20 Things I Don't Regret Buying in 2024

last year's most valuable players

Happy New Year!!

Last night Chris and I rang in the new year gabbing over French pinot and culinary delights at Orgueil (and later Le Saint Sebastien) with

OFELIA

and her husband. We commiserated in our struggles to find an apartment and navigate bureaucratic French systems while simultaneously relishing in the fact that we were sitting in a beautiful restaurant, in the best of company, eating incredible food—in Paris. What a year!

As a sidenote, highly recommend adding Orgueil to your Paris list. Not only is the food incredible, but the chef is committed to zero-waste cooking and eco-responsible practices.

I’m currently writing to you from the couch. I’m cozied up in a pair of Lisa Yang pants and sweater that I snagged on sale a few years ago and am just about 3 hours into into a collagen mask. This morning I slept in, somehow convinced myself to do a 30 minute Tracy Anderson workout, showered and tinted my brows all before noon so I feel like this year is already off to a good start.

Ahead of this years installment of Things I Don’t Regret Buying I took a peak through last years list to see how it aged. *Almost* everything mentioned is still on my starting line up today. The only adjustments would be the Sezane tank—I much prefer Sold Out NYC’s scoop neck—and the stain remover that I’m currently pissed at because it bleached my off-white Khaite jeans. It still does a great job getting stains out, just don’t leave it on for too long.

I’m sure this list is far from complete. There’s a lot that I don’t regret buying that aren’t on this list, but still love and would easily recommend. In the same vein, I’ve never regret spending money on travel, a good meal, quality time with people, therapy and a good facial or massage.

The below items, however, have become firm pillars in my wardrobe, on my vanity, and around my (rather nomadic) home. Consider them 2024’s MVPs.

Fashion

A Big Triangle Scarf - truly one of those items that I never knew that I needed. The triangle shape lends itself to better draping and more interesting shapes imo. I picked up this Toteme one (seen here) at the end of winter and found it so versatile and easy to style that when this White + Warren one (seen here) popped up it was a no brainer for me.

Toteme Classic Cut jeans (seen here, here and here) - quite possibly 2024’s most worn jean. My only complaint is that I wish it came in a 28” inseam as well.

outfit details here

Khaite Amelia and Olivia - when I was searching for a versatile black tote-esq bag last winter I settled on the Amelia (seen here and here) and never looked back. I even started “A Love Letter to Amelia” post that never saw the light of day. While at times the handles can be frustratingly short, they’re also what I find most interesting about the bag given its larger main compartment.

Similarly, ahead of our spring trip to Paris I was looking for a small black shoulder bag that could take me from day to night and was easy to pack. The soft collapsable nature of the Olivia made it super easy to pack and easy to carry as a clutch.

Sold Out NYC Iconically Soft tee (seen here) - given my love for their tanks, idk why it took me so long to try their tees, but I’m hooked. Great cut and incred—iconically soft.

outfit details here

Khaite boots - this list is turning into Khaite fan mail, but what can I say, I like what I like. I love Khaite’s footwear, especially their boots. They are, for my purposes, the perfect combination of chic, edgy and wearable. The Marfa has been my most worn boot lately solely due to it being flat and very walkable.

They are closely followed by the Arizona (more sizes here) which I wore for the first time traveling (like a psychopath) back to Paris from Portland with zero issues. My only complaint is that they do not work well under certain straight leg jeans because the shaft is quite wide. I would love a similar style with a sock fit or narrower shaft. Kind of like the Nevada, but without the western detail on the toe.

Agmes Small Celia earrings - I literally wear these 95% of the time I get dressed.

The Row Large N/S Park Tote (seen here) - after going without a large shoulder bag for a few years I decided to get the large N/S Park Tote last fall. I know everyone loves the medium size, but something about the large feels unexpected. It fits everything, sits perfectly on the shoulder and the elephant color is exactly what I needed to compliment my neutral closet.

Citizen’s of Humanity Annina jeans (seen here) - specifically in Seashell, and one size up (each wash is different though). They are the perfect wide-ish leg, medium-rise-ish jean that work well with any type of shoe. I take the 30” inseam, but they also comes in a 33” inseam.

aforementioned Annine jeans - outfit details here

Khaite Benny belt - I contemplated the original Benny and the studded Benny for a long time and I’m so glad I went sans-studs. The studs are fun, but I fleeting for me and I feel like the og is more versatile in my closet.

Khaite denim - after listening to all of my fashion friends wax poetic about the Danielle and Abigail, I finally took the plunge. I love the Danielle, but I reach for the Abigail much more due to their shorter inseam and slightly lower waist (marginally). I sized up one size, but recently thought about trying two sizes up to get a more relaxed fit through the hip and butt. Also, hot tip, keep an eye on The RealReal and Vestiaire, you can get them for a fraction of the price.

Jil Sander flat sandals (seen here) - I swear these make every outfit look cool.

House of Dagmar blazer coat (seen here and here) - easily one of my favorite spring purchases. I stalked this for several months before pulling the trigger on it in April. Whether it’s something casual or dressy, it immediately adds a layer of dimension any outfit. It can also be worn on its own as a dress.

A.Emery Kinto sandals - another one of those pieces that I never knew I needed. I’ll be getting the black for next summer as well. (Also worth noting I wore my Havianna’s to death this summer).

Beauty, Skincare, and Hair

Braun Epilator - I bought this in August after seeing

Courtney

consistently rave about it and I haven’t worried about waxing or shaving my legs since. It’s similar to waxing in that the more you use it the less your hair grows back. I generally use it once ever two weeks.

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks - I’ve been using this in ‘petal’ for years, but realized, for some reason, I didn’t include it in last years list even though it’s highly deserving of a spot. I keep a mini in my purse so that I’m never without it.

Luna Bronze Sunless Tanner - this is hands down, the best sunless tanner I’ve ever used. It develops in as little as 3 hours and is so easy to apply. Unlike some other sunless tanners it has an olive-based undertone for the perfect, non-orange, tan.

RŌZ Shampoo and Conditioner - I desperately need a retailer in Paris to carry RŌZ. I love how lightweight their products are and they smell absolutely divine.

ZIIP Halo - technically this was gifted, but I would have bought it myself. I used the NuFace for years, but the ZIIP took my microcurrent experience to the next level. It’s smaller, takes less time to use, is easier to use, and in my experience, is more effective. I use it at least 3 times a week.

Home and Such

Lola James Harper Bomboneria candle - first purchased in September and I’m already on my third one.

Jenni Kayne Alpaca Basketweave throw and pillows - sadly I haven’t gotten to use these as much since I’ve been traveling, but every time I’m back in Portland and sit on our couch I’m so grateful for these. The the pillows are big and plushy, perfect for sinking into after a long day and the alpaca is oh-so-soft and cozy. SRP15 gets you 15% off your entire order.

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin and This Was Meant to Find by Charlotte Freeman - I reference these two books weekly. They’re fun to pick up and flip to a random page and read. I’m 95% sure they were a 2024 purchase, but tbh I’m not positive lol. Nevertheless they are one’s that I happily carved out space in my suitcase to travel with.

I hope your year is off to a great start! I like to use January to slow launch the year—reflect, plan, and chill as much as I can. I’ll be back in the coming weeks with some rounded out thoughts on the year, style and more. Maybe a Sunday post depending on if we get to go skiing this weekend. Until then!

Chat soon! xx, Sarah