Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak: Best of 2024 (Featuring Blakely Thornton) Summary

Release Date: December 3, 2024

Introduction

In the "Best of 2024" episode of Add to Cart, hosts Kulap Vilaysack (Cuckoo Lysack) and SuChin Pak (Auntie Sue) collaborate with special guest Blakely Thornton to reflect on the standout moments of the year. The trio delves into pop culture highlights, fashion trends, memorable celebrity appearances, and shares their top purchases that defined their year.

Guest Introduction

The episode welcomes Blakely Thornton, a renowned fashion icon and pop culture anthropologist, recognized as an Out100 disruptor for his influential work. Blakely is celebrated for creating and executive producing the series Queer Sports for Vice News in 2023. The hosts introduce him with enthusiasm, highlighting his sharp insights and fashionable persona.

Notable Quote:

• Cuckoo Lysack (02:52): "We are diving into the archives of our vast mind palaces to give you the best of 2024."

Best of 2024 in Pop Culture and Fashion

Blakely and the hosts discuss the fusion of fashion and film in 2024, emphasizing how thematic dressing became integral to character development in blockbuster movies. They spotlight Zendaya's iconic performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where she effortlessly channeled Cher, earning high praise.

Notable Quotes:

• Blakely Thornton (08:03): "Zendaya did Cher better than Cher ever did Cher."
• Auntie Sue (08:21): "There's very little to the imagination."

The conversation extends to magazine covers, with Zoe Kravitz gracing W and Cynthia Erivo on Elle, both symbolizing strong female perspectives in the industry. Blakely praises Cynthia as an "eminent EGOT winner" and lauds her powerful role in redefining female figures in Western pop culture.

Notable Quote:

• Blakely Thornton (22:36): "She's always been kind of a creator's creator."

Best Album of the Year

The trio evaluates the year's music releases, with Blakely crowning Sabrina Carpenter's "Contra" as his top album. He appreciates the album's thematic coherence and its reminiscent nod to the Janet Jackson era, highlighting tracks like "Good Graces" and "Don't Smile" for their rhythmic and soulful qualities.

Notable Quote:

• Blakely Thornton (13:11): "Sabrina Carpenter, I think, wins album of the year for me."

Memorable Pop Culture Moments

One of the standout discussions revolves around Glen Powell's provocative Vanity Fair photoshoot, where his subtle yet impactful display of his left nipple sparked widespread attention. Blakely humorously critiques the juxtaposition of Powell's allure against mainstream selections like John Krasinski being named Sexiest Man Alive.

Notable Quotes:

• Blakely Thornton (24:29): "Glen Powell's nipple has officially made him a movie star for me."
• Auntie Sue (26:30): "I would tell Glenn that to his face."

This segment underscores the power of subtlety in celebrity branding and how such moments can redefine public perception.

Best Add to Cart Purchases of 2024

The hosts share their top three purchases that significantly impacted their 2024, blending personal anecdotes with practical recommendations.

1. Auntie Sue's Top Picks:

   • Franz Naked Sunshield Peptide Patch (45:52): An innovative sunblock patch from Korea that seamlessly integrates UV protection into daily skincare routines without the hassle of frequent reapplication.
     • Notable Quote:
       • Auntie Sue (46:42): "You don't have to reapply on the patch. Now the patch doesn't go all over your face, so you do still have to reapply on the areas that don't have it."
   • Carded App (53:51): A wishlist app that consolidates multiple lists into one, simplifying the tracking of desired products and receiving alerts on sales.
     • Notable Quote:
       • Auntie Sue (53:35): "It's an elegant, beautiful, simple app. Just on the phone for now."

2. Cuckoo Lysack's Top Picks:

   • Canopy Bedside Humidifier (49:52): A user-friendly humidifier that combats dryness without the typical hassles, featuring dishwasher-safe components and the ability to use tap water.
     • Notable Quote:
       • Cuckoo Lysack (50:35): "It’s really great. It’s a great machine."
   • MoMA Design Store Purchases (35:00): Curated items like velvet robes and cheerful yellow tea kettles that blend functionality with modern aesthetics.
     • Notable Quote:
       • Auntie Sue (35:00): "If you want to buy a gift for someone who loves to be cozy... you know, just improvise.”

3. Joint Best Purchase:

   • Quince (59:35): Offering high-quality, affordable luxury items such as Italian leather handbags and European linen sheet sets, Quince stands out for its tasteful selections and significant discounts.
     • Notable Quote:
       • Auntie Sue (61:58): "This is a great brand and I think this is moving in the right direction."

Additional Recommendations:

• Joey Baby Jewelry (63:35): AAPAI-owned brand offering modern pearl jewelry that's both stylish and affordable, perfect for thoughtful gifting.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Cuckoo Lysack (63:54): "They do a lot of pearl jewelry... modern, good quality, affordable."

Concluding Highlights

As the episode winds down, the hosts encourage listeners to share their favorite purchases from 2024 on Instagram and tease upcoming exclusive content for premium subscribers. Blakely Thornton promotes his forthcoming podcast, IM, and his role in the Canadian show Offshoot.

Notable Quote:

• Cuckoo Lysack (43:22): "I love Blakely and I will continue to blindly trust him about pop culture for the rest of my life."

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt appreciation for the year's best buys, leaving listeners inspired to curate their own "add to cart" lists for the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Intersection of Fashion and Storytelling: 2024 saw a significant blend of thematic dressing in film, enhancing character narratives.
• Influential Celebrity Moments: Subtle yet impactful actions, such as Glen Powell's Vanity Fair shoot, can redefine a celebrity's public image.
• Innovative Consumer Products: Technological advancements in skincare and home appliances (e.g., sun patches, humidifiers) offer practical solutions for everyday challenges.
• Thoughtful Gifting: Platforms like MoMA Design Store and brands like Quince and Joey Baby provide stylish and meaningful gift options that support broader creative communities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Cuckoo Lysack (02:52): "We are diving into the archives of our vast mind palaces to give you the best of 2024."
• Blakely Thornton (08:03): "Zendaya did Cher better than Cher ever did Cher."
• Blakely Thornton (13:11): "Sabrina Carpenter, I think, wins album of the year for me."
• Blakely Thornton (24:29): "Glen Powell's nipple has officially made him a movie star for me."
• Auntie Sue (46:42): "You don't have to reapply on the patch."
• Cuckoo Lysack (50:35): "It’s really great. It’s a great machine."

This episode encapsulates the essence of 2024's cultural and consumer landscape, offering listeners a comprehensive review of trends, moments, and must-have products that defined the year.