Welcome to Anna’s 3rd annual favorite things!
These are the absolute best products I tried and tested in 2022. These items are standing the test of time for me, and I truly believe that these are worth the investment.
Because this is the Internet, let’s be clear that nobody pays to be on this favorite things list, and nobody sends me free stuff to bribe me. (I’m not even close to that famous.) Everything here is paid for with my own dollars.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
One final disclaimer: some of the links below are affiliate links. That means if you buy something through the link, I may get a few pennies as commission. I only link to products I truly love. Thanks for helping me keep this blog going!
Clothing
Quince clothing
I am relatively new to Quince, a direct-to-consumer online store that specializes in quality basics at a fair price. But I have loved just about everything I’ve tried from them and have been shocked by the affordable pricing. This is especially true of three products:
- The notch-neck silk button-down. It’s so silky smooth and it hangs beautifully. Plus, I got the burgundy color, which is gorgeous. (It will need steaming, though, if that’s a deal-breaker for you.)
- The Flowknit performance hoodie. SO SOFT, so stretchy, and also so cute. It’s been maintaining its softness over multiple wears and washes, so quality is top-notch.
- The ponte knit pants. These are miracle workers that can pass as fancy office pants but feel like yoga pants. I’ve worn the bootcut style for a dressy holiday party, flights, working from home – they’re amazing in basically all circumstances. Plus, there are multiple styles AND they come in multiple lengths.
Vuori joggers
I am so sorry. Paying $90 for joggers is ridiculous, I completely agree. But the Vuori Performance joggers are actually worth all the hype they get on the Internet. They are SO soft and comfortable. Like, after they arrived, I wore them every single weekend day until it started snowing. I got the long inseam and sized up; otherwise they looked too much like leggings on me. Find all sizes and colors here.
Brooks sports bras
Brooks makes the best sports bras I’ve tried: they’ve got smooth fabric, functional but cute styles, and actual bra sizing. And most importantly, they work. No bouncing or no mid-workout adjusting! The crossback style is my favorite, and I buy the on-sale colors exclusively so they’re more affordable. Find them here.
Soma Vanishing Edge Microfiber with Lace Hipsters
I did a gigantic underwear comparison last spring (see all the results here!), and these were the winners for everyday. That verdict still stands – in fact, I just bought more pairs. These are the greatest because they don’t create visible panty lines BUT they also don’t slide around and cause wedgies. They’re the underwear I reach for first, and I’m sad when there aren’t any left in my drawer. Find them here.
Fitness
OrangeTheory Fitness
For the uninitiated, OrangeTheory is a fitness class. A coach guides you and your classmates as you rotate between running or walking on a treadmill, rowing, and weightlifting. The goal of the class is to get yourself into the “orange zone,” or the heart rate that will continue burning calories after your workout is done, for at least 12 minutes.
Ugh, you guys. I know it sounds gimmicky and that it’s so expensive. BUT. It’s so good. I’ve been able to maintain going twice a week since July and I’ve…never?…done that with another workout. Every workout is different, so it’s never boring, and I push myself way, way more than I would if I were working out in my living room. I get a fitness stipend from my work that helps me justify the fees to myself, but I would pay for it even if I didn’t have that. There are studios all over the country, so Google it if you’re interested.
Beauty
Exa green color corrector
I try not to wear full-face concealer and foundation every day, as it makes my sensitive, acne-prone skin extra cranky. But I also have to stare in a webcam all day long and pay too much attention to how ruddy my cheeks can get. Enter this green color corrector. On days when I want a little coverage, I either apply a dab to each cheek and blend with a beauty blender, or I mix it in with my sunscreen. It takes the edge off the redness, but it doesn’t cause any irritation or weird ashiness. YAY. Problem solved. Find it here.
RMS Beauty Eyelights
Most cream eyeshadows crease like the dickens on me if I’m not wearing primer – even fancy Laura Mercier ones. NOT THIS ONE. I haven’t had it for very long, but whoa. This stays in place all day long, plus the colors are the perfect shimmery metallics that are still wearable for an average workday. I have and really like the shade Strobe. Find it here.
Home
Puracy Stain Remover
This works better than any of the other stain removers I’ve tried. I’m not a laundry expert, but their marketing mentions a lot of enzymes that are supposed to dissolve stains better? IDK. I DO know it’s granola girl-approved, though: there are refills to cut down on waste, and the product has fewer harsh chemicals than something like Shout. (We’re currently trying out their laundry detergent as well, and initial loads seem promising!) Find it here.
Lands’ End Women’s Active 5 Pocket Pants! They are as versatile and cute as the ponte pants you link to but they have Actual! Functioning! Pockets! They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes and Lands’ End has sales constantly. I own 5 pairs and I’m probably never wearing jeans again.
Those sound great! The lack of pockets on the Quince pants is their one downfall – I’ll have to check those out!