24 things I learnt in 2024.

On style, self, kids and priorities.

Dear readers,

I’m currently nap-trapped in such a position that is too uncomfortable to fall asleep myself so with one free hand I thought I would post the lessons I bothered to jot down into my Notes App. Apologies in advance for any spelling errors but I hope my thoughts and learnings help you in some way and together we can go into the new year with a wave of positive energy.

Consider this to be the inner workings of my brain…

1. This year has given me a hard dose of reality and perhaps a lesson in privilege. Anything that can happen, very well, could happen. A realisation that is now lodged in the back of my mind which is not necessarily a bad thing. Life feels far too short and far too precious to save things for best. Drink the expensive champagne on an ordinary night at home. Wear the silk dress with thongs to a local bar. Use the Chanel soap bar. Save nothing because time evaporates and one day it will be too late.

2. Go easy on people including yourself and especially your kids.

3. If you’re doubting yourself like I often do. I find asking myself ”why not me?” tends to help. Then be willing to put in the work.

4. The best outfit inspiration is the people we see in real life and the ones who do inspire us, do not be too shy or too proud to tell her she has a great outfit. Ask where her top/pants/shoes are from. Not only will it brighten her day but it will brighten yours. Plus, you’ll also learn where they shop!

5. One can never own too many black dresses. This year alone I bought an old Celine slip dress, another Matteau sundress, a Beare Park off-the-shoulder dress and a v neck A.Emery number. Each fill a gap within my wardrobe and I have already worn multiple times over.

6. Always search the jewellery section in a vintage/goodwill store. Trust me on this one. This was proven when I found my now most worn pair of gold earrings for $15 AUD earlier this year.

7. There is nothing more important than good health. Don’t let it slip and don’t let anyone tell you your pain does not matter.

8. In my twenties I mostly had bleach blonde hair and now I find I’m making my way back to my hair’s natural state. My hair (and I think this is true for most) looks better the closer it is to my childhood colour… taking my kindergarten self as a reference to my next appointment!

9. There is no shame in wanting it all.

10. An oversized shirt and wide legged trousers always make a great outfit. Just change the shoe to suit the occasion.

11. Never be too busy for your own mother.

12. I don’t need to optimise, I need to slow down and prioritise. Then everything will become clearer.

13. When buying new clothes go by the one in/two out rule. And do a search for secondhand, first.

14. Further to point number 1. Make sure those who matter, know they matter. Tell them. Then, tell them again. Squeeze them tight and check-in. Send that text or even that meme to remind them they matter to you.

15. Buy clothes for the life you have not for the life you want. Same goes for the body you have.

16. There are still a lot of good people in this world, even if sometimes all we see on the news is evil. I was reminded of this when a stranger came over to Lando, my four month old and I and asked for my phone to take a photo of us because “mothers do not have their photos taken enough and they really should.”

17. If we don’t laugh, we cry or a lot of the time, both are needed to truly move on.

18. If people are telling you to stay in your own lane, then you’re probably better than you think. Just keep driving forward.

19. Write a list for everything. A mental note does not count. You will forget.

20. Kids will inevitably have a terrible night sleep or become unwell when you make plans. It’s important to still make plans and do everything in your power to keep them.

21. Competition is not the enemy, comparison is.

22. The wrong jewellery is the same if not more effective than the wrong shoe.

23. I need to read more books and less captions.

24. If I prioritise myself I will feel good and that feeling will vibrate through to everything and everyone else around me.

Happy new year to you all, never be shy in commenting or DMing me. I would love to hear what you have learnt in 2024 and the energy you want to bring into the new year.

Jade X