We’ve reached a point in time in which it’s fully possible to not have to buy anything before reading a review on the internet first. I, for one, live and die by reviews for everything—from socks to sunscreen. But I also like to be the reviewer sometimes. If I recently discovered something I love, I’ll tell anyone who will listen all about it. Over the past several weeks, that’s been the case many times, so I’m choosing not to gatekeep some of my new favorite things. Some of my all-time favorite purchases came to me via first-person reviews, so I’m paying it forward.
Whenever the seasons change, I’m inspired to try new items that span the categories of fashion, home, beauty, and travel accessories, and this fall (and soon, winter) has been no exception. From my new favorite Zara coat to the chicest of dog beds to the earrings I keep getting compliments on, these mini review subjects are admittedly all over the place, but that’s what makes it fun.
Without further ado, keep scrolling to shop (and read all about) some of my new favorite things right now. You’re welcome in advance.
Zara Wool Blend Short Coat With Scarf
ZARA
Wool Blend Short Coat With Scarf
I’m sorry to be the one to tell you that this coat is selling fast, but I can’t say that I’m surprised in the least. It’s very well-made and expensive-looking in person, especially considering the price point. The scarf detaches if you want to go with a chic collarless look, but scarf-attached is my preference. The brown color I’m wearing in the photo at the top of the story is almost completely wiped out, but you can still snag it in black or mink. You know what to do.
Sarah Creal No Further Questions High Glide Peptide Lip Gloss
Sarah Creal
No Further Questions High Glide Peptide Lip Gloss
I own more lip glosses than one person should in a lifetime (yes, I have a problem), but this one blew me away. The Sarah Creal hype is real. It’s not sticky in the least, but it stays put for longer than many other high-end lip glosses on the market. I bought it in the shade My Pleasure, and it’s the most elegant shimmer lip gloss I’ve ever tried—hands down.
Agolde Adine Shrunken Tee
Agolde
Adine Shrunken Tee
I’m on a never-ending hunt to find the very best T-shirts, and this is the one I currently want in every color. Agolde’s Adine tee is slightly cropped and boxy, but in the most flattering of ways. It’s not thin or see-through, but it is soft and a medium weight that’s perfect for all seasons. All of my other T-shirts are currently on hiatus.
Nécessaire Olibanum Eau De Parfum Set
Nécessaire
Olibanum Eau De Parfum Set
I first discovered Nécessaire’s Olibanum scent via its body wash, and I completely lost it at first sniff. Releasing it in a fragrance form is genius, and I’ve been spritzing it daily. It’s warm and cozy but still fresh and not too sweet. Nécessaire, if you’re reading this, please release it in a bigger size.
Reformation Lian Cashmere Crew Sweater
Reformation
Lian Cashmere Crew Sweater
My Reformation cashmere sweater collection is significant, but my latest acquisition is my current favorite. Most of my sweaters are oversized, so I was drawn to the slim fight of this one. It’s even sleek enough to pass as a winter going-out top. The brown striped iteration fits right in with my current wardrobe.
Merit The Winter 2025 Set
MERIT Beauty
The Winter 2025 Set
I don’t think there’s a Merit product I haven’t tried at this point—everything is great (and aesthetically pleasing). That said, I have my favorites, and the new Winter 2025 Set happens to contain all of them, in limited editor colors. The shades or brown are sheer and beautiful. They’re perfect for winter but will also translate to the rest of the year.
Alex Mill X Margaux The Clara Mules
Alex Mill X Margaux
The Clara in Espresso Suede
I love a flat mule right now, and when I saw that the new Alex Mill X Margaux collaboration contained one, I had to have it immediately. The square too is so elegant, and the cushioned insole is so comfortable. I could literally walk for miles in them. They’re the perfect throw-them-on-and-go winter flats.
Calpak Luka Large Duffel
I wouldn’t call myself a light packer, but I also hate checking my luggage these days, so carry-on it is. I always use a sizable duffle to supplement and the highly rated Calpak Luka one has been on my radar. I finally got my hands on it and took it for my latest trip and it passed the test with flying colors. It fit under the seat in front of me and is nice and padded, so I felt as though my belongings were safe and sound. But the best part is that it fits a ton of stuff and has several pockets and compartments to keep things organized.
