Hello, and happy almost new year! Every year I like to look back on the best purchases I made. This is a shopping and style site at its heart after all, and well, my mission is to help making getting dressed easier for all of you, and that starts at home. I need to practice what I preach, and IMO, shopping smarter requires some thought and strategy. A well edited closet filled with pieces you love makes getting dressed so much easier (hence, why I try to only buy things I really really love). But I work in fashion, we all know I have a shopping problem, and my job here is to bring you all my favorite finds (self-appointed job I realize but please keep me in business and say you like it, mykay?), so let’s face it, I shop a lot. And despite my best efforts, like everyone else, sometimes I find myself the victim of an impulse purchase after Instagram tells me I need that thing I was sort of thinking about but never said aloud (creepy how that happens, right?). So at the end of the year, I like to do a big closet clean-out and purge and organize everything. To help, I am putting together a list of my best purchases of 2022. This helps me find a common thread in the things that I buy that prove to be worth it, because honestly, it’s not just the investment pieces. It’s always a blend. I also love seeing other people’s roundups of their best buys of the year, so I figured I’d share mine if you’re as nosey and voyeuristic as me.
Here are my best purchases of 2022.
Helly Hanson Ski Jacket: After being in the market for a ski jacket for years, I got this chic ski jacket late in the year before our annual trip to Park City at the recommendation of Jacey Duprie, and I’m so glad I did. It’s chic, warm, and makes for a great ski and apres ski look. I wear it to workout classes now that we’re back home too — it’s a great topper to go with leggings.
H&M Snow Boots: Oh, how I love these soft plush boots. They look so much more expensive than they are, make me look like a chic ski bunny, and are so comfy. If you have to leave the house in winter, this makes it palatable, and imo they’re like a much better looking Ugg.
Hermes Sandals: I finally splurged on these this year, and I’m so glad I did. I had tried some dupes, which I don’t regret buying because they were great for chasing after the kids, but these are so timeless, elegant and chic. I wear them nonstop and would 100 percent invest in another pair.
Lululemon Belt Bag: I got this for our trip to Disney and I love it. I wear it across my chest instead of fanny pack style and love it when I’m headed to tennis or a workout class or running after my kids. I keep it in my larger purse to break out when I’m out and about and need my wallet and hands. There’s a reason this sells out constantly.
Doona Stroller: This was the one piece of baby gear we got new with Brooks and I’m so glad we did. It was recommended to me so many times and it makes getting in and out of the car and traveling with a baby so much easier. I do have to say that they grow out of it fast, but because we’re in the car every day and have done quite a bit of traveling with Brooks, I found it to be well worth the price tag. I also feel like these have good resale value on Facebook Marketplace, so it’s not a total loss when your little one outgrows it.
Alo Yoga Flare Pants: Alo is worth the hype. I’ve tried every type of legging, and I have to say these are my favorite. What these do for your butt is worth every penny and then some.
Shearling Birkenstocks: Make fun of me all you want, these get worn nonstop and I do not regret it.
Lake Pajamas: Invest in these pajamas and you’ll never go back. They’re so soft, cute and you deserve it. I can’t say enough good things about them.
Toteme Jeans: These were a splurge but I get complements on them every time I wear them. I like that they have a ’90s flare feel and are super flattering and the perfect length. They’re a great option if you don’t want to go too ’70s or too ’90s with your denim. They feel like a nod to the boot cut without going to hard down that road.
Toteme Coat: One hundred percent worth the splurge. This is a great fall jacket that I’ve worn nonstop but also wear on winter days that aren’t too cold with layers beneath. It’s one of those items you can toss on over pajamas and look chic.
Mango Coat: I went with the dupe for this one and I’m completely obsessed, as is everyone who sees me in this jacket. It elevates every outfit and I just love it, and the price can’t be beat.
Jumbo Water Bottle: I bought a huge water bottle to encourage me to drink more water each day and it really works. We also got a Poland Spring water distributor, which helps a lot too. This water bottle is currently also helping me break my seltzer habit.
Hat Attack Pom Pom Hat: I wear hats every day in winter, partially because it’s cold and partially to cover my greasies at drop off before I’ve showered. I had an old one that was looking kind of worn. This one is so cute and chic and clean and I love it. For cost per wear, it’s more than paid for itself.
Green Quilted Coat: This is one of my most bought items for the year and I get it. It’s the perfect fall/spring jacket and layering piece. The length and weight are just right and it goes with everything.
Maiden Home Sectional: At the recommendation of interior designer extraordinaire Jennifer Beekman Hunter, who has been helping us with our home, we ordered this sectional. I was skeptical and it’s custom made so it took awhile, but I’m so glad we went with it. Sectionals tend to not be the chicest and this has great bones, looks so nice, but also offers the seating and comfort we needed for our family room. Their customer service is great, and I’m so glad we went with this couch.
Serena and Lily Riviera Chairs and Counter Stools: I’ve been lusting after these for god knows how long and we finally have the kitchen to put them in now that we’ve moved. I love them. They’re easy to wipe and look great. I will say the counter stools are falling apart a bit, which I hate, but I just love how they look so much, I’m willing to ignore.
Minnow Swimsuit: Being at the pool three months postpartum is a real treat let me tell you. But Minnow’s gorgeous and flattering swimsuits made it so much more palatable. I feel like they’re so cute that people are more focused on complementing my suit than noticing the postpartum lumps and bumps that make me self-conscious. I also love their kids suits just as much – such great quality, adorable and can be passed down.
Lake Coverups: I wear these every day in summer. They’re chic, lightweight, easy and great for a pool or beach coverup that can take you right to dinner or a bbq.
La Ligne for Target Striped Sweater: I love this updated take on a striped sweater. I live in stripes and jeans on weekends, so I love this chic update and of course the price is just too good.
Schutz Heels: This is the only heel I’ve worn all winter and holiday. I highly recommend. It’s comfy, well priced and chic and a great way to get in on the trend without spending a fortune.
And that’s it for my best purchases of 2022, or what I can remember. What about you? Any you’d recommend?
Comment