It’s funny how, when we’re younger, we don’t always appreciate the small joys of having good-quality stuff. I never thought twice about how something was made or how long it would last me. As I’ve entered my wiser years, I’ve realized something magical: life is much more delightful when surrounded by quality items that work.
You know, like dish towels that absorb water instead of just spreading it around like the brown paper towels we had in elementary school. Or clothing that doesn’t immediately lose its shape after one wash.
I am sharing some of the things I’ve decided to upgrade now that I’m getting a little more picky in the best way.
1. Dish Towels that Do Their Job
The humble dish towel. I used to think a dish towel was just a dish towel. I bought whatever was in the dollar section, especially around the holidays, and never thought twice. They hang on the front of my stove and get thrown in the wash throughout the week. It wasn’t until a dear friend brought attention to my towels that we laughed as she tried to dry dishes without much success. Enter the world of high-quality dish towels.
I decided to invest in towels that absorb water. Revolutionary, right? There are towels made from materials like linen or cotton that are designed to absorb. I had no idea dish towels could have this magical quality until I finally made the leap. Now, my towels soak up spills like a dream and do the job they were made to do. I am not breaking the bank on this small change, but by spending a few dollars more, I have replaced what once did nothing with something that serves its intended purpose!
2. Clothing That Lasts
In my younger years, I was all about the quick fix—the cute outfit that was cheap and trendy but probably wouldn’t last past the weekend. It was all about those fast-fashion finds for a night out or that event I’d probably forget about in a month – jeans and a going-out top, anyone? But now, I’ve realized something I wish I had known earlier: investing in quality clothing feels much better.
I still love my Amazon finds, but I’ve started to gravitate toward pieces that are a bit pricier yet timeless—things that aren’t just for one fleeting moment but for multiple seasons. I’m talking about good denim, higher-end cotton t-shirts that last, and cozy sweaters that don’t pill after one wash. These items hold their shape and fit better, and I don’t have to replace them constantly after every season.
3. Bedsheets With a Real Thread Count
The luxurious feeling of slipping into bed with soft, high-thread-count sheets is the most incredible feeling at the end of the day. I didn’t realize how much of a game-changer good sheets were until I decided to upgrade. Remembering the sale sheets that came in a bag and would fray after a few washes, I was ready to make a bigger change.
I admit I was influenced by the masses of Instagrammers and invested in sheets with a higher thread count—ones that get softer the more they’re washed. No more rough, scratchy fabric that pops off the corner of the mattress at 2 a.m. Sleep hygiene is so important, and investing in yourself with better-quality sheets is a game changer.
4. Shoes That Support My Feet
I have always loved shoes and had a collection beyond my day-to-day needs. Heels, boots, ballet flats, and sneakers, I had them all! When I was younger, I would buy cute shoes that barely made it through a season. Flats that wore out after a few wears, heels that looked incredible but I could barely walk in, and casual sneakers that pinched my toes after an hour. In a profession where I am on my feet 90% of the day, I can no longer go with cheap shoes, and I need to make an upgrade for the health of my tootsies!
The verdict is in. Quality is the best kind of upgrade.
I am older, wiser, and surrounded by better-quality items. It’s not about spending tons of money or being a brand snob but about making thoughtful choices that serve me better in the long run. Durable clothing, heavenly sheets, supportive shoes, and, of course, my new beloved dish towels are the little things that make life a little bit easier and much more enjoyable.
I feel more adult than ever, in the best possible way. So, here’s to replacing cheap, fast, and fleeting with long-lasting, functional, and fabulous. I’m all about that upgrade life now, and I’m pretty sure it will only get better from here.
