Enjoy our 2024 list of favorite things, one of our favorite posts of the year!
Favorite Walk and Talk Gear
CHRISTA : Anything that keeps my feet pain-free and out of PT is a winner! Back for a second year, the On CloudMonster sneakers are still my go to sneakers. They provide the best cushioning and support–and I love the cute colors. Pro tip: I don’t recommend buying your walking shoes just for their cuteness, but finding one in a cute color with the best structure is a bonus! For sizing, I recommend going up a full size (normally in sneakers I size up 1/2 size, but these tend to run small). These are also my daughter’s favorite sneakers, especially when she logging 20,000+ steps at Disney. Her tip is to try the men’s version if you have wider feet.
MEGAN : When you find something that works for you, it’s hard to change! I’m still loving my Brooks Glycerin Neutral Running Shoe. My go to shoes for outdoor HIIT workouts and walking and talking. Brooks shoes come in narrow, regular and wide, I love that they are a “neutral” so they support my feet exactly as needed. I’ve got two pairs that I alternate between and my feet are very happy!
For more of our favorite walk and talk gear, check out this blog post.
Favorite Clothing Purchase
CHRISTA : Choosing just one favorite clothing purchase is impossible, so I’m going with my favorite clothing retailer this year: Boden! After years away, I rediscovered them while shopping for cruise dresses, and every piece was a winner. Their petite options fit my 5’4” frame perfectly, and their vibrant colors are helping me break free from my usual blacks/neutrals. Is there a brand you’ve strayed from? Rediscover them in 2025—you might be happily surprised! The dress below was my #1 favorite from our trip, and it is still available in two colors/most sizes. If you are planning anything special in 2025, I 100% recommend it (perfect for graduations, bridal and baby showers, vacations, and date night!). Here’s another one I’m eyeing up from Boden for our upcoming holiday vacation.
MEGAN : Frank & Eileen makes the best every day and travel pieces. My favorite and probably most versatile piece is the Cropped Mini Belfast Jacket. Rarely do I purchase the same item in multiple colors but I wore the natural color so much I got the black too. Slick enough to wear like a blazer but comfortable enough (it’s made of French terry) to wear on a road trip. The hardest decision is which color to get.
For more of our weekly outfit posts and links, shop here.
Favorite Nail Polish
CHRISTA : Influenced by Megan, I’ve been loving the Londontown nail polishes. I use the clear “Get Well Nail Recovery” when my nails need a little extra TLC. For a little everyday color, I love the “Perfecting Nail Veil” in #4 Dusty Rose Tint. I usually get a no-polish manicure at the salon so they can clean up my cuticles and shape my nails, and then do my own polish at home.
MEGAN : My love for Londontown nail polish has only grown in 2024. Here are the newbies that I’ve added to the collection. “Bubble” is my current favorite. Similar to OPI Bubble Bath, but better!
Favorite Lipstick
CHRISTA : I really like this moisturizing lipstick from Bobbi Brown ($33, in Plum/Mid Tone Red Plum color). It lasts all day and feels like a lip balm. If you’re in need of a new makeup product, remember you can order online from Nordstrom and return it if the color isn’t quite right for you. (Same for Sephora.)
MEGAN : Oh geez, picking a favorite lipstick is like picking a favorite child — impossible, I love them all for different reasons. BUT, if I had to choose JUST ONE, it’s the NARS Air Matte Liquid Lipstick in Dolce Vita. Truthfully it’s the one I reach for every morning.
Favorite Travel Gear
CHRISTA : This slingbag by Sol and Selene got an extensive test run on our 7 day trip through Greece, and I loved it. It’s not very big (that’s a good thing!), but roomier than you’d expect and you won’t mind carrying it through a day of sightseeing! The crossbody strap is adjustable depending which side you carry it. The outer zip pocket is perfect for easy phone access. Six colors available from Anthropologie. More colors on the Sol and Selene site. If you have a vacation planned in 2025, I definitely recommend this bag.
MEGAN : I haven’t used it yet, but I purchased the Monos spinner bag during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. My college roomie has had the Monos carry on for years and is constantly raving about it. Honestly, I have been shocked at how much STUFF she gets in that bag when she comes to visit. That was the kicker, then the NSale sealed the deal. I haven’t flown with her yet, but she’s ready for an adventure and so am I.
Favorite Beauty Product
CHRISTA : My contribution to our summer Favorite Things Beauty Party was more practical than exciting–the Billie razor. It works great and no shave cream needed. I love the included magnet to hang it in the shower, and love that you can have it on subscription so you’ll never run out of blades. If a subscription isn’t your thing, you can shop it on Amazon, too! p.s. Be sure to add a travel cover.
