2018 has been the year of impulsive, frivolous purchases. Because nearly all of my big-ticket purchases didn’t pan out, I ended up spending on many smaller, unplanned items.
There are some gems, though, which I highlight below:
——————– Quay Australia My Girl Sunglasses ——————–
Measured by the usual yardsticks of UV-protection and polarization, these Quay sunglasses really can’t compete against more premium options, but I like how lightweight and sturdy they are. They’ve survived being sat on, stepped on, and left (without a case) in a tote with my 7-lb laptop. And when they start to look crooked, I am able to easily bend the bridge to straighten them out.
——————– J.Crew Drapey Tie-Shoulder Jumpsuit ——————–
This J. Crew jumpsuit was my most-worn item of 2018 by far. I packed it for nearly every trip I took this year, and it’s my go-to when I am unsure what’s appropriate to wear. It’s dressy, but not so fancy that it would look out of place in a more casual setting.
It unfortunately is not a perennial style so has been going in and out of stock online after it went on sale. I hope J. Crew recycles it next year in new colors (somewhat unlikely). If you are a little taller than me (5’2), the Amanda Uprichard Iris Jumpsuit is a lookalike that might work for you.
See the J.Crew Drapey Tie-Shoulder Jumpsuit on me here.
——————– Ann Taylor Scallop Trim Shell ——————–
Over the summer, I couldn’t stop wearing this shell with my many blazers and cardigans. Sure, it has flaws (the material is a smidge too thin), but the covered buttons and scallop detail add just the right amount of visual interest to elevate an outfit. One of those pieces that I wish I had stocked up on.
See the Ann Taylor Scallop Trim Shell on me here.
——————– AUrate Simple Pearl Ring ——————–
This dainty, unostentatious ring is perfect for those who accessorize sparingly. Because I can get pretty animated when I speak, having something on my finger to play with (occasionally) calms the wild gesticulations.
——————– J. Crew Daphne Topcoat in Italian Tweed ——————–
Everyone loves this coat. The sweet older lady who shared a stop light with me reached over unexpectedly to touch and admire it. A millennial dad running with his baby in a stroller commented positively when he passed by me. The doughy toddler who beamed approval at me while stroking this coat lovingly at a checkout line, while her mother offloaded a shopping basket onto the conveyor belt. If you don’t like attention, stay far far away from this coat.
See the J. Crew Daphne Topcoat in Italian Tweed on me here.
——————– Ann Taylor Wide Leg Marina Pant ——————–
I wore these wide-leg pants at least once a week last summer and can’t wait to put them on again come spring. I like these so much I bought them in multiple colorways.
See the Ann Taylor Wide Leg Marina Pant on me here.
——————– Zara Sweater with Buttons ——————–
I didn’t know what I wanted in a striped sweater until I found this one: I like the relaxed fit, which pairs well with skinny jeans, and the slightly longer length, to allow it to be worn as a tunic. If you hurry, your local Zara store may still stock this.
——————– Sam Edelman Leah Cap Toe Pumps ——————–
I plan to review these pumps early next month, but don’t want them to miss the cut-off for “favorite purchases,” because I’ve had them for many months at this point. Are they a Chanel knockoff? Absolutely. But they are so pretty (and the price point so reasonable for the quality) that I am willing to overlook a few things
——————– FP One Angel Wing Jumpsuit ——————–
This jumpsuit is so fun to wear. The floaty material combined with the wide legs with side slits dance when I move. The print is the rare floral that doesn’t age or infantilize. And the row of covered buttons, while difficult to undo, adds a certain je ne sais quoi. It sold out a long time ago, but occasionally pops up on eBay.
See the FP One Angel Wing Jumpsuit on me here.
——————– J. Crew Open-Front Sweater-Blazer ——————–
I honestly can’t remember when I first purchased this jacket (because I own several now), but since it didn’t make last year’s list, I’ve decided it’s earned its place on a list. Simply the best sweater-blazer at its price point–J. Crew has come out with a few iterations of the style, but the all-merino wool version is the one I would recommend.
See the J. Crew Open-Front Sweater-Blazer on me here.
——————– Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer ——————–
These loafers made the list because I give some weight to practicality and these have proven so wearable this fall. I also own them in “nude” and have my eyes on other colors as well.
See the Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer on me here.
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Honorable mentions: Reformation Rou Midi Fit & Flare Dress (reviewed here); Club Monaco Yolande Pant (see on me here); Free People Kate Faux Fur Coat; and Ann Taylor Swiss Dot Ruffle Neck Shell (see on me here).
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Do you have a favorite purchase from 2018?
