2020 was awful. Full stop. To help us cope through the good, the bad, and the pandemic, a few turned to retail. Aside from the sweatpants and food delivery, a few standout products stood out as the one thing that got us through quarantine in a weird way. Money can’t buy happiness but certain items, regardless of their price tag, gave us space to experience joy. From a very Fun sweater to a monogrammed hat and bag, these are the nine products that made it all a little less sucky.
Kevin and the Technicolor Dream Sweater
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“As soon as I saw this sweater in Christopher John Rogers’ Spring Summer 2021 collection, I knew it had to have a home in my wardrobe. The colors are technically masterful, the cut and fabric are exquisite, and most of all it is the MOST FUN piece of clothing I have ever owned. I can’t help but smile and dance and revel in its beauty every time I wear it. It’s also the most compliments I’ve ever gotten on a piece of clothing, ever.” — Kevin LeBlanc, ELLE Fashion Assistant
The tool that turned Ernest into Finneas
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“I purchased a lot of cool things during quarantine (we looooove retail therapy!), but the coolest thing, and one of the first things, that I purchased was my Scarlett2i2 audio interface. It truly catalyzed my producing journey and the writing of my debut album. I started teaching myself how to produce at the beginning of quarantine. I’d never previously had time to sit down and solely focus on learning it, and I made it my mission to devote my time at home to developing my skills. Making music truly brought me more joy over the last year than anything else because it gave me an outlet to express the things that I was feeling in a way that felt natural and familiar to me.” — Ernest Brockenberry, Brooklyn-based musician
A Woman Becomes A Hypebae
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” I used to be very into the hypebae ways. During the pandemic, I’ve reignited my flame for drops, sneakers, and all the ~vibes~ of yesteryear. I recently copped this Supreme t-shirt from a Tuesday drop. I loved the model Precious and her makeup look. I’ve been wearing my shirt with my PatMcGrath x Supreme lipstick and it has me feeling like it’s 2018. Ah, to be young again.” — Chloe Hall, ELLE Digital Beauty Director
Bianca’s Embroidery Obsession
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“My individuality complex means I love anything that can be personalized. Exclusive! 1 of 1! Music to my ears. My friends and I all bought the LL Bean Boat and Tote in the early days of quarantine and I love how you can tell whose is whose by what we got embroidered on them. I went with ‘Gucci’ on the $30 tote because irony is my vice. I also learned you can take anything (like this bucket hat) to an embroiderer and get it personalized for like ten dollars. I have mine on speed dial now.” — Bianca Garcia, Social Media at Glossier
Seeing Things Different Through Roxy’s Lens
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“Work as a full-time digital photographer came to a stop during quarantine so I picked up a Minolta film camera and decided to keep shooting but more of my everyday life, loved ones, and personal art projects. It brought me so much joy and was a perfect way to keep my passion alive during a difficult time.” — Roxy Rodriguez, Commercial Photographer based in Los Angeles + New York
Ashley’s Vintage Cabinet with a History
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“My cherished quarantine purchase is this amazing vintage metal tool cabinet. I snagged it from Reuse America, as I’d been on the hunt for an awesome retro metal file cabinet for some time. I got the idea from a friend of mine who has a lovely minimalist apartment and hides their clutter with a classic vintage tan mental file cabinet from the ’80s. When I saw this one pop up on Reuse I got it right. I’ll be honest I didn’t ask many questions and I should have because it came terribly rusted in some areas and was a true labor of love to restore. I made my boyfriend help me and we both nearly froze to death de-rusting this thing on my patio in January. Now my apt is still nowhere close to being a minimalist space and I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m by nature a maximalist, as proven by my love for this piece. It brings me joy every time I look at it. I’m a bead collector and jewelry designer and I store all my treasured pieces within it. I try to imagine who used it before me and what they built. And if items really do carry energy (I believe that), I know that their previous owner was passionate about their craft and trade. I’m hit with major sparks of inspiration every time I pull open the drawers. I love it so much and it will definitely travel with me in any future move.” — Ashley Harris, founder of Don’t Let Disco
Shope Reuse vintage products here.
The Tee That Landed Kafuí A Job
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“Domi By Chloe is an inclusive clothing line that creates 90’s-inspired street-and-evening-wear. When I bought their Divine Crop Top last year, I did so simply because I loved the design. I’m a stylist that focuses on and loves androgynous pieces, so it was right up my alley! Quarantining in NY was the loneliest time of my life because I live alone. I would practice little outfits by myself in the mirror, and the owner of the brand noticed my tag and hired me to style the second launch of her campaign, which has led to an amazing friendship! The COVID-safe shoot we had was absolutely amazing and is a highlight in my portfolio. Also, I cannot leave the house without getting a compliment every time I wear it.” — Kafuí A, creative director and stylist
Something Traditional Ruchika Celebrates In
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“I bought this outfit for a close friend’s wedding and it gave me so much joy to wear something traditional, put on a bindi and dress up. Being locked in for the most part of the year made going out to celebrate a small, socially distant and intimate wedding all the more special.”— Ruchika Sachdeva New Delhi-based founder and creative director of Bodice
A Surfboard That Soothes Justines Soul
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“I feel extremely grateful because this time gave me space to focus on my mental health and solidify the things that are important to me. Surfing is a big one. It’s a magical swirl of physical exertion and meditation, and as an added bonus, it’s a COVID-safe activity. During quarantine, surfing became a tether, allowing me to shake off any pandemic-related anxiety. Out of sheer luck, I scored this used surfboard on Craigslist, which is a custom design made by legendary shapers, the Campbell Brothers. It was totally worth masking up to meet a stranger to buy it. I love it so much I don’t even mind lugging it on the subway. Let me make this clear though: I am awful at surfing, just very enthusiastic.”— Justine Carreon, ELLE Digital senior market editor
A Table and Couch That Made Isadora’s Place a Home
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“The thing that has brought me the most joy during COVID (and possibly..ever) is my dining table. I moved to LA during the pandemic and COVID was naturally in full swing. It was strange relocating to a new city without getting much of a chance to explore. In an effort to remember that maybe life would get better for all of us, I dreamed of a table. It sounds silly but the table has always been the focal point of any family gathering, any good party, and most of my favorite memories. I fantasized about something that would one day be the gathering hub for all those I’m closest to. Gin rummy, potlucks, tequila shots––I was desperate for something to remind me that eventually, we’d all get to sit around a table together again. A friend of mine is a woodworker and I asked him if he could bring this to life. What he made is truly a dream and my most prized possession. I am forever grateful and plan on eating, drinking, and hanging around this beaut for the rest of my life.”— Isadora Sales, Los Angeles Head of Content at Our Place
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