I always like to see what really, truly works for people: even if it’s not something that would be right for me, I find it interesting and instructive. So I’ve gathered here a few of my favourite things from this year that do not fit into the best of skincare, makeup, books and perfume (upcoming) categories.

1. Exercise. I’ve been exercising consistently (with a trainer) since July and it’s the best thing I’ve done the whole year. It’s made me stronger, more toned and given me more energy. I am very far from being a morning person: when I get myself to the gym by 7.45am, I feel I can handle absolutely everything. And unless work has made it absolutely impossible, I have hauled my ass there even if I’ve only gotten four hours of sleep or had too many G&Ts the night before (or both).

2. Bang & Olufsen headphones. Somewhat related to point one above, my headphones have made it more fun to get – or at least try to get – 10 000 steps in per day. I particularly enjoy walking to the office after my morning gym session, high on the endorphines (it also helps against the inevitable soreness and stiffness). Obviously, cheaper headphones work as well: I once bought a pair for 10 euros from the Flying Tiger and was totally fine with using them. That said, I really enjoy B&O has bluetooth and I don’t have to fumble with the cable.

3. Sneakers. Also connected to points two and three is my favourite footwear of the year. God, I’m grateful to fashion for making sneakers look right with almost everything. This has enormously facilitated my walking and I’ve hardly worn anything but my sneakers (I own at least three pairs now) when I’ve ventured outside.

4. Black poloneck. With the possible exception of jeans, my black merino poloneck by Feelwear was my most worn item of clothing this year. Super useful and versatile, it has also held up very well through many, many washes.

5. Coat suit. I don’t wear this ensemble by Guild (pictured) as often as I wear my poloneck, but what it lacks in practicality, it makes up in beauty. This mustard wool suit and trouser combo is simply majestic. Who cares that it nearly bankrupted me: look at the lines of that coat! Also, their shop in Tallinn is wonderful.

6. Vinyl trench. Less sophisticated than the previous entry in every possible way, I nevertheless enjoyed wearing my River Island caramel trench to a ridiculous degree. It makes me look like a seventies spy or possibly a porn star, both fine with me.

7. Leopard and mustard. For good or ill, it was a year of animal print and the colour mustard for me. I still find my leopard slip skirt very useful and don’t think mustard would date that badly. At least I have to believe this, otherwise I’ll not be able to wear half of my wardrobe.

8. Celine sunglasses. While I bought a couple of really nice shoes this year, my favourite accessories have been my Celine sunglasses. I’ve worn both the white and tortoiseshell pairs constantly and don’t plan to stop next year. With Hedi Slimane now in charge of Celine, I’m a bit worried where I shall get my sunglass fix in the future, though.

9. Roxanne Assoulin earrings. I just like these so much. They are pretty, they are mismatched and they improve everything I wear.

10. Bracelets. Bracelet is maybe the wrong word, as I’ve enjoyed wearing jewellery around my wrists, but I don’t mean pretty dangly things. My favourite is the black cuff by Tanel Veenre that I’m wearing in these pictures, for its elegant badassery. I’ve also gotten a lot of wear out of a simple (but still slightly badass) leather bracelet by Kadri Kruus.

11. Shakshuka. This Turkish way to cook eggs has been my favourite dish of the year. Possibly a slightly random entry, but we all need versatile recipes that are quick and easy to make. You can tweak my version to suit your tastes or search the Internet for endless variations.

12. Gingerbread. Always. I estimate that I’m currently 87% gingerbread.

What have you loved wearing and doing this year?

The images are from an interview I gave to wuruhi.com. It is an excellent place to go for Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian designer accessories, the selection really is great. I’m wearing my own clothes (Guild coat suit, Zara camisole, Balenciaga shoes), ear cuff by Rita-Livia Jewellery, leather bracelets by Ida Tau and Kadri Kruus and a cuff by Tanel Veenre. MUAH Erle Taklai, images Laura Nestor.