A fresh slate
and my favorite purchases of 2022
Happy New Year and welcome to the month of 2022 recaps, year in review, “best of’s,” and 2023 resolutions/words of the year. Personally, I love to read other people’s reflections and planning. It feels a little voyeuristic and satisfies my nosiness to see what other people’s highlights are, what was the most successful with their customers, audiences, and communities, and what they are trying to focus on in the upcoming year (maybe for my own inspiration?) But, I’ve had a hard time figuring out what my own 2022 reflection might look like. I don’t really have a “best of.” In many ways, 2022 was a year of getting started for me. I had tossed the idea around in my head of starting to write more regularly, sharing my style and shopping finds, things I love, a little window into my motherhood experience, my love for reading and books, and attempts at balancing my career with my role as a person, mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend for AGES. Truly. AGES. Like, we’re talking years. And, this year, I did it! I wrote 25 emails, started a series on my latest obsessions/favorite things (even though I need to pick it back up!), and connected with many of you on Instagram!
While I was organizing my desk earlier this week (which was, on my first day back to work, pretty much the ONLY thing I accomplished off my to-do list; hopefully, I’m not the only one who has been facing all-time low productivity levels this week), I came across a journal that I started in March 2020, recording daily highs and lows in the midst of the initial wave of COVID. As time went on, I moved from daily lists to more sporadic entries, and actually created a list of monthly “highlights” from April 2020 all the way through December 2021. I didn’t keep it up in 2022, but I would like to pick it back up this year - at the start of a new year, it feels like a “cheat sheet” to reflect on the previous year, but I was also so happy to re-read it andremember what we did, what I was excited or happy about, what felt significant in my personal or professional life at any moment in time. So many small moments that would otherwise be forgotten if not written down!
One entry stood out to me (which was incidentally not a daily list, or a monthly highlight, but more of a traditional long-form journal entry) as I was re-reading the pages. I wrote:
“I read something this week that really resonated: that having a fresh start, or getting out of a funk is really just about making a lot of small changes that start to make you feel like you are making progress. I guess the same is true with something new — just doing a lot of teeny, tiny new things to hopefully build some momentum towards a bigger thing.”
Nothing revolutionary, obviously, and I’m clearly re-wording what many habit experts would tell you in an instant - but it was just the reminder that I needed that this week, this month, this year, doesn’t need to be about making a ton of huge, sweeping change. Instead, it can be about doing small new things that eventually become routine, so that you can then try a who new series of small new things.
As you might be thinking about your resolutions or intentions for this year, I hope you will find something that resonates with that message. And, no shame on big changes - it’s amazing to commit to big changes! But, you can embrace a new year with just some small adjustments! So, I’m not whether I’m writing resolutions this year, but I know I will try to make some changes. If and when I’m ready, I will happily document here for everyone to get their fair share of my personal business.
In the meantime, I’ve been thinking about the best things I bought last year. It’s a mix of clothes, accessories and beauty, and it’s not scientific - all based on a feeling, aka my camera roll, (I did not examine all my 2022 purchases because some things are just better left unknown, you know?).
So, without further ado, my favorite things from 2022:
Beyond Yoga Jetsetter Jumpsuit: (seen below) I bought this jumpsuit on a whim before a business trip while feeling sorry for myself that I didn’t have anything chis enough to wear on an overnight flight to Europe and wear straight from the airport (groan, I know.) It’s turned out to be one of my most-worn items in the past several months. I love a jumpsuit! This is soft, feels like sweats, but looks put-together and chic. I’ve worn it with strappy sandals and fun jewelry out to dinner, with sneakers and a jean jacket on a fall weekend, with boots and a warm sweater as the weather has gotten cooler. HIGHLY recommend! Sizing note: I find this to be TTS - I take a Medium and it has plenty of stretch/room, but I probably would not like a size down.
Truly can’t stop wearing this jumpsuit! Monogram Mary Hat: When I finally realized that while every beauty/skincare expert I follow on Instagram is recommending different products they all agree that sun protection is the most important, I started it taking it seriously! I bought several hats this past summer, but this was my favorite! Distinguishing factors: huge brim that provides lots of shade, fun monogram that just makes me happy, strap to help keep on your head in windy weather (not to be underestimated because the beach is often windy), or to wear around your neck. I get so many compliments and recommend this one to people all the time!
