My most loved items of 2024
22 favorite things I bought, used most, and just plain adored in 2024
(Pssst this is a long one, you know me, needing to give you every possible detail–so it’s best to view in the Substack app or in your browser vs. reading in email!)
Hellllooo from the subarctic tundra that is Chicagoland today. I have spent most of the day putting the finishing touches on this post in front of the fireplace–I have not set foot outside, and I am about to go do a little Melissa Wood Health workout, shower, and then change directly into a different set of pajamas. (Honestly, January does have SOME perks.)
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been trying to reflect on my running list of favorite/most used things of 2024 (at least the ones I can link for you!) and while I truly believe I could continue on until this list topped 100 items, I feel good about where we landed with 22. 😂
There’s a mix of everything on here–from home decor to clothing and small biz favorites to more splurgey pieces and of course, a few truly elite budget-friendly scores. Let’s jump in!
Starting this list off with a bang…
G&G Home Candle: O.M.G. Okay, so, G&G home is a local store here in Oak Park, owned by lovely locals Georgie and Giuseppe. The shop sells a mix of amazing vintage housewares and truly, I’m not kidding, the best smelling candles. (Starting at $19!) My favorite that I purchased so far is their Cedar & Suede candle (yes, I personally think these candles rank higher than Diptyque’s, especially considering price) and every single person who walks into my house says, “dear GOD what is that incredible scent?” Georgie is beyond talented and her scents are unlike any other! The candles are hand-poured right in the shop! You can order online but if you’re local, put G&G home on your list so you can walk through their customary candle experience and see the shop for yourself (seriously, it’s an experience, they walk you through all their scents in their cozy space filled with gorgeous vintage things). 10/10 worth a drive from the city, it will not disappoint.
My Collection of Cordless Tap Lamps:
Wow, can I just say, I have forever hated winter and I think, honestly, I really just needed to turn off the damn overhead lights and invest in more lamps. These have brought so much joy to my life I can’t describe. 😂 The best part about these is that they’re cordless, so you are not limited to an outlet and you don’t have to hide an ugly lamp cord. I honestly could buy 10 more and find places for them around my house. They’re wonderful and the best accent lighting. (Note: these will not replace a table lamp. They aren’t bright enough, but like I said, the perfect accent/mood lighting!)
short lamp: I love the little guy, he is short enough to fit on a bookshelf and I love the color of the gold and his classic design
vintage-inspired gold lamps: these are a newer buy, more of a bright yellow gold (which I like a bit less than the above, but I LOVE the shape of these and the lampshade. I have these flanking the Frame TV on the mantel in our living room!)
modern mushroom lamps: I bought these ones last month to go on the bar in the bar/sunroom since it’s a bit more vintage modern design.
tall lamp: I have two of these and perfect if you need something a bit taller! I am always moving one around the house to a different place LOL. June stole the other one and now cannot sleep without it as her nightlight every night. (On the floor in her doorway. On a yoga mat. Yes, that’s still where she sleeps, FML.)
All the candlesticks and little vintage-inspired glass candleholders:
Okay, again re: hating winter but actually I think I just never discovered the magic of candlestick lighting. Along with my little beloved tap lamps–they make such a difference in setting a calm, cozy mood! I have acquired several vintage candlestick holders over the years that I love, but I needed a lot more for my tables capes for entertaining, and I found these little vintage-inspired glass sets (I mix and match them) that are perfect. I use them for both dining tablescape and accent pieces around the house, along with candlesticks (taper candlestick set and ombre candlesticks and flameless candlesticks depending on the location!)
UGG Classic Mini TrailGazer Boots: I got these in December after searching for some new slip-on comfy/cozy but cute boots (like, not snow boots but boots that work well in snow and ice, if that makes sense?) These fit the bill and I am OBSESSED. Not only are the details so cute on them, but the sole is LEGIT. Like, mountain man level–these have better traction than my snow boots. 10/10 recommend.
Bless this mug- I use it EVERY day during the fall and winter. Keeps your coffee hot! Even before June I could never manage to finish my coffee when it was hot! (And for whatever reason, reheated coffee in the microwave is bleh!) This makes all the difference.
Fairlife Milk: OK I realize this is a bit of an outlier here (i.e. random grocery store item) but we are obsessed with this milk (you can get it everywhere) because it has more 50% more protein than regular milk (and I’m always looking for protein hacks that don’t feel like I’m having to shove extra food down my throat LOL) it’s so creamy (we buy the 2%) froths so nicely, and their chocolate milk is especially great and doesn’t have much added sugar and is an easy way for June (and us, we also love it LOL) to get some extra protein! (Note they were a 2024 brand partner but we’ve been obsessed long before last year and they did not ask me to write this nor do they even know I’m including them on this list! 😂)
(Other rings aside from Oura: Turquoise ring from a boutique in Bozeman, Montana. “J” initial ring from Dana Rebecca, and other gold ring is old from ABLE.)
