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What I'm Loving: 2024 Favorites

 

I say it is never too late to share my favorites from last year, it is still January! I am realizing that I did not share my favorites from 2023, so I am making sure to get back on track and share them this year. I love to think back about what did I wear the most, reach for the most, hobbies, trends, books I read, anything. Making these are also like a fun little diary for me to look back at to see how or if my interests have changed. 


FASHION:

-J. Crew Kate Pants: I say this time and time again, but I am really not a big pants girlie. However, I have been reaching for them more often for going to clinic or this hospital, especially if it is a busy day! These pants from J. Crew have been my favorite find. They are SO comfy, perfectly high waisted and so versatile to dress. They often go on sale, too :)

-Anjuli Nap Dress: Don't worry, I still love the classic Ellie, but this newish style from HHH is so good! I added a few of them to my closet last year. I love that they are a true maxi length on me and that the smocking is a bit more snug than Ellie and I truly do not need a bra! I took a size small in this style (same as Ellie).

-Lady Jacket: I absolutely love the shape and silhouettes of these sweet little jackets. They are so easy to throw on when you don't know what to wear and make you feel dressed up with little effort. I own several of them, as they are so cute and comfy and have been great for clinic outfits. I love that you can wear them with jeans for a more casual look along with wearing them as business casual. So versatile and a great closet staple.

-Ankle Ruffle Socks: This feels random, but these plain white, ankle ruffle socks from Amazon were essentially the only sock I wore this year. I think the ruffle is a cute detail and adds some flare to a casual/athletic look and still looks good with a more dressy-casual look. They made me feel more put together and dressed up during months where I only wore scrubs. 

-Ophelia Nap Dress: I tried this on for the first time at the Palm Beach store and fell in love with this silhouette. The neckline is beautiful and can be adjusted with the bow/string so you can make it as chesty or not-chesty as you like it! It has smocking in the back so is still comfortable but fitted. I have the long and mini version and love them both!

-Chanel Cap-toe heels: These have been on heavy rotation since I got them. They are a timeless piece that will always be in style, so a great investment and low cost per wear. I recommend trying them on in person, as the nature of how they are made means there is slight variation in sizing. I find them pretty comfortable and did not take long to break in. 

SKIN/BEAUTY/HAIR:

-First Aid Beauty Gentle Retinol: The last time I tried a prescription retinoid (tretinoin) my skin was so irritated and never got used to it. I saw that FAB came out with this otc retinol for sensitive skin and tried it. I saw such a HUGE difference in my skin and was never irritated. I think it is a great intro to retinol if you want to get started. I have now transitioned to otc retinoid adapalene 0.1%- it used to be prescription only but went otc a handful of years ago- and using the FAB retinol for a 1+ years first I think helped prime my skin for something stronger like adapalene because I have had zero irritation! Maybe I will be able to work myself up to tretinoin by next year.

-Supergoop sunscreen: I am still in my Supergoop era haha. I love trying different sunscreens, and have tried a lot in the past couple of years, and always come back to this one as my favorite. Supergoop if you see this and want to work together... :)

-Patrick Ta Blush: Just like sunscreen, I love trying and collecting different blushes. This one from Patrick Ta is my favorite. I have the shade She's Flushed and it is the perfect natural flushed look. I want to get another shade but not sure which one because they all look beautiful.

-Ilia Mascara: I have both formulas of mascara from Ilia and love them both, but have been reaching for and repurchasing the Limitless Lash. It does a good job at lengthening and enhancing your natural lashes. I love that it looks pretty natural as my every day make-up is usually just mascara, eye brows and blush. Makes me feel a little dolled up without having to be in full glam.

-These Hair-ties: These are seriously the best hair-ties I have ever tried. They do not pull on your hair or leave lasting creases in your hair. They are super soft but hold a ponytail or bun so well. Highly suggest switching to these for the sake of hair health haha.

-Aquaphor Stick: Any kind of petroleum jelly is the best lip balm. I am obsessed with this giant Aquaphor stick and just use it as a giant lip balm. It is an emollient and occlusive so it creates a barrier on your lips/skin to prevent from drying out. I still use other kinds of lip balm, but I just put a layer of Aquaphor first! 


MISC:

-Needlepointing: I have been needlepointing for the past couple of years, but think in 2024 I really got my stitching groove back again. I went to the Lycette store in Palm Beach in April, and think this was my "reawakening" for one of my favorite hobbies. I have even already finished a canvas this new year! Along with Lycette, I love shopping Penny Linn Designs and Morgan Julia Designs. I also suggest finding your local needlepoint store because they are experts and can help you get started and often have classes. (If you're also a MN girlie, The Picket Fence in Edina is our LNS!)

-This Scrub Set Top + Bottom: I wasn't sure if I should put this in fashion or not but decided to put it here. This is seriously my favorite combo of scrub top and bottom. I do not like v-necks, so the top is perfect and feels a little more dressed up than your normal scrubs. And I just love a jogger, I feel like these are falling out of scrub style but they will always be my favorite. 

-Longchamp Tote: This has been the tote for me. I use it for everything including my clinic bag. I tried using my backpack for my clinic bag since I usually bring my laptop and a lot of other goodies, but I hated wearing a backpack with my nice clinic outfits and the contents of my bag did not feel super accessible. So this tote has been my go-to as it holds a ton, is very durable, and looks nice. For a designer piece, the price point is not bad and this bags last forever. 


Favorite Trend: Chocolate brown? I say this with a question mark because this color did have a resurgence in the past year or so and is currently very popular, but I really feel like it is a color here to stay. This gorgeous chocolate/espresso brown color is not new to the fashion world but think it was almost rediscovered as a great neutral. I love this color, its a great neutral for my skin tone and see it as a great basic with black and navy. 

Favorite Book: Blue Sisters, Coco Mellors. 


As always,

#dontforgetyourpearls

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