The best things I bought in 2023
Plus: As a public service, I bought the "TikTok pants"
Happy Holidays! Today we’re talking about my favorite purchases of 2023 and a pair of pants that have been stalking me on TikTok for months.
But first, please enjoy the product of my “fuck around” time in Canva this week: A beautiful logo!
And now…the best buys of 2023
Big Baggu shoulder bag: I bought this bag in green during Baggu’s Black Friday sale and have been super pleased with it. It can fit my 13 inch laptop, plus my lunch and a bunch of other crap I lug around with me when I go to the office.
Intentionally Blank “Speed” boot in black: I’ve written about these boots before, so by now you know I own them in all three colors. I really abused my black pair and replaced them during the Black Friday sale. Lucky you, there’s another sale now and you can get these, and all the other stuff on their site, at 30% off with code HOLIDAZE30.
Glossier Lash Slick in brown: Lash Slick (in black) has been my go-to mascara since its release in 2018. I didn’t try the brown shade until this year and I really love it. Lash Slick has a generally natural look compared to other mascaras, and the brown shade is even more natural, especially if you have lighter hair. Think of it as mascara’s cool chill friend.
Brooklyn candle studio’s Christmas tree candle: We bought a silver Christmas tree this year, which absolutely rules, and got this candle to make up for its lack of Christmas tree scent. The candle is so good, and the smaller size is perfect for a few weeks of almost daily use. Bookmark this one for next year!
Crown Affair leave-in conditioner & hair towel: I tried a few leave-in conditioners this year and really loved Crown Affair’s. It smells great and has just enough hold to last me most of the week. I also bought the hair towel to replace my existing one from Aquis that had developed an unpleasant smell I could not wash out. I’ve been following this TikTok’s wavy hair routine and very pleased with my hair lately!
Tineco floor mop: I didn’t technically buy this, I got a review model and kept it, but I would buy it. I’m able to mop the entire apartment in about 20-30 minutes and I don’t feel like I’m pushing dirt around because it’s vacuuming while mopping. It comes with a charging stand that also holds all its utensils. The mop is super easy to clean. Look, this could be you.
Three incredible furniture pieces from Skilset: There is a studio of woodworkers in the Navy Yard whom I’ve lovingly referred to as “wood pirates” because they scavenge and recycle used or rejected wood into really interesting furniture. Their studio is open most days, just DM them on Instagram for a pass to get into the Navy Yard. The studio space is small and packed with chairs, tables, stools, and more. You can also commission custom pieces, which is what we did for our dining table.
Have you seen these pants on TikTok?
I don’t know if anyone else has experienced this but for the last 3-5 months, I’ve seen about a billion videos about these wide-leg pants from a brand called Halara on TikTok. Some of the videos have been straight up ads (labeled “sponsored” on TikTok) but the vast majority of them have been individual reviews, both from influencers and normies. TikTok’s boost of any videos promoting products available on “TikTok Shop” is very real, so that plays a big role in the volume of videos about these pants. Because I love a soft, wide leg pant, I ordered them with a TikTok shop coupon for $20.
My take: They’re perfectly fine. I would not pay more than $20 for them nor would I order a second pair, but I do like them for lounging or for errands around the neighborhood, like dog walks. I ordered the tall and they hit me right above my shoes. The sizing is pretty true to the size chart.
Have you also been hounded by ads for these pants? Let me know! Reply or leave a comment!
Tabs I bravely closed:
Hand-painted dog food & water bowls. Look at the martini!!
This self-watering planter that I got 50000 Instagram ads for.
I love this vase.
This photo sent me on a Korean pojagi curtain spiral. I love this take on that style.
The Coach Ergo in green is incredible.
“Grid” furniture that packs flat and that you can add onto as you need more storage. I love the little pop of color.