Best & Onlys
What if you had to pick just one?
For some things, the hunt is never truly over. Styles evolve, your preferences change, and products advance. There was a time when I thought a pair of high-waisted skinny jeans would be the only denim I needed for the rest of my life. Then low-slung baggy jeans came along and changed my life. Now, you couldn’t force me to wear something so restrictive. The naivety was cute, really.
But there is something undeniably chic about people who know what they like and aren’t tempted by the endless search for something better. One of my friends has been using Clinique for decades, and her skin looks just fabulous. Another friend has stuck with the same brand of jeans for as long as I’ve known her because they fit her like a glove. This is the level of decisiveness I aspire to.
We are currently in the process of packing up and moving across the country. I’ve been on a month-long purge of every cabinet, drawer, and closet, which I think explains my recent fixation on picking favorites. I’m continuing the theme for one more week and asking myself, what if I could only keep ONE item in every category? This is what my minimalist wardrobe and beauty cabinet would look like.
In other words, these are my current crème de la crème picks. A few are recent discoveries, but the majority I’ve been turning to for years. I don’t think many will surprise you…
BEAUTY:
Lip product: NARS afterglow lip balm
Specifically in the shade Dolce Vita. This is one of the only lip products I’ve fully used up and repurchased. It’s a sheer, buildable color that’s also very moisturizing. I like that I can re-apply it without a mirror, and don’t have to worry about my lips looking dry underneath.
Hair product: Crown Affair leave in conditioner
This was a recommendation from Allison that I started using about a month ago. And I don’t think I’ve had a bad hair day for about a month now, which can’t be a coincidence.
Summer perfume: “VACATION” by Vacation
I can’t describe this perfume any way except to say that it smells like an elevated Banana Boat sunscreen. AKA exactly what I was looking for. I can’t get enough of it.
Hand cream: L’occitane
I keep a big tube on my nightstand and a mini tube in my purse. It’s richly moisturizing without leaving a greasy film behind.
Nail polish: OPI RapidDry Haul Sass
I’m a big believer in red nails year-round. This is my ride or die polish for painting my nails at home.
CLOTHING:
Tee: Leset Margo
To no one’s surprise! She’s my best stand-alone tee. I’ve seen a few complaints recently about Leset’s quality, which I’m not dismissing, but my personal experience has been great. With good care it’s still looking fresh after years. I’d be crushed to part with this pima boxy crew for layering purposes though.
Tank: Flore Flore Hillie
The perfect length and has wide straps that hide bras. This one’s going on her third summer with me and still looks great.
Jeans: Buck Mason Off Duty
How does one pick a favorite pair of jeans? The pair I am reaching for the absolute most right now, that I would replace in a heartbeat if I lost them, are from Buck Mason. I love the patina, the low-slung rise, and the classic fit.
Button up: Ralph Lauren Polo Men’s Oxford
I feel so disloyal to my BM Mainstay cotton shirt, but if I HAVE to pick one I think I’m going Polo (I act like someone is forcing me to write this post and it’s not my own choice). My only rationale is this one is great year-round, whereas the BM one is lighter and more summer specific.
Pajamas: Eterne (top here, bottoms here)
This is the easiest one to answer. I’ve worn my Eterne pajamas for what must be 1,000 nights now. They are getting threadbare, which is a testament to how much I love them, not their durability. It’s actually impressive they’ve hung on this long. Modal is my material of choice to sleep in.
Swimsuit: Left on Friday (top here, bottoms here)
The Sunday top + Hi Hi bottoms have been with me through summers where I feel great and summers where I’m newly postpartum and depending on the compression to do me some favors. It’s just really flattering suit with good coverage. I also like their dip bottoms for tanning.
Summer shoe: Havaianas
Without hesitation! I get a fresh pair every year and wear them endlessly: to the beach, to the park, to walk 20k+ steps, with dresses, with shorts, with jeans, etc.
ACTIVEWEAR:
Shorts: Alo Victory Running short
I need built-in briefs and a compressive waistband that reminds me to keep my core engaged. Alo delivered!
Sports bra: Lululemon Energy Bra
Some of my bras have to be getting close to 10 years old and I still wear them on the daily. If it ain’t broke! These are supportive and uncomplicated.
Sneaker: RAD ONE V2
A lot of my workouts combine lifting and running, so I love a shoe that can do both! I wouldn’t train for a race in these, but they’re perfect for combining power cleans + 400m repeats.
Wearing the full trifecta…
MISC:
Candle: Flamingo Estate Tuscan Rosemary
I first smelled this candle at a hotel in Hudson Valley… it has captivated me since. Looks like it’s almost time for a fresh one!
Blanket: Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Throw
Some things are popular for good reason! I keep one on my couch, one on my bed, and my son’s baby blanket is Barefoot Dreams.
Tea: The Republic of Tea Mint Fields
Refreshing, soothing, and not caffeinated.
Snack: Chocolate covered peanut butter mini perfect bars
I’m not proud to admit to you I have something sweet after almost every meal. These are my after-lunch-treat. They’re like a healthier and more satisfying Reece’s cup.
I would absolutely love to hear your Best and Onlys in the comment! While I’m glad I don’t actually have to pick ONE thing from every category, there’s something that feels good about narrowing in on what works for you and approaching your routines with that level of clarity. The chase is fun, but it doesn’t have to go on forever.
L'Occitane hand cream foreverrrr!!
There really is no beating Havaianas ….