MEGAN : This year I’ve done extensive research on face creams (in the name of blog research, natch). At the end of the day, this Matter of Fact Minimalist Age-Defying Moisturizer is my favorite beauty product. and Allure’s Best of Beauty 2024 winner. My face stays soft and supple all day. As an added bonus it’s currently ON SALE at Sephora for $50. Try it, if you have normal to dry or mature skin you will love it.
Favorite Shoes
CHRISTA : Tall boots are in and chances are yours need an update. These Dolce Vita boots are my favorite shoe purchase this year. They’re comfortable (I sized up 1/2 size) and look great with all your fall/winter dresses and skirts. I’ve worn them with this denim skirt for a fun casual look.
MEGAN :My favorite shoes from 2024 are my non athletic, everyday, sneaker “collection”. Most days I’m wearing a pair of these (red Adidas, tan Adidas, black Golas, green/white Golas) with jeans, chinos, green army pants or some form of athleisure. They are comfortable, I can wear socks (or not!) and they look great. My pro tip for the year, find something cute that works for you and make it part of your everyday uniform.
Favorite Song
CHRISTA : I really wish I had seen Glass Animals in concert when they were touring! I’ll be there next time!
MEGAN : Current hype song, Stick Season by Noah Kahan.
Favorite Book
CHRISTA : It’s not winning any big awards, but The Vacation Rental was a great summer read–suspenseful and would be an awesome screenplay! It was one of those books that you don’t want to put down, and that’s all I’m looking for when I take time to disconnect and read.
MEGAN : National Book Award Finalist, All Fours by Miranda July, is living rent free in my brain. It’s one of those books that’s crazy (did this women really do this??) yet relatable, funny but painful, curious but kinda cringey. I also LOVED The Women by Kristen Hannah. A little more mainstream and my favorite historical fiction of the year.
Favorite Haircare
CHRISTA : Menopause hair is no joke–dull, dry, and thinning! Nutrafol gets a lot of press for hair regrowth, but I did not want to take four big capsules every day. In September I ordered this hair supplement from hers. Simply fill out their online form, and they’ll recommend the best product for your needs. I’m taking the Minoxidil + Biotin supplement–just one daily chewable supplement. It is a prescription, and you’ll receive a 6 month supply. I’ve been consistently using it for 2 months now, and feel like I am finally seeing some subtle results with a slightly thicker ponytail and some new growth. The website says it’ll take 3-6 months for thicker, fuller hair, and I’m feeling very hopeful!
MEGAN : My hair care routine hasn’t changed much this year, however I did get a CURLING IRON! And guess what, I love it. After loads of YouTube tutorials and lots of q & a with my hair dresser, I’m starting to get the hang of it. Highly recommend this Bio Ionic 1.25″ curling iron if you are looking for a hair update or a little change and you don’t want to make the full commitment to bangs.
Favorite Show/Movie
CHRISTA : This is another category where it is nearly impossible to pick one, especially when you watch as much TV as Megan and I! I went with a more obscure find from Prime Video, My Lady Jane. VERY loosely based on history, this was a fun show to watch, and would be a great binge over the holiday break. Watching this sent me down a path of similar shows, including The Empress (Netflix), The Great (Hulu), The Serpent Queen (Starz), The Spanish Princess (Starz), and Mary & George (Prime Video)–all recommended if you like this sort of thing.
MEGAN : So many good movies and shows this year! Of course I loved The Perfect Couple (Netflix), season 3 of Bridgerton (Netflix) captured my heart and season 5B’s Yellowstone (Paramount) finale broke my heart. As for feature films, I’ve got to give the nod to Wicked.
Favorite Find for the Home
CHRISTA : My favorite home decor purchase hasn’t actually arrived yet, but I am very confident declaring it a fav already. I waited two years to replace my family room coffee table that the dog chewed! My family room is a lofty two stories with a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, so the table I chose needed to be a heftier/chunkier piece to anchor the room. This is it! Fingers crossed it comes before the holidays. Will share how I style it in 2025.
MEGAN : This is an easy category for me. Quick answer: the Laura Ashley cotton sheets from Amazon. First of all I’m a sucker for anything block print, add in the cotton percale, mwah! chef’s kiss. Crisp and cool and yet they just keep getting softer with each wash. You guys agree, these have been on our “best of the month” lists many times this year.
SHOP CHRISTA’S FAVORITES
SHOP MEGAN’S FAVORITES
We love to try new things (stating the obvious, right?)! Share a few of your favorite finds from 2024 in the comments — who knows, they may become our favorite in 2025! And we’d love to hear what your favorite part of Style Among Friends has been this year — the gift guides, the outfit selfies, the randomness of the walk and talk? What’s been your fav? Be sure to let us know! xo, Megan and Christa
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