Five of my Best Discoveries of 2024

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Ah, it’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of cosying up on the couch to write a blog post. It’s one of my favourite me time activities and I honestly never have enough time to do this! I’ve got a bowl of chips on the armrest and a cup of tea so we are good to go. Hello hello! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. It’s a new year, so I wanted to take some time to share some of my favourite discoveries from the year that was – 2024 was a year where I got to try out a heap of amazing things and some of this gear needs to be in your lives too. In this post, I’ll be narrowing it down to my top 5 discoveries from 2024.

Eeee let’s get started!

#1 – Merit Beauty

While it’s not a main focus on my socials, I’ve always been a beauty enthusiast. I’m a brand loyalist when it comes to makeup and skincare (ie. boring). When I find products I like, I CLING onto them like no tomorrow. A lot of the bits and bobs in my skincare / makeup routine have been part of my collection for years.

Wearing Complexion Stick in Sand, Solo Shadow in Midcentury, Blush in Persimmon, Signature Lipstick in Baby

However, in exciting news, 2024 was the year I discovered Merit Beauty, thanks to the fact they now ship to Australia – huzzah! I was gifted three products to try (this cream blush in Cheeky, their signature matte lipstick in Classic and highlighting balm in Bounce) and after having a proper play with their products, I totally understand the hype around the brand. I took advantage of their Black Friday sale last year and dropped some hard earned clams which enabled me to be the delighted owner of this awesome set, this eyeshadow in Mid Century and their signature lipstick in the satin formulation in the shade Baby.

Blush in Cheeky, Signature Lipstick in Classic, Highlighting Balm in Bounce

Now that I’ve played around with the products for a couple of months, special mention goes to the cream blush (both Cheeky and Persimmon agree with my skin tone), the lipstick in both the matte and satin formulation (I love Baby, Classic comes in as a close second) and the cream eyeshadow in Mid Century is top notch and so blendable (prior to this, I was using my cream bronzer as my eyeshadow so I feel like I’ve levelled up). But a very special mention goes to the complexion stick which isn’t a foundation or a concealer – it sits somewhere in between. My experience with foundation sticks has always been that they’re really drying and tacky on the skin but this formula is so hydrating and blendable. I like to keep my makeup as natural as possible, and appreciate the fact that their complexion stick can be tailored to when you want to keep things light or have proper coverage. You can use the Merit Brush, which I’d score a solid 7/10, but I prefer using the tools that God gave me (ie. my fingers).

#2 – Anna Quan pieces

In an inclusion to this list that will surprise none of you, Anna Quan has been one of my best discoveries and favourite brands to shop in 2024. The label has been on my radar for some time, but after paying my first visit to the showroom last year, I came to appreciate how exquisite her pieces are. I bought this butter yellow vest top (which also comes in a dress version) and it sparks so much joy. The shade is a perfect muted yellow, the cut is flattering and I’ve loved wearing it both to the office and on weekends.

Anna Quan top (sz AU 8)

I also love AQ knits – their knit dresses in particular make excellent one-and-done pieces for the office. It’s a tad spendier but absolutely worth the splurge in my opinion for the quality. The cotton is heavyweight and stretchy, and it provides a lot of structure on the spectrum of knit dresses. I’ve got the longer version (featured below), but I’ve also got the mini length version of their knit dress too.

Anna Quan dress (sz 6), Sezane trench coat (sz US 4, FR 36), Gucci loafers (watch my styling video here), Bellroy bag* (review here), Francesca earrings*

Special mention also goes to this knit top (featured below), the perfect example of how the brand elevates basics. I’ve worn it a ton to the office but also love styling it with jeans on the weekend.

Anna Quan top (sz AU 8), COS skirt (old season – similar here), Bared sandals*, Bellroy bag* (review here), Francesca earrings*

#3 – Henne (specifically their jeans and denim shirt)

Another brand that won’t come as a surprise to any of you following along with my shopping escapades is Henne. I shared my unboxings of two orders in the YouTube videos featured below, and also popped into the boutique right before Christmas.

Special mention has to go to this denim shirt (I consider it to be more of a jacket) which I took with me on our recent summer road trip. The denim is top notch quality, it’s a great classic wash and the cut is chic and oversized. I wear a size XS/S and cuff the sleeves (to release my hands 😅).

Henne shirt* (sz XS/S), JAG linen shorts* (sz 8)

Another special mention goes to the viral Valentina jeans – seemingly part of the Cool Girl Starter Pack 😎. They’re a relaxed fit, high rise, and super flattering (hence the virality). While they’re made for tall folk, if you’re inclined to go to the effort of getting them tailored like I did, don’t let the length be a barrier for you. I took mine to the tailor and had the hem reattached so they didn’t look tailored, if you catch my drift. 5 star jeans, would highly recommend.

Henne jeans (sz 26), lululemon top* (sz S – also featured in this list below!), Sarah Flint pumps* (sold out – similar here)

#4 – Bared boots

Bared Footwear has been a fixture on my feed, 2024 being no exception. You all know I love their shoes for work and play, and the fact that shoes can be BOTH aesthetic and comfortable shouldn’t be something to be grateful for, but in this day and age, it is. Podiatrist designed shoes don’t have to look like those square toed abominations from the pharmacy – they can be chic! And beautiful! While I love my entire collection, special mention has to go to these particular boots.

Bared Footwear cowboy boots, Foemina dress* (sz 6), Everlane blazer* (sz 0 – new season version linked), Bellroy totepack*, Francesca earrings*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*

I splurged on them this year and they’ve been worth every penny. These have been such a delight to wear for both my work and weekend outfits. They’re a pair of knee high cowboy boots – but woah, hear me out – they’re incredibly chic and add an element of surprise to my outfits. I never thought I would singing the praises of a pair of cowboy boots but look at us now, I love them. Not only that, they’re proper comfortable. Spongy insole, rubber sole, a wider footbed – I wear them in winter with my wintery skirts and summer with my summery dresses. Versatile and just magnificent. You all need a pair.

Bared Footwear cowboy boots, Alemais denim jacket* (sz AU 4), lululemon shorts* (sz S), Status Anxiety sunglasses*

#5 – lululemon’s “Wundermost” range

I couldn’t put together a list like this and not include the buttery soft Wundermost pieces from lululemon. The range is small, and sells out quickly, but it’s SO good. My top pick is the long sleeve top. It’s a great fitted cut (which balances out the loose bottoms I typically wear) and it makes a great base layer as a top for the office or WFH.