10 Favorite Outfits From 2024
+ 3 lessons I learned, & 6 things I bought and loved from 2024
Good morning, and happy new year to all. I took some time away from Substack towards the last bit of the year. As much as I love to write, I found ‘weekly’ newsletters impossible to keep up with. And after burning out in October (& life simultaneously getting so. much. busier) I decided to take a much needed break and allow myself to rest without guilt. A constant practice due to #momlife.
Which leads me into my first lesson from 2024— Rest Is Productive.
It’s the reset button your mind and body need to function at their best. In my eyes, it’s not about “doing nothing”, it’s about refuelling so you can do everything better. I’m a mom, and have a very strong ‘Type A’ personality, so sitting still felt foreign to me. But after many burnouts this year, I noticed a pattern— afterwards (being my “rest” period), it opened up space for my creativity to flourish. After each burnout and time away, I noticed I came back with more ideas and more heart than before. My goal for 2025 is to carry this mindset into the year— schedule myself “rest” days, and practice not feeling guilty whenever I allow myself that time.
Neutral outfits = less stress
While 2023 was the year I felt I first discovered my “new” personal style — after going through the transition of motherhood — 2024 was the year of sharpening my personal style. It was the year I stopped chasing trends and started to refine what truly feels like “me”. Sharpening my personal style become less about “what’s in” and more about what made me feel my best, most confident self, while simultaneously fitting my lifestyle. As a mom, cutting down the mental load wherever I can is everything, and having a wardrobe that works for me meant fewer decisions and more ease, and apparently more neutrals. Simplifying my outfits made getting dressed easier. In the end, it’s not about having more, it’s about choosing better, feeling confident, and letting my style work for me and my life.
Quality > quantity in relationships
While this isn’t a new mindset by any means— as I enter into my thirties, it has brought a sharpened ability to read people in a way I didn’t expect. Perhaps it’s the accumulation of life experiences — relationships, challenges, growth — that had fine-tuned my intuition, or maybe it’s simply the clarity that comes with age? I’ve found that I pick up on energies much easier. This has reshaped the way I approach relationships. My circle is small, intentionally so, built on deep connections that feel authentic and supportive. I’ve come to see that different friends serve a different purposes in our lives— some are there for deep conversations, others for shared laughter, and (usually one) for that comforting sense of unwavering loyalty. In a world that often encourages breadth, I’ve come to value the richness of a few meaningful bonds.
My Top 10 Favorite Outfits From 2024
I will 100% be repeating all of these in 2025 :)
**You can find all items links directly underneath each photo**
I had to start with my most viral outfit from 2024. The fact that this is such a simple look, yet was so popular on Instagram, just confirms my notion that simplicity is best. Not only do I dressing uncomplicated, I love that it’s so universal and can be worn by anyone and everyone!
Autumn styling will forever have my heart.
I wore this to Autumn’s birthday at Science World. So, “mom approved” I guess?
This one (above) might just be my #1 favorite from the entire year!
Summer date night look!
90’s inspired!
Ending the roundup with my most recent look (for Christmas/ NYE!)
6 Things I Bought and Loved in 2024
The first one has to be my favorite purchase: this coffee maker from Breville. If you didn’t know, I’m big into coffee and have tried all of the gadgets and nothing I made at home compared to the coffee shops with their fancy machines. I finally invested in one and it’s been my best purchase to date! While it’s been a learning curve, I wake up every morning so excited for my delicious cortado.
These denim straight leg jeans from Frame. I have worn them at least once a week since I got ‘em.
This bag from Little Liffner. Since becoming a mom, my bag capacity has needed to expand tenfold. This bag fits everything I need and more.
This necklace from Dorsey. It’s perfectly dainty and great for everyday wear.
An epilator. I ordered mine from Amazon and while it was a bit “pinchy” at first use, it really does get easier each time. I never have prickly legs now! :P
A perfectly crisp white button down. While I own a few different versions, this one is my favorite due to the fabric composition. Fabric plays a huge role in texture, how it drapes on your body, and the overall look when worn.
This year, I'll be posting on Substack monthly to balance my toddler, work, and other responsibilities while maintaining a realistic schedule. You can expect more outfit roundups— carefully selected top 10 looks of the month— bits of motherhood, and more.
I removed the paid monthly subscription last October knowing I was unable to maintain regular postings. That said, these newsletters are my little labour of love to you. And your contributions, whether through feedback, sharing, or simply following along, fuel the creativity behind every piece I put together. :) If you'd like to show further support you can:
Have a wonderful January and I’ll meet you back in your inbox in February!
Much love,
Amber! So happy to see your writing in my inbox again. Rooting for you as you move away from burnout and towards balance💗 I have a good feeling about this year!