My Best & Worst Buys of the Past Year
The keep-forever purchases — and the ones that went straight to the return pile.
I’m admittedly the personification add to cart —but I’m equally quick to print a return label. If an item makes getting dressed easier, improves a daily routine, or helps me romanticize the everyday, it stays. If it doesn’t? Well, let’s just say the UPS clerk is on our holiday card list.
So here’s this year’s roundup: the purchases that truly delivered — along with the ones that were sent right back!
*denotes that I have recieved PR from this brand within the past year.
The Best Purchases
Closet Staples
Sue Sartor Flounce Dress – My favorite dress I purchased in the past five years. There’s a reason I picked this piece to wear on our Homeworthy episode! Instantly flattering, feminine, and flirty.
Tuckernuck Cashmere* – As I like to say, clinically obsessed. I now have three pieces from Tuckernuck’s Cashmere collection, and it is an instant elevation and investment staple. Plus I love the monogramming option for a little luxurious wink!
P.S. Use code “YOUROCK” for 20% off Tuckernuck’s Cashmere collection!
Frank & Eileen Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt* – While all their pieces are absolutely exquisite, I can say with my full chest that this button-up is the absolute best in the business. Everytime I throw it on I feel like the main character in a Nancy Meyers film.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater* – I now have this piece in two colors, and they are a go to grab for cozy, elevated dressing.
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan* – Another go to for pairing over a set for barre or for the perfect styling with denim.
Sizing Note: Take your usual size! I love how the small fits on me. I tried to size up to a large for a slouchy look, but it just turned out frumpy.
Aritzia Effortless Pant – After searching for the perfect work trouser, I discovered this pant and immediately purchased in five colors. When something works, commit!
Sizing Note: I sized up twice in these. A single size up would work with a thin blouse or slim button down, but I wanted the option to tuck-in a sweater or thicker top. The short length is perfect on me (I am 5’3”).
Citizens of Humanity Lyra Wide Leg Crop Raw Hem Jeans – I was intimidated by wide leg jeans for so long, but these are insanely flattering and drive wild amounts of compliments (both for their look and how slimming they are). The entire collection is now on my wishlist!
Perfect Day Crew Sweater from Nell MV – I severely underestimated the breeze when strolling Martha’s Vineyard in late May 2025, which led me to one of my absolute favorite finds! After popping into the cutest store, Nell MV, I quickly snagged this lightweight cashmere as a salve for chilly summer nights, and I find myself reaching for it constantly. The layer comes in so many colors, and I cannot wait to collect them all!
Sizing Note: This sweater is designed to be boxy, so take your usual size for the oh-so-slightly oversized (but not slouchy) fit.
P.S. It also comes in cotton for under $100!
J.Crew 1988 Rollneck Sweater in Heather Sky – I don’t need to wax poetic about the icon that is the J.Crew 1988 Rollneck Sweater (although I could)! But. This. Color. It’s the most scrumptious, icy blue that carries you through summer nights with a breeze to winter mornings by the fire.
Sizing Note: I took a large for a “just stole from my husband” extra-oversized look.
Alex Mill Sport Set – My new travel, work-from-home, and errand-running go to. Soft yet structured; casual yet chic. I purchased about a month ago, and I’ve already worn five times.
Sizing Note: I took a medium in the bottoms and a large in the top to accommodate curves!
Veronica Beard Valentina Sneakers – I LOVE THESE SNEAKERS. AND THEY’RE SLIP ON! AND THEY MAKE ME FEEL SO STYLISH! And they just feel and look so well made. I have the navy pair, which is so different from my typical taupe/white neutral shoes, but I will quickly invest in their other colorways as well.
Amazon Brown Stripe Dress – A rare Amazon winner! I wore this on vacation at Round Hill Resort, and it got so much love. It’s wildly flattering, and the price is unbeatable. The best part? It’s under $20!
LAKE Pajamas* – I’ve been exclusively wearing LAKE pajamas to bed since 2022, and I will never stray! I purchased a few new sets this year to expand my rotation and improve longevity in all my pairs. I especially adore the Long Sleeve Bundles, which give you pants and short options!
Lorna Murray Island Ravello Hat – The perfectly packable hat. Inspired by Kathy Hilton, this accessory is one of my favorite statement pieces for summertime. And the grosgrain ribbon makes it feel fabulous enough to carry me from the pool to posher settings.
UGG Scuffette II Slippers – After longer than I’d like to admit, I finally invested in a new pair of UGG slippers. I wear these around the home every single day, officially bringing my cost per wear to mere pennies, and I’ve never found a substitute worth my dollar.
Beauty & Hair
Crown Affair The Towel* – Immediately takes hair from sopping to damp, yet is gentle enough to not damage your locks.
Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo* – Non-aerosol, not prone to that “build-up” feeling, and the kabuki brush allows you to really control where the product goes!
Teleties Flat Hair Clip – Absolute perfection for barre/pilates mat work!
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner – An absolute fool-proof self-tan that looks like a natural vacation glow. Plus, it’s clean ingredients! I swear by the mousse and facial spray, and, even though I’m naturally pale (read: vampiristic), the medium-dark shade is perfect!
La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask* – My nightime moisutrizer! My dry as scales skin absolutely drinks this up, and I wake up with a glowing, hydrated barrier. Although a higher price point, a tiny bit goes such a long way.
