The best things I purchased in 2023
A.K.A. the times I dodged buyer's remorse.
With the new year fast approaching, I begin - amongst other things - reflecting on my purchases from the past year. Asking myself which ones I truly liked and which ones gave me only brief content.
I’ve been a pretty good shopper this year. This is, of course, compared to 2020 me who, enchanted by her first pay check, did a lot of online shopping to fill the void that came with being stuck in lockdowns. I think I dropped AU$200++ on clothes from Cotton On.
I can’t say I’m too proud of that one, spending hundreds on a bunch of mass produced clothes that lasted approximately one trend cycle (that’s about 3 months, at best, by 2020’s standards).
But I’ve learnt my lesson. I’m a lot more conscious about my money and the things I purchase. Buying in-store instead of online; actually try to justify each item before I buy them. Failing that, well, I’ll simply put them back on the rack and walk away.
It’s not easy the first few times, but I got used to it. Besides, wastage is far worst.
So, anyway, I did a lot of thinking before buying this year, hence the noticeable reduction in shopping, and of all the things I bought, here are some that I really loved.
KOTN Crew Socks
You do not know the true meaning of little luxuries until you’ve bought yourself a good pair of socks. I got mine from KOTN (AU$13).
I didn’t think much of them at checkout other than I was drawn by the use of Arabic letters (which spells out the brand’s name) to pay homage to its root. Literally. They’re made in Egypt from Egyptian cotton and girl, they are S-O-F-T!
I’ve been walking on clouds the whole year, thanks to these bad boys.
Crumpler Day by Day
Influenced by the fashion of Melbourne’s gorpcore girlies, I got myself this Crumpler bag (AU$150) for my final semester of uni.
It was a total upgrade from my Marc Jacobs Tote Bag (in black) which was just not as practical as this one. It was spacious, yes, but could barely fit my 13” laptop – I had to place it diagonally, and even then it would jut out of the bag a little.
This Crumpler has a special compartment for my laptop, but is a little less spacious than the Marc Jacobs. Still, it could fit a gigantic law textbook and my notes, so that’s fine enough for me.
It also sits better and more comfortably on my shoulders which was a blessing for those 6-hour uni days.
Kookaï Bec Button Top
Besides downsizing on impulse buying, I’ve also been buying clothes that are versatile, yet not boring; clothes that I could wear to the grocers, but also to the office. In other words, elevated basics.
This Kookaï top (AU$80) with its unconventional button placement is a prime example of that, and trust me, I’ve been wearing it everywhere since I got it. It could also be worn as a little cardigan as seen in the picture above.
Uniqlo Souffle Cardigan
Thick and soft, my darling little winter companion. I practically lived in it (no longer available apparently).
And, yes, it’s not itchy at all.
Bailey Nelson Phoebe Sunnies
I’ve been wanting (needing) prescription sunnies for ages now. So, I went and did exactly that earlier this year with Bailey Nelson – love them.
I got this hybrid between the cat-eye and the oval because I couldn’t decide which style I wanted. Everything, including the lenses, came down to AU$164.89 (thanks to the 15% off student discount).
Fits my face just right and goes with anything. Also super durable: chucked it everywhere and it still hasn’t broken yet.
Uniqlo Baggy Jeans
Another piece of clothing I didn’t think much of when I was buying them but ended up loving are these baggy jeans from Uniqlo (AU$59.90, now AU$29.90) because the denim is light, allowing for some freedom in my movement, thus making it the perfect pair of jeans to wear on those dreaded 6-hour uni days.
H&M Suede Hobo Bag
My everyday bag, my rushing-out-the-door bag, my just-shove-everything-into-it bag.
This spacious suede hobo (RM129.95, now RM80) was another surprising purchase of 2023 because of how durable it has proven itself to be. I’ve filled it to the brim, tossed it onto the floor countless times, used as an umbrella, and still, not a scratch or tear.
I genuinely thought it would crumble away by March, but it’s December now and I see no signs of disintegration yet. So, it will definitely be my go-to bag for 2024 too.
Morphe 2 Hide and Peek Concealer
I’m not a makeup girlie. I only ever wear three products on my face: some berry-coloured lip balm/lipstick, maybe some mascara, and almost always concealer under the eyes.
So, because of that I don’t experiment much in this area of fashion and beauty, but thought I’d give Morphe 2’s concealer (AU$18) a go. Safe to say I’ll be sticking to this one forever now. It’s affordable, buildable, and has a natural, glowy finish. That about does it for me.
Honourable mention: Adidas Gazelle
I’m cheating a little because I got these Gazelles last year, but they are so good, I have to chuck them in here.
If the hobo is my go-to bag because of its durability, then this one is too for the exact same reason – plus comfort. I’ve worn them on long walks, flights, and hikes, and my feet comes back unscathed every time. They don’t get dirty very easily too.
Literally, the best thing I’ve ever purchased!
That concludes my list and this week’s newsletter.
My goal for 2024 is to be even more conscious of my spending: carefully curating my closet and really thinking it through before buying things. I am funemployed at the moment, so I have to do that lest I run out of funds.
But also, I’d like to avoid the stress that comes with decluttering a closet full of barely-worn clothes. Never again. It was nightmarish.
Anyway, tell me, what’s the best thing you’ve purchased this year?