Cheryl Shops

Mid-December is the time of year when I start to get all introspective—and retrospective. I started 2024 by trying Dry January for the first time; I lasted 18 days, which I was proud of, and caved as soon as I set foot in NYC, which in spite of being cold AF, was a great trip. I also traveled to New Orleans, Vegas, Chicago, and, of course, Italy. Sean got a new job; the book I co-wrote finally came out. I saw a lot of great concerts and movies, had a lot of quality friend time, did a No-Buy July, discovered the joy that is ResortPass, and started doing yoga again. It was not all sunshine and rainbows—I had a few really bad viruses, I got stuck with a ridiculous medical bill after a totally unnecessary (and stressful) procedure, and the presidential election didn't go the way I had hoped, to put it mildly—but I prefer to focus on the positive. Working on this blog is always a bright spot in my life, and I hope 2025 is my best year yet. But first, here's a look back at 2024. 

I really liked this outfit and didn't promote it enough, so here it is again!

It's always hard to pick a favorite, but I'm going to go with the best designer shoe dupes of the summer. I really loved all three of these outfits and I don't get to wear a lot of true summer dresses here in San Francisco, so when the weather cooperates, I really go with it. I'm happy to say I got a lot of wear out of everything in this post, and will definitely be bringing a lot of these items back in 2025. 

Your favorite post of 2024

By far and away, your most-viewed post of the year was my guide to Khaite belt dupes (it was also my highest income generator of the year, so thank you for that!). And I am with you—$500+ is too much to pay for a belt, especially when there are such good knockoffs out there. Thank you, Madewell! 

My favorite item of 2024

I made a lot of good buys this year, but the biggest revelation for me was the pair of white Nili Lotan Flavie trousers (here they are in gray) that I scooped up at UAL in New Orleans for a song (I'm wearing them in this post, among others). These pants fit me so damn well (not to mention, they're incredibly comfortable), and they have kicked off a new obsession with a new-to-me designer. A close second are her Shon pants I'm wearing in this post, and I have a pair of her jeans on the way.  

Your favorite item of 2024

It was realllly close and while we still have two weeks left in December, I'm going to call it for the Madewell Skinny Western Belt, which has finally unseated the Spanx Flare Jeans from the top spot (still a close second). Madewell has been killing it in the Khaite belt dupes game this year—they've added a few more styles that I want too—so this totally tracks. And btw, I wear my belt all the time, so it's definitely a good buy in my book. 

I am also wearing the Madewell belt in the previous two photos—I wear it A LOT !

What I'm doing less of in 2025

After spending ages planning—and shooting—my very first capsule wardrobe, I had a revelation: I am not a stylist. I will never be one of those influencers who you go to for great styling tips, and that's ok. There are plenty of incredibly innovative, ultra-chic influencers out there. I mean, I love what I wear and I think I look cute (usually!) but I know I'm not reinventing the wheel when it comes to personal style. And again, that's ok! So instead, I'm going to focus more on what I do best, which is shopping: more reviews and tips and...

What I'm doing more of in 2025

Dupes! You love dupes, I love dupes, everybody loves dupes. So I'm going to keep them coming. Honest reviews too. And if there's anything else you want to see from me in 2025, let me know in the comments below! I'm taking the next week or so off to spend the holidays with my family, but I'll be back in January. Happy holidays!