Diptyque Philosykos Body Wash – The Ritz-Carlton Lake Oconee featured this body wash in their guest rooms, and I was immediately enchanted. The scent is soothing and transports me every time I use it, and, unlike some perfumed, higher-end body washes, this one suds up spectacularly.
Interiors
Ruggable Kairos Ivory & Blue Rug* – One of my most requested links on Instagram! The perfect neutral rug for a traditional home, and the price is absolutely unbeatable.
Amazon Oushak Rug – Another rug that made the list! And a rare Amazon find, no less, that punched up our dining room immediately. The cost for quality is fantastic, and I love that it is offered in so many different colorways.
Pooky Lighting Lampshades – Updating our lampshades from manufacturer-grade, generic white to more playful patterns and silhouettes has made such a difference. It’s an instant injection of charm without having to break the bank. My favorite selections can almost exclusively be found at Pooky!
Little Luxuries
Nespresso by De’Longhi Vertuo Next Premium Coffee and Espresso Machine in Creamy White with Gold Accents – I am a Nespresso loyalists (my husband calls it “fluffy coffee”). Carter got me this darling new machine for Christmas, and I just swoon at the gold accents. If something is going to live on our countertop, it needs to be beautiful!
Kindle – After losing my Paperwhite at the Drake Chicago, I tried to power through without an e-reader for a few months. And it was horrible! I splurged on the even smaller, classic model and keep it on me at all times! It fits perfectly in my YSL clutch I move from tote to tote and is ideal for travel.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi – I am notorious in my book club for being a cheap reader. With a library card that gives me access to all the books I could ever want, physical or digital, and no room for a true library in our townhome, I have a hard time justifying the spend. But I am so glad I invested in owning this book which I know I will read over and over again.
Morningside Mahjong Travel Mahjong Set* – You cannot beat the quality of this travel set for the price. For under $200, you get a canvas case that fits all pieces, a travel sized mat, beautiful tiles, racks, and an acrylic storage box. Perfect for vacations, patio days, and playing on the couch or in bed!
Use code LAUREN15 for 15% off orders of $100+!
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Travel Spray Set – While I purchased this full set back in 2023, I purchase a new set of refills every single year, so it technically makes the list! This scent is iconic for a reason, and everytime I put on even a spritz I recieve compliments galore. I keep this chic, gold carrying case in my everyday clutch which is perfect for travel or a quick touch up. And believe me; the refills last forever.
Amazon Clothing Rack – Originally purchased to sift through PR deliveries, I have now integreated this under $30 workhorse into my weekly planning by setting out my styled outfits in advance. The bottom rack for shoes and accessories is not to be overlooked!
The Worst Purchases
Amazon Experiments
Amazon Battery-Powered Sconces – I wanted to save a buck (classic) and avoid electrical hardwiring (scary) when I opted for these battery powered sconces. Unfortunately, they looked just like their price: cheap. Plus, the bulbs were not a flattering light and lost juice quickly. We eventually ponied up to install the Ballard sconces of my dreams, and I am so happy with the result.
Amazon Dress Pants – While searching for the perfect dress pant, I decided to conduct a comparative analysis between the aforementioned Aritzia Effortless Pant and Amazon dupes. I quickly found out you get what you pay for, when my new trousers delivered via prime had snags, a faulty zipper, and smelled of plastic.
Amazon Lounge Sets – Yet again, the lesson is pay now or pay later. I spent beaucoup-s of money on cheap, polyster sets from Amazon this past year only to finally concede to investing in a few very select Varley, Frank & Eileen, and Alex Mill outfits. Whereas the Amazon sets felt worn, puckered, and itchy after one wear, I find myself reaching for my investments time and time again (and they hold up through the wears and washes!). It was this trade-off that began my critical analysis of thinking about shopping through the lense of price-per-wear versus initial cost.
Fashion Fails
Barrel Jeans – Absoloutely not. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Tuckernuck Meg Skirt* – An extremely rare Tuckernuck fail! If you have any bottom-half curves, this skirt is not the best option for you.
CRZ Yoga Square Neck Bra – While I loved it on my first wear, the moment I placed in the wash, it entirely fell apart. I normally don’t mind CRZ Yoga as a budget athletic wear option, but lately I have felt that the quality has diminished (or perhaps I’ve just gained higher expectations for my peices???).
Old Navy Square-Neck Linen-Blend Mini Dress – Sometimes I can absolutely hit the jackpot with an Old Navy find (see my latest workout set). I had similar hopes for this darling summer dress last June, but it was unlined, unflattering, and felt just as cheap as its price.
Things I Thought I Needed
Kindle Unlimited – I signed up for a free trial, but promptly cancelled before my card was charged. While plenty of people I know adore their membership, I didn’t find the selections compelling, and, given my avid library usage, for $12 a month, I would rather purchase one buzy book that I am giddy to read as opposed to having access to a collection of “fine” selections.
Clean Skin Club Clean Towels – While the concept is great (a new, fresh, single use cloth for your face every day), I found it somewhat wasteful and less gentle on my skin than my typical freshly laundered, soft face cloths I use every night (one use then it goes to the hamper!).
Salt and Stone Aluminum Free Deodorant – I became convinced aluminum deoderant would give me cancer. After trying this product, I became more convinced I would take my chances with poisonous antipersperant over being the smelly girl. Note: Major health organizations state there is no conclusive scientific evidence that aluminum in deodorant or antiperspirant causes cancer.
I LOVED Theo of Golden! I’m in the middle of This Book Reminds Me of You and I think you would really like it!