Claire Zulkey's favorite things

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3297343456_3199a965d3_o.jpgEvery upscale magazine has a feature where a stylish or rich person shares the things they can't "live without" that you can inevitably purchase yourself. (They always seem to include a cashmere scarf, $500 jeans they "swear by," a Diptyque candle and La Mer cream for "slathering all over" when you just took the redeye to Dubai or whatever.) Here are the fabulous things I can't live without:

An umbrella: This is just the most clever little thing. When it rains, you push a button and it keeps most of you dry! The only trick is that you have to remember to take it with you before it rains. Otherwise: genius.

Clothes: These are a must whenever I travel. Airplanes can be so uncomfortable so I like to try to stay warm and cozy by throwing on some clothes before I travel.

An emptied diaper genie: I am obsessed--obsessed!--with not smelling human feces in my house. The results of having taking out the trash is my preferred scent.

Health insurance: Kind of a splurge but sometimes you have to go to the doctor and hospital and it's just nice. It's my little way of taking care of me.

Crate & Barrel couch: Sitting down is a must. Being older and comfortable with your mainstream choices is nice.

Kleenex: I like to surround myself with Kleenex boxes because you never know when you'll need to blow your or someone else's nose. A guest once told me she appreciated that there was a box anytime she needed one and I was like, that's my signature style.

Old white towels: These are so great to have. First, buy towels 20 years ago. Then, start keeping them in your basement as they get old and tattered. Then, use them to clean up disgusting things. It's the best.

Reusable shopping bags: You need them to shop where I live. I like to customize mine by filling them with onion skins and old receipts, maybe a dirty kleenex or two.

Potbelly: It's my preferred weekend sandwich. Mostly because Jimmy John's doesn't deliver to our house. My favorite combo is a roast beef with the Zapp's jalapeño chips.

Valparaiso, IN: That's where we go away when we need to unwind and relax. Maybe you've heard of it? My friend Lauren lives there.

A $5,000 blazer: I don't have one! Can you buy me one?