Oura Ring: I owe you a full review on this, and while I don’t think this is something anyone NEEDS, it’s a “cool to have.” Specifically I really love the sleep insights and activity tracking (although it’s not really comparable to Apple Watch’s–they’re different things). It really just comes down to keeping me accountable and it hardly EVER needs to be charged (and fully charges in minutes). Both things that are necessary for me and why the Apple Watch was not compatible with my personality long term LOL.
Ray Ban Sunglasses Dupes in round and hexagon:
I love my Ray-Bans, but I also love these look-a-likes because I have a toddler and also I’m pretty hard on my sunglasses–and also great for things like hikes, travel, etc. so I don’t have to worry about breaking/losing my nice ones! These are a great price, come in several colors and are polarized!
Melissa Wood Health Membership:
The workout program that got me through pregnancy, covid, multiple workout ruts, and the one that I always come back to and I STILL do multiple times per week!
Melissa’s workouts are very short and sweet-most are around 20 minutes but some are as quick as 10 and others range up to 45. They are what I’d describe as yoga-ish and pilates-inspired (but recently she’s added in more–like strength and dance!) Most are kind of like “pilates flows” if you will. I see more of a mental health benefit to MWH than I have with any other at-home workout. They are just very “chill”–they aren’t super highly produced videos, no music, it’s just her, and her voice is super soothing–there are so many reasons to love her and when I tell you her videos revolutionized the way I feel about “working out” and movement–please believe me.
If you feel like you cannot for the life of you get into a movement routine and are in a rut, please please try this. I often do one IN MY PAJAMAS! Commit to doing one short workout (like 12 mins, seriously) every day for two weeks. You’ll feel a difference in days.
This is our living room rug and truly the softest, cushiest rug you’ve ever felt that looks like a vintage rug. It’s neutral yet still has color and pattern. (Mine is the “denim” color). And for a large 8.5 x 11 it’ll only set you back around $300 which is pretty tough to beat. PSA- Do NOT buy this rug full price. EVER. Because it’s almost always on sale. (Unless you need a custom size, and then you’ll have to pay up and order through the Loloi website. Sorry!!)
Influenced by one of my new favorite friends made in 2024 (speaking of 2024 favorites), Caroline of Gee Thanks Just Bought It (check out her substack!!!)–we FINALLY invested in a new coffee machine! I had heard a lot of hype about this one and when Caroline posted that she adored it and it was her #1 coffee pick, I knew this was the one to get. Not only is it stylish, but it is SO EASY to clean, VERY easy to setup and works seamlessly (there’s literally one button LOL), and it makes a great pot of coffee and it makes it FAST. What more could one want out of a coffee pot?
I eyed this trench for forever before finally taking the plunge, and it’s as every bit as wonderful as I had hoped! So chic, classic and I love the plaid liner that pops through with a rolled sleeve. I would say it’s generously sized. I took a size 4 and still have roomy for chunky layers underneath. (I often wear a thin puffer underneath for extra warmth.) Comes in many beautiful neutral colors, too!
Freda Salvador Brooke Boots: (above)
I FINALLY own a pair of these boots after hearing so many of you rave about these them for YEARS! They’re waterproof (come in lots of colors of suede and leather), SO comfortable, I love the slight chunky platform heel that makes them comfy enough for everyday but dressy enough for night. I also love the little subtle studs around the sole. Classic, but on trend.
I absolutely adore this woman-owned shoe brand. Their shoes are such high quality, comfortable, and have never let me down! (This is my third pair!) Use code JESSKEYS15 for 15% off
Vintage-Inspired Champagne Coups/Martini Glasses:
I am a SUCKER for vintage glassware, but I am often reluctant to pull them out when entertaining because I’m scared my friends will break them. (And of course, being vintage, they’re irreplaceable!) But these are from AMAZON and they look vintage–and the shape is perfect for both champagne or martinis. And you won’t bat an eye when your drunk friend drops one.
Obsessed with our blankets from this small woman-owned brand! (Honestly obsessed would be an understatement). I would say Chappy is kind of similar to a Pendleton blanket, but SO SOFT and FLEECY! (So warm!) They come in tons of different designs! I love their kids’ blankets too. (We have one for the car and one we love for the stroller!)
