The Basics Our Team Can’t Live Without: Catherine Dunwoody

We all have those certain items—in our closets, on our shoe racks, in our beauty cabinets and throughout our home—that we simply can’t imagine living without. From wardrobe staples to beauty products, home décor pieces and even appliances, we’re asking members of the VITA team to tell us: what are the things in your life that, once worn out, you’d replace in a heartbeat? —Vita Daily

Catherine Dunwoody, contributor, VITA: “I’m fiercely loyal to my favourite things. Some might say like a dog with a bone. I defend and protect, but I’ll share if you treat me nice and give me a little scratch behind the ears. I’ve always had a preppy style as my personal canvas to build on, and depending on mood, current trends or present decade (been a lot of those in my lengthy career, I’m happy to report) I’ll add plunks of punk or fancy-lady-like stuff or eclectic-hippy bits—just to mix it all up. I’ve been wearing Bass Weejuns penny loafers forever, so geeky cool with everything, and, yes, I always have pennies in them. Ren Rose Otto Bath Oil doesn’t leave my tub slick and smells like heaven would smell, y’know, if we actually knew. More rose-love goes to fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer. I swear my face lets out a little sigh every time I apply it. Working from home, I throw on the cosy knit Rowan poncho by Rachel Zoe for Curateur when I’m chilly. I’m sooo not a poncho person. But now I get it. When it’s time to pop a cork, nothing beats the classic, clean splurge of Veuve Clicquot champagne to celebrate. No other bubble can touch it, and I’ve tried them all. My happy-bright turquoise Le Creuset tea kettle greets me every afternoon, when looming deadlines make that nice hot cuppa essential. Beauty cult favourite for over 40 years Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Healing & Repair Hand Cream is my winter dry hands and cuticles saviour. Lastly, Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm in golden hour: I tap onto my cheekbones right before Zoom meetings. I am instantly fresher. More awake-er. Because filters are for quitters.”