The Best Things I’ve Bought Recently
2025 is the year of low- or no-buy and I’m absolutely here for it. Low- or no-buy years are 12 months of simply not buying anything outside of your everyday essentials and groceries. I can’t remember exactly when I stopped buying ‘stuff’ but committing to researching properly before making purchases, and drastically reducing the amount I buy has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s a far cry from the girl that once had two double wardrobes and a chest-of-drawers crammed with clothing! Of course, that’s not to say I never buy anything, so I wanted to share with you the best things I’ve bought recently, and why you might want to consider them too.
KeepCup
I’ve used the same glass KeepCup reusable drinks tumbler since 2017 and I still love it. Clearly, it’s great quality and I really enjoy drinking my morning matcha in a glass cup either on dog walks or during my morning commute. I’m on a mission to eliminate as much plastic from my kitchen as possible, and I’m glad this continues to be a mainstay.
Organic Basics underwear
A new addition for me, Organic Basics has been on my radar for years. I feel like I say I’ll upgrade my underwear every year but, throughout 2024, I started to slowly do just that. I’m a huge lover of lace, yet I know it’s far better for my skin to wear cotton – Organic Basics allows me to look and feel beautiful in pieces crafted from 100% organic cotton. Their sizing is really accurate and there’s an easy-to-use size chart on the website.
Camp Snap reusable camera
Last summer, I invested in a Camp Snap reusable disposable camera. I used to love packing a disposable with me for my travels – I’m a millennial, after all! – since I love the film aesthetic, but it’s expensive and unsustainable. Enter Camp Snap. These screen-less digital cameras give the effect of film photographs as well as the experience, since you can’t check the image until they’re loaded to your laptop. I always love plugging it in on a Sunday evening and reflecting on my memories.
Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
My Kindle Paperwhite is another item that I couldn’t go a day without. I can’t believe I was ever an anti e-reader person! Nothing beats a physical book cradled in one’s hands, but a Kindle is undeniably useful for travel, reading in lowlight and for mood readers like me. My Paperwhite has a larger screen than the Basic, and still feels almost weightless – perfect for long flights, train journeys, waiting rooms, and getting snug on the sofa.
IKEA glass food storage
In my bid to reduce plastic use in the house, I’m gathering quite the collection of glass food storage containers. They’re great for meal prep, as well as storing washed ingredients, and I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to spend a little extra time moving food from plastic wrap to glass. Anything to cut down microplastic seepage!
Everlane jeans
I’ve had these black jeans for about nine years now and they’re my go-to. Along with my Levi 501s and my FRAME slim leg pair, I may never need to buy another pair of jeans again! These ‘The Cheeky’ straight leg jeans fit high-mid rise and have a beautiful chalk white contrast rivet stitch, making them a great point of difference design. They wash well and ‘live’ even better, getting oh so comfy after the third or fourth wash.
Abigail Ahern rechargeable table lamp
My first purchase for the house was a new lamp! Ambient lighting is the best way to create a cosy vibe, and I knew I wanted to invest in an Abigail Ahern rechargeable table lamp. This one diffuses the most beautiful patterns and a soft glow to the room.
UNIQLO HeatTech thermal tops
Plenty of people ask me how I manage to dress stylishly and/or normally when it’s so cold out throughout winter. My answer? Have an array of thermal tops, leggings and base layers to hand! I have a cami, a scoop neck, a turtleneck… and they allow me to get maximum use out of all my winter knits and autumn dresses. Clever layering is your friend here! And, as spring gets underway, they’re great for wearing alone as a transitional piece.
