My 2024 In's & Out's
In: copying this idea from everyone on TikTok.
I have big plans for 2024.
This past week, I’ve told myself that all in one year, I’m going to:
Travel more
Write more
Host more
Do more Yoga
Eat better
Save more money
Dress better
Can’t wait to meet the 2024 Olivia who can handle all of these things, each of which she has told herself she’s going to do every New Year’s since entering adulthood (1).
I’ll spare you my complete and in-depth list of resolutions for a personal in’s and out’s assessment for the year of 2024—letting you, my dear readers, in on my predictions for the next 365 days.
In’s:
Adult Trinkets
With the mainstream rise of Sonny Angels in 2023, I realized the happiness that a little, inedible treat could bring. I’m seeing a lot of maximalism not only on social media, but in movies, discussed in books, and sold to us as an “aesthetic.” Trinkets are a great way to make your space looked like organized chaos, and they truly spark joy.
Outfit Repeating
I’m sick and tired of feeling guilty for repeating an outfit that a) smells fine, b) is being worn a second (or third) time by people who didn’t see it on the first wear, and c) is really cute. In 2024, I will be wearing my Levi’s Baggy Dads, Reformation dresses, and Intimissimi “cashmere” tops more than ever. You’ve been warned.
Substacks
This may be a case of when you start doing/watching/listening to something, you start seeing it pop up in the world around you, but I truly have seen the rise of influencers/celebrities/people with a passion for writing start a Substack in the later half of 2023. As you can tell, I love it here, and saying “I have a blog” when people ask about hobbies is tres chic.
Middle School-Adjacent Sneakers
Merrell’s are back. Sketchers are back. Sneakers that look like they belong on a lanky, awkward, mid-pubescent tween are not only cool, but they’re dominating my feed(s). Salomon’s were just society dipping a toe into the aerodynamic, sleek silhouette of a shoe that should be touching the laminate floors of a pre-algebra classroom, but are actually pounding the pavement of Lower Manhattan. It’s time to get really quirky.
Being Selfish
On a serious note, I’m taking Kim Cattrall’s advice and not being in any situation for even an hour where I’m not enjoying myself. Once I overcome the incessant need for people pleasing, hopefully by mid-February, and make decisions on what I do during my limited free time for myself and only myself, I know I’m going to feel much lighter. We should be done listening to those outside forces, even the ones inside of our own heads, in regards to what we should do versus what we truly want.
Out’s:
Vanderpump Rules
Will I still tune into every single episode of Season 11 starting on January 30th? Of course. But in a post-Scandoval universe, I’m truly sick and tired of this narrative. I find it similar to the Teresa vs. Melissa decade-long battle that is RHONJ. It’s depressing, it’s overplayed, and we’re all ready for something else. Scheana and Schwartz, however, may be enough to bring us all back.
Being Intimidated by Recipes
Part of the reason why I find grocery shopping and cooking so daunting is because recipes seem extremely intimidating with more than three ingredients. I’m done letting a cook time above 30 minutes and a recipe list that includes things like fresh parsley or gochujang scare me away. I’m ready to dive head first into the NYTCooking App.
Unnecessary Skincare
Seeing children under 18 ask for Drunk Elephant and other expensive skincare on TikTok for Christmas made me sick to my stomach. Ruining that precious baby skin with acids and treatments meant for adult women can only be blamed by the glamorization of skincare routines. Nothing has worked better for me than some CeraVe and moisturizer from Target, and it’s time we get back to the basics.
Small Bags
Little purses and pouchettes were adorable for a few years, and god knows I invested a good some of money into multiple. However, as a part of the indie sleeze resurgence, I’m formally announcing the return of the medium-to-big bag for everything. Going out, going to work, running errands—everything. I want to look like an Olsen Twin carrying a beat-up Birkin every day of 2024.
Snapchat
I hate Snapchat. I’m constantly forgetting to check it, I hate taking photographs of my face that close up, and it’s an embarrassing form of communication. I still have multiple streaks, and those of you who I have them with, I love you, but we must move on as a society.
Send this to someone who needs to get a grip in time for 2024.