My 20 Favorite Purchases of 2020

Welcome to Dressed for My Day! On this seventh day of 2021 I’m sharing another post in my retrospective series on 2020. I’ve shared My 20 most popular blog posts of the year, the top 20 reader favorites of the year and my 20 favorite outfits of 2020. While I hope you enjoy these “looking back” posts, they’re really most beneficial to me. And today’s especially is a little personal as I look back over the purchases I made with my hard-earned money in 2020 and evaluate which have proven to be wise and worthy.

Many of these items are investment pieces that I hope to wear for several years or more. To make my list, however, they have to be earning their way in my wardrobe based on an ever decreasing cost per wear. In other words, these are not just nice to look at; these pieces are constantly on repeat, at least in their appropriate season.

So yeah. Be prepared for the fact that most of these are not the least expensive things I’ve purchased. Honestly, I’ve found that the cheapest things rarely satisfy (or last!) for long. However, you can bet I purchased 99% of these items when they were deeply discounted or I was able to use frequent buyer points to help defray the cost. And that makes these purchases all the sweeter!

Let’s get started!

Wardrobe Essentials

Moonlight Luxe Comfort Layer Long Sleeve T-Shirt

I promise this list will get more exciting. Ha! But I wanted to begin with the essentials that are getting the most wear and proving to be wise investments. Right now I’m wearing one of the three layering t-shirts I purchased almost every day. I have the white, black and grey. I love that they are thin and fit close to the body, but also provide just the right amount of warmth.

I honestly can’t even feel these layering tees when I’m wearing them. They just do what they’re supposed to do without feeling binding or annoying.

AG Mari High Waist Ankle Slim Straight Leg Jeans

I’ve decided that, while, like most everyone else, I became somewhat addicted to wearing skinny jeans in recent years, the straight leg silhouette really is the best jean cut for me. So I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that I like the shift in trends. But that meant I needed to try on LOTS of straight leg jeans before I found the ones that fit best, looked best and felt the best. I found them in these AG Mari High Waist Ankle Slim Straight Leg Jeans.

And in looking for a photo of my favorite jeans, I realized that I haven’t even featured them on the blog. Ha! Evidently I showed them in this video and in some How I Really Dressed for My Day posts.

These AG Mari High Waist Ankle Slim Straight Leg Jeans are indeed pricey, but I purchased them when they were marked down. And I’m not exaggerating when I say I must have tried on 40 other pairs before I came across these. I do wish they didn’t have the fading on the thighs. But because they’re so comfortable and the silhouette works so well on my long but chunky calf legs, I chose to purchase them anyhow. And I haven’t been sorry. These are the jeans I reach for when I want to look nice but also be very comfortable. I wear a size 30.

Everlane the Super Straight Black Jeans

Likewise, my Everlane the Super Straight Black Jeans are my favorite black jeans for the same reasons. These jeans are definitely different from the AG jeans because they have less stretch. But they fit well and feel comfortable. I’m on the hunt for a pair of dressier looking black jeans. But honestly, I don’t need dressy black jeans for anything but blog posts. So I’ve worn these Everlane the Super Straight Black Jeans A LOT.

These Super Straight Black Jeans are also a more relaxed fit than the AG jeans. And while I know some of my readers don’t like the relaxed fit jeans, I love them. I think the trick is finding a relaxed fit that truly does fit. Of course, fit is always key, but even more so with oversized pieces of any kind.

Unfortunately the Super Straight Black Jeans are selling out in a lot of sizes. I wear a 30 and those are sold out. But they do still have sizes left, and these are currently marked down to less than $40.

Eileen Fisher Linen Pants

I had never worn linen pants before this summer. But 2020 was definitely the summer of linen for me. I splurged and bought these Eileen Fisher linen pants and never once looked back with regret. I did get them on probably a 25% discount at Dillard’s. But even then they were pricey. Still, I wore them so often (and have them ready to go this summer, too!) that the price per wear is proving to be low.

Of course these linen pants are no longer available. But you can bet I’ll be wearing them again this summer and sharing purchasing options. Tip: You generally need to size down in Eileen Fisher. I also enjoyed my other Eileen Fisher linen pants in marigold yellow and the white ones I purchased from Chico’s.

