Elevated Essentials
25 Things I Would Buy Again and Again
The older I get, the less interested I am in accumulating more things.
What I want now are the things that earn their place.
The products that make life easier. More comfortable. More beautiful. More functional.
The items I reach for repeatedly.
The ones I would replace immediately if they disappeared tomorrow.
This isn't a list of trends.
It's a collection of elevated essentials that I've either purchased myself, use regularly, or would confidently recommend to a friend.
My philosophy is simple:
Less stuff. Better stuff.
For Everyday Style
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Blouse
If I could build a work wardrobe from scratch, this would be one of the first pieces I'd buy.
It's polished without feeling fussy, travels well, and works with everything from tailored trousers to denim.
Why I love it: It looks expensive, wears beautifully, and solves the "what should I wear?" problem.
Quince Cotton Cashmere Cardigan
This is the piece I throw over almost everything.
It's soft, versatile, and feels elevated without trying too hard.
Why I love it: Comfortable enough for home. Polished enough for a Zoom call or lunch meeting.
For Better Sleep and Recovery
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate
I've tried several magnesium products over the years.
I continue to come back to Thorne because it's gentle on my system and fits seamlessly into my evening routine.
Why I love it: Simple, effective, and easy to tolerate. If you’ve been following the edits, I’ve shared these before but it’s worth repeating.
Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask
A luxury that earns its keep.
Why I love it: The silk feels wonderful and it creates the dark sleep environment that helps me rest more deeply.
Magicteam Sound Machine
I've purchased more expensive white noise machines and still return to this one.
Why I love it: Affordable, compact, and easy to travel with. The wood grain version is my favorite.
For Hydration
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
My preferred alternative to the Stanley.
Why I love it: Leakproof, lightweight, easy to clean, and fits in most cup holders.
Evervessel Glass Water Bottle
I generally prefer drinking from glass whenever possible.
Why I love it: Simple, clean, and aesthetically pleasing. Truth be told, two of my go-twos are old Starbucks versions.
For Reading and Learning
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB
One of the best purchases I've made.
Why I love it: Thousands of books in one lightweight device. Perfect for travel, bedtime reading, and learning on the go.
As much as I love physical books, I reach for my Kindle almost every day. When I’m traveling super light, I also have my Kindle app on my iPhone.
For Travel
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)
This is one of those products you don't appreciate until you need it.
Why I love it: Reliable, compact, and prevents travel-day frustration.
Peak Design Packing Cubes
A small luxury that makes a surprising difference.
Why I love them: Less digging through luggage. More organization.
For Walking and Movement
A few years ago, I would have focused primarily on cushioning and support.
Today, I've become increasingly interested in foot strength and natural movement.
Vibram FiveFingers
These have become one of my favorite tools for walking and reconnecting with how my feet were designed to move.
I realize they're not for everyone, and they certainly make a statement, but I've found them incredibly helpful for improving foot strength, balance, and overall body awareness.
Why I love them: They encourage natural foot movement and remind me that sometimes the best support is allowing the body to do what it was designed to do.
Other Barefoot Shoe Options
If the FiveFingers style isn't for you, there are several excellent barefoot-inspired alternatives worth exploring:
Each offers a more traditional appearance while maintaining many of the benefits of barefoot footwear.
If You Prefer More Cushioning
HOKA Clifton
Many walkers and runners swear by the HOKA Clifton, particularly for long walks, recovery days, and those seeking maximum cushioning.
While I haven't personally worn them, they've developed a loyal following and are frequently recommended by walkers, runners, and physical therapists.
Morning Walks
Not technically a product.
Still one of the best investments I make in my health.
Most mornings, you'll find me walking outside or enjoying tea on my back deck while getting natural sunlight.
Why I love it: It's free, supports circadian rhythm, improves mood, and consistently helps me feel more energized throughout the day.
For Home
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets
If you've ever climbed into bed and immediately felt relaxed, you understand the value of great bedding.
Why I love them:
Cool, breathable, and incredibly comfortable.
Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set
These feel like a boutique hotel stay.
Why I love them: Softness without sacrificing durability.
Quince Bamboo Dream Sheets Bedding Bundle
One of the best values I've found.
Why I love them: Luxury feel without luxury pricing.
For Skincare
I've become much less interested in complicated routines over time.
My goal today is healthy, supported skin.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Why I love it: Light coverage, beautiful finish, and built-in sun protection.
Paula's Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
One of the products I continue to repurchase.
Why I love it: Lightweight and effective without feeling heavy.
I’ll share more on skincare and beauty products soon, but I use cult classic 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant daily.
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Why I love it: Simple, affordable, and easy to incorporate into a routine.
For Thoughtful Living
The Five Minute Journal
The easiest journaling habit I've ever maintained.
Why I love it: A few minutes can completely change how you begin or end the day.
One Line A Day
A beautiful way to capture life without committing to lengthy journaling sessions.
Why I love it: Small effort. Lasting memories.
A Beautiful Tea Ritual
Not a specific product. Pick your favorite.
A practice.
Some of my favorite moments happen with a cup of tea in hand and nowhere I need to be.
Why I love it: It reminds me to slow down.
Final Thoughts
A few years ago, I would have approached a list like this differently.
More products.
More recommendations.
More options.
Today, I find myself moving in the opposite direction.
Fewer things.
Better things.
The products that earn their place are rarely the trendiest.
They're the ones that quietly make everyday life a little easier, more beautiful, and more enjoyable.
That's the heart of The Polished Reset.
Not perfection.
Not optimization.
Just thoughtful choices that support a life well lived.
— Ashley
Founder, The Polished Reset