As the end of the year approaches, I have decided to take a look at the workhorse items in both my closet and my toiletry bag. This is the first installment.
Similar to the trend of counting your “empties,” inventorying the stuff that really works is a way to reduce overconsumption. It’s a way to remind yourself that the thing you have been using is not only adequate to the task, but preferred.
Often when I’m bored or anxious, I end up shopping idealistically. Basically, I decide that the solution to whatever problem I have is to buy something that will make my life better, even if what I have has already made my life better.
You might be surprised by the items that have lasted the longest and done the most work in my wardrobe this year. I know I was!
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Clothing
Madewell Ribbed Cardigan
I bought two of an older style of this ribbed cardigan in 2021 during the chaos of the pandemic. I don’t remember how much I paid, but they were a very good deal.
These cardigans have held up super well, I think because of the fabric content. They are thin, but have some wool in them, so they work well in a cold office or on a cold day, and are also great layering pieces. I know crew-neck cardigans are in right now, but I don’t think you can go wrong with a v-neck.
Shop the V-neck Ribbed Cardigan
Old Navy OG Straight Jeans
Old Navy is extremely hit or miss when it comes to quality, and I can’t recommend any of their tops. But occassionally, they make a really good pair of jeans. I’ve had these for at least 3 years, wearing them weekly. I have washed and dried them with no issues.
I actually have two pairs in different sizes depending on what feels the most comfortable that day. They come in regular, tall, and petite sizes, and curvy fit, too.
Target Rib Knit Shirt
I own this in three colors and wear all of them frequently, especially in the hot months. This shirt is really light weight and fitted without feeling tight, making it a great piece to tuck in and layer. I feel like I can dress it up or down pretty well, too.
Even though the fabric is thin, I have had no issues with quality after several washes. (Note: they periodically change the url for this item online, but it’s still available. If my link is dead, you can search for “ribbed t-shirt” and find it.)
LOFT Julie Pants
I bought a pair of Julie pants from a Goodwill in Houstin a couple years ago and they’re the best fitting work pants I have ever owned. Unfortunately, Loft doesn’t make this style any longer, but you can still find it on secondhand sites.
This is my hot tip for any item you like, even if it’s still in stock. If it was popular in its time or sold for many years, you can likely find it secondhand. Just check the measurements provided by the buyer against the item you currently own, because vanity sizing and rises have changed a lot over time.
Shoes
Crocs Miami Sandals
I wore these like 250 days out of the year. The funny thing is that these are now apparently “Tik Tok viral,” but I bought them fall 2024 on super clearance because apparently no one wanted them (they were $14).
I haven’t seen them go on sale since, but I would say they’re still worth the $39.99 price tag based on my own use. The crocs material gives just enough support and cushion, they’re waterproof and washable, and they have a streamlined design so don’t feel like crocs.
Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers
I mentioned these the other day, but I bought my pair secondhand in 2020/21 and they’re still going strong. The sole is leather, so they can be resoled, but I haven’t needed to worry about that so far.
Eastland Jasmine Boots
I bought these at a thrift store in Dallas because I liked the style, but I didn’t expect them to become favorites. I wanted a pair of black boots that were water resistant, so the fact that these aren’t real leather doesn’t bother me.
These have a lot going for them. The chunky heel is cute, but also offers a lot of stability. The insoles are comfortable without being too spongy. The shaft height offers just enough ankle coverage if you own a lot of cropped pants, like I do. And the round toe makes these super comfortable on the toes, and easy to wear with thick socks. I wore these for 11 hours straight yesterday and only have a bit of foot fatigue today.
Accessories
Over the past couple of years, I decided I wanted to wear more jewelry, but only the kind I could keep on all the time. It took a little while, but now I have the perfect permanent earrings, nose ring, and necklace.
Fish Necklace
After my cross necklace snapped in half, I decided to replace it with a Christian symbol that is a little less politicized. Fortunately, the fish trend was strong this summer, so I found this Hey Harper sardine necklace.
In early Christian communities, the “ichthys,” which translates to “fish,” was a secret symbol to identify followers of Christ. The Greek word works as an acrostic poem, which translates roughly to: “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.” The fish also makes reference to the Christian initation rite of baptism and the fact that the first apostles were fishermen.
Endless Hoops
I bought some sterling silver mini hoops at Target last year that are no longer sold, but you can find the style basically anywhere. The key is that they need to be “endless” closure so nothing pokes you when you’re sleeping.
Nose Ring
I wanted a simple nose ring that fit close to my nose and that I didn’t have to bend to get in my nose. I found an 18 gauge 8mm one in surgical steel that is super comfortable to wear. It secures with a hinged piece that locks into the other side of the hoop to make a nearly seamless circle.
