My 2024 purchases in review
A list of the best and worst things I bought this year
I’ve spent much of the year avoiding my “purchases” list. A tracker I’ve been keeping for years now - initially manual, now using excel - to keep on top of all the things I’ve bought on a monthly and annual basis. Once the year is up I’ll do the math to see how the number of items I’ve purchased have compared YoY, which accompanies the goal of spending less overall.
It’s an exercise I’ve found to be quite valuable. Noting peaks and troughs in spending and quantity at certain times of the year, which I’m able to find direct correlation for. And realising now - a little too late - that consistent monitoring tends to help me keep track of how much I am buying (a 31% item increase from 2023, insert crying face emoji here).
Reviewing each and every purchase would turn this into a seriously long essay, so I thought instead I’d do an edit of the highlights and lowlights of the year. For paid subscribers there will be an addendum at the end of this letter with some additional favourites, along with some items I’ve already said goodbye to (and why).
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Addressing the elephant in the room… It’s probably worth noting that this isn’t the whole picture; I’ve only included here the items I bought myself, as I think regardless of how neutral you intend to be, there’s always going to be some element of bias towards any items you’ve received as PR, or part of work with a brand. Because the way you select an item from a lookbook you’ve received from a brand, will be different from the way you shop their e-commerce site. Not to mention all the touchpoints along the way. How easy it was to check out, how fast your item arrived, whether shipping was free or not, if you think the quality matches up with the price or was what you expected. And so on. The only way I think you can be truly unbiased, is if you’ve spent your own money on the thing. So there will be items you’ve seen me wear (a lot), which don’t feature on this list, as well as items I thought would be winners but they just weren’t.
Also, I’m mostly assessing items purchased from Jan-Oct, which means anything I ordered in Nov/Dec don’t get much of a look in (even from 2023), though you’ll be able to tell if it’s a winner based on if it shows up in my most worn (like this Quince sweater I bought with mail forwarding in December last year - one of my overall favourites).
BEST IN CLASS
H&M straight leg jeans | You can find some real gems at H&M, though it usually requires constant keeping up with their new arrivals, carefully checking construction, fabric composition etc. I’ll usually make a beeline to check out their premium collection (which always sells out so fast), or browse through denim to get the highest success ratio. These jeans came about as an alternative option to Henne’s viral Valentina jean (which I’ve now tried, the denim is meatier, and the cut far superior - I get the hype now), and I loved them for their soft but sturdy feeling denim, and mid blue wash which feels reminiscent of a pair of vintage Levi’s 501s. They wash well, are comfortable to wear, and always garner compliments. Not bad for a pair of jeans that cost less than $60. I got mine taken up (ask for the original hem for a clean finish!), but the cost was well worth it. My only gripe is that they’ve cheaped out on the pockets. Occasionally the flat cotton lining becomes visible if they aren’t sitting properly. Do I still covet the Henne jeans? Yes, and no. After trying them on I’m playing all sorts of mental gymnastics trying to convince myself I don’t need them. I have good no, great denim in my wardrobe already.
Oroton leather pouch | Back in March I bought two items from Oroton. This bag, and this lovely little leather pouch. Intended to be used as a catchall, and it is without a doubt one of my most reached for items of the year. For those unaware, as this was news to me until recently, Oroton’s Outlet operates under the same model as many US based outlets. Where the products are designed and produced specifically for the outlet. This little fact blew my mind because the quality and construction doesn’t feel any lesser than buying something from their mainline (which makes me think perhaps the margins are just lower?), and both items have held up extremely well given I have two rambunctious kids who will take any opportunity to play with my things (none of my bags or jewellery is safe, LOL). There are always different discounts on offer, I paid $71 which I think is incredibly fair, though I think I saw it as low as $60 during Black Friday.
