Best of 2021: Favourite (Clothing) Purchases

It’s safe to say that 2021 was an all-around awful year for me, and there aren’t many positive things I can say about it. It’s also safe to say that I did a lot of thrifting and Poshmarking as a way to distract myself from the bad stuff I was dealing with. Considering that fashion is one of my main hobbies, I suppose that is to be expected. For all that I spent on it this year, it did bring me a measure of enjoyment that was otherwise hard to come by. And, for that, I am thankful.

Having a blog, one gets into the tradition of recapping things at year end, and I am nothing if not a creature of habit; but I am far less interested now in statistics than I’ve been in the past. Though I still keep track of my purchases, I won’t bother you with the minutiae of the numbers. I will say that, between Poshmark and rising thrift prices, my spending has increased over previous years. But, hey, inflation is everywhere these days! Some of my spending has been offset by my selling things from my closet that no longer work for me; apart from the monetary aspect, doing so is important to me from a sustainability/circularity aspect. All of my clothing purchases (apart from undergarments) this year were secondhand, and I try to take care of my clothes so that they can continue to have a useful life after they leave my closet.

Anyway, let’s use this as an excuse to look at some photos – here are my 21 favourite purchases of 2021.

Handmade patch work cardigan ($26)

2021 was the year I fully embraced colour again, perhaps as an antidote to sadness. This cardigan was a good example of the kind of clothing that sparked joy for me this year.

Kimchi Blue culottes ($9.50)

Not perhaps an exciting item, but these ponte knit culottes have been so versatile and useful. One of my most worn pairs of pants. I love the cut, the size zipper, and the comfort level.

Topshop dress ($64)

I searched for this dress for a long time, and when I finally found it, it totally lived up to all my expectations. I love the unusual pinafore style, the way it fits, and the mixed patterns.

Everlane black jeans ($9.50)

Another pair of pants that fit well and got tons of wear.

Tabi skirt ($13)

I have many skirts in my closet, and many favourites. It’s not easy to make it to the top of that list, but this skirt climbed up surprisingly high this year. It’s my favourite style and length, and I love the Plaid.

Liz Claiborne dress ($20)

Favourite dress, period.

Atlantic Pacific x Halogen skirt ($70)

I fell in love with this skirt last year after seeing it on a friend’s IG page, and eventually I tracked it down for myself. It’s so much fun! My kids call it the cupcake skirt.

Wilfred sweater dress ($35)

I first fell in love with this sweater dress back in 2015 or 2016, when it was in stores. But I couldn’t pay full price, and hunted it secondhand for years. I’ve previously bought another colourway, but I finally found the original this year!

Everlane jeans (free/swap)

I got these jeans at my annual clothing swap and it’s pretty much the only pair I wear now. I really like the way Everlane fits me (but size up!)

Lanvin x H&M dress ($75)

Could there be a more fun dress? Honestly, no.

MaxMara sweater ($54)

This sweater was love at first sight. It’s perfect. I mean, those cats!! I am now hunting for more pieces from the same collection, but they’re proving elusive. Fingers crossed.

Elena Wong coat ($13)

I bought a bunch of great coats this year, but this unique one might just be the best of the bunch.

Rachel Comey skirt ($210)

This skirt was another love at first sight affair. It was my most expensive purchase of the year as well, but I think it was worth it. I adore the abstract painterly pattern, it’s so unique and cool.

MaxMara sweater #2 ($73)

I’ve been looking for a Fair Isle type sweater for a while, and this MaxMara one checked off all the boxes. I love the colour palette and the pattern mixing (the back is a different pattern).

London Fog coat ($26)

This coat is the most beautiful colour. It helps to brighten up those grey winter days.

Frame blazer ($8) and H&M skirt ($33)

I love the dark green velvet blazer; it’s well cut and the colour is stunning. I don’t wear blazers often anymore, but I will make an exception for this one. The skirt is one I had before, but was too small for me. Upsizing was a very smart decision; I love wearing this skirt now that I fits well.

Jenni Max skirt ($7)

By now, it should be no surprise why I love this skirt: it’s the style and length I love, plus velvet! The colour is very unique also; a kind of mushroom grey with ice blue iridescence. I think it’s an intriguing shade that will work well with many other colours.

Twinset maxi dress ($83)

Definitely a close runner-up in the favourite dress category. I adore the colour and the Pre-Raphaelite vibe, and it’s the most comfortable thing ever.

MICHAEL Michael Kors skirt ($12)

I couldn’t not include this incredible sequin skirt – it looks like molten metal when I move. Plus, elastic waistband for the win!

Favourite accessories coming next week!