Instead of a ‘what to wear for New Year’s Eve’ post, I decided to put together a list of my top 10 purchases of 2021. There is a snow storm headed for Denver (Yay!!! We have had minimal snow this year; it’s alarming to be honest…snow=exciting news!). Our NYE plans are cozying up on the sofa and watching the ball drop with champagne and yummy food. I’ll likely be wearing sweats.
IF I were going out or hosting a party for NYE, I’d probably wear that sequin Free People top that we’ve blogged about a few times (see it here) but dang it, it’s mostly sold out. Really any sparkly top and denim would be my top pick.
I’m getting off track…back to my top 10 purchases of 2021…
1 – The Anine Bing Dylan Coat
Anine Bing Dylan Coat (wearing XS, if between go with smaller size)
This one shouldn’t be a surprise as I’m always wearing it. I bought a camel coat a few years back (BB Dakota if I remember correctly) and it was beautiful but pilled terribly and looked years old after one season. I loved wearing it so much though and knew that a quality camel coat would be a great investment. I just had to find the right one.
I especially love the cut and drape of the Bing coat and its off-duty vibe – it has a nonchalant coolness about it without an ounce of stuffiness. The fit is intentionally oversized (don’t size up) and it looks amazing both belted and worn open. I also like that the sleeves can be rolled or scrunched up for an even more relaxed look. But don’t get me wrong – this baby dresses up with ease.
I’d go as far as to say that this was my BEST buy of 2021. I’ll have and love this coat for years. See it styled several ways here.
**And note that I popped into Anine Bing when we were in NYC this past week and tried on the Norma coat which is a very similar cut to my camel coat but slightly heavier with a tweed-like fabric. I seriously almost left with it and if I’m being honest, I’m still dreaming about it. It is stunning!
2 – Moussy Odessa Jeans
Moussy Odessa Jeans (if between sizes, go with larger)
I’m a denim girl through and through… and admittedly have too many jeans. The ones that I’ve worn repeatedly all year long- my Moussy Odessa jeans. Yes they are pricey. But if you love your denim as much as I do, they are so worth it.
They have the perfect vintage wash and distressing. And those ripped knees have not “blown out” in the least. I love to wear them full length or cuffed as shown above. They are seriously the perfect jean.
Note that they are rigid denim – if between sizes, go with the larger size. And don’t stress if they start out a smidge snug – they do break in with wear. My advice is to wear them around the house for a day (tags attached) – if they are still uncomfortable to sit in by the end of the day, go up one more size. And I rarely wash mine.
3 – Loeffler Randall Goldy Boots
Loeffler Randall Goldy Boots (TTS)
Tammy & I both had been coveting these boots for years and finally took the plunge this year. My only regret? Waiting so long. They are amazing with short dresses, long dresses, jeans… dress them up, wear them casually. They are crazy versatile and effortlessly sexy.
Also, I’m a wimp when it comes to heels and guarantee these boots are made for walking. If you’re ultra sensitive to a heel though, there is a lower heeled version.
*A note on color – I’m wearing these in the color cognac, which is sadly mostly sold out but available in the lower heeled version (linked above). The color safari is most similar to cognac, just cooler in tone. And a reddy brown color, sienna, was recently released that I’m dying over. Those just might be on my Fall 2022 wishlist. I rarely buy the same thing twice so that’s as big of an endorsement as I can give.
4 – Frank & Eileen Denim Shirt
Frank & Eileen Denim shirt (wearing size Small for an oversized fit)
Dare I say the perfect denim shirt? This shirt is buttery soft and drapey – unlike any denim shirt I’ve ever tried in the past. And the high/low wash makes it more interesting than your run of the mill denim shirt. But what really takes this shirt over the top is the detailing – if you zoom in you can see the distressing around the cuffs and hem + intentional wrinkling. It seriously looks like the coolest vintage shirt you’ve had for years. I will have this shirt forever.
Note that it also comes in white. My go-to white button down is the Joedy by Frank & Eileen but I’m tempted to add this version to my wardrobe too.
*Sizing note: I did size up to a small for a little added slouch but note that I’m 5’7″. If I were under 5’5″, the XS would have likely fit me better.
5 – L’agence Eloise Pumps
Comfortable, sexy, quality. THESE are my go-to pumps, and they come in a ton of colors.