Arket merino top | I own a few of these lightweight, fitted, semi-sheer merino knit long-sleeves from Arket already. More specifically the best purchase was this top in charcoal. While I often poke fun at how often I wear an all black outfit, I tend to favour slightly softer dark neutrals like navy, chocolate brown, or charcoal grey. If you can’t access Arket, the ones from COS are virtually identical; usually the only differentiator is the sleeves (often have a thumbhole at COS). Why I like these? They’re a great slim base layer which also function as a top in their own right. The yarn isn’t itchy. They wash well, and I like that they’re also ever so slightly sheer, but not in a vulgar way. Fit can be very tight so I personally like to size up one (not that you can tell!).
Bared boots | Shoes have always been my wardrobe kryptonite. The thing that will always fit, as your feet don’t *really* change size. Pregnancy taught me this is a myth, and while I was lucky not to go up a size, I have noticed with age that my wide feet have “spread” a little further. The other thing to note is that I have a bunion, just on my left foot, from wearing ill-fitting school shoes when starting high school. And as I’ve gotten older, my bandwidth for uncomfortable shoes has diminished greatly. Okay so the boots. I was drawn to these because the toe had a slight square shape, I loved the rich burgundy hue, and the leather has a bit of a gloss to it which doesn’t quite read as “patent”. Essentially a way to add in a new neutral boot in a good texture. These also have a decent shaft that hits a little below mid-shin, so there’s no cold ankles. Zip closure make them easy to get into, but, these aren’t for everyone. The leather has next to no give and the shaft is cut reasonably slim. Otherwise a very good boot (even better if you manage to snag them during a flash sale like I did).
Tibi nylon cargo pants | A complete wild card buy for me, but I now understand when Amy says the crispy nylon works as a year round piece. I’ve worn these during a 34 deg C day and while yes, you’ll be a little warm through the leg if you’re wearing a trouser, these feel no different to me than a cotton pant would. A huge part of that is down to the cut; relaxed through the leg so you get some airflow when moving. The khaki green combined with the cargo style is giving TLC “Waterfalls” or Destiny’s Child “Survivor”, and there’s something special in that nostalgia element when done right. On sizing, this is the third pair of Stella’s I’ve bought from Tibi. They’re designed to sit low on the waist which you can then cinch with a belt for a high rise feel but if I’m honest, that tends to bunch up, plus worn low rise they make me look all torso and no legs (the dropped crotch doesn’t help my cause). My previous pairs which I’ve gone on to sell were in a 0 and 2, these I’ve gotten in a 00 and they’re the perfect high waisted fit (I’m an AU8/26 in jeans FYI). Which is really the only way I’m ever going to wear this pair. Buy things for how you intend to wear it, not for the possibilities if you’ll never consider taking them up as an option.
Alpha60 jeans | As I type this, I’m trying to avoid opening the “end of year sale” email from Alpha60 that is taunting me, sitting at the top of my inbox. Mostly because items saved to my Carted are on there, but also because I know I’ll end up coveting something new. Definitely one of my favourite brands to browse. I bought the Paige jeans in August, and they skyrocketed to the top of the list of jeans I want to wear when it’s cool. The wide leg fit is extremely flattering, and despite being 100% cotton they feel pretty comfortable to wear. NGL I’m tempted to buy these in the blue wash but trying to hold out until summer is over to make a decision. I sized down to an XS which gives a snug fit at the waist.
DISSH Zendaya pant | DISSH is one of those brands that can be a little hit or miss. It’s kind of fast fashion (which makes sense if you consider their origins before the big rebrand that we know of, today), but the selling point being that the cuts are reasonably “timeless” (at least for how we’re dressing now), in neutrals that are easy to pair. And generally in natural fibres like linen and cotton. I think if you live in Australia, you’re generally getting what you pay for, though you might find the odd slightly wonky seam, poor stitching etc. If you live outside of Australia and are shopping in USD, you can probably find better quality locally (basically if something is 99AUD, it’ll be listed for 99USD…). Having kids has definitely made me rethink what I’m bringing into my wardrobe, so I’m much happier to make concessions that I might have baulked at in the past. Seasons of life, and all that. And DISSH is a go-to for me for affordable tailoring that is done well. Their trousers are always cut well, something I can’t fault them (even if the waistband doesn’t lay perfectly straight - a belt can help disguise this!). I ordered something like five pairs of chocolate brown pants and these were the best. A rich true chocolate brown, and the cut is too good. They make your legs look a mile long. They wash well. None of the pilling issues I used to have with the rowan pant. Basically I would be sad if I didn’t have these in my wardrobe anymore.
