2025 Favourites

Oh 2025. A year that tested us and one that many, perhaps myself included, don’t really care to revisit.

Even in years that we wish to forget, there are things that create memories, make our lives easier, or even add delight to the everyday. 

Here are some of those things for me, my 2025 Favourites.

Beauty

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Sunscreen: this is truly a holy grail product for me. It’s velvety, non-greasy, absorbs quickly and great under makeup. I stocked up on three earlier this year before tariffs and sunscreen import laws and I’m so glad I did.

Elemis Superfood Multi Mist: this mist is a godsend every winter, and something I purchase everytime the air dries out and the temps drop. It’s perfect as a morning pick-me-up and a refresher after time outdoors.

Abib Collagen Eye Patches: these make a poor night’s sleep look like eight hours. Even better, they don’t move after application. They make mornings so much easier.

Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer: it’s tough to find bronzing products that aren’t too dark or too yellow for my pale skin. This complexion tint in light is perfect for days when I want a little colour or want to sport a blush-free look.

AOU Glowy Tint Balm: 2025 was the year of the tinted lip balm and no one does tinted lip balms better than the Koreans. This one from AOU is glowy, pigmented, moisturizing and non-sticky and even lasts through my morning cup of coffee. 

Fashion

J Crew Stratus Pant in black: these pants are magic and are easily my most worn item this year. Theses silky black trousers got me through evening events, blazing hot summer commutes, office A/C and even a 20 hour round trip travel day for a conference in NYC.

Prescription Sunglasses: I am not ashamed to say I joined the old-folks club this year and splurged for two pairs of prescription sunglasses. Luckily Warby Parker and Ray-Ban came through with two stylish pairs, now I can see the stage at outdoor concerts and focus on the road (!!!) when driving long distances. 

COS Wool Shirt Dress: as my style has honed over the years, I’ve noticed there’s one silhouette I’ve been unable to resist over the years, the funnel neck collar. This dress from COS is the ultimate confidence creator for me, navy wool, gunmetal hardware and a funnel neck to bury myself in. 

Mejuri Charlotte Textured Huggie Hoops: I've been a silver girlie for a few years now, but found myself wearing these gold huggies more times than I could count this calendar year. They cost way more than I was planning on spending at the boutique in Austin but they’re the perfect “i want to wear something but not nothing” earring. My cost per wear is easily in the single digits now. 

Status Anxiety Paloma Recycled Bag: I stumbled into their Soho storefront on the coldest day in January and walked out with the perfect summer purse. It’s lightweight, fits under the shoulder, and the end pockets proved perfect for my summer essentials: my phone and my fan. 

Tech & Office

Macbook Air computer: my old macbook pro finally hit “won’t update” status after ten years this year and needed replaced. I couldn’t be happier with my Macbook Air, it’s light, it’s midnight, and it’s battery life is everything I need it be when my life gets busy. 10/10. 

Delphonics Planner: i’m heading into 2026 with a bit of planner anxiety as I wasn’t able to find a replacement for my trusty Delphonics B6 that got me through this past year. I love the attached pen holder, the plastic cover, and especially the weekly layouts. Here’s hoping my new Hightide planner is up for the task. *wink 

Owala coffee cup: as part of an effort to decrease my morning caffiene intake this year, I picked up this Owala coffee cup. I love that it’s the size of a rocks glass and that it’s smaller than my previous travel coffee tumblers. Plus, it’s just so darn cute. Oh, and it’s leakproof too, perfect for this decaffeinated klutz in the mornings. 

MoMA Sliding Perpetual Calendar: this calendar hits the trifecta of design for me: functional, reusable, and darn good to look at. I love sliding the days, months and dates on this thing and love even more that it fits my office design.

Home

Room & Board Jasper Couch: this was THE purchase of mine for 2026. I visited no less than three Room & Board showrooms before I pulled the trigger on Jasper and couldn’t be happier with my purchase. It’s midcentury but cozy and I love that the fabric is “all-the-things-proof”. Finally a design purchase I’ve yet to regret. 

Le Creuset Matte Black 2qt Dutch Oven: we managed to score tickets to the Le Creuset Factory to Table sale this year and boy was it wild. I tried to be as restrained as possible during the madness and am happy to report one of my purchases made this list. The 2qt casserole has come in handy for my most random cooking tasks - making hard boiled eggs, cooking quinoa and rice, and making my fave, Jin ramen. I love the matte black colour, it matches my mixer. 

BluDot NeedWant Narrow Shelves: I had no purpose buying another furniture piece this year after purchasing my couch, but when a free shipping coupon dropped during the annual BluDot sale I had to pull the trigger. Boy am I so glad I did. As much as a I love Ikea, there’s something about sturdy, grown up modern furniture that elevates your space. I especially love the cross bar design element of these - it makes them that much more interesting. 

Eames Wire Base Low Table: this might be the world’s most expensive plant stand. In other’s homes it might have more function, but in mine, it looks fabulous holding my peace lily under the window in my sun room.  

Homeforia Picture Frames: I finally got around to framing artwork I’ve been carrying around for years this summer. From prints, to posters to even originals, these slim black glass pictures frames let the artwork shine while providing a minimalist border. 

Chrome Accessories: I fell hard for the chrome trend this year. I love the 70s of it all mixed with the reflective light from them all. This Areaware planter, this Tom Dixon lamp and this West Elm martini table brought a touch of sexiness to my space and I’m so happy with the result. 

cover image courtesy of Design Within Reach.