These L’agence pumps are an investment but not the $750+ price tag that accompanies most designer label heels. They are crazy comfortable as far as pumps go thanks to a cushioned footbed and are the perfect heel height (3.25″).
I loved my leopard pair so much that I recently bought these in black velvet as well. I really need to do an entire article on these – I’m realizing how little I’ve talked about them.
Also, Tammy has the L’agence Giselle heeled sandals in leopard and they are simply stunning. My toes would be too cold in Denver Winter, but in a warmer climate these would be mine. I’m already thinking about them in nude for Spring/Summer/early Fall.
6 – Clare V. Midi Sac in Silver
I bought this silver bag in the Summer and it’s quickly become a year-round go to bag. I raved about it so much that Tammy caved and bought it too. It adds a little pop to an outfit and works with everything. It’s subtle enough for daytime (I’m not the bling-y type at all) but totally great for evenings as well. We love to swap out the strap to this chain shoulder strap to dress it up even more.
And while this was a favorite purchase of 2021, I’d be remiss not to mention the below crossbody. I’ve had this bag for years and it’s probably my all-time favorite. It’s magic for pulling together neutrals and making an outfit more interesting. It’s the only bag I took to NYC this past week – more on that soon.
7 – Birkenstock Buckleys
This is another purchase I haven’t really blogged about – dang it! Probably because these aren’t the most fashionable – haha. But they are cute in my book and so cozy with the shearling lining. I wear these around the house like slippers but also throw them on for running errands, walking the dogs etc. I seriously wear these things almost every single day. A great buy.
8 – Anine Bing NYC
Ok, yet another thing I haven’t blogged about much – more coming soon! But I bought the short sleeved Anine Bing NYC tee in heather gray back in late Summer and I adore it. I’m a sucker for a good graphic tee and Anine Bing’s are by far my favorite. I love the understated vibe of this one and especially love it under a blazer or leather jacket. In the tee, I wear an XS.
When I was in NYC this past week, I went into Anine Bing (no surprise) and walked out with the New York sweatshirt – I know, I know. Probably overkill but I couldn’t resist it. I sized up to a small in this particular sweatshirt for a little more slouch. I’ll be wearing this one all Winter and into the Spring.
And note, these are also available for London, Paris and Sydney (Tammy has the London tee) – so pick your favorite city!
Update: See my full article styling this sweatshirt.
9 – Rag & Bone Retro Sneakers
These sneakers are as light as a feather, wipe clean (I’ve stomped thru puddles in them and they came out like new) and seriously stylish. They are also great with or without socks – no sweaty feet, promise!
In fact, I’ve worn these so much that I’m contemplating a second pair. I have my eye on this fresh white pair, though I’m trying to wait for Spring.
10 – Frame Le Lexington Booties
Frame Boots (in black, whiskey off white – fully stocked!)
You guys, I cannot overstate how perfect these booties are – I have them in black, and Tammy has them in both black and cognac. These are the only shoes I packed for NYC – we walked miles and miles and they were comfortable, chic and quality-wise held up like a champ.
The shaft is high and sleek and easily slips under every type of pant – they are even great with dresses. If you need a classic bootie – buy these!
Confession: I just ordered them in off white.
*Bonus*
Westman Atelier Makeup
My Favorite Westman Atelier Products
Westman Atelier makeup has been a total game changer for me this year. See the link above for my full article with product recommendations and linked tutorial videos by Gucci Westman.
If I had to pick my top 3, can’t live without products, here they are:
–Lit Up Hightlight Stick (I wear the color Lit)
–Face Trace Contour Stick (I wear the color Biscuit)
–Babycheeks Multi Blush Stick (I love them all but my top two colors for Winter are Bichette & Dou Dou)
My Top 10 Purchases of 2021
I obviously love to shop but in truth, I’m a minimalist at heart. I believe in quality over quantity and like to wear the heck out of the things I buy. If there is one thing that I truly hate, it’s seeing something hang in my closet unworn.
And honestly, it’s been the hardest part of this blog for me. Feeling pressure to shop more – feeling the need to always have something new. Going forward for 2022, one of my resolutions is to shake that feeling. My plan is to focus on shopping smarter for you guys – buying less and wearing it more. And I’m fairly certain Tammy would agree!
This are my top 10 purchases of 2021 – my ‘best of the best’. The things I’ll wear for years.