Madewell bucket bag | Best, best, best item I’ve added to my wardrobe this year. The one thing I’m truly obsessed with. If you’re looking for a baby bag, this is it. A work bag, this is it. A travel-friendly bag for on the plane, this is it. Something a little casual for everything, this is it. Great all rounder, and I know quite a few people have bought this on my recommendation and gone on to love it as much as I do. It is a large cavernous pocket so some organisation is needed, the leather gets softer and slouchier with wear, it fits a laptop, and you can wear it crossbody (TBH I find the strap a little too short for me at 172cm but for petites, great!). Also no colour transfer either. Chocolate raisin is a surprisingly versatile neutral. No complaints. Would buy every single colour if I could.
Harris Tapper chamberlain top | NZ low key has some of the best designers (Marle, Wynn Hamlyn, Paris Georgia, Rebe etc etc), and HT is one that I’m always looking to. I’ll admit that their bonded satin items aren’t quite practical for my current lifestyle (a girl can always ogle from afar!), but the nylon items are a hell yes. The chamberlain top is excellent. Easily functions as a basic, but the cinched, draped fit feels far more interesting. The nylon makes this one easy to clean. An item I heavily debated buying in more than one colour, but I’ve found with items like this that feel more statement-worthy, you’ll almost always gravitate towards one over the other. Basics (like the Arket knit from earlier) tend to be different as they’re fundamental outfit building blocks. This is the dressing, the cherry on top. All of this is to say that it’s great. I love it. The hype is real.
Tibi georgia sandals | I’ve been slowly growing my Tibi shoe collection, and perhaps one of my all time favourites (aside from the Aston which I wear 2-3x per week right now), are the Georgia sandal. They have that great, sculpted comma heel which adds in that styled, modern touch. In the snake, a visual tactile element that feels interesting. The asymmetric detail helps, as does the balance between the thick heel and the dainty straps. This was one of those items I bought in a second colour against all better judgement, which has worked out. The snake effect leather takes some breaking in, but both the snake and bright white are so easy to wear they function as neutrals for me. Easily walkable, but give me some height and make a simple denim outfit feel more “styled”. Also look great with Bermudas which seem to be my short silhouette of choice right now.
Marle alaska jacket (current season linked) | These last two best purchases really fall within the same category. Relaxed, longline natural woven jackets. This one wins for me (just), as it’s a slightly creamy white which pairs with everything in my wardrobe. My kids have spilled on it, it’s been in the wash and come out looking like new. It has utility elements with the patch pockets, high contrast with the buttons. I don’t know what more to say other than I just really like this jacket. The fact that the denim is quite soft too (same as the jeans) is a win.
Sezane Gabano coat | One of the most underrated items you’ll find on the Sezane website. I got curious about this, and given I hadn’t seen a single review, I thought I’d give it a go and it far exceeded expectations. Where the Marle jacket is quite soft and has this lived in feel, the Sezane one has structure and grit. It’s a cotton and hemp blend so there’s a really raw organic feel to it, and it also does a decent job of keeping the elements at bay. I do find that the wheat hue feels a little on the cool side so it doesn’t feel as versatile as the Marle one, which is notable if you’re keeping your colours in mind when shopping.
MY WORST BUYS OF 2024
As a little bit of a disclaimer before I dive into my worst buys, when I tried these all on, I instantly could appreciate why I bought them in the first place. The reasons why these were fails didn’t hinge on them being a bad purchase per se, but more just a bad purchase for right now.
