From swoon-worthy rom-coms to a dreamy velvet couch. 

"I'm not sure why this HBO series isn't getting the daily headlines it deserves. Based on the novels by the elusive Italian auteur Elena Ferrante (READ THEM PLEASE), it's the best TV I've seen all year."  –Carli Whitwell, managing editor

"This book stands out as one of the best I've read this year. I love how a novel about marital malaise can also dabble in pop culture as a clever framing device (the death of Michael Jackson, John Legend's Get Lifted) and one of the characters is a fashion editor, to boot!" –Liz Guber, style editor

"It should stand to reason that the most expensive thing I bought this year is also my favourite. I appreciate Article's no-fuss approach to mid-century modern furniture and plan to spend many happy hours in 2019 on my grass-green velvet sofa." –LG
 

"I devoured the second season of The Handmaid's Tale, a television show based on the Margaret Atwood novel of the same name. Atwood recently announced she would be writing a sequel called The Testaments, which is set to be released in 2019." –VDP
 

"I guess I agree with the Academy, because I was totally drawn into this Best Picture winner. From the compelling, fantastical story to the really good acting to the stylish sets and beautiful filming, it made for some good old-fashioned movie magic." –Ciara Rickard, production & copy editor

"I've been loving JW Anderson's ongoing collaboration with Converse this year. The way he reinvents the iconic hi and lo top are so innovative and fun. There will always be room in my shoe closet for whatever he imagines." –Elaine Jyll Regio, fashion & market editor

"The release of albums from Kali Uchis, Tirzah and Cardi B. It was a good year for women in music." –EJR

“Anything and everything created by minimalist ceramics artist Eric Roinestad is on my Christmas wish list.” –EV

"I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is a true-crime story written by Michelle McNamara, who spent years dedicated to researching the 40-year-old cold case of the notorious serial killer, the Golden State Killer. McNamara died before she was able to finish the book and her husband, actor Patton Oswalt, teamed up with crime writer Paul Haynes and investigative journalist Billy Jensen to complete McNamara’s work. The most amazing—and unexpected—ending to the story came in April, when, through new DNA technology, the alleged killer was finally caught." – Natalie Brennan, beauty editorial assistant 

"Am I cheating by not picking between two of Netflix's standout rom-com offerings, Set It Up and To All the Boys I've Loved Before? Technically, yes. But anyone who's seen both of the adorable flicks will understand my dilemma. They were the most purely enjoyable movie-watching experiences I had this year." –Patricia Karounos, editorial assistant 

"Witty, smart and with crackling chemistry between the three hosts (writers Ira Madison III, Kara Brown and Louis Virtel), Keep It quickly worked its way to the top of podcast queue this year." –PK

"I’m constantly in pursuit of understanding love, be it romantic, self or friendship. It's confusing and complicated, but this anthology edited by Tavi Gavinson made things a little clearer, featuring relatable and smart perspectives from contributors like Jenny Zhang, John Green and Alessia Cara. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves love." –EN

“Kacey Musgraves’ latest album is a perfect example of why women deserve more of a voice in country music. It’s honest and full of emotion (and the Grammys agreed!).” –Lisa Belmonte, editorial intern

“Not only does the song showcase maturity (thanking your exes instead of bashing them!), but the music video pays homage to iconic movies that shaped the millennial generation. From the burn book to the bend and snap, it’s a masterpiece.” –Emily Zheng, editorial intern

“While I’m not usually a fan of shows with time travelling, this thriller had me on my toes from the very first minute. The music, the cinematography, the elaborate plot—everything about it was perfection.” –EZ