J.Jill Linen Easy Shirt

Another favorite linen purchase was my J.Jill Linen Easy Shirt. I didn’t buy it until the end of the summer, but I know I’ll be wearing (and styling) it more this next summer. And bonus, it’s still available! They’re selling it a regular price, but today it’s 30% off with code RENEW21.

While often I size down in tops and dresses at J.Jill, I bought my true to size medium in this Linen Easy Shirt for a more relaxed fit. I wanted to be able to easily wear it over tanks or even tees. The Linen Easy Shirt also comes in a pretty pale aqua and sand bar and white stripe.

Secret Stretch Casual Utility Slim Pants from Chico’s

I ended up with all three colors of these Utility Slim Pants, but I probably wore the sage leaf green the most. These pants are great for three seasons in most climates and had the perfect amount of stretch. I wore them at home and out and about. Well, of course we didn’t get out and about much in 2020!

These Utility Slim Pants are basically sold out and evidently only still available in petites. But Chico’s generally offers similar pants each spring and summer.

Fleece Lined Pants

Well surely you knew the fleece lined pants from Talbots would make my list. Ha! And these warm but polished looking winter pants are marked down to under $30 today. Wowsa!

I wear my TTS 8, but some of my petite readers have told me the petites run a little large. Mine are roomy (as in I can get them on and off without ever unbuttoning or unzipping them!), but I like the comfortable fit.

Frame Silk Blouse

I purchased my Frame Silk Blouse on sale, but it was still an investment. And of course I don’t wear silk blouses daily. So I’ve still only worn it half a dozen times. But I think the cut is feminine and classic enough to stay in my closet for years. So I’m including it in the list.

I’m linking to other Frame Silk Blouses simply because I do think they do silk beautifully. So when you can find it on sale, it’s worth considering. This sable colored Frame silk blouse is just like mine, but in a different color. And this one is similar in the same ivory. By the way, I’m wearing a large in this shirt because the web site suggested sizing up.

Vince Camuto Sleeveless Leopard Print Blouse

I was going to put this under a different heading rather than wardrobe essentials. But then I realized that really a leopard print blouse is a closet essential for my personal style essence. Maybe it is for yours, too. And this Vince Camuto Sleeveless Leopard Print Blouse checks all the boxes for a versatile, sleeveless shell to wear under cardigans and jackets or by itself.

I’ve styled this Leopard Print Blouse so many times on the blog. But I’ve also worn it a good bit in real life. And I know it will stay in my closet until it simply wears out.

The funny thing is I’ve taken a bit of {ugly} heat on YouTube about this blouse. Evidently some people think leopard print makes a woman look old or even infers that she’s a cougar. What?!? But I beg to differ. I think when you find a pretty leopard print shell like this one, you absolutely can wear it so many ways and look youthful and modern.

This Vince Camuto Sleeveless Leopard Print Blouse is still available and seemingly well stocked. I did size down to a small as suggested.

Shoes & Handbags

I purchased several pairs of shoes and a couple of shoulder bags this year that I’m counting as winners.

Paul Green Diana Kilted Fringe Pointy Toe Loafers

I purchased these Paul Green loafers in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because my stylist put them in my fitting room and when I tried them on, oh…my…word! These are hands down THE most comfortable shoes I have ever put on my feet. Not only do they have a soft cushioned sole, but the tops of these shoes are soft, too.

I’ve only shared these Paul Green loafers once on the blog (other than How I Really Dressed for My Day posts), but in real life I wear them whenever I can. I even create outfits around these shoes so that I can wear them. And recently I purchased these similar black Paul Green Dazzle Loafers when they went on sale.

There’s no doubt about it. Even on sale, these Paul Green loafers are an investment. But if you’re on your feet a lot or you have problem feet, you really need to check them out. Here’s a link to the full selection of Paul Green Shoes at Nordstrom, too. These Paul Green loafers are now marked way down at Nordstrom Rack.

Black Blondo Rachelle Waterproof Booties

Generally if I’m not wearing my Paul Green loafers then I’m wearing these Black Blondo Rachelle Waterproof Booties. Ha! These are my winter weather comfort shoes.