Heaven Mayhem Rhey Sunglasses
Heaven Mayhem
Rhey Glasses
If you love the vibe of Heaven Mayhem’s jewelry, trust me—you’ll want to try the sunglasses next. I ordered the Rhey shades and have been wearing them constantly since they arrived. The quality is top-notch and they’re super flattering. Take my advice and order a pair whiel the’re on sale for Black Friday.
m.ph by Mary Phillips Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm
m.ph by Mary Phillips
Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm
I’m so obsessed with m.ph by Mary Phillips’ Lip Ciggys that I’ve admittedly ordered it in every color but one at this point (if I had to pick one, it’d be First Base—a pretty mauve). I despise oversized lip products that take up valuable handbag space, but this is slim enough to even carry around more than one color. It’s quite moisturizing and provides the prettiest wash of color that isn’t too shiny. It’s just cool in every way.
Alex Mill Duane St Jacket In Faux Fur
Alex Mill
Duane St Jacket In Faux Fur
This is the time of year in which all I want to buy is jackets. This is my latest purchase and I have zero regrets. Many faux fur jackets and coats I come across are either cropped or too long but this one is the perfect hip length. It’s oversized but not sloppy, supremely soft, and the collar is detachable (a rarity when it comes to faux fur coats). And as you can see, the color is perfection.
Boll & Branch Piped Edge Pet Bed
Boll & Branch
Piped Edge Pet Bed
This one’s for my dog Fanny, who prefers to have a chic bed in almost every room of the house. I got this one for my office, where she spends a lot of time while I type away all day. It was sold out for ages, and as soon as I unwrapped it, I could see why. The inner bouclé part is soft and cozy, while the textured canvas outer part is durable and polished. Fanny approves.
Alo Softsculpt High-Waist Leggings
ALO
Softsculpt High-Waist Leggings
These buzzy Alo leggings had everything I want in a pair of leggings, on paper: soft and breathable but with a bit of compression. After trying them, I have to say that they’re my favorite Alo leggings to date. They’re as flattering as they are comfortable and I look forward to seeing what cool seasonal colors Alo releases them in next.
Polo Ralph Lauren Wool Cashmere Classic Cable Gloves
Polo Ralph Lauren
Wool Cashmere Classic Cable Gloves
Like it or not, glove season is here. You might as well embrace it with a chic new pair (which is what I told myself). Polo Ralph Lauren has excellent cold-weather accessories, so I didn’t need to think twice about ordering these. They’re warm but not bulky, and I appreciate that they’re a bit longer—my wrists deserve to be warm too.
Jenny Bird Lennon Mini Hoop Earrings
Jenny Bird
Lennon Mini Hoop Earrings
Like everyone else, I adore Jenny Bird jewelry and try to add a few new pieces to my collection every season. The Lennon Mini Hoops are the item I’ve been reaching for most frequently as they’re the perfect subtle yet substantial size and they look ultra expensive. The gold pair is next on my list.
Aritzia The SuperPOP Puff Jacket
Aritzia
The Super Puff The Superpop Puff
I live in North Carolina, and it certainly gets cold in the winter, but not so cold that I need a super puffy puffer all that often. I was pleased to see that Aritzia, the authority when it comes to puffer jackets, released this new lightweight style. That said, it’s surprisingly warm when you need it to be. I’m also a big fan of the cool boxy fit. Highly recommend if you’re in the market for a versatile puffer.
DL1961 Kristy High Waist Cigarette Jeans
DL1961
Kristy High Waist Cigarette Jeans
Last but certainly not least, my latest denim purchase. I don’t love baggy jeans in the fall and winter, as I tend to often wear something oversized on top. The DL1961 Kristy jeans are the perfect slim-straight fit and the ankle-length inseam was perfect for my 5’4″ height. They have a bit of stretch but you wouldn’t know it when you see them in person. As I’ve said a few times in this story, I can see why they’re selling out.