Harris Tapper pink Eliza top | I was a little sad to realise that this gorgeous HT top made it into my worst purchases. Because it is just gorgeous. I coveted it for a while before finally buying, and I wonder if perhaps going with the - more readily available - ballerina pink was a fatal flaw, when I knew in my heart of hearts the black would be the more logical choice. This was the thing I bought as my birthday present this year, which is kind of silly as it makes no sense to spend so much on something that you rarely have an occasion to wear. I would have been better off setting that money aside to put towards a bigger purchase like a bag, new shoes or nice outerwear. I probably go out 1-2 times a month (if I’m lucky!), which is part and parcel of having two kids under 5, and no family nearby to lean on for childcare when you want the odd date night. It’s a bonded satin so it feels quite fussy; I worry what will happen if I chance spilling something on myself, so that immediately puts it to the back of the list when I do have an occasion to dress up. But I love the way it looks. How the top drapes and gathers around the waist. That darling elongated bow at the back. What this goes back to is, when you’re segmenting your wardrobe, it should make sense. If you rarely go out, a smaller portion of your wardrobe should be dedicated to evening wear. And after years of collecting I have quite the stash so it’s anyone’s guess if I’d reach for this in 2025. It’s hard when you have that emotive connection to an item to part ways with it. Curious what you would do…
Raey sleeveless blazer | An item I love in theory, but I don’t see myself really wearing this ever. There’s a couple of reasons why I ordered this. I love a sleeveless blazer and they just make sense when you live in a hot climate to add some formality to your outfit. And I have another, very similar vest like this from Raey which is great. It has that chewed off sleeve detail, comfortable to wear on its own or layered. I thought why not add a lighter coloured version into my rotation. And I think to some degree I was also keen to buy one last thing from Raey before Matches shut their doors. Being final sale and all that, I committed, but this is just not that nice to wear. The layers of fabric are quite sharp (in contrast to the cotton one I own), which creates an uncomfortable sensation on contact. Beyond scratchy. And you know, if an item isn’t comfortable, you’ll find reasons not to wear it. Reasons to reach for a different pairing instead. Which tells me all I need to know.
Sezane Eloane skirt | I had a bit of a sense that I might not really reach for this. And while it’s early days, if you have the appropriate weather to wear something and you haven’t jumped at the opportunity to do so, it’s probably not going to become a solid workhorse. Carrying more of my weight across the hips, I actually didn’t think this would fit me. Realising it would (and did), was a bit of a revelation and I now wonder on reflection if part of the reason I kept it was that I got swept up in the excitement, especially as this was the piece I coveted most from the brand’s A/W collection launch. The brocade is lovely, it’s lined. Looks chic. Perfect work skirt. BUT I’ve kinda gone all in on the fact that midi length skirts are just a little too awkward for me. There will always be exceptions (there is for every rule), but for the most part I need to be all in. Mini, or some sort of maxi. At least for skirts. So that meant it was sort of doomed from day dot.
Isabel Marant Etoile shorts | I had to ask myself why I wasn’t wearing these shorts when I put them on to assess. Back in 2019 (when I was pregnant with my son), I bought the ruffled skirt version of these. Love that piece to this day, but I found myself shifting away from those overt feminine elements after having kids. Maybe as part of the shift into a new role in my life, maybe just a side effect of getting older. So eventually I sold that skirt. But the shorts from the same collection continued to live rent free in my mind. Finally found them, but my issue is that I really don’t like purple on me. Any kind of purple. Ironic as my birthstone is amethyst so it’s inescapable to some degree. These are this deep, almost inky purple colour which I think is enough to make it feel a little “off”. But also, maybe I’ve just been “styling them too hard”. This is the one piece that I’m hoping to make serious efforts to wear in 2025 as overall I do love them. Maybe I could try dyeing them black?!