10 Things I Can't Live Without

As of March 16, 2025. Subject to change by the second. (Updated notes June 10, 2025!)

I’m obsessed with the “What (celebrity name) Can’t Live Without” series released irregularly by The Strategist. The things these celebrities “can’t live without” range from items like Mentos to $30,000 watches, and I always find it interesting to see what different celebrities put on their list and then I psychoanalyze what they’re trying to show about themselves through those lists. Some of them are trying to show off how rich they are. Some of them are trying desperately to show how they’re just like us, until they list that, like, $1000 jade tooth cleaning stone or some such thing.

I have never really wanted to be famous, but I have wanted three things that famous people get to do that I, an unfamous person, will never have access to:

1. Be interviewed by Terry Gross for Fresh Air on NPR. Terry Gross is the most amazing interviewer of all time and the way she asks questions shows her to be a fascinating human overall. And I just love NPR.

2. I will never have anywhere to wear a gown with layers of royal blue and violet chiffon.

3. I will never get interviewed for “The Things I Can’t Live Without” series by The Strategist.

Then I remembered: I have a Substack! I can write about whatever I want! I am also very mercurial, and anything from my style preferences to what I consider ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for life can and will change in the blink of an eye. Hence the title “10 Things I Can’t Live Without as of March 16, 2025.” Then I can update these lists when I feel like it. Also: I am short on time this week as I am obsessed with my current knitting project and I am having company for dinner and, well, life. You know how it is.

So for today, a quick and easy list — with links! — of material things I “can’t live without” (not including the super boring obvious stuff like my asthma inhaler and my contacts, etc.):

1. Indie Lee Vitamin Infusion Oil — I never see this product hyped up anywhere, yet I’ve been using it for years and absolutely love it on my 52-year-old face. I have a very simple skincare routine: I wash my face with La Roche Posay hydrating facial cleanser (that costs around $18), and then after the shower I put the Indie Lee oil on my face. That’s all. Every night. Couldn’t be easier, and my skin is pretty supple, if I do say so myself. A ten-step skincare routine with lasers and red light thingys? I could never!

2. Jones Road WTF foundation — I have been a Jones Road fan since day one, almost quite literally. I’ve been buying from them since they only had a handful of products on their site and I’ve tried almost all of it. I do return to Jones Road products again and again because Bobbi Brown knows what she’s doing. I never really wore foundation, but I had been looking for a tinted moisturizer when this first debuted, and even though earlier incarnations of the product had some issues, I stuck with it, because it made my skin look luminous and just lovely. Now they’ve perfected the concoction and on days when I want to be a little more polished, I “can’t live” without this product.

*Special shout out to the Jones Road Hippie Stick — me and my husband each have one of our own on our nightstands and use it as a giant chapstick or for dry elbows, hands, etc.

3. Olio e Osso balms — Oh how I adore these. Anytime I’m not working, and sometimes when I am, this is all I use for makeup, especially in the summer. I use it on my lips, cheeks, tip of nose, forehead — anywhere that needs some color. It’s made with the most delicious ingredients, like olive oil and beeswax, smells ever so faintly of citrus, and leaves behind just enough color — while moisturizing! — that I feel naturally glamorous in these. My favorite colors are No. 4 (berry) and No. 10 (tea rose.) But I might get a shimmer one soon.

4. Uniqlo Crossbody Bags — I have these in black and beige, and use them ALL. THE. TIME. I know we all love a fancy bag, but these are my go-tos. I shove them in my work backpack, I throw them across my chest when I take one of my kids somewhere (we have food allergies, so someone — me — needs to be carrying epi pens everytime we leave the house.) They can be washed, thrown on the floor, I am not precious with them, and they look good with just about everything except fancy dress up stuff.

5. Hairstory New Wash — nothing is more boring to read about than hair care products. But I think my hair has never looked better since I started using New Wash and I’ll never go back to regular shampoo and conditioner. It’s not cheap, but I don’t use any hair products and only wash my hair a few times a week with just a dollop of New Wash and I’m good to go. I’m also a Jayne Matthews devotee and think she is a true hair artist and she recommends this stuff so whatever she says I do.

6. Kolia Earth Shoes Mules — I bought these about a month ago after reading Mya Gelber’s piece on her hunt for clogs, though I’d worried they would age me. They don’t. They’re amazing. And they even have just a little lift/slight platform thing that elongates the legs a bit. I wear them to work, I wear them to run errands, to go thrifting, I wear them any chance I get. They’re fun and cool and best of all — COMFORTABLE. The burgundy isn’t available anymore on their site but some of the cute wool ones are on super sale.

   (UPDATE: These turned out to be kind of meh. After a few wears they kind of stretched out and feel wishy washy and kind of loose. I wear them for quick out of house errands if they’re around, but I don’t reach for them.)

7. Fifi socks — OMG $22-ish socks THAT I WANT IN ALL THE COLORS. They fit perfectly, they’re squishy and cozy, they go great with my Kolia clogs. Just get a pair and you’ll see. Worth every damn penny.

8. Uniqlo Wide Straight Jeans — I have these in indigo blue and I have to force myself to only wear them once a week. I usually prefer a bit closer leg with even a lil taper, but these jeans are so comfortable and they go with everything, and they make my stubby legs look normal length and I love them so much. Sign up for notification alerts for when they’re restocked if they don’t have the color you want. I love Uniqlo. It’s my favorite store to shop in for new clothes, especially since I can get longer pants hemmed by them before they’re shipped to me.

9. Everlane The Quilted Cotton Liner jacket — Honestly, one of my best, most used purchases, ever. The silhouette works with a wide variety of outfits, I can wear it as a liner or on its own, and I can throw it in the wash. Look, I love washable stuff. I am a klutz. This jacket is no longer for sale on their site but there are second hand versions to be found. I wear this year round — I have it in navy — and it also really works when I’m wearing colorful clothes.

10. Meadow Rabbit Lunar New Year Batik Bandana from The Batik Library — I had no idea when I purchased this slightly oversized, gorgeous, whimsical cotton bandana that I would get as much use out of it as I do. The best use I’ve found for it is tied as a triangle around my waist over oversized sweaters and tops — it instantly gives an outfit that je ne sais quoi we all love in our clothes. I wear it as a neckerchief, too, natch.

My bunny bandana and Kolia Earth clogs working as a team to make me feel hip.

(Update: I found you an adorable fish scarf!) https://villagesayville.com/products/bandana-sardine-olive-green

This store has tons of amazing cotton scarves (and alpaca sweaters on sale for $52!) Be sure to look around their website.

I’m sure as soon as I publish this I will remember another ten things to add to this list, but there’s always next week. What items would you add? Please share!