My 5 Favorite New Purchases in 2024

From $16 skincare to my new favorite fragrance.

While going over my purchases of 2024, I realized I’m really not good at my job. That is, if you consider me an “influencer.” While I replenished my favorite beauty products and got a few new pairs of socks and underwear (and I will make a post of my staples, I promise), I didn’t make many new purchases in fashion or beauty. I bought a few vintage and second-hand gems on Depop, eBay, on Whatnot, and in thrift stores, but things I can link? Not much. I wear my stuff over and over and over. I don’t buy new jeans or sneakers until I need a new pair. When I feel like my closet is lacking something, I put it on a list and search for exactly what I want. I try to be very intentional with my purchases. You won’t see me doing any hauls.

I’m starting to realize why I don’t work as much as my peers. But I really do not see the need to purchase new things all the time, just to have something to sell to my audience. It just makes me feel icky. So please know that if I’m recommending something, it’s because I actually like it. And even though that also goes for jobs and PR gifts — I am only including things I purchased with my own money for this post.

Without further adieu, here are 5 of my favorite new purchases of 2024:

Favorite New Clothing Purchase of 2024

MOTHER “The Ditcher Roller Sneak” Denim: I have found my perfect pair of high-waisted, wide-legged denim, and naturally they are MOTHER. These are the softest 100% cotton jeans I have ever worn with a drape so lovely they feel like pajamas. I have to note that these are the exact pair I have, which are sold out on their site. They have the same style in other washes, but some have added stretch.

To give you an idea of how comfortable these are, I wear them on long-haul flights. They’re that comfortable. Personally, I also find them to be just the right amount of tailored to make even a t-shirt and jeans feel polished. I have them in the “Heart Throb” wash if you want to try and find the exact version I have on any second-hand sites. But I love them so much I might buy them in another wash.

These do run a size big, but I still took my usual size because I kind of like the extra slouch. While these cost a pretty penny, denim is one area where I’m always willing to spend a bit more. I wear these at least twice a week. Honorable mention goes to the one other pair of jeans I bought this year, the DL1961 Hepburn (mine are a lighter wash). Those have stretch to them which makes them extremely comfy, but I do prefer 100% cotton denim when possible. Another brand I love is AGOLDE, and the only reason they’re not on the list is because I haven’t had to buy a new pair in several years!

Favorite New Shoe Purchase of 2024:

My red Mary Janes: These shoes are under $45 and also come in black, and white (both for around $30) and they quickly became a favorite. I have come to accept that I am a creature of habit and I will forever be a Mary Jane lover. If that hasn’t changed in the last 28 years, I suspect it never will. Which reminds me…I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of Steve Madden Mary Janes that were my teenage obsession. I found a couple pairs but not in my size, so the search continues.

These red Mary Janes are such a classic, and surprisingly comfortable for patent leather, inexpensive shoes. Courtney has the same exact pair — we often make the same purchases without even realizing it — and we both showed up to our holiday shoot in them. I’m all about a low block heel. I walked all over Disney in these shoes with no issues.

Favorite New Fragrance Purchase of 2024

Diptyque Lilyphéa Eau de Parfum: I accidentally stumbled upon my new favorite fragrance while purchasing the Diptyque Fresh Body Lotion that my mom and I love. They really get you with those samples, don’t they? And while I wasn’t intending to buy a new perfume — I had already hemmed and hawed over buying a full size of tried and true Le Labo Rose 31 for months — I couldn’t stop thinking about Lilyphéa once my sample ran out. It’s light and green and floral, with just a bit of spice and warmth from the cardamom and vanilla notes. I would say it feels unisex in the best way, and is a soft skin scent (but it has lasting power on me). If you are near a Diptyque, get a sample and try it out. I’m obsessed and it’s now in my steady rotation of favorites. I’ll do an update on my favorite fragrances if anyone wants that post!

Favorite New Skincare Purchase of 2024

Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Masks: One thing about me is that I love a good mask. I came back from Japan with two large packs of my favorite rice water masks, went through them way too swiftly, and then regretted not buying more. And though at $16 for four, this collagen mask is about ten times the price of the sheet masks I usually buy in Tokyo, I consider them special occasion masks. Once every couple of weeks masks. Sleep in it and wake up with perfect baby skin masks. And you know how to tell I love them that much? I repurchased them three times, despite getting PR packages full of free (and awesome) skin care. They’re just that good. I originally ordered them from Olive Young but I’ve also bought them on Amazon.

Favorite Wellness Purchase of 2024

My Walking Pad: I hate working out. Like hate it. I don’t want to do classes, I hate gyms, I just can’t get motivated. I love to walk, but I overheat very easily because I don’t sweat — which makes going outside for longer than five minutes nearly impossible in South Florida 8-9 months out of the year. You should haven seen me at Disney earlier in the year. I had several fans, an umbrella with a mister, and a cooling towel for a morning of taking maternity photos for Courtney. It’s a real issue. In short, I need indoor physical exercise for the days when it’s too hot to go for long walks. I bought one of those walking pads that can be easily stored under the sofa and I absolutely love it. I am not one who can work while on it — I am not coordinated enough to multitask — so in order to make sure I use it regularly, I made an unofficial rule. If I want to watch my “bad shows” (aka Real Housewives, Love Island, etc.), I watch while I’m on my walking pad. It keeps me from rotting on the sofa and I feel so much better afterward. 10/10 recommend — a great $130 purchase that I’ve used all year.

What were your favorite purchases of 2024? I’d love to know!