Best of 2021: Favourite Purchases, Accessories

This year, I feel like my accessories deserve a “best of” category all of their own. I made no bones about it in my previous post; I bought a lot of things this year, and that includes accessories. But wearing them brought me a measure of joy in an otherwise awful year and for that I am grateful. My jewelry and belt collection, in particular, have grown a good deal and include some spectacular pieces, if I do say so myself.

I am forever a proponent of spending one’s money in ways that maximize enjoyment, and with that precept in mind, I bought a good number of sneakers this year, and almost no other kinds of shoes. The truth is that I just don’t wear heels very often anymore. I am keeping my old ones for my daughter’s benefit down the road (it’s looking like she will have a similar shoe size) but I’m not looking to buy more. When it comes to jewelry, though, there is always room for one more. Of everything 🙂

Turquoise ring ($30)

I love turquoise (as you can see) and this ring has a beautiful natural stone in it of the exact shade I love best. Plus, it was a steal!

Pink quartz ring ($38)

I am usually drawn to brightly coloured or flashy stones (hello, labradorite!) but there is something about this pale pink quartz that keeps me coming back to it. I think the shape is also lovely and somewhat unusual.

BCBG white peplum belt ($48)

Let’s face it, this was my closet MVP this year, wasn’t it? It’s an outfit-maker, and a statement too. While I have wanted a peplum belt for a while, I never thought a white one would be the answer, but it is. So. Versatile. The only downside of this one is that it’s a snug fit, which makes it difficult to wear all day long. But! I recently managed to track it down in a larger size and, yes, I bought it again. I may end up selling the smaller size, but I’m not decided yet.

Lena Bernard necklaces ($46, $40, $6)

I actually have 3 Lena Bernard necklaces; the third is a longer version of the pink quartz station necklace, but with turquoise stones. I have a 4th coming my way from eBay but it hasn’t arrived yet so I figured it couldn’t technically be included here. What I love about these pieces is the aesthetic (if I did metalwork, this is very much the sort of jewelry I would make), the stones, and the fact that they can be worn together and layered. They have a dreamy quality that I love.

Isabel Marant belt ($9)

I’ve wanted this Marant belt for years; in fact, 3 years ago, I DIY-ed my own version. Lo and behold, I finally found the real deal (new with tags!!) at the thrift store. Thank you, thrift gods!

Fluevog shoes ($50)

I paid a lot, thrift-wise, for these Fluevog shoes but I have no regrets. They are one of the few pairs of heels I wore this summer, mostly because they are incredibly comfortable. I also just love the gothic vibe; they’re not dainty shoes but they work so well with all kinds of outfits, including really princessy ones – the juxtaposition is killer.

Anne Marie Chagnon ring ($64)

I fell in love with this ring at first sight. It matches a necklace I got last year, plus it’s such a cool and unusual design. The blue/green part is resin, but it looks like labradorite (my fave stone).

Saint Laurent belt ($9)

Hello, Saint Laurent at the thrifts? Yes, please. Plus this metal-and-leather belt is so versatile; a bit rock ‘n roll, a bit fancy, easy to dress up or down.

Liz Claiborne rainbow plaid bag ($44)

The bag that matches my favourite dress. Enough said.

BCBG harness belt ($54)

It’s probably safe to say that 2021 was a year of belts for me. And every time I am looking for something a little different, BCBG delivers. I had been looking for a harness belt for a bit, and this checked off all the boxes at a price point that I could work with.

Converse x Woolrich plaid sneakers ($106)

Probably my fave pair of sneakers bought this year, and no guesses needed as to why. As soon as I saw the rainbow plaid, I was hooked. These were my birthday present to myself.

Anna Paola bucket bag ($34)

I haven’t bought a new bag in ages, but this little gumball of a bag immediately caught my eye. I’m obsessed with it! It does have a detachable metal long strap, which is a must for me because I like to go hands-free with bags as much as possible.

Finland Lapponia ring ($40)

This was an incredibly cool thrift find — a vintage modernist ring that’s quite a collectable piece. It also happens to be one of my favourite rings to wear; it fits so well on my hand and wears so easily, despite being quite a heavy ring (it’s silver). I love the architectural lines. I am also amused by the fact that the design is named “Isolation”. How apropos!

Indi City feather earrings ($74)

I am obsessed with Indi City earrings, and this was my favourite pair from their recent collection which I managed to snag (they sell out very quickly). These earrings are a bit of a splurge for me, which is why I don’t have a dozen pairs (yet!) but I like being able to support independent and Indigenous designers whenever I can.

Seven Prairie tapestry earrings ($160)

Another major splurge for me, but as a devoted embroidered, I couldn’t resist the appeal of these Tapestry earrings made by a local Edmonton artist.

Ash leather sneakers ($66)

Ash wedge sneakers are my favourite footwear; I have 2 thrifted pairs and this year I noticed that, due to constant use (I mean, CONSTANT) one of them was starting to go. I haven’t managed to make myself get rid of them yet — and I will do doubt wear them until there are holes in the sole — but I did panic-buy a back-up pair which I love. I know some might consider these “heels” but the wedge is incredibly comfortable, and the added height much appreciated.

Next week, stay tuned for my favourite outfits of 2021.