The best of 2025 (so far)

We're slightly more than halfway through 2025, and what a year it's been so far. In all honesty, 2025 started out as a complete dumpster fire for me, but thankfully things have been on the upswing the last few months and I'm hopeful the second half of the year will continue to be even better. One weird thing, however, is that the weather in San Francisco has been abysmal this summer—it's only hit 70 degrees once, and most days are foggy and cold (like under 60 degrees cold—so Sean and I haven't been shooting as much as we'd like. Fingers crossed things will get better, because I have a few cute things I'd like to show you. But in the meantime, I thought I'd take a look back at the year so far and see what both you and I have been loving in terms of content. Here's the best of 2025 so far. 

My favorite fashion item of 2025 so far

The Zara jacket I'm wearing in this post was a complete impulse purchase—I went into the store looking for a specific top, which ended up not fitting me well, and I bought the jacket instead, even though I own a similar but heavier style. Not only is it the perfect weight for the weather we've been having most of spring and summer here in San Francisco, I get compliments from friends and complete strangers every single time I wear it. My exact jacket is sadly out of stock for the season, but I hope Zara brings it back for fall—it's that good.


Your favorite fashion item of 2025 so far

I'm glad to see you love the Madewell Skinny Leather Western Belt as much as I do—I am wearing it as we speak. On one hand, it's an excellent Khaite dupe; on another, it gives your look that downtown cool factor I love. 



My favorite beauty item of 2025 so far 

I went with the Kerastase birthday gift at Sephora this year, based on Reddit analysis that it was the best bang for your buck; I was entirely surprised by how the Elixir Ultime completely transformed my hair. I'm talking shiny, healthy looking, minimal frizz, without weighing my hair down or making it look stringy. I was so happy with the results, I got the full-size version, and considering how little I use, it should last me at least a year. Huge fan. 

Your favorite beauty item of 2025 so far

I was not expecting this, but Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has unseated Eighth Day Regenerative Serum as the #1 Cheryl Shops beauty product so far this year. Either way, I wholeheartedly recommend both products—the cleanser is my holy grail and the serum is a powerhouse (albeit a very expensive one). 


 My favorite post of 2025 so far

I was not expecting my ode to going-out tops to be so popular, but so far, it has some of my highest engagement of the year. But that's not why it's my favorite. It's not our strongest photography of the year, either, but we shot it on my birthday, I really liked my outfit, we had just finished an excellent meal at one of my favorite restaurants in the city, and I decided to write something from the heart. I'm glad it resonated with you! 


Your favorite post of 2025 so far

This is not a surprise, but my honest review of Revitalash serum is by far and away this year's most-viewed post. I had to take a break for a few months from using the serum because it was making my lashes so long that they were hitting my brow bone, but I am back on it and my lashes are looking healthier than ever. This product is truly a miracle! 


What else would you like to see from me in 2025? Leave a comment below! 

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