt for a cord case that is more fashionable than a ziplock bag and prefer one compartment, not multiple compartments, so I can find the right cord at the right time without opening every zipper. This one is doing the job and I like that it is “cord”uroy – ha ha.
- Quince Corduroy Pants: While we are on the corduroy theme, I amassed quite a corduroy pant collection this season. I LOVE the Quince Stretch Cropped ones so much. The stretch is very forgiving, they have cute patch pockets on the front, and the cropped flare is very kicky!
- Quince Slim Credit Card Case: And while we are on the Quince theme, I LOVE my slim credit card case. It holds a couple credit cards, my drivers license, and insurance card and fits into every purse I own so there is no switching needed. I’ve used it every day since its arrival so I’d say it is a well-loved product!
Chrissie
- Herno Emilia: Jo and I were in Italy this summer and I got a blue Herno ‘vest/short sleeved jacket’ on sale and I love it! It’s super lightweight and keeps my core warm and I just wear it like a ‘shirt’’ over a tee, vs. like a jacket that I’d take off when indoors. They are pricey (when not found on sale in Italy!) but ‘price per wear’ is pretty low as I wear it ALL THE TIME.
- Foot Massager: I use this every day at my desk and it makes me happy and keeps my feet warm as well as lightly massaged as I work!
- Cross Body Puffer Purse: I got this in December (in green) but it’s already one of my favorites as it’s super lightweight (can’t even tell it’s on), lies really flat/close to your body (unless you have it packed full of bulky things), and is small but can fit a lot. I took it to NYC for a trip and I basically never took it off during the day (it fit under my big coat and I forgot I even had it on)…except when I needed something out of it.
- Double Zip Packing Cubes: I’ve had packing cubes for years, but these that have a second zipper to let you super-compress things is a game changer for saving space!
- Gold Hoop Earrings: I had been searching for the perfect gold hoops – thick but not too thick, the right proportions, lightweight etc – and found them on a trip to Florence this summer. I wear them constantly and they bring me joy…and remind me of my trip! They are very similar to those in the link.
- Inn Beauty Extreme Cream: I’ve waxed poetic many times about this face cream. It’s super moisturizing, has ingredients to help make skin firmer/smoother, and is affordable. Win. Win. Win.
- Keen Greta Waterproof Chelsea Boots: Not a sexy or fashionable boot, but I wear them daily to the dog park and have also taken them to the snow. They are comfortable, easy to take on/off, keep my feet warm (even without socks) and totally waterproof. A+. Got my husband the same pair for Xmas this year.
- Gap Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans, Madewell Mid Rise Kick-Out Full-Length Jeans, and Madewell Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans: My three go-to jeans this year. Today, my 29 year-old son even said I looked ‘cool’ in my barrel jeans! My Gap pair are for everyday errands/sitting at my desk and my Kick-Out Flare pair are for when I want a longer, ‘dressier’ pair I can wear with boots etc.
- Quince Lounge Pants: These are my go-to pants for comfort around the house (or I can also wear them out to do errands etc). Another key Quince item I loved this year is this SO comfy workout bra!
- My favorite two new types of underwear! This 6-pack for $29 (!) option from Quince that are SO comfy and economical, and these from Eby which have a little band that keep them from slipping anywhere you don’t want them to! Nothing ratty or uncomfortable in the underwear drawer any more!