I’ve worn them on many of mine and James’ explore Ohio excursions this winter. But I also wear them running errands or going out to eat…or even for walks around our nature preserve.

Of course, I love the fact that these stylish hiking/combat hybrid boots are waterproof. That way I’ve been able to wear them in rain and snow.

But I also enjoy wearing these sturdy boots on sunny days. They keep my feet warm, work well with many of my casual outfits and wear beautifully. I like that they have an inner zipper for easy on and off. These Black Blondo Rachelle Waterproof Booties are still available in most sizes and are currently marked down.

Thursday Boot Company Old English Captain Boots

I purchased my Thursday Boot Company Old English Captain Boots early in the year, but have definitely worn them more this fall than I did last spring. They’re really year round boots, but of course they work best for me with more fallish or winter outfits.

I know these boots are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love the old world charm of them. And I think the key to styling more masculine looking footwear like these is simply to also wear a very feminine element or two in your outfit. Of course, I didn’t even do that in the next outfit. Ha! But I think this look resonates with me simply because it is a little edgy. And the boots really play a part in creating that vibe.

Thursday Boots are pricey, but they’re also handcrafted with fine leather and superb detailing. These are not meant to be hasty purchases. They’re meant to be an investment that you keep in your wardrobe for years and wear with enthusiasm. I’m wearing the Old English stain, but my Captain boots come in ten other shades as well. And Thursday Boot Company makes other boot styles as well, for men and women.

Linea Paolo Felicia Wedge Sneakers

I almost left these Linea Paolo Felicia Wedge Sneakers off the list simply because I thought I’d had them longer. I’ve worn these sleek, modern sneakers so much that I feel like I’ve had them for years.

These Wedge Sneakers work equally well with jeans or joggers. They are both versatile and uber comfortable. And right now they’re still available and marked down up to 60%.

But you’ll also find other colors and textures of these Linea Paolo wedge sneakers here.

Everlane Taupe Tote

My Everlane Taupe Tote is no longer available, but it would be silly not to include it in my top 20 purchases list for 2020. I carried this bag so much, especially in the spring and summer.

Despite the fact that the Everlane Taupe Tote is no longer available, you can know that Everlane does produce beautiful leather bags. And I expect them to come out with something similar to this one again. In fact, right now I don’t see any leather bags on their website. I imagine they allowed their inventory to wipe out during the holidays and will come out with new items soon. Since this Taupe Tote is still on the website, they may plan to replenish inventory.

The other lesson to be learned from this favorite purchase of 2020 is that having a tote in this soft neutral is smart, especially for spring and summer. But I’ve still reached for it some in fall and even winter.

Red Webbed Strap Crossbody Bag from Talbots

Honestly, I’m even surprised to see this Red Webbed Strap Crossbody Bag from Talbots on my top 20 list. I bought it quite accidentally. I planned to use a different red handbag in my most recent Talbots collaboration and ordered it but it didn’t come in in time. So I rushed to Talbots and purchased this Red Crossbody Bag, intending to return it after the photoshoot.

But I liked the quality of the bag and the size so much that I decided to keep it. I’m carrying this bag almost every day now. Yeah, it’s one of those that I find myself creating outfits around, too. Red is one of my signature colors, so I love having a red bag in my arsenal.

The Webbed Strap Crossbody Bag is still available and marked waaaay down. It comes in black and indigo blue, too. I will tell you that one frustrating feature of the bag is that the webbed stripe shoulder strap (not shown in my photos) does not remove from the bag. So when I use the leather strap I have to just tuck the other strap down in the bag. It really doesn’t bother me as much as I thought it might. But consider that before ordering. The leather strap does come off.

Jewelry

I bought several pieces of jewelry in 2020 that I enjoyed and plan to have in my jewelry box for a while.

Customized Elisa Multi Strand Necklace

I’m pretty sure I purchased the Customized Elisa Multi Strand Necklace last year. I sure have worn it a lot in 2020 and into this year. Because I was able to choose the stone, it’s very versatile in my wardrobe. The inset in mine is black drusy.

