I Make a Living by Shopping—9 Stylish Discoveries That Shaped My Year

      Jalil Johnson is an editor in residence at Who What Wear and a writer, fashion expert, and media personality based in New York. He started his career as a stylist and subsequently spent three years at Saks Fifth Avenue honing his skills in identifying trends, emerging talent, and crafting brand narratives. He shares his knowledge through his newsletter, Consider Yourself Cultured, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times, with Vogue recognizing him as one of the “New Faces of Street Style.”

      Having a job focused on products allows me to dedicate my days to exploring, contemplating, and seeking out items—wonderful, useful, and at times essential things that truly resonate with my audience and fit into my own life. As a way to reflect on the past year, I thought it would be useful to highlight nine standout items across clothing, beauty, and home that I consider my best finds of the year, which I hope will resonate with you as well.

      **The Linen Blazer**

      I am a big proponent of a white blazer. It breaks the usual cycle of black and navy and feels particularly appropriate during the warmer months. This became a staple for me in the summer and early fall when I needed to look polished without getting overheated, and when I wanted to enhance casual summer outfits without going overboard.

      **The Luxe Black Pants**

      Locating the ideal pair of black pants that can transition through the seasons and occasions is tougher than it appears. In the past, I relied on vintage designer trousers from resale sites that I had tailored, but towards the end of 2024, I booked a made-to-measure session with Saman Amel to create a pair that met all my requirements. While I technically bought them in 2024, I didn’t start wearing them until early 2025, and I can confidently say they've proven their worth. When discussing cost per wear, these pants exemplify that concept perfectly. You can arrange an appointment when they are in your area or check out their ready-to-wear selections on websites like MyTheresa and Mr. Porter.

      **The Corduroy-Pant Obsession**

      This fall and winter have been all about corduroy pants for me. I currently own seven pairs and counting. As I mentioned in my first article for WWW, corduroys serve as a fantastic alternative to jeans in the colder months, with their texture adding depth and interest to even the simplest outfits.

      **The Perfect Denim Shorts**

      I practically lived in these shorts all summer and even managed to continue wearing them into early fall. Jac Cameron, the founder of Rùadh, is also behind many popular jeans from brands like Madewell, Alex Mill, and AYR, which she co-founded, and her own line is certainly worthy of attention. What made these shorts exceptional was how they softened and conformed to my body over time. The boyish, loose fit combined with the raw hem made them a hassle-free, stylish choice for staying cool.

      **The Hair Transformer**

      This year, I decided to grow out my hair and explore different styles, leading me to reevaluate my haircare routine. After discovering Cecred on TikTok, I tried a few products and ended up repurchasing all of them. My favorite by far has been the edge drops, which have noticeably aided in growth and thickness. Haircare has quickly become a delightful new indulgence, and this product has certainly justified its place.

      **The Vitamin C Serum That Actually Works**

      This year, I started laser hair removal to deal with ongoing ingrown hairs that had affected my skin for years. Consequently, I significantly simplified my skincare routine, knowing my skin was already stressed. One product that has visibly brightened my complexion and tackled hyperpigmentation is this vitamin C serum from Epi Logic. It’s gentle, effective, and fits seamlessly into a simplified regimen.

      **The '70s-Inspired Lamp**

      Living in a prewar building means outlets are rarely located where you’d like them. My entryway, in particular, lacked adequate lighting, forcing me to rely on harsh overhead fixtures. These portable lamps have genuinely transformed my space. I use them constantly and can hardly imagine my apartment without them now.

      **The Highly Recommended Lighting Fixture**

      Speaking of lighting, I discovered Tulip Shades through Laura Reilly’s newsletter, and they have been a revelation. They instantly soften and diffuse overhead lighting, changing something functional into something much more thoughtful and pleasing.

      **The Book You'll Read in Just a Few Days**

      I completely devoured this book. In a time where there’s a tendency to romanticize specific periods of media and power, this book avoids that impulse. While it discusses expense accounts and town cars, it focuses more on exploring the flaws and realities of that world rather than glossing over them. It’s sharp, engaging, and refreshingly honest.

      By Michael M. Gryn