A Year of Very Cute Stuff
The best shit we bought in 2024
Welcome to This Is Cute. We’re Jenna, Jayna, and Verena. We text all day about cute stuff so you don’t have to. If you’re interested in seeing the previous and equally unhinged editions, they’re here.
As much as we talk about cute shit, we don’t buy allllllll that much of it. And while we like to think the select things we purchase are all winners, some cutes are, well, cuter than others. There are the pieces that sneakily end up being wardrobe workhorses, the unsuspecting accessories that become outfit clinchers, the hair and skincare products that actually did the things they said they were going to do, the sweatshirt we all bought in CUTE complementary colors. You get it.
So, without further ado (because we were planning on sending this yesterday but then everything just got too busy, eek!), our very favorite—and still avail!!!—2024 purchases that we probably still won’t shut up about in 2025.
Jenna’s 2024 Cutes
Staud Capsule Top
ICYMI, I was pregnant for most of 2024. So my clothing look-back is, for sure, weirdsville. I tended to avoid maternity-specific buys, and instead opted for things that I thought I may wear beyond giving birth. I bought this Staud tee in April, and it became a go-to for all sorts of tricky-to-dress-for occasions (low-key Upstate New York wedding, husband’s birthday dinner, day-to-night work offsite). Sure, the gigundo cut can accommodate a belly at any stage, but that’s just a bonus! The material, which is weighty and neoprene-like, takes the cool, big AF tee shape into elevated territory. And because it doesn’t wrinkle, it’s become a real travel staple. Alsooo, don’t sleep on the matching pants.
Mini Boden Kids Camo Parka
Sometimes I feel like I scroll through the entire internet seeking the just-right kids item I envision in my head, but doesn’t seem to actually exist (a GREAT use of time, I’m aware). So when my Google search for ‘camo toddler winter parka’ instantly spat out this option from Boden in that weird sponsored section at the top, I was skeptical. But, turns out, it checked all the boxes: cute (yes, in spades!), warm, all-weather proof, and non-toxic (I don’t really know what that entails but it makes me feel like a responsible parent!). Seeing my son penguin toddle around in it is one of few things making winter enjoyable.
Navy Adidas Gazelles
After one too many times of wishing I had a navy shoe to go with whatever the eff I had on, I bought these and haven’t looked back. Simply put, they’ve made countless outfits just click together.
Kristen Ess Signature Shampoo and Conditioner
When my dry and listless hair called for a shampoo and condish switch up, this duo was recc’d by my friend with the most gorgeous Herbal Essences commercial-level mane—she literally won her high school’s best hair superlative. And though someone so naturally endowed probably isn’t really in a position to tell me how to save a straw head like me, she did not lead me astray! I really like these products, and am already on my second round of both. The combo gave my hair a bit of life back (it’s smoother and healthier feeling), smells incredible, is sulfate-free, and, thanks to the friendly price point, doesn’t feel at all hoax-y the way some way, way pricier formulations can. Also, if you don’t think the founder’s affiliation with LC of Laguna Beach/The Hills fame isn’t a pro then I absolutely cannot help you and you deserve some Pert Plus 2 in 1.
Graf Lanz Merino Wool Coasters
These fuzzy coasters are like the little exclamation point dots on my year-long home renovation project. They were a Jayna rec, as most fuzzy things are, and I bought them to live on my new bedside tables, which were made using some leftover bathroom marble and, god help me, shall not be water ringed. They are aesthetically delightful, and I kinda want a bill trill more to sprinkle across any remotely sensitive surface in my house.
Hammertown Edwyn Lounge Chair
Speaking of fuzzy things, this chair was a mid-2024 purchase and its the kind of home addition that brings me satisfaction every time I look at it, which is a lot, since it’s nestled in a corner directly across from my bed. I struggle majorly with furniture purchases—the sticker shock, the permanence, the worry that something is either too Pinterest-y or a giant nothing burger. But this chair strikes a balance between timeless and fun, and it’s comfortable (thank G, because I ordered it online without ever sitting in it) and the wooden arms are the perfect mug accomodators. I topped it off with my favorite-ever shaggadelic pillow, which was a gift from VVP and JW (awwwwww).
