My favorite things of 2020

For many women, I think 2020 was the year of rejoice, as we were no longer forced to wear a bra all day while we sat at our computers from home. While that’s not totally my truth, I did finally say goodbye to the underwire bras that I hate to wear. Enter, the softest, most comfortable bralettes from Skims. Whether you have a large chest, or nothing to lock down, these bras are awesome. They are great quality and just enough support. After getting the bandeau bra recommendation from a friend of mine, I ordered and was not disappointed. I recently tried the scooped-neck “fits everyone” bralette, and have definitely found my daily bra of choice. These are especially perfect under sweaters, as they give you just the right amount of support. I can’t say I will be wearing these with a t-shirt outside of my house, but I do think they serve a major purpose of 2020 and are one of my top purchases of the year.

Potentially one of the most random items of the list for this year are an Amazon discovery that I have quickly become addicted to. 2020 was a year of solid workout routines; before the pandemic, I went to OrangeTheory, and then we were lucky enough to have gotten a Peloton before they went on a waitlist with the pandemic. I like to workout in the morning, and these tablets are the perfect little boost of energy you need to get yourself going at 6:30am when you drag yourself on the bike. You pop a tablet into your water, and they give you a boost of electrolytes that you need to feel hydrated. I have tried lots of flavors, and there isn’t really one I don’t like. These are a definite keeper products for me, post-2020.

As a curvy person, I am always looking for a great pair of comfortable jeans that gives me that vintage, stiff cotton jean look that I cannot always achieve with a bigger butt and thighs. I decided to try these vintage jeans from Madewell, and was relieved that they fit me, but also that they are super comfortable in addition to achieving that light-wash, good booty vintage look. I have always liked Madewell jeans for their quality and fit, and these are no different. I love the simple distressing, and I now own these in two colors with plans to invest in more. I sized up from my usual size for the first pair, to be safe, but bought my next pair in my regular Madewell size. Both fit, it’s just a matter of how tight you like your jeans, and I do like mine tighter. These are my favorite jeans of 2020, by far.

Does this item really require a description? I don’t think so, but let me have my victory lap with this one. This was a dark year, especially with the stress and anxiety of the presidential election, and this sweatshirt really brought me some joy. My sister grabbed this sweatshirt off Etsy for her and me, and I have gotten so many compliments and questions about it. I love that our first female VP gets her name just as big as Biden’s, and I love the Barbie vibes of this sweatshirt, as well as shopping small. While there are a lot of things about this year I want to forget, the great feeling of hope and excitement that surfaced on the Saturday they called the election for the Biden-Harris ticket will live forever in my heart as one of my favorite days in New York City. This sweatshirt will always remind me of that.

2020 was the year of the fanny pack for me. My most worn bag of the year is not my designer favorites, but this sporty little belt bag from Lululemon. Not only was it great to be handsfree when out and about, but I love that this bag fits exactly what I needed to bring- my phone, my wallet, my keys and some hand sanitizer. It’s comfortable, adjustable, and can be worn around your hips or across your chest. I wore this on long walks, to the grocery store, and even when I went into school for my few days. This is the perfect little pack to have on hand for any activity, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re been looking for a little pack, but aren’t sure how to jump into the trend, this pack is a great place to start.

I know if I’ve talked about one product too much, it might be a tie between this and some of my favorite face masks. But this cozy, knit robe is like wearing a blanket everywhere you go, and is most definitely one of my favorite purchases of 2020, without question. I was hesitant about this robe, and had it in my cart for a while before I actually went for it, but it is great quality, washes well, and can double as a sweater during the day, especially if you’re working from home. I got mine in black, and I honestly can’t think of something I wear more. It’s a longer length (I’m 5’2″ and it goes well below my knees), and the tie actually ties around my middle and stays put. I got a large in mine. Clearly I have a little love affair with Skims, and although I am not one to personally hold a grudge against a product because it’s made by a Kardashian, I am here to say not to sleep on the Skims brand, because they are some premium pieces that are extremely comfortable and good quality.

I actually bought this for Chris as his Christmas present in 2019, but we really found the glory of this Theragun in 2020, when we spent too much time sitting at our computers. I had seen a lot of hype around this product, and I really believe that this product lives up to the hype. It is not something that is comparable, because the power this little tool packs is scary – so scary that it bothers Bailey a lot when we use it. If you have tension in your neck and shoulders (who didn’t this year?), or soreness from working out, this muscle gun will be your best friend. It really penetrates to the muscle, mimicking a deep tissue massage in much less time. We actually realized how much we love this Theragun when we left it at home during the summer when we lived at the shore, and again when we lost its charger. Both times, we were missing it greatly for a mid-day tension release or an evening muscle massage. It is expensive, but worth its weight in gold when you’re experiencing muscle or nerve pain.

