These are a few of my favorite things. —Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers
As I age, I am taking much more time when making purchases. It’s not just about not wasting money, but more so about not living with regret.
Whether it’s style, beauty, home, or health, when it comes to any item, I believe in buying less, but buying well.
For me, it’s all about spending money well — making investments, if you will.
In this article, I wanted to share my favorite and most used purchases with you that I call the Best of 2025.
BEST OF 2015 — STYLE & LIFESTYLE
OLD NAVY LONG SLEEVE CREW NECK T-SHIRT
I first found this long sleeve ribbed t-shirt in a brown shade and loved it so much, I went on to buy it in black, white, grey, light blue, and green. I hope they offer some colors for spring, it’s that good of a basic!
AG KORA WIDE LEG JEANS
I got these jeans and have worn them non-stop within the last six months that they are now free-99, haha! #CostDividedByTimesPerWear, am I right?!
LOEWE CAT EYE SUNGLASSES
A top Best of 2025 would be these cat eye sunglasses. They have been my absolute favorite accessory I’ve ever purchased! For someone who doesn’t have a nose bridge, it fits my face perfectly and does not move.
TEAR DROP EARRINGS
If I’m going for the Bottega Veneta dupes, it would have to be one level above Amazon quality. These have a good weight to them, are not that heavy, and instantly elevate simple outfits. I always get compliments every time I wear them!
J. CREW LEATHER BELT
As a huge gold lover, I recently ventured into silver-toned accessories and love it! No matter your preference, this leather belt should be a staple in everyone’s closet!
EMF PROTECTION NECKLACE
I don’t speak about it much, but I’m very sensitive when I’m around areas with heavy 5G. I can physically feel when I’m around it so after a year of dealing with it, I decided to pull the trigger and got this EMF protection necklace. Verdict? It has helped me SO much!
LOLA BLANKET
My friend, Madison Vining, shared this blanket brand on her stories several years ago and since I trust her, I bit the bullet and never looked back. Praying I have a huge house in the future because I have three blankets and counting, ha! They also make great housewarming gifts too!
MINI THERAGUN
One of the Best of 2025 purchases for me has been this mini Theragun. It has helped me more than I expected, especially when I wake up with knots in my neck and shoulders. I honestly don’t think I can live without it!
COMFORTABLE SNEAKERS
If you’ve been around awhile, you know APLs are my ride or die sneakers. The zipline style are my favorites. They are great for running and travel — I can promise you that!
PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER
A portable phone charger without all the cords? Yes, please! It comes in various colors, has a wall plug to recharge, and is great for travel.
EMF STICKERS FOR DEVICES
The necklace worked so well for me that I got EMF stickers for my cell phone, laptop, and wifi router!
DRINK MIXER
A purchase that surprised me in 2025? This handheld milk frother! It’s very high quality. Take note from me, use less liquid and then add more after you’re done mixing or you’ll have a mess, haha!
BEST OF 2025 — BEAUTY
SUMMER FRIDAYS RICH CUSHION CREAM
If you want a moisturizing face cream that feels luxurious without the hefty La Mer price, this one is it. It’s so good that I’m on my fifth jar!
MERIT PERFECTING COMPLEXION STICK
This complexion stick has been my favorite formula. The shade I use is Dune. There’s just something easy about stick makeup!
HOURGLASS SOFT GLOW FOUNDATION BRUSH
This brush is my most used makeup brush! I use it for my under eye concealer the most and highly recommend it.
HOURGLASS TRANSLUCENT SETTING POWDER
While I’m late to the game, I can see why this setting powder is a cult favorite. It truly mattifies the skin. I also noticed that it makes my makeup last longer too!
PATRICK TA BLUSH IN ‘SHE GOES TO THE GYM’
The powder and cream formula is just beautiful! I use a light hand as it’s very pigmented. I have the bigger size, but prefer the travel size to ensure I will use it all.
DIOR LIP GLOW OIL
My favorite shade, Universal Clear, has been discontinued so I will recommend the Raspberry as I love the formula, but most of all, the fat, fluffy applicator. It’s the little things in life!
DAVINES LOVE SHAMPOO
My go-to shampoo for thick, wavy hair to smooth my hair and keep the frizz at bay for about a decade now!
THE HAIR EDIT DETANGLING COMB
This wide-tooth comb is so good, I have one at my bedside, one in the shower, and one in my travel vanity bag. Need I say more?
CROWN AFFAIR HAIR TOWEL
This hair towel is so good especially for long, thick hair!
EMI JAY BIG EFFING CLIP
I absolutely LOVE these hair clips!!! For someone who has thick hair, it does not budge. It’s so good, I have three and counting.
GRASS FED TALLOW BAR SOAP
One beauty thing I swapped out in my bathroom was regular soap for tallow soap and it has helped my dry hands so much.
ST. TROPEZ BUFFING MITT
While I do not do self-tanner, this buffing mitt has been my holy grail for years.
I know many people don’t like it as it’s too rough. However, for me, it’s fantastic for sloughing off dead skin!
After moving so much during my young adult life, I’ve learned that I don’t want to buy something just because it’s trendy or on sale.
Thinking about how much you have to pack when buying something has deterred or delayed my purchases and it works.
When I recommend something, it’s an item I use constantly and love. And it’ll be something that I know you’ll get tons of mileage with and stretch your hard-earned dollars!
