MY FAVOURITE PURCHASES OF THE YEAR

Linking the 11 you saw on TikTok + a few extra.

As the year is coming to a close, I’m reflecting back on my purchases (and other things, obviously), that took place in 2023. We can save the non-purchase related reflection chat for another time, we’re strictly talking business in this one. A lot of fantastic buys, mixed in with some not-so-great ones (I’ll touch on these at the end).

As I mentioned in the “My 11 favourite purchases of the year” video, I am so so grateful to have worked with, and been gifted so many amazing products this year. However, all items listed below (in both the good & and not-so-good sections), are all pieces/items/products I purchased with my own money.

Camper Loafers. Purchased in March, only took 2-3 days to break in and are easily the most comfortable shoe I own now (aside from a slipper/running shoe).

Sidia Hand Serum. I’ve always had dry hands and naturally this has caused me to become hand cream obsessed. Believe me when I say I’ve tried every cream on the market, and SIDIA wins by landslide. Purchased my first tube in May, and second in November.

Lululemon Align Bra. The most flattering workout bra/top I’ve ever put on my body. Hugs everything in, and is still functional (I run in this too). Purchased my first bra in green in September, and promptly bought brown and black shortly after.

Crown Affair Shampoo and Conditioner. Dec 31st marks exactly 1 year since I began using Crown Affair, and I have noticed such difference in shine, texture, and overall breakage. I bought 2 refills in June. I will never use another Shampoo or Conditioner.

Meara Goods Cardigan. Purchased in June, and it was in my hands in August. The most beautiful hand knit cardigan you will ever own. Words cannot express to you how much I love this piece.

Digo Studio bags. Purchased the beige colour in August, and the black in September. The best everyday bags, to throw on and still look put together.

Khaite Benny Belt. The piece that completely changed the way I dress. I was hesitant to purchase this, as the price tag is hefty, but now it’s easily become the most worn piece in my closet. Pairs with everything, and elevates every look. Worth every penny. Purchased in June, and never looked back.

Donni Thermal Crop Stripe Pants. Purchased these in November when they first dropped. I didn’t know what to expect, but when I opened the package it was the most pleasant of surprises. An extremely thick thermal, that hits the leg at the perfect place.

Arc’teryx Alpha LT Belay Parka. Purchased in February. Quickly this jacket became a prized-possession of mine. I was skiing in the backcountry quite often, and this was a life saver for me, and my friends. It’s lightweight, packable, and also doubles as a fantastic camping pillow.

Libertine Fragrance in scent Sweet Grass. Purchased in August. Up until this scent, I’ve never had a perfume I’ve been in love with. I had tried a lot of Byredo, and Le Labo, and could never find something that I wanted to stick with. Sweet Grass is the most warm, yet, woody scent I have ever smelt, and I fell in love.

James Street Co. Knits. Purchased my first in July during their sale, and it triggered a domino effect of purchasing the whole website. Everything JSC lives up to the hype, and I will be a life-long customer.

Honorary Favourite Purchases of the Year:

Reformation Dusk Knit Tank. An extremely flattering top. Bonus points for me because I can go braless in it and it keeps everything in tact.

Nothing Written Suede Bag. I swear this bag is the best kind of bottomless pit; you can put everything you own in here, and there will still be room.

Uncle Studios Cashmere Hat. TBH I haven’t received this yet, but it’s one of those purchases where I can just TELL I’m going to be obsessed with it.

Skims Fits Everybody Thong. It’s a draw between these, and the lululemon underwear.

Almina Concept Cardigan. The ultimate Khaite look-a-like. A structured cardigan I never knew I needed.

The plethora of vintage Levi’s I acquired this year. These are truly the best purchases of the year, except not helpful since I can’t link them. Stop by your fav vintage shops and get hunting.

Notable mentions of things I bought this year, that I will never be buying again:

I don’t love the idea of listing things I don’t like. I don’t want to bash brands, or shit on certain products that other people may love. However, I did pay out of pocket for all of these things, and wish I could’ve peeked into the future to save myself some $$.

Salt and Stone Deodorant. This does NOT work (I tried to use this for months and I’ve never had such bad B.O.) I love other Salt and Stone products (i.e., their body wash - this works, and candles), but the deodorant truthfully leaves you smelling worse than you did before you put it on. I’ve asked numerous other people about their experience and we all have the same answer. Save your coin, and use men’s aluminum free Old Spice.

Dieux Moisturizer. I’m a sucker for good packaging and this did me in. However, it left my face with a burning sensation and tiny red bumps all over my face. I applaud Dieux for having great customer service and refunding me after sharing my experience, but this face cream did not work well on my skin.

Any clothing item that is excessively too big. This may seem contradictory because I do love an oversized piece. However, numerous times this year I bought an item that was TOO large, because it was either vintage, or the last one in stock. It’s safe to say that I probably knew in that instance I would never fully love the item. I’ve now donated/re-sold all of these pieces, and sacrificed a large cut of what I originally paid doing so.

Here’s to the new year, and hopefully some better spending habits in 2024!

Let me know what your favourite purchase of the year was!