(DELAYED) 2024 FAVORITES <3

Hi- long time no talk... I'm happy to be picking up right where we left off: with my favorites! 2024 was filled with tons of happy times, sweet memories made with friends/family, and so. many. favorites, So much so that, to keep it organized, I thought it best to divvy up my very own best-of-the-best by month:

1. January: Vintage fur coats.

   At the beginning of the year, I inherited a couple of really special black, white, and brown

   vintage fur coats from my grandmother and great-grandmother. These coats quickly became a favorite of mine not only due to their incredibly warm design but also because of the sweet embroidery on the inside lining of each coat that connects me with their prior owners. Sure, some might think I look a little silly running errands and grabbing a late lunch at R&D in them, but what can I say—it's haute! These coats were a staple in my 2024 winter wardrobe and will continue to be a staple for the rest of my life. Now I know it's not ethical to buy these new, but if you happen to stumble upon one in your grandmother's closet or at a vintage store- this is your sign to grab it.

2. February: Pink. Moon. Boots.

   Let me give you a quick backstory: growing up in Arkansas, it only ever snowed once or twice a year so I never really needed to own actual snow boots. Either my black pair purchased from Walmart in middle school or my mini sequin Uggs always seemed to do the trick. This all changed after my college friends and I booked a trip to Denver in early February. With subzero temperatures and icy conditions waiting for me (maybe I'm being dramatic), I knew I needed a pair of actual snow boots. I am aware it's fitting and a bit silly that I landed on these, but they kept my feet warm, dry, and comfy through all my snowy adventures (1 snowy adventure to be exact). And they are super cute- & cute counts.

3. March: Green.

   In early spring I really found myself going through a green phase- I just could not get enough of the color. I mean I bought a green phone case and green clothes, and you know it's a big deal when the theme of my 24th birthday party was green and not pink. Even though I've now found my way back home and back to my signature color, I'll always be very fond of the green phase I had back in March. No ragrets.

4. April: Sam Edelman Bianca Slingback Pumps.

   A little bit about me- I love wearing heels but I have the lowest pain tolerance for them. This is why I am so fond of the kitten heel craze that really made its way into our closets this past year. You can look stylish and put together without sacrificing comfort. I've purchased a couple of variations but the Sam Edelman Bianca Slingback Pumps have quickly become a favorite of mine. So much so that I am now a proud owner of them in three colors: eggshell, red, and silver. If you are looking for a comfy kitten heel to jazz up your outfits- this is it.

5. May: Chuy's. Hahahhaha. Yes I did link it for you. <3

   Even though I completely overdid it and now have the ick, I would be remiss not to include Chuy's (specifically the Knox location) on this list. Chuy's was a large part of my summer months thanks to my good friend Abigail. She got me on it and in turn I've gotten some of my friends on it- it seems to be making its way around the Dallas social scene lol. My go-to order of diet coke, half order of the chicken quesadillas with no onions or veggies, and a boatload of the jalapeno ranch hit the spot every time. There is just nothing like it (& maybe that's a good thing??????)

6. June: Alo Sheer Cross Body Bucket Bag.

   I originally stumbled upon this bag while searching for an alternative to a fanny pack for a hike- and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. It’s the perfect bag for trail walks, yoga classes, errands, and everything in between. If it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash with a bleach pod, and it comes out looking good as new. I got so much use out of it during the summer and still find myself reaching for it weekly. This is definitely a favorite I can’t recommend enough!

7. July: Facebook Marketplace.

   I moved in August and started scouring Facebook Marketplace in July to prepare for the move. I have the best luck on this app- ask anyone. So far, I've purchased two pieces of art from Scout Design Co., a Grey Malin framed photograph, and a set of Cody Foster Christmas trees that retails for $700 which I got for... wait for it... $50! I now check FB Marketplace daily as do most of my friends.

8. August: Marni Kids Tropicalia Logo-Embroidered Bag

   Adding yet another bag to this list just confirms my love for a good purse. There’s something about a fun bag that instantly pulls an outfit together. I came across this one over the summer, and it quickly became my go-to. The bright color, fun style, and playful fabric made it the perfect accessory for the end of summer. Pro tip: when shopping, always be sure and check the kids' section for a similar style at a lower price!

9. September: The Family Place Resale Shop.

   I began volunteering here in September through the Junior League of Dallas. Located around 20 minuties outside of central Dallas, this store has some of the best finds for the best cause. Survivors often arrive at The Family Place with only the clothes on their backs. The organization's Resale Shop accepts donations and provides free clothing, household items, and furniture to those in need. The shop also sells excess donated inventory to the public, with proceeds supporting essential services for survivors. Not only are the people who work and volunteer here so friendly, but also through volunteering, I have found some great pieces myself. In the past six months brands I have purchased include Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Frame, Anine Bing, Jenni Kayne, ALC,- just to name a few.

10. October: Corepower Yoga

    I never thought the day would come when I'd move on from my YouTube workout videos, but here we are. After a few close friends started going to CorePower, I decided to give it a try- and now it’s my favorite workout. I love the combination of heat, weights, yoga, and Pilates. I take the Yoga Sculpt class about 3-4 times a week, and for the first time in my life, I can actually do a pushup! TY Corepower <3

11. November: TSA PreCheck.

    I know I’m late to the game, but I had no idea how much of a game-changer TSA PreCheck would be. I finally got it in November since I was traveling with my friend’s family, who all had it- and now, security is a breeze! I can’t believe I waited this long. Should I get Global Entry or CLEAR next? Or neither? Let me know in the comments!

12. December: My four-step lip combo.

    I’ve always been a devoted pink-lip girl- it’s my tried and true. But recently, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and started experimenting with nude and brown shades, and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer—all thanks to Makeup x Kelli Anne. See below for my new go-to lip:

    
    

    Step 1: MAKEUP BY MARIO Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in shade Almond

    Step 2: MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil Longwear Lip Liner in shade Endless Cacao

    Step 3: PATRICK TA Silky Lip Creme in shade She's Unapologetic

    Step 4: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick in shade Blaz'D Donut 

    
    

    & voila! Purchase today, use tomorrow, & thank me later.

Well- was this post worth waiting over a year for? ;) Haha jokes aside, it feels good to be back and I’m excited to put my energy, time, and creativity into this blog throughout the year. Cheers to 2025!