The Best Things We Bought in 2025

Our editors shop for a living—but only a select few purchases truly earn a permanent place in our lives. It was hard to narrow down our favourites from the hundreds of things we tried this year, but a few standout finds quickly proved indispensable for the FASHION team in 2025. This year’s favourites include the beauty products that simplified our routines, the fashion pieces we can’t get enough of, the home finds that elevated our spaces and much more.

From pieces that quietly transformed our daily routines to indulgences that proved their worth again and again, this is the defintive list of our editors’ best purchases of 2025.

Liz Guber, Editor-in-Chief

Louis Vuitton Nocturne Bag

I hardly ever pull the trigger on a designer bag, but when I spotted a circa 2001 LV Nocturne in the window display of an antique store, it was an instant yes. For a bag that’s over 20 years old, it looks shockingly contemporary, and the epi leather is incredibly durable (don’t you just love a spendy bag that you don’t have to baby?). Plus, it’s a pretty slept-on silhouette that hasn’t been revived—yet.

Fresh Flowers

The amount of satisfaction I get from having a fresh bouquet of flowers on my dining table or kitchen island cannot be overstated. Whether it’s some farmers’ market stems I arrange myself, or a splurge on a monthly subscription (I like Thyme Studio), I consider it part decor, part self-care, part sheer indulgence. Plus, it also feeds my other love: collecting vases.

Kapusta: Vegetable Forward Recipes From Eastern Europe

I’m working towards becoming the kind of person who has stacks of obsessively collected, deeply loved cookbooks. And just like a closet full of wardrobe treasures, I know this will take many years. But I had to start somewhere—specifically with this gorgeously illustrated tome that flips the script on the meat-heavy eastern euro cooking I grew up with. Each chapter of this plant-forward book is dedicated to a hero veggie, like beets, potatoes and—of course—cabbage (kapusta) which lends the book its name. The recipes are humble yet artful, and make me feel novelty and nostalgia all at once.

Deidre Marinelli, Publisher

A Stay at the Kat Florence Hotel

Tucked away in Elora, Ontario, the Kat Florence Hotel is the perfect getaway just outside the city. It delivers a meticulously curated stay, where every touchpoint—from arrival to ambience—reflects a considered design-forward approach to luxury. Visiting the hotel this year was an absolutely exceptional experience and it should be a must on everyone’s staycation bucket list!

The Five Minute Journal

This gratitude journey is one of the most important items I purchase every year. I’ve tried many and this one is my favourite. It literally takes 5 minutes out of your day but gets you mentally balanced. It’s loaded with all sorts of inspiration including both morning and evening prompts. This is one of my secret weapons for staying balanced, grateful and positive.

Saint Laurent Leather Bomber

I stumbled upon this super-cool Saint Laurent leather oversized bomber jacket while I was casually thrifting with a friend. The cognac colour is so rich and absolutely stunning. You don’t even want to know what the purchase price was... let’s just say it was under $50. It’s my best purchase of the year by far!

George Antonopoulos, Senior Creative & Fashion Director

Maison Margiela Tabi Ankle Boots

“The Tabi” is such an all-time classic style and I’ve been eyeing this offering for ages. I finally just had to have the boot version of the iconic design and I’m so glad I was able to snag a pair this year!

Peter Triantos “Jelly Bean” Acrylic on Canvas Art

I’ve always admired Peter’s work, so when my living room was in need of a little bit of colour earlier this year, I landed on this fresh and unique piece of pop art. I’m obsessed with the pattern and love the fun interpetion of jelly beans!

Gast Handmade Sunglasses in “Pai Mint Flavoured”

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with light-tinted lenses surrounded by thick black frames. These ones from GAST are handmade and give off the perfect ‘60s retro vibe—without being clichéd.

Julia McEwen, Senior Beauty Editor

Saie Slip Tint Undetectable Baked Setting Powder

I have terminally dry skin (think stale croissant left out overnight), so powder products have always been my sworn enemies. Then this one was thrust (fine, gifted) into my hands at a deskside this summer. It’s elite. A sheer, skin-like veil that blurs, smooths and brightens, all while keeping my makeup intact for hours.

Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm Hydrating Cream Blush with Peptides

I tried this cream blush a few weeks before its launch (in July), and wow, it’s like a blush and moisturizer had a baby. The texture is buttery-soft and blends like a dream (sometimes I use my fingers, other times a brush), melting into cheeks to give a natural, dewy flush. A few taps give off a solid colour payoff and leave behind a healthy glow. My go-to shade is “Soft Strawberry.” Effortless colour, zero fuss. Sold.

Vivier Crème 47

Have you been sleeping on this Canadian skincare brand? Because I definitely was—until I tried this luxurious cream-based concentrate that launched back in February. In a word, it’s extra: packed with 47 actives that somehow don’t irritate my reactive skin but actually soothe it. Together, they work to boost collagen, reduce redness and brighten like nobody’s business. I’ve noticed a big difference on all fronts. Plus, the texture is cocooning without being heavy. They’ll tell you it’s science, but I think it’s witchcraft.

Natalie Michie, Fashion and Features Editor

Cou Cou Intimates Rina Long Sleeve

If I’ve learned one thing this year, it’s that you cannot have enough chic black tops. This viral design by Cou Cou Intimates further proves that point. With its ‘60s-inspired cut and Jane-Birkin-esque ease, it has proved to be the top I reach for again and again.

Vintage Crystal Glasses

In an ongoing effort to romanticize my life, I purchased a case of crystal wine glasses a few months ago. Since then, I’ve found myself putting extra effort into plating my weeknight dinners and arranging my tablescapes. Polished, intricate and just a bit opulent, good glassware makes you feel more put together. Though I procured my goblets at a vintage market, this antique set on Etsy has the same vibe.

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick

I’ve become an unwavering devotee to Chanel Beauty, and this lipstick is to thank. A true berry hue, it’s nourishing and perfectly pigmented—and I never leave home without it.

Cessi Treñas, Head of Digital & Social

Phlur Father Figure Eau de Parfum

Originally purchased as a gift for my sister’s birthday, I eagerly awaited the day I would procure my own bottle of this fig-forward fragrance. It’s earthy, warm and lush—a perfect day-to-night fragrance, no matter the season.

Margesherwood Black Leather Shoulder Bag

If I had to pinpoint a single item in my closet I’ve gotten the most wear out of this year, it would easily be this shoulder bag from South Korean brand, Margesherwood. I’ve worn it everywhere—from after-work beers to glitzy diners—and it’s never let me down. It fits more than you’d expect, and the elongated strap makes it easy to carry, no matter how high the shoulder pads or how voluminous the puffer jacket.

IKEA Stockholm Nesting Tables

Our house is a TV dinner house, and these tables make it possible every night. Style them separately or nest them into one another—either way, they’ll look incredibly chic.

Stephanie Davoli, Editorial Assistant

Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat

I’m usually more of a heels girlie, so even I surprised myself when I impulsively bought these Sam Edelman Mary Jane flats earlier this year. But they’ve since become one of the most-worn shoes in my closet thanks to their everyday polish and long-lasting comfort. The real proof? They carried me through a 20,000-plus–step day in London this past spring without a single regret.

Shark Glam Hot Tool Air Styling & Drying System

As someone who seriously dislikes doing her hair, Shark’s latest high-tech blow-drying innovation has been nothing short of life-changing. I’ve never managed to give myself a blowout I’d actually wear out of the house before (and trust me, I’ve tried), but the auto-wrap curler attachments make it effortless—leaving my hair smoother, shinier and noticeably more voluminous.

Dean Davidson Sol Huggie Hoops

Earrings are probably the accessory I rotate through the most, but since adding these Dean Davidson huggie hoops to my collection, nearly all my other pairs have stayed in my jewellery box. Their sculptural shape strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, and the easy hinge closure makes slipping them on and off a breeze—no worries about losing a backing here.