Green jacket, on sale | Michael Stars tank | Mother denim | Dior sandals | Gucci handbag | Pearl hoop earrings
Hands down, the 10 best purchases of the year! 🙌
… and they’re still available!
A not-so-secret secret: I try REALLY, REALLY hard to make careful, thoughtful purchases. This is the challenging part of being a personal stylist; every day there’s something new, and it’s very important to be selective. It’s called editing, and though at times it’s quite challenging, it’s worth it! Today I’m sharing with you what I feel are hands down, the ten best purchases of the year. I’m constantly recommending that you try this and try that, so when I say “trust me” or “this is so good,” I really mean it! My promise to you on this little blogging journey of mine is to always be genuine and authentic.
So, looking back on 2021, here are 10 best items that I love enough to recommend them all to you. They have worked perfectly on multiple occasions, with many outfits. And, I guarantee you will wear these 10 items again in 2022. Any of these pieces will compliment your wardrobes, and you’ll be very happy with your purchases … trust me 😉
P.S. Click here to read about the best purchases of 2020! After reconfirming, I am pleasantly surprised to see that most of them are still available. This proves that if we choose wisely, our purchases will have longevity and value — always a worthy goal!
#1 Gucci go-to’s
Left: Reformation blouse | Gucci belt | Paige Cindy ecru denim | Stuart Weitzman boots | Gucci bag | Right: Paige dress | Balenciaga tote | Gucci sandals | Tom Ford sunglasses
I’ve found that investing in a few designer pieces here and there not only elevates ALL your outfits, but they are also styles you’ll wear over and over — for years. My first Gucci purchase around 5 years ago was the Gucci camera bag, and I still love it. The belt I’m wearing in the above photo is a recent purchase, and the new tonal hardware goes with everything. This bucket bag has been on rotation all year, and surprisingly, remained clean (I’m not that careful with my bags!). Other Gucci favorites include the rubber sandals I’m wearing above that are super comfy and versatile, these sandals and this scarf. You just can’t go wrong with Gucci!
#2 Mother denim
Vince sweater | Mother Dazzlers | Boots | Chloe tote
Mother denim is my personal favorite (and my stylist friends’ too), and has been for the past three years. Since it’s the starting point of every cute outfit, it’s an important one to get right. It should be well-fitting, current, and the correct length. I’m often asked about hemming jeans, and yes, every one of my pairs is shortened! Below are my most-worn jeans, and they happen to be best-sellers as well.
Mother Hustler, Dazzler, Rascal, Insider
Favorite washes: Not Guilty (black), I Confess (faded blue), Fairest of Them All (white) and Chalk Ivory
#3 Blazer faves: Cinq a Sept & Veronica Beard
Left: Cinq a Sept relaxed blazer | Cami | Frame coated denim | Schutz sandal | Balenciaga wallet on chain | Right: Veronica Beard Miller jacket | Frame coated denim | Prada pump | Leopard cami
Blazers are the finishing touch to every outfit, and both of these blazers have been two of the best purchases I’ve made all year. The Cinq A Sept “Khloe” blazer is relaxed with a rouched sleeve detail, and the best-selling Veronica Beard Miller style has a hidden zipper for all the cool dickeys to be zipped inside. It reminds me of the iconic Balmain blazers, without the high price tag. These two styles both run big (I have the size 2 in both), and both fit most everyone!
#4 Vince slipdress
Vince slipdress | Loewe bag | Sweater over shoulder | Sandals
The Vince slipdress has been this year-s favorite dress because it can be styled so many different ways. Try a blazer, leather jacket or denim jacket over it with any shoe: sneaker, boot or sandal — they all work. Layer a slim turtleneck or t-shirt under, or a cozy sweater over the dress for extra layers. Because it’s cut on the bias, it’s super flattering on everyone, and the fabric weight is perfect for not showing any unwanted bumps. It runs true to size, and while it’s sold out most places, I found it here fully stocked in both black and navy. Don’t wait on this one!
#5 Everyday jewelry
Veronica Beard puff sleeve tee | Levi’s | Schutz sandals | Michele watch | Poppy Finch necklace | Topiary
Jewelry is another investment piece that’s worth every penny, and having several pieces that you can easily combine with your personal collection is a great way to keep things updated. Here are this year’s purchases that I’ve basically worn every single day!
Bony Levy pear shaped pendant necklace
Tom Wood dome ring (new to my collection)
Bony Levy chain ring and white gold stacking ring
This Poppy Finch necklace — I’ve worn it in every photo for the last 3 years
#6 YSL Toy Puffer
Vince sweater | Frame coated denim | Schutz sandals | YSL Toy Puffer bag
Hands down, this is the best crossbody, everyday bag. It’s soft, easy to get in and out of using one hand, and it fits everything you need: cell phone, reading glasses, sunglasses, card holder, lipstick — and there’s still room for a few more things. Check out the best selections here and here — there are many great options!
#7 Totes
Left: Eileen Fisher sweater | Crepe pant | YSL tote | Stuart Weitzman boot | Right: Vince top | Mother denim | Sandals | Loewe tote
I was reluctant to purchase a tote since I’m not going to an office or to work these days, but I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve still used both of these totes. The black YSL tote has been on every trip, and it’s perfect for taking into meetings around Portland. The Loewe straw tote was perfect all summer for water bottles, iPads, and anything else you might need on a warm summer day. I can hardly wait to start using it again in 2022!
#8 Anine Bing graphic tees
Left: BB Dakota shirt jacket | Anine Bing tee | Frame coated denim | Clogs | YSL Toy Puffer bag | Right: Club Monaco trench, similar color here | Mother denim | Prada pumps | Anine Bing tee | Balenciaga bag | Laura Lombardi link necklace
Anine Bing tees made the list last year, and this year’s purchase was this one — I’m wearing it above under the trench. The material is a little thinner (which you’ll love), runs roomy and the color combo goes with many pieces. Not pictured is this University tee which is currently sold out, but if you leave your email address here, you’ll be notified when they come back in stock! These are all so good, and I guarantee you’ll be wearing them into 2022.
#9 Moncler puffer jacket
Moncler jacket – also here | Vuori jogger | Rag & Bone sneaker | Zella t-shirt | Dior bag
This lightweight puffer coat is another top item I purchased all year! I’ve worn it several times/week since purchasing, and it’s the perfect weight, and great for travel. It’s a little thin for super cold weather, but perfect the rest of the time.
#10 Everyday shoes
Left: Anthropologie sweater | Mother Dazzler denim | Aquatalia boots | Right: Green jacket, on sale | ATM tee | Mother denim | Dior sandals | Heart bracelet
There’s nothing better than investing in a few pairs of shoes that end up working with everything! Here are the ones I loved this past year.
Spring/Summer: Dior slides. These were a huge splurge, but they ended up going with so many outfits! I wore them with literally everything and can’t wait to wear them again next year.
Fall/Winter: These Aquatalia boots have been a winter go-to so far, and these Rag & Bone sneakers have filled in when it’s dry enough out to wear them!
Thank you for reading! xx