You can choose from so many insets for this necklace, making it work for your wardrobe. I think it’s such a nice length to fill a v-neck. And I love that the multi strand takes the guess work out of layering, which is such a modern jewelry trend. Price per wear, this necklace has definitely been a worthy investment. I’d much rather spend $58 on a necklace I wear on repeat than $10 on something that breaks easily or doesn’t offer as much versatility.

Gold Presleigh Love Knot Y Necklace

When fall rolled around and I realized I didn’t have the necklaces I wanted to wear with sweaters, I purchased one in gold and one in silver. The Presleigh Love Knot Y Necklace has proven to be a versatile piece in my jewelry box.

Evidently I haven’t even shown it in a blog post, only videos. But I really wear the Presleigh Love Knot Y Necklace a lot in real life.

Tegan Y Necklace in Bright Silver

I also added the Tegan Y Necklace to my wardrobe this fall. I needed something in silver because, while you don’t have to, I like to wear silver jewelry when an outfit has a lot of silver hardware in it.

Ooh! That only leaves me four more spaces on my top 20 purchases in 2020 list! I’m going to have to weed out some favorites. Please know that if you purchased something I’m not showing in this list, that does not mean I didn’t or don’t still love the item. I’m just trying to narrow this down to 20.

Fitbit Charge 4 Yours & Mine Bundle

First off, I didn’t actually buy my Fitbit. James purchased this Fitbit Charge 4 Yours & Mine Bundle for our joint Christmas present. Also, it’s not really jewelry I guess, but it does wear like it. At any rate, this Fitbit Charge 4 is partly to blame for me getting today’s post up late. It compels me to get up and move every hour so that I get in my 250 steps per hour. Ha!

But we are absolutely loving the prompting of this activity tracker as well as the accountability. So yeah, I couldn’t leave the Fitbit Charge 4 Yours & Mine Bundle off my favorites list. We are living by this thing. James had one several years ago and it truly kept him motivated to stay fit for several years. When it died (after a reasonable lifespan) he just didn’t replace it. But he should have. And I should have gotten one earlier, too. You can buy the single Fitbit here. And I have these bands to wear with mine.

Outerwear

Bernardo Packable ECOplume Hooded Puffer Coat

I wear my Bernardo Packable ECOplume Hooded Puffer Coat on repeat. While I do still wear my carbon colored Cole Haan Hooded Down & Feather Jacket from last year, I find this black coat to be super versatile.

This Packable Puffer Coat is so soft and comfortable. But it does its job and keeps me oh so warm, too. It’s a great coat to purchase if you are travelling to a cooler climate because it packs down so easily. I did size up to a large. The coat is available and 40% off.

Honorable “un”Mentionables

Enbliss bralette from Soma

Finally, this list would not be complete without my favorite part of my typical Sunday afternoon uniform, the Enbliss bralette from Soma. And right now this comfortable bralette is BOGO 50%.

The Enbliss bralette from Soma comes in no fewer than 24 colors. I love wearing it when I wear comfy loungewear but still want a little support and comfort. It’s also great to wear with your sleepwear when you have houseguests.

Well, that’s a wrap! Wooh! I’m getting this post out late. But I’m going ahead and posting because tomorrow I want to get back on track with How I Really Dressed for My Day. I’m providing a shopping widget with links to most of the items (but not quite all) on my 20 Favorite Purchases of 2020 list. Let me know if you have any questions. I can definitely answer them because these are the things I purchased this past year that I’ve already worn or used a lot and I’m loving.

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links I potentially earn a commission on your purchases, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work here by shopping my links.

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Blessed for My Day

Sometimes I whine to the Lord. Oh, yes I do. But it doesn’t take long for Him to redirect my prayer. If I focus on His character and how He has worked in my life over the years, I soon remember that He indeed has been sufficient. And He has blessed me so.

I find that anytime my heart grows restless or resentful, anxious or angry, it’s usually because I’m focusing on my circumstances rather than my sovereign and good God. But when I reflect on His character and put my trust back in Him, my heart settles and feels at peace again. Indeed, I’m filled with a joy that is beyond compare. Do you need to redirect your heart today?

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
 You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. ~ Psalm 4:6-7