Fostered Collection Kids Beanie
The TIC trio’s winter white whale is the perfect red beanie. Seriously, we have been on the lookout since last winter! And while the search continues, in the meantime I stumbled across this kids version from Fostered Collection, an adorable boxy-minimalist children’s line that blasts me with IG ads that have worked all too well. The hat comes in many excellent colors (I have since also bought the navy), but the cherry looks beyondddd with the camo coat, and ugh, I really wish my outwear game was anywhere near as cute.
Jayna’s 2024 Cutes
Vintage chore coats
I know, I KNOW, we’ve talked about these a lot this year. But it’s because everyone truly needs a pre-worn chore coat. I bought two this year—a denim one that I wore (comfortably) layered over a bill trill things when I visited a friend in Milwaukee in March, and a total VVP copycat tan herringbone with a bright red lining from L.L. Bean that I’ve been wearing with everything from jeans to dressy skirts (love a high-low moment, a la Jenna Lyons!). Why pre-worn? Because it’s the only way to get that just-right oversized fit and casual distressing that elevates them from good to great. I mean, your other option is to get that Prada one for $5,000. Lol forever.
Imogene + Willie Sonora Painted Camo Trouser
I’ll admit that I sort of forgot about Imogene + Willie, and I’m not 100% sure how I stumbled upon these pants, but thank god I did, because had I not, I would’ve been Pooh bear-ing it all through the back half of the year. I truly wore them at least twice a week, sometimes more. They’re so so comfy (I sized up and had them cropped) and I think there’s something really nice and painterly about the print, and the colors are much warmer than a traditional camo, which makes them feel more fun to me. I just discovered that they also make a shorts version, and as soon as they restock in my size, you’d better believe I’m scooping those cuties right up.
Saie Glowy Super Gel and Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation
I learned about Saie right here, in this very newsletter! I think it was when VVP recommended both products as the cure for late March skin sadness. I sort of have year-round sad skin just because I am such an indoor cat, but I was intrigued by the glow factor, and it really is amazing! If I need to look like my most pulled together self, I use the foundation and then the glowy gel, but if I only have time/energy to half ass it, the gel is great on its own! It really works! It just smoothes everything out a little bit and adds not even shine, but just…glow. Maybe it’s what people mean when they talk about dewy skin?? I love it and have already gone through multiple bottles of both the foundation and the gel, which is wild considering I’m still working my way through a moisturizer I’m pretty sure I took from the Lucky beauty closet (RIP!).
Rose Deep Sleep Delights
Another surprise! I am very nervous around most THC products (blame a terrible brownie experience at a Star Wars screening in college and also being an uptight nerd), but JP started using these gummies for sleep and I eventually got up the courage to eat a quarter of one (see? nerd!) and it was sort of incredible. They don’t make me fall asleep faster, but they make me sleep SO well, which is way better I think! I feel like in the last few years my sleep has become sort of hit or miss, which sucks, especially since I’ve always been a very enthusiastic sleeper. But these gummies bring me back to my carefree snoozefest days, and I love them very much. I’m still only eating a quarter, but one of my 2025 resolutions is to work my up to a full one! What a fun goal!
Verena’s 2024 Cutes
Haikure Korea Jeans
I bought a pair of Haikure jeans during last year’s No.6 sale right around this time, and they are easily the best, most flattering “new” pair of jeans I’ve bought in a very long time. (By “new,” I mean any jeans from a contemporary brand and/or that aren’t vintage Levis.) I hadn’t heard of Haikure until I saw these. (Despite what the style name implies, they’re Italian.) The cut falls somewhere between straight-leg and bootcut, with a nice, neutral mid-rise. They’re just a perfect everyday jean, though I do recommend sizing up, if you want a little bit of room. I can’t find a good link for the exact wash I got, but I’m very interested in a second pair in this dark wash, and am curious about the higher rise. To another year of great denim!
James Street Mora Chunky Beanie
I know, I know. We need to shut up about this James Street Beanie, but you need to understand how much thought, time, and effort we’ve put in to finding just-right beanies with an appropriate height, heft, and substantial cuff. James Street nails it and delivers on cute colors. Historically, I’ve leaned on creams, browns, and greys and it wasn’t until this year that I realized what a value-add a bright beanie was. The sky blue one they made last year was my entry point, followed by the forest green we all bought in an earlier edition. I now have my eye on this marigold yellow, for a little bit of sunshine, no matter the weather.
Rhode Barrier Butter
Honestly, I had every intention of gatekeeping Barrier Butter. The quality and size of this occlusive cream does not match up with its borderline bargain price point. Instead, I’ve put it in two newsletters, back-to-back. But the assignment was the best things we’ve bought this year, and Barrier Butter might just top my list. If you have dry skin, use retinol, or just want to be able to occasionally slather yourself with a rich, non-pore-clogging top layer of moisture, get yourself a Barrier Butter. I’m writing this on a flight back from California, where my only packing regret was not buying the travel/go-size version of it.
Owala FreeSip 32oz Water Bottle
If you subscribe to Gossamer’s High Praise, you’ve already read my thoughts on this. If you don’t and are in the market for a water bottle, do what I did and follow Jayna right down the koala-shaped rabbit hole that is Owala. She and I disagree on ideal size—I swear by a single 32oz; Jayna opts for an extra biggie 40oz at home and a 24oz for moving and shaking—but the bottle itself is inarguably a best-in-class feat of modern beverage engineering. I’ve never been so hydrated.
Maybelline Super Stay MatteInk Liquid Lipstick
Just a reminder that this is unquestionably the best long-wear lipstick on the market. Do not mess around with any other brand, do make sure you have an oil-based makeup remover (or just some coconut oil) at home to eventually be able to remove it. For a classic, citrusy red, try Dancer. For a slightly darker, berry-toned option, go with Pioneer. From there, feel free to explore. Kisses!
BedThreads Linen Napkins
One of the best things I did this year was stock up on what feels like an almost ludicrous amount of linen napkins in a mix of colors. I’ve always loved using real cloth napkins for every meal, whether it’s a sad desk salad, a piece of peanut butter toast eaten standing up in the kitchen, or a full sit-down meal, but there’s something extra luxurious about knowing you have what feels like an endless supply of clean ones in different colors. When I look at our linen closet (a.k.a. the single shelf above our washing machine) and see a pile of pastel-hued napkins, I feel at peace and/or like Scrooge McDuck swimming through a vault of gold coins.
Toast Terracotta Egg Cups
In a similar vein, nothing beats the simple pleasure of a dippy egg with buttered toast slices for breakfast and for literally the better part of two decades, I’ve been making makeshift egg cups out of cereal bowls padded with dishtowels. Not sure why it took me this long to just invest in a couple of cute, just-for-eggs cups but the joy they bring me on a near-daily basis was worth the wait. My new year’s resolution is more tiny moments of cute in 2025!
The Cute Catalog™
Tops
Staud Capsule Top
Bottoms
Staud Knack Pants
Imogene + Willie Sonora Painted Camo Trouser & Lounge Shorts
Haikure Korea Jeans
Jackets
Vintage 90s Big Mac Blanket Lined Denim Chore Coat
Vintage 70s/80s Big Mac Denim Chore Coat
Vintage 90s L.L. Bean Barn Jacket
Vintage L.L. Bean Men’s Flannel Lined Chore Coat
Prada Canvas Jacket
Shoes
Adidas Gazelles
Beauty
Kristen Ess Signature Shampoo and Conditioner
Saie Glowy Super Gel and Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation
Rose Deep Sleep Delights
Rhode Barrier Butter
Maybelline Super Stay MatteInk Liquid Lipstick
Accessories
James Street Mora Chunky Beanie
Owala FreeSip 32oz Water Bottle
Kids
Mini Boden Kids Camo Parka
Fostered Collection Knitted Beanies
Home
Graf Lantz Bierfilzl Merino Wool Round Coasters
Hammertown Edwyn Lounge Chair
Coming Soon Crochet Pillow
BedThreads Linen Napkins
Toast Terracotta Egg Cups