If you have an Instagram account, I have zero doubts that you have heard of this product before. But I absolutely love these CBD drops from Equilibria, a CBD company that is science-based and female-founded. If you’re not sure around the hype of CBD or whether it really works, the truth is, it doesn’t hurt and it works best when you use it regularly as part of your daily routines. It doesn’t make you sleepy or lethargic, and you most definitely don’t feel high. It just makes things less sharp, is the way I would describe it. If you experience moodiness or anxiety, try these CBD drops. I started taking the daily drops and long-release capsules every day (capsules in the morning and drops at night before bed, but you find what works best for you) during the summer, and they have really helped me cope with some of the regular stress and tension headaches that I experience when my anxiety is heightened and I begin feeling that jaw tension or flighty feeling. I love the mint flavor, and I have a monthly subscription of the Balance Box that ships to me at the end of the month without even having to think about it. Even Chris has jumped on board and really likes to use the drops at night after we finish work to just help him unwind. If you have hesitated, don’t! Use code REFAAESCOBA for $20 off your first purchase.

My sister started my quest for the best underwear this summer, and my month-long quest is finally completed. At the top of every list I saw was Tommy John underwear, and while Chris has always been a huge fan, I was wondering whether the hype (and price) around this underwear was legit. Well, I am here to say, these are the best underwear on the market. I have tried a few styles, but the one I love in both the thong and cheeky brief is the Air material. It is actually like not wearing underwear at all. No digging in, no rolling, no lines, just comfort. You’re going to let your lady parts breathe, and they will feel like they are floating on air. These underwear are well worth their price point, and you can often grab them on sale. They was so well, and top the comfort of any other underwear I have tried. Game changer of 2020, right here.

When Chris asked me what I wanted for my anniversary this year, I was struggling to pick something that actually felt like I would wear it during quarantine. And the answer was, some new jewelry. I love the look of layered, simple gold necklaces, and he gifted me this gorgeous curb chain, that has an edgier vibe, but is still very delicate. I wear this every day, including when I work out and shower, and is just incredible quality. It’s also just very special as an anniversary present, and something classic that I don’t believe will every go out of style. I have mine layered with their tiny box chain, and I think it’s the perfect compliment. I also really wanted to shout out Mejuri, a brand I really dug into in 2020 after a friend gifted me one of their necklaces for my 30th birthday in February. Their pieces are quality at every level, and both on-trend while also timeless. If you’re looking for some new jewelry pieces and don’t know where to start, Mejuri is great for gifting or for a treat for yourself, and jewelry is something you never outgrow.

The one thing I did every day, even when I wore sweatpants to work at my kitchen table, was my hair. Part of it is necessary, as I don’t wash my hair more than twice a week and blowing it out after working out helps it last longer. But the other part is just to feel somewhat human every day, even when I am stuck at home. This straightening brush is a hair hero for me, and the thing I used the most to keep my hair tamed with limited washes each week. I absolutely love this brush from Amika, and I will never use a traditional straightener again, as it combs out your hair as you work the straightener from the roots to the ends, allowing you to give them some volume if you angle the brush as you run it down. This brush has helped with breakage (because it helps comb out the hair), and leaves a healthy shine while giving me a bit more styles to straighter hair. If you’re on the market for a new hair tool, this is a great option, especially if you have wavy or curly hair.

This year, I made the switch to natural deodorant, and this one from Necessaire is my absolute favorite of those that I tried. Not only do I love the eucalyptus scent, that gives me that more masculine scent that I love (am I the only one who prefers men’s deodorant?), but it’s application gives you the just right amount. It does take a while for your armpits to adjust, especially in the odor department, but once they do, it’s so much better than absorbing the potential chemicals in many non-natural deodorants. I’ll be honest, I don’t sweat that much in my underarms – this has never been an issue for me in the past – but I did notice that it took my armpits a few weeks to adjust to the ingredients. This is enough for my needs, and I love this one the most for a clean, fresh armpit all day – something I never thought I would be saying is a favorite thing, but it’s 2020, so anything goes. If you’re looking to make the switch to natural deodorant, start here.

If you’ve been reading Pretty Busy Brooklyn since the beginning, then you know I am here for a good candle. The addiction is real and only growing, but I have spent a lot of time testing and trying candles over the last few months. And I thought I would add my favorite candle of 2020 to the mix for this post, which brings me to this gorgeous candle from Maison Louis Marie in scent 04. If you are a fan of the cult-classic Le Labo Santal 26, but can’t justify the price, then this is the candle for you. It is identical in scent, and gives you that 1 Hotel kind of vibe at home but for a much better price. Retailing for under $40, this candle lasts, fills your room with the most delicious scent, and is by far my favorite candle of 2020, which says a lot given how many I’ve gone through.

It wouldn’t be a 2020 post if I didn’t finish off with a face mask, so here we go. I’ve tried a bunch so you don’t have to, and by far my favorite face mask that is the first one I pick up out of my collection are these 100% silk face masks from Night. I now own them in three colors; they are helpful in preventing breakouts, just give me really good coverage with an adjustable nose clip and ear loops, and even wash really well (I put in the washer but air dry). They also look chic, and really hold up the best if you’re wearing them for a while, for all the reasons I won’t say. I add a filter for additional protection, especially if I am wearing to work, but these face masks are my forever favorite of 2020.