Truly was the hat of the summer! EltaMD Tinted sunscreen - On the topic of sun protection, I am thoroughly obsessed with this sunscreen. This year, I finally realized there is so much bullshit beauty product marketing out there, and I am going to focus on ingredients, effectiveness, and ease of use instead of whether or not something is “clean” or “natural.” And EltaMD sunscreen really is top-notch (my dermatologist told me so!) Especially during winter, the tinted sunscreen gives just enough color to make me look alive! I specifically like the UV-Clear formulation because it rubs in so well; I basically use it every day, especially if I’m not wearing any other skin makeup — if I’m going to put more makeup on my face then I go for the clear formula.
Citizens of Humanity Charlotte Jeans - Technically I got my first pair of Charlotte jeans in 2021, but I went for the lighter (Wynwood) wash in 2022 (which is actually a non-stretch denim; the darker washes have a little more stretch) and I’ve never looked back. Top-worn pair of jeans, they never stretch out, are super flattering, go with everything, and are seasonless. Seen below in my feed.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum: My skin just really loves this stuff. This is just a super effective product - it checks all boxes - I use it mostly as a night treatment every couple of nights, but will also use it before an event or night out because I see immediate plumping and brightening. An always rebuy for me!
Zara Marine Jeans: These jeans swept the internet this summer and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere. They have a flattering rise, the perfect wide leg, come in a million colors, and are priced super well - I wear them constantly! Something about a white jean when the weather is warm, it’s just one of my favorite pieces to wear, and I loved having these as an alternative to my straight-leg white jeans! Likely will add another color in a future season!
Wore this outfit or a variation of it like 100 times this year Loeffler Randall Clogs: I hemmed and hawed over what clogs I would get this fall and finally bit the bullet on these. I love this brand, and I especially love the clogs - I am constantly trying to find ways to wear them, and I cannot wait to pair them with dresses this spring when the weather warms up again! If you snatch them now you’ll get a great deal!
Walking Pad: It’s basically part of my personality now, but I love my walking pad. I am on a lot of calls for work, and I regularly use this during calls. I even have a desk risker set up that makes it comfortable to work while I’m walking. It’s not the same as getting in steps outside, but on busy days and when the weather is very cold, this is a lifesaver! Also, a walk + watching Netflix or listening to my audiobook during nap-time is the best!
Velvet Tees reversible jacket: I love this jacket - I wore it nearly every day this fall! It’s not warm enough for New England winter, so it’s pretty much retired in my closet for a few months, but I have loved wearing it! It’s just a chic, cozy and beautiful jacket that is super flattering and a little different. I have it in the charcoal/black color (shown below), but I love the green, the brown and the cream colors!
Chimi 04 sunglasses: I am completely obsessed with Chimi sunglasses. The 04 style specifically is so flattering - it has a wayfarer style, that is a little more rectangular, and I love the black color! These are basically the only sunglasses I wear.
Reformation Collared Cardigan: I picked this cream sweater during the Reformation black Friday sale, and it ended up being the only thing I kept out of my order. I love that its a cardigan that I can wear as a true cardigan, and that I can also wear buttoned up and it looks great. I’ve also worn it as a layer over a dress! Just really like it and feel like I am actively seeking ways to wear it!
Dyson Airwrap: Overall, my hair is pretty straightforward - very straight and doesn’t take much to take care of it, but I have basically never been able to get it to look the way it does with the Dyson. It’s great and I am obsessed with not making vain attempts to master a round brush and my blowdryer!
the airwrap glow + the Chimi Sunglasses AYR Shirts: AYR is officially one of my favorite brands after this year, and I especially love the French Fry striped shirts and the Sno Cone T-Shirt. They are great, super soft, stylish and wash really well. One of the Deep End button downs and Slushie long-sleeved shirts are on my shopping list for 2023.
Me & my favorite French Fry
