Best of 2020: Fashion Purchases

More so than even other recent years, 2020 was the year of secondhand. Of the top of my head, I can think of only one clothing item I purchased at retail; everything else was either thrifted or Poshmarked. My experiences with Poshmark are reflected in the fact that both the cost-per-item and overall cost-versus-retail-value percentage increased slightly this year compared to last.

For those who may be curious, the items I purchased this year cost, on average, $15 (up from about $13/item in 2019). I paid, on average, 5.7% of the retail value for the items I did buy (up from 5.3% last year). Overall, I bought less and spent (slightly) less this year than in 2019 and, in fact, any of the past 5 years. In large part, this was due to the fact that thrift stores were closed here from March until late May, and I didn’t get into Poshmark until later in the summer. If you take those “no-buy” months out of the equation, I actually bought more during the months I did shop.

If I had to justify myself (and I don’t, really), I think it’s because 2020 is the year I fell in love with fashion all over again. Discovering new designers has been fun. There were so many good deals to be had on pieces that are beautiful and well-made, and I couldn’t resist buying them and enjoying the experience of wearing them – for myself. Alone (well, not really, but you get my point) in the house. It was a source of joy in an otherwise stressful year. I always take good care of my clothes, and my goal is to ensure that my pieces can end up having another lease on life in someone else’s closet once I’m ready to move on. This is one way that I can minimize the environmental impact of my hobby – and share the joy of beautiful clothes with others.

Okay, enough navel-gazing. The title of the blog post promised you a Best Of list, and that’s what you’re going to get.

In thinking about how to prepare this, I realized that I would have to honour the spirit of the Year of The Skirt, by breaking down my list into two (and, after further deliberation, three) sections.

Best Skirts

Without a doubt, my favourite purchase — of all – this year. When I bang on about how clothing should be fun, this is what I’m talking about. Nothing gives me more joy than wearing this skirt … at home, alone at my desk. It makes me feel fabulous, even if I have nowhere to go. This is the year I began to fully appreciate that “fabulous” is a state of mind.

Note: Dries van Noten skirt, via Poshmark ($185).

Honourable mention has to go to this amazing “mermaid” skirt. I am obsessed with the cut, the design details, the colour, and the texture. It came to me all the way from Australia, and I am happy to have her in my closet.

Note: Acne skirt, via eBay ($80).

This was an early thrift find of the year, but it’s a one-of-a-kind – literally. This was a skirt made by someone by hand, from one of the most wonderfully coloured fabrics I’ve ever seen.

Note: handmade skirt, thrifted ($6).

This is a kind of bookend to the previous, being one of the last purchases of the year. Looking at it with semi-sober eyes (I’m still in the infatuation stage with it, haha!), it’s a mash-up of the Acne skirt and the rainbow skirt, isn’t it? Maybe it’s why I love it so much.

Note: Carven skirt, via Poshmark ($83).

I feel a bit guilty for not giving this amazing skirt more love this year, but I haven’t been wearing black as much as usual. That being said, Issey Miyake is one of my fave designers, and this skirt is a beautiful example of his work. Photos cannot do justice to the details – the layers, the intricate pleating, the movement.

Note: Issey Miyake skirt, thrifted ($10).

Best of the Rest

Full disclosure: I haven’t worn this yet, but for sheer excitement factor alone, this Gucci blouse would have to make the list. I love the muted aqua colour and the creepy floral print. I can’t wait to see outfits I can concoct with it in 2021.

Note: Gucci blouse, thrifted ($8).

I’ve given up trying to photograph this Shirin Guild topper for the same reason as the Issey skirt – they cannot capture its beauty. I wear this a lot at home whenever I get cold while working; it’s the perfect weight – not too heavy, cozy without being scratchy (it’s silk-wool blend).

Note: Shirin Guild topper, thrifted ($10).

Not all my favourite purchases are designer. I bought a few Gap striped sweaters this year that I simply adore, but in the end I chose this Wilfred one instead as my most favourite – it was a close call though. I love the colours and the colourblocked stripes, and it’s incredibly soft and cozy. The oversized style works surprisingly well with my midi pencil skirts.

Note: Wilfred sweater, via Poshmark ($33).

I’ve written before about this dress and our history (going back to 2015!) so of course it had to make the list. I haven’t been as into dresses this year as in the past, but this one puts a smile on my face every time I see it.

Note: Pink Tartan dress, thrifted ($25).

Okay, this is a bit of a cheat in that we’re talking about 2 pieces not one, but it’s a matched set so I think I get a pass. I love the print and the funky silhouette, and I think it will be easy to mix and match with other pieces from my closet.

Note: Kaliyana set, thrifted ($14).