Random favorites from last year.
We’re one month into 2025 and talking everything from blowout brushes to boxed mac and cheese. She’s multi-faceted.
I really love a favorites round-up. Monthly? Give it to me. Yearly? I’m locked in like a Midwestern dad watching a storm roll in.
(Before we dive in further, yes, our primary focus here at Esthetically is skincare and I’m working on those favorites-adjacent posts. But we’re going to organize and categorize in order to avoid a weekly letter so long it needs MLA-format citations.)
With the exception of two things on this list, here’s a random rundown of things I purchased and/or really liked in 2024. You won’t catch me using “____ items you need” / “must-have purchases” rhetoric. None of this is life-saving or necessary, let’s be so for real.
Oura (Gen3) Ring
I’m a couple years late to the Oura party but we did finally arrive. I’ve had an Apple Watch and wore Garmin equivalents for a long time after, hoping I’d become a watch girl. Turns out I did, but then felt the turmoil picking between the smart and “regular” watch. Enter Oura ring. I can keep tabs on all the fitness data I like to track, and a plethora of biometrics. The app is also a breeze to navigate – big, big fan.
Adidas Spezial Shoes
Love the look of Gazelles and Sambas, and have plenty of friends that nearly live in them. For me and my high arches, though, it’s the Spezials. Technically a handball shoe (OK, it’s giving Olympics), but the arch support in these is a ‘yes’ from me.
Rue Sophie Arpels Oversized Cardigan
I’ve added a few Rue Sophie pieces to my closet in the last two years, this cardigan being the latest. I am hardly ever cold - the lighter weight of this is a dream. Currently on sale, too!
BondiBoost Infrared Thermal Bounce Brush
My breakup with curling irons has been a slow burn the last few years, and it absolutely does line up with coloring my hair less (and staying closer to my natural color when I do). For blondes especially, more color = drier texture = better curls. I’ve always loved a traditional blowout anyway and really enjoy using this brush to add a soft curl at the ends.
Vision Boards
Forgot how fun these are to make and ... I want to make 6 more?? I did this right before the new year (along with written goal setting exercises); this was great for thinking about this year without being too critical, ya know?
100% Cotton Sweaters
Of all the things I learn from Erika about clothing, paying attention to material is one of the most valuable. I have a 1 in-1 out rule when it comes to sweaters, and the two I purchased last year were both 100% cotton. I get a lot of wear out of this oversized option from GAP.
L.L. Bean Small Tote
Speaking of Erika, nobody loves a monogrammed canvas tote more than her. She gifted me one for my birthday and it’s a great day-to-day carry. It’s just the right size for the keys/phone/wallet/lip balm necessities, with room for a book and a few small extras.
Goodles
Bless Brooke Tillman and her TikToks spreading the good word about Goodles. Every flavor is superb and it’s such an easy, quick meal after evenings I’m working later in the studio. I’ll usually add chicken and steamed broccoli to feel more like a picture of health.
Pinterest for Style Inspo
I’m slowly editing down my closet to items that truly feel like me currently, or the person I aspire to be. I don’t spend a ton of time on Pinterest but am really leaning into it for outfit ideas that feel like me.
Amazon Hair Ties
I’ve done enough market testing to feel like an armchair expert on hair ties. My long-ish, fine, straight hair stays in place with these guys, even during workouts with lots of box jumps (gross) or burpees (barf).
If you’re still here and also have a favorites recap posted, share a link in the comments!