Affordable throw pillows: I had very little pillows to my name when we moved (as we’ve had to buy so much furniture to fill this house!) and because of aforementioned purchase of furniture, I haven’t exactly had a lot of budget for fancy throw pillows, but after a lot of sleuthing, I have found some affordable Amazon options that I absolutely love and they add tons of personality to the living room! They bring me so much joy each time I look at them. Also recommend these great “chop-able” pillow inserts to go with them!
Striped pillow covers: I felt the living room was very polished and truthfully needed a little kitsch. These accomplished exactly what I was hoping and I adore them!
Ruffle pillow covers: Listen, these could pass for like $100 pillow covers. They’re so pretty and well-made. Come in other colors too!
Scalloped Pillow covers: Ditto to the above. So cute and impressed with the quality.
Block print pillow covers: Decidedly slightly less quality, but very cute and stylish.
Caro Chambers Cookbook + Her Substack Subscription:
My favorite new cookbook! (Highly recommend following Caro Chambers on Instagram/Susbtack if you don’t already!) I’ve made so many of the recipes from her book and substack, they’re all wonderful, and VERY little fuss when you don’t feel like cooking but you want a delicious home-cooked meal. I’m convinced that every busy millennial woman who loves food needs Caro in her life. (She’s also just an absolute delight to follow on Instagram. You’ll love her, I promise.)
Oversized Yoga Mat: Another thing I realize I’ve never posted about (sorry 😂) but have used and loved so much since we got it. Neal ordered this shortly after we moved and truthfully we need another. (We’re always moving it all around the house LOL–we need an “upstairs” and a “downstairs” mat because we like to move it around based on where we want to stretch/workout that day.) You know how a yoga mat is never actually big enough? You’re always having to shift around–your knees always go off the mat and onto the hard floor in child’s pose. (Truly like who designed the shape of standard yoga mats?) This one is amazing because it’s oversized and you don’t ever have to worry about having to shift yourself back mid-pose or your knees hitting the floor. However don’t be like us and order the blue (it gets dirty and stains so fast) order the black color.
Convertible Mittens For Outdoor Winter Runs/Walks: I loved these so much I ordered a pair for Neal! They are functional and warm and perfect for outdoor runs/walks. Gloves never keep my hands warm enough, but mittens are impossible to do anything while wearing, so these are the best of both worlds.
I KNOWWW I KNOWWW I can HEAR you rolling your eyes at me. (“This effing bag again, Jess? You love it. Yes. We knowwwwww.”)
Yes, you all know how much I love this bag, but like, this is a 2024 favorites post so…obviously it’s on the list. 🤪 It’s a splurge, but the cost per wear is pennies (for me!) It makes every outfit way more fun, a great size (fits enough for a “mom” bag but not too big and stays out of the way!) and I love how it lays very flat so you hardly ever feel it on you. You can also purchase different straps/accessories to change up the look/make it even more versatile. See it styled in this post!
Another thing–the strap on mine DID unexpectedly snap (I’m really not sure why) after almost a year and a half of wearing it nearly every day, and they told me to pop by the store and gave me a BRAND NEW BAG absolutely zero questions asked. Their customer service is incredible and you all rave about it too, so I know it wasn’t just my experience!
(FYI–If you are eyeing one of the more popular colors, they do go on sale on Shopbop sometimes! So could be worth waiting! They have the most selection on colors as well as the adorable mix & match straps on the brand site though!)
The best stretchy jeans for under $100! Truly a unicorn jean that is soft and comfortable, the perfect wash and looks great with sneakers, sandals, boots, and more! So many of you have loved these as much as me — one of my favorite finds and bestsellers of the whole year! TTS. (The pair of wide leg jeans I have go in and out of stock, so check back often–and shop all their styles here!)
MY E-BIKE. (You knew this would be on here, I know, but I couldn’t NOT INCLUDE IT. Also disclosure it was super generously gifted by the brand but I would spend my own money on it 10x over.) I did a whole reel reviewing it here but short story: it was probably the #1 thing that brought me (and June!) the most joy in 2024. Obviously I haven’t ridden it as much lately because Chicago winter, but I do whenever the temps are warm enough and it basically replaced my car in spring, summer and most of fall!
I hope this provided you a bit of a distraction given the current landscape or perhaps lead you to an item that will also bring you lots of joy!
Did you purchase or use any of these in 2024? I’d love to hear your review if so! 🥰
Take care of yourself today, okay? 🙏🏼 Love you!
I always love your favorites! I already bought the boots!
This and your gift guide were top notch to